In a significant ruling for consumer rights, the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals upheld a decision requiring 01 Auto Sales, Inc. to repair a vehicle and provide compensation to the buyer, Orlando Cortés Pérez. The court's decision, issued on April 14, 2026, confirmed the earlier ruling by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACo) that found Auto Sales liable for failing to honor the vehicle's warranty.
This ruling affects consumers in Puerto Rico who purchase used vehicles, reinforcing their rights under local consumer protection laws. The case highlights the importance of dealerships adhering to warranty obligations and providing transparent communication regarding vehicle repairs.
Background
The dispute began when Orlando Cortés Pérez purchased a used Infiniti Q50 from 01 Auto Sales on February 3, 2024. Shortly after the purchase, Cortés Pérez reported strange noises coming from the vehicle's engine. He contacted the dealership, but they did not provide a satisfactory resolution. As a result, he filed a complaint with DACo on March 26, 2024, seeking either repairs or a refund.
After an inspection by DACo, it was determined that the vehicle had mechanical defects that warranted repair. DACo ordered Auto Sales to repair the vehicle and pay Cortés Pérez $11,339 for damages. The dealership contested this decision, arguing that the issues were due to improper use by Cortés Pérez and not a defect covered by the warranty.
The Ruling
The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Brignoni Mártir, confirmed DACo's ruling. The court stated, "DACo issued a well-founded resolution that considered all evidence presented by the parties and the circumstances of the case." The court emphasized that Auto Sales failed to provide a written explanation for denying the warranty and did not adequately inspect the vehicle before claiming it was misused.
The court noted that the dealership's actions, including not providing a service order detailing the inspection and diagnosis, undermined their argument. The ruling mandated that Auto Sales must repair the vehicle within 30 days and compensate Cortés Pérez for the damages incurred during the repair process.
Impact
This ruling reinforces consumer protection laws in Puerto Rico, particularly regarding the sale of used vehicles. It sets a precedent that dealerships must honor warranties and provide clear communication about vehicle repairs. Consumers can feel more empowered to seek redress when they encounter issues with purchased vehicles, knowing that the courts will uphold their rights.
The decision may also encourage other consumers to pursue claims against dealerships that do not fulfill their warranty obligations. This case serves as a reminder for auto dealers to adhere strictly to consumer protection regulations to avoid similar disputes.
What's Next
Auto Sales has the option to appeal this decision to a higher court. However, details regarding any potential appeal were not available in the court filing. The outcome of this case may influence future cases involving warranty disputes in Puerto Rico.