Chrysler Lease Hit Me w/ 30 Day Late After We Turned in the Car- Lawsuit?

[AZ_Dude]

We had a lease w/ Chrysler- paid 100% on time. Turned the car in the day it was supposed to be. Apparently, the dealership didn't pay Chrysler for over 2mo, and now Chrysler has hit us with (2) 30-day late pays. They're saying they can't do anything without a 'Letter of Fault' from the dealership. The dealership is playing games and saying they have no record of the car, even tho Chrysler has confirmed they received a check FROM THEM for $23k, 2+mo after I turned the car back in. A friend of mine suggested I take them all to small claims court- and that they'll not only settle, but remove the late pays completely and possibly offer some compensation for the damaged credit for the past 4yrs. I've never sued anyone before, and really don't want to go thru that process. Anyone have any suggestions on getting this taken care of easily?

Thank you!

[legaleagle2012]

I would say the part about the exchange of funds between the dealer and Chrysler is immaterial to your matter since you are not a party to that contract and cannot sue to enforce it. What counts for you is your ability to prove you paid on time, thus honoring your end of the deal. I would tell Chrysler that if they want to mess up somebody's credit, do it to the dealer, not you. Otherwise a suit is coming.

[ShawnPY1972]

On 6/3/2024 at 11:02 AM, AZ_Dude said:

We had a lease w/ Chrysler- paid 100% on time. Turned the car in the day it was supposed to be. Apparently, the dealership didn't pay Chrysler for over 2mo, and now Chrysler has hit us with (2) 30-day late pays. They're saying they can't do anything without a 'Letter of Fault' from the dealership. The dealership is playing games and saying they have no record of the car, even tho Chrysler has confirmed they received a check FROM THEM for $23k, 2+mo after I turned the car back in. A friend of mine suggested I take them all to small claims court- and that they'll not only settle, but remove the late pays completely and possibly offer some compensation for the damaged credit for the past 4yrs. I've never sued anyone before, and really don't want to go thru that process. Anyone have any suggestions on getting this taken care of easily?

Thank you!

 

Based on the $23,000 figure is too much for small claims court. You have to file a regular lawsuit but you have a great lawsuit especially against the dealership. They really screwed you over.

[legaleagle2012]

It was two payments according to his post, not 23K.

[Bluesie58]

If you’re considering a lawsuit for violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, have you disputed the late payments with the credit reporting agencies?  In order to sue a furnisher (Chrysler) for inaccurate reporting, you must first dispute those late payments with the credit reporting agencies.  

[ShawnPY1972]

On 6/3/2024 at 11:02 AM, AZ_Dude said:

We had a lease w/ Chrysler- paid 100% on time. Turned the car in the day it was supposed to be. Apparently, the dealership didn't pay Chrysler for over 2mo, and now Chrysler has hit us with (2) 30-day late pays. They're saying they can't do anything without a 'Letter of Fault' from the dealership. The dealership is playing games and saying they have no record of the car, even tho Chrysler has confirmed they received a check FROM THEM for $23k, 2+mo after I turned the car back in. A friend of mine suggested I take them all to small claims court- and that they'll not only settle, but remove the late pays completely and possibly offer some compensation for the damaged credit for the past 4yrs. I've never sued anyone before, and really don't want to go thru that process. Anyone have any suggestions on getting this taken care of easily?

Thank you!

 

Also, something to include in your lawsuit if any is the higher interest rates you may pay for credit as result of these late payments.  Also, if you carry high balances on your credit cards you may find creditors may close your account(s).

[ShawnPY1972]

On 6/3/2024 at 11:02 AM, AZ_Dude said:

We had a lease w/ Chrysler- paid 100% on time. Turned the car in the day it was supposed to be. Apparently, the dealership didn't pay Chrysler for over 2mo, and now Chrysler has hit us with (2) 30-day late pays. They're saying they can't do anything without a 'Letter of Fault' from the dealership. The dealership is playing games and saying they have no record of the car, even tho Chrysler has confirmed they received a check FROM THEM for $23k, 2+mo after I turned the car back in. A friend of mine suggested I take them all to small claims court- and that they'll not only settle, but remove the late pays completely and possibly offer some compensation for the damaged credit for the past 4yrs. I've never sued anyone before, and really don't want to go thru that process. Anyone have any suggestions on getting this taken care of easily?

Thank you!

 

I'm not sure if this falls under the CFPB but if it does you should file le a claim with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau against both the dealership and the finance company.  In my experience they've been quite helpful and the credit bureaus scrambled quickly to correct my errors.

 

If you file the claim and they are not the correct agency then they will on your behalf file the claim with the appropriate government agency.