Luton Borough Council

03/07/2025 - Car trader sentenced for selling cars without disclosing safety recalls

On 16 June 2025, Jan Autos Limited trading in Leagrave Road, Luton, and Director Muhammad Amin, aged 39 of High Street, Dunstable, were found guilty following a trial of failing to notify consumers of outstanding manufacturers safety recalls.

The court heard that Luton Trading Standards had provided substantial advice to the company on its practices as far back as 2020, but the advice was ignored. Between January and July 2022, seven vehicles were identified that had undisclosed recalls with some of the vehicles being sold with the recalls still outstanding. Any checks that were made were insufficient.

Having been found guilty of charges, the company was fined £14,000 with a £190 victim surcharge and £1,363 costs. Mr Amin in his position as Company Director was fined £1,100 with a victim surcharge of £110. The total to pay was £16,763.

Vehicles with recalls should be rectified before sale, and if advertised while awaiting the recall this information should be included in the advert.

Councillor Maria Lovell, Portfolio Holder for Trading Standards, said: “Such negligent and reckless car traders are simply unacceptable. In this case, the trader ignored our efforts to change their behaviour and received a large fine as a result. We’re pleased with the outcome and hope this will deter other businesses from deceiving customers and denying them their statutory rights.”

For information and advice on purchasing a used car, visit the Citizens Advice website or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.