A class action lawsuit has been filed against a car dealership accused of deceptive practices that have left customers burdened with unaffordable loans. On May 8, 2025, Tanisha Burress lodged a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Western Avenue Nissan, Inc., alleging systematic misrepresentation on credit applications to secure loans from Santander Consumer USA.
The case revolves around allegations that Western Avenue Nissan (WAN) falsely represented customer information on credit applications to Santander, enabling unqualified buyers to receive loans. According to the complaint, WAN used interstate communications to submit these fraudulent applications, which resulted in financial distress for many customers, including Burress. Specifically, Burress claims that WAN misrepresented her employment status as being employed by Sobel Medical—a position she had not held for eight years—leading to her receiving a loan she could not afford. This misrepresentation allegedly led to the repossession of her vehicle and significant harm to her financial standing.
Burress's ordeal began when she visited WAN on September 25, 2020, intending to purchase a used vehicle within her budget. However, after being informed that the vehicle was unavailable for a test drive due to operational issues, she was persuaded by a salesman to consider a more expensive model—a 2019 Nissan Sentra—despite expressing concerns about affordability due to unemployment. The salesman assured her that financing was possible and even suggested potential income through ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Feeling pressured and needing transportation, Burress agreed to finance the vehicle at an exorbitant interest rate of 24.86%, resulting in overwhelming debt.
The lawsuit highlights WAN's alleged pattern of deceptive sales tactics and misrepresentations over several years. It includes numerous online reviews from other customers who experienced similar bait-and-switch tactics and hidden fees when dealing with the dealership. The complaint accuses WAN of engaging in racketeering activities under federal law by defrauding both consumers and Santander through mail and wire fraud.
Burress seeks certification of a class action on behalf of all similarly affected individuals who purchased vehicles from WAN with financing from Santander based on false information regarding their employment or income status. The lawsuit demands treble damages under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), alongside costs and attorney fees.
Representing Burress is attorney Benjamin S. McIntosh from SWMW Law LLC in St. Louis, Missouri. The case is filed under Case ID: 1:25-cv-05106 before an unnamed judge in the Northern District of Illinois.