Kindig-It Lawsuit Dec 2025 Update, $230K Fraud Case Still Dragging—Here’s Where It Stands
The fraud lawsuit against Kindig-It Designs remains in discovery as of mid-2025, with over 30 chiropractors still fighting to recover $230,000 they paid for a 1974 Dodge Charger build that allegedly never progressed beyond a bare shell. Filed in 2022, the case now moves toward an expected trial in early 2026 if no settlement is reached.
What the Lawsuit Is About
In 2019, more than 30 chiropractors and wellness professionals contracted Kindig-It to restore and customize a 1974 Dodge Charger for a total project cost of $670,000. They paid over $230,000 upfront to start work.
What went wrong:
- After two years, clients received only the car’s shell with no drivetrain, interior work, or functional parts
- Multiple requests for updates met with evasive answers or silence in 2021
- Work allegedly stalled despite continued payments
- Project plagued by pandemic delays, supply chain issues, and internal company problems
By 2022, the chiropractors sued Dave Kindig and Kindig-It, accusing the company of fraud, breach of contract, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The Legal Claims Explained
Breach of Contract The chiropractors had a signed agreement outlining specific deliverables and timeframes. They argue Kindig-It violated these contractual terms.
Fraud Plaintiffs claim Kindig-It continued to accept payments despite being unable to complete the promised job and purposefully misinformed them about project timelines.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress A rare claim in commercial litigation, the chiropractors argue stress caused by financial loss and lack of transparency harmed their well-being.
What They’re Seeking:
- Full refund of $230,000+ in deposits
- Additional damages for fraud
- Legal fees and court costs
- Compensation for emotional distress
Kindig-It’s Defense
Kindig-It Designs has hired a seasoned legal team with experience in construction and contract disputes. The company claims:
- Project delays resulted from global events beyond their control (pandemic, supply chain disruptions)
- The majority of deposits went to third-party suppliers, bodywork, and rare parts
- Communication gaps were unintentional and caused by staff shortages
- The lawsuit was premature and intended to generate media attention
Kindig-It denied wrongdoing and pointed to outside problems as the cause of delays.
Where the Case Stands (December 2025)
As of mid-2025, both parties are exchanging documents and taking depositions throughout the continuing discovery period.
Current Status:
- Discovery phase ongoing
- Both sides sharing records and conducting depositions
- Mediation was attempted first but failed
- Trial expected to commence in early 2026
- Legal experts believe a private settlement is still likely, but the lack of agreement so far suggests deep mistrust between parties
The extensive case will likely take many more months to progress through pre-trial motions before reaching either settlement or trial. Expert testimony on custom car building contracts may play a key role if it goes to court.
The 2015 Creative Controls Case (Resolved)
Before the chiropractor lawsuit, Kindig-It faced another legal battle. In 2015, Creative Controls filed suit against Kindig-It over alleged copyright and patent infringement involving proprietary technology for paraplegic car controls.
What happened:
- Creative Controls, a Michigan company making mobility systems for disabled drivers, claimed Kindig-It used its patented tech without permission
- Kindig-It countered that Creative Controls stole Dave Kindig’s visual designs
- The court granted in part and denied in part Creative Controls’ motion to dismiss
- The court stated Kindig-It had adequately proved Creative Controls had communicated with clients in Utah but could not prove Creative Controls had violated any of their products
- After October 20, 2017, the matter gradually disappeared from the docket, suggesting an out-of-court settlement or dismissal
This earlier case highlighted intellectual property risks in the custom car industry but was ultimately resolved quietly.
Other Client Complaints Emerge
Once the chiropractor lawsuit became public, other clients stepped forward with complaints of their own, mentioning missed deadlines, poor communication, and trouble getting refunds.
While these cases weren’t all on the same scale as the chiropractors’ dispute, taken together they suggested a wider pattern of unhappy customers dealing with:
- Significant project delays
- Poor client communication
- Difficulty obtaining refunds
- Disputes over work quality versus payment
What This Means for Custom Car Industry
The Kindig-It case exposes vulnerabilities in high-end custom car builds that other shops should learn from:
The Financial Risk Custom car projects costing hundreds of thousands of dollars operate differently than standard vehicle purchases. Timelines and costs are variable, making both shops and clients vulnerable.
Contract Protections Needed
- Milestone-based contracts: Divide projects into stages with payment tied to measurable achievements
- Clear communication protocols: Establish regular update schedules in writing
- Third-party inspections: Hire independent experts to verify build progress
- Refund policies: Clearly outline terms for partial or full refunds in contracts
Reputation vs. Legal Exposure These legal fights have put Kindig-It in a difficult position—the company is still known for its craftsmanship and TV fame, but the unresolved disputes risk overshadowing that image.
What Could Happen Next
If Settlement Occurs: Most legal experts expect the parties will reach a private settlement before trial, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a full trial. Settlement terms would likely remain confidential.
If It Goes to Trial (Early 2026):
- Both sides will present evidence, expert testimony, and witness depositions
- The court will determine if Kindig-It committed fraud, breached the contract, or caused emotional distress
- If plaintiffs prevail, Kindig-It could owe substantial damages beyond the original $230,000
Financial Impact on Kindig-It: If the court sides with the plaintiffs, Kindig-It might pay big, including refunds, legal fees, and damage control. Large repayment sums and damages could jeopardize operations and impact the company’s ability to attract new customers.
Lessons for Custom Car Buyers
If you’re considering a high-end custom build, protect yourself:
Before Signing:
- Research the shop’s track record and check for complaints
- Insist on milestone-based payment schedules
- Get everything in writing with clear deliverables and timelines
- Set firm communication expectations (weekly or bi-weekly updates)
- Include refund provisions for non-performance
During the Build:
- Document all communications (emails, texts, calls)
- Request photographic progress updates at each stage
- Visit the shop periodically if possible
- Keep copies of all invoices and payment receipts
- Hire independent inspectors to verify progress matches payments
If Problems Arise:
- Document the issues immediately
- Send formal written complaints
- Request mediation before litigation
- Consult with an attorney specializing in contract disputes
- File complaints with state consumer protection agencies
Impact on Kindig-It’s Future
Kindig-It is still in business—the shop has not closed, cars still come in, crews still work—but the pressure is rising fast.
What Dave Kindig Must Do:
- Take fewer jobs and focus on quality over quantity
- Implement better project management systems
- Improve client communication protocols
- Address the fraud allegations directly
- Make public declarations about operational changes
Public action could help—clear changes, policy updates, and client outreach may rebuild trust. However, neglecting these issues or dismissing client concerns could result in sustained brand damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the Kindig-It lawsuit be resolved?
A: As of December 2025, the case remains in discovery. If no settlement is reached, trial is expected in early 2026. The case could take 6-12+ months more to fully resolve.
Q: How much money is at stake in the lawsuit?
A: The chiropractors seek to recover $230,000+ in deposits plus additional damages for fraud, emotional distress, and legal fees. The total amount could be significantly higher if they prevail.
Q: Is Kindig-It still in business?
A: Yes. Despite the ongoing lawsuit, Kindig-It Designs continues operations and still takes on custom car projects. The reality show “Bitchin’ Rides” also continues.
Q: What happened to the 2015 Creative Controls lawsuit?
A: That case was apparently settled out of court or dismissed by late 2017. Details of any settlement remain confidential.
Q: Can I still hire Kindig-It for a custom build?
A: Technically yes, but potential clients should carefully weigh the risks given the ongoing fraud allegations and other client complaints. Insist on extremely detailed contracts with strong protections.
Q: Are there other lawsuits against Kindig-It?
A: Other clients have come forward with complaints about missed deadlines and refund issues, but the chiropractor case is the most significant publicly known lawsuit.
Q: What does this mean for other custom car shops?
A: The case serves as a warning about the importance of clear contracts, consistent communication, milestone-based payments, and realistic timelines in high-dollar custom builds.
Q: Could Kindig-It go out of business over this?
A: It’s possible but unclear. If they lose and face substantial damages, combined with reputational harm, the company could face serious financial difficulty. A settlement would likely be less damaging.
Q: What should I do if I’m a Kindig-It client with concerns?
A: Document everything, communicate your concerns in writing, consider hiring an attorney, and explore mediation before litigation.
Q: Why did mediation fail in this case?
A: The reasons haven’t been publicly disclosed, but the failure suggests significant disagreement over responsibility, refund amounts, or other key issues. The deep mistrust between parties makes settlement more difficult.
The Bottom Line
The Kindig-It lawsuit remains unresolved as December 2025 ends, with all parties heading toward a potential 2026 trial unless a settlement emerges. Over 30 chiropractors continue fighting to recover money they paid for a custom Charger build that allegedly never progressed beyond a bare shell.
For the custom car industry, this case highlights critical lessons:
- Even celebrated shops can face serious legal and operational challenges
- Clear contracts with milestone payments are essential
- Client communication must be consistent and transparent
- Taking on too many projects can lead to quality and timeline failures
- High-dollar custom builds carry substantial risk for both shops and clients
How these cases end could decide whether Kindig-It keeps its place among the top custom car builders or loses ground. Court cases may eventually close, but repairing trust with customers and the custom car community will prove far more difficult.
As the case moves toward trial in early 2026, both the shop’s financial future and Dave Kindig’s reputation remain on the line.
Last Updated: December 24, 2025
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information is based on publicly available court documents and news reports. For specific legal questions, consult with a qualified attorney.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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