Maryland man drives brand-new Volkswagen he loves for 50 days. Then he allegedly learns he never owned it

A Maryland TikTok creator says buying his dream Volkswagen turned into weeks of uncertainty. Problems began when he discovered the vehicle’s title had never been transferred into his name because of an unresolved lien. Kobe (@product1k) on TikTok shared the story in a July 2026 video. In the video, he said he spent months searching for the right vehicle before purchasing a car from Ourisman Volkswagen of Rockville.

Kobe said in his post, “I narrowed it down to this one car that I wanted, that I fell in love with, that I just had to have.” He added that he completed the purchase “not knowing what the heck I got myself into.”

According to Kobe, the dealership issued temporary registration and tags, but problems surfaced after the sale. He claimed the vehicle carried a previous lien that had not been paid off before it was sold to him.

The alleged unpaid lein created title issues

Because the lien remained unresolved, Kobe said the title could not transfer into his name. As a result, he said he spent about 50 days driving a vehicle that he later learned he did not legally own. He characterized it as an extended test drive. “I was driving a car that I didn’t own the rights to,” he said.

Kobe also alleged that the dealership accepted his payment even though the title issue remained unresolved. He said he researched Maryland regulations and contacted the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Background Investigations Unit to file a complaint. He said he considered legal action but did not say whether he ultimately filed a lawsuit.

The TikTok creator then claimed the dealership did not submit his paperwork to the Maryland MVA until roughly 60 days after the sale. He argued that the delay violated Maryland consumer protection requirements.

Maryland’s MVA states that dealers typically handle title applications for customers who purchase vehicles from licensed dealerships. Dealer guidance published by the agency says dealerships must submit required title documents, taxes and fees within 30 days of delivery for most passenger vehicles. Dealers also may issue temporary registration while permanent title and registration are processed.

Kobe said consumers should pay close attention to the paperwork they receive before leaving a dealership. “Make sure you are getting a good deal. Make sure you are getting all of your paperwork, and make sure you are happy with the car you got,” he said.

As of publication, no local news organization appears to have independently reported on Kobe’s specific allegations against the dealership. A review of publicly available records also did not identify any public statement from Ourisman Volkswagen of Rockville responding to Kobe’s TikTok or addressing his claims. This article reflects allegations made by Kobe in his social media post. His allegations have not been independently verified.