Thank you for your question.

Assuming the debts are against you personally, yes, your vehicle can be at risk. However, there are certain assets that can be exempt from levy on a judgment. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 704.010, a motor vehicle's equity is exempt up to $2,300. Here is a link to the statute:

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=ccp&group=00001-01000&file=704.010-704.210

If the vehicle is worth more than $2,300 (using something like NADA guides to determine value), a creditor may attempt to seize it. Creditors can consult the DMV records from time to time to determine your ownership interests in vehicles.

I hope this answers your question. Please reply if you need additional follow-up.

The more expensive the car, the better chance the creditor has at recouping some of its judgment monies, and the more likely the creditor would spend the time and energy on levying the vehicle.

Debts incurred prior to the marriage are your separate debts, and your spouse cannot be held liable even though you live in a community property state. However, if you own property jointly, that property can be levied for your separate debts. Your wife's separate property cannot be attacked for your pre-marital separate debts.