Is Your Leased Car a Lemon?

Is Your Leased Car a Lemon?

• December 19, 2023
• Categories: Lemon Law

Leasing a car can be an appealing option for many California residents. It offers the opportunity to enjoy a new vehicle without the long-term commitment of ownership. But you might wonder, does California’s lemon law apply to leased vehicles? Yes. When leasing a car, residents have specific rights and protections under the California lemon law.

When faced with a leased car that turns out to be a lemon, Neale & Fhima is here to provide unparalleled assistance in securing the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us now at 888-407-2955 for a free consultation.

You’re no longer asking, “Does lemon law apply to leased vehicles?” But you likely want to know more details about California lemon law on leased vehicles. In this blog post, we’ll explore:

• What the lemon law is on leases in CA
• How to file a lemon law claim for your leased vehicle
• Remedies for lemon law for leased cars.

What Is the Lemon Law on Leases in CA?

California lemon law for leased vehicles is a consumer protection statute designed to provide recourse to buyers or leasees who purchase or lease defective vehicles, commonly called “lemons.” These laws ensure that consumers are not left with a vehicle that has recurring or significant defects, impairing its safety, value, or use..

You have no reason to worry about being protected by the California lemon law. As a rule, the California lemon law also protects leased car owners. The key issue is whether the defects occurred during your leased car has the manufacturer’s express written warranty in effect. The lemon law will not work if the warranty was expired during the repair visits.

If your repair visits occurred during the original manufacturer’s warranty, you are safe. You can file a claim. It means you have the right to expect financial compensation or replacement of the car if you win the claim. The California lemon law protects people who leased or bought a car under warranty with certain material defects. Material defects affect the use, value and safety of your leased vehicle. As the owner of a leased vehicle, you must give the manufacturer enough opportunities to fix the car.

Generally, to be eligible for protection under California’s lemon law, the following conditions must generally be met:

• 3-4 repair visits for non-saftey related issue, or

Two repair visits for the a safety relared issue.

How to File a Lemon Law Claim for Your Leased Car

To ensure a successful lemon law claim, it is crucial to follow specific steps:

• Engage a Trustworthy Lemon Law Attorney: Manufacturers and other liable parties will use tactics to avoid a lemon law buyback. By enlisting the services of an experienced lemon law attorney, well-versed in the intricacies of the law, you can maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
• Request Vehicle Repair from the Manufacturer: If you haven’t already done so, it’s important to notify the manufacturer about the lemon and formally request repairs. This can be done by sending a certified letter or contacting customer service.
• Initiate the Lemon Law Claim: If attempts to resolve the issue with the manufacturer have been unfruitful, your attorney can assist you in constructing a strong case to support your claim.

While the lemon law is a powerful tool in obtaining rightful compensation, it’s essential to bear certain considerations in mind when addressing your leased car matter under California’s lemon law:

• Maintain Comprehensive Records: The key to winning a lemon law case with a leased car is proving it is defective. Defective car owners need to document all of their car’s service at the authorized dealership. Gathering evidence to support your claim is vital, so keep detailed records of all repair attempts, communications with the manufacturer, and receipts for expenses related to the lemon. These documents are evidence that shows the number of repair attempts that were made. They also will show how many days your vehicle was in the shop.
• Familiarize Yourself with the Law: Don’t fall prey to manufacturers’ attempts to exploit your limited knowledge of lemon law. Take the initiative to educate yourself about California’s lemon law. It’s worth noting that even military members residing or stationed in California, irrespective of the vehicle’s purchase or registration location, are protected under California lemon laws.
• Follow Stated Procedures: Giving the dealership enough time to fix the car is also important. If the manufacturer has made two to four attempts to fix a problem and it is still there, you may want to file a letter with the leasing company telling them that the vehicle defect is still there. At that point, the leasing company may accept the claim, refund your money, or replace the car. But the leasing company may also fight the claim.

Remedies for Lemon Law for Leased Cars

California’s lemon law offers several potential remedies if your leased car qualifies as a lemon:

• Vehicle Replacement: The manufacturer may be required to provide you with a new vehicle of the same make and model or a similar one.
• Monetary Compensation: In addition to a vehicle replacement or refund, you may be entitled to receive compensation for incidental expenses, such as towing charges, rental car costs, and even legal fees.
• Vehicle Repurchase: The manufacturer may be required to refund all of your vehicle purchase or lease payments in addition to any sales tax, collateral fees, down payment, and more.

Contact a Neale & Fhima Lemon Law Attorney If Your Leased Car Gives You a Repair Nightmare

When leasing a new or used car, people believe their vehicle will be flawless simply because a warranty covers it. However, certain vehicles may possess significant issues that are not adequately addressed.

If you suspect your leased car might be a lemon, do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. At Neale & Fhima, our team of skilled lawyers possesses the necessary experience and expertise to represent you effectively against vehicle manufacturers and dealerships.