Leasing a vehicle in California can be a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy the benefits of a new car without committing to a long-term purchase. However, what happens when your leased vehicle turns out to be a lemon?
Fortunately, California’s Lemon Law protects consumers, including those who lease their vehicles. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the Lemon Law applies to leased vehicles in the Golden State.
Understanding California’s Lemon Law
California’s Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase or lease new or used vehicles with persistent defects or issues covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. These issues must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. The law provides legal remedies to consumers stuck with a lemon.
Lemon Law And Leased Vehicles
The Lemon law requirements for leased cars in California are essentially the same as those for new or used vehicles purchased with a warranty. This means that if your leased vehicle meets certain criteria, you can file a lemon law claim to seek a resolution.
Notably, one key advantage is that you, the consumer, do not have to bear any legal fees when pursuing a lemon law claim with the assistance of a California lemon law attorney.
Qualifying For Lemon Law Protection
Your leased vehicle must meet the following criteria to qualify for Lemon Law protection in California:
- The vehicle must have been leased for personal, family, or household use.
- The vehicle must have defects or issues that substantially impair its use, value, or safety.
- The defects or issues must occur within the manufacturer’s warranty period or 18,000 miles of use, whichever comes first.
Lemon Law Remedies For Leased Vehicles:
The Los Angeles lemon law lawyers at Young & Young apc explain that if your leased vehicle meets the Lemon Law criteria, you have several potential remedies available:
- Replacement Vehicle: You may be eligible for a replacement vehicle of comparable value from the manufacturer.
- Refund: You can receive a refund of the lease payments you’ve made, including down fees, monthly payments, and any incidental costs.
- Attorney’s Fees and Costs: If you prevail in a Lemon Law claim, the manufacturer is often responsible for covering your attorney’s fees and legal costs.
Steps To Take
If you believe your leased vehicle is a lemon, follow these steps:
- Document Everything:
Keep detailed records of all repairs, including dates, descriptions of problems, and invoices.
- Notify the Manufacturer:
Inform the vehicle’s manufacturer about the recurring defects and request repairs.
- Consult an Attorney:
Consider consulting an experienced Lemon Law attorney who specializes in consumer protection.
- File a Lemon Law Claim:
If the defects persist despite multiple repair attempts, your attorney can help you file a Lemon Law claim against the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Leasing a vehicle should be a hassle-free experience, but if you find yourself with a lemon, remember that the California Lemon Law extends its protections to leased vehicles. If you meet the criteria, you have legal remedies to seek a replacement vehicle, a refund, or reimbursement for attorney’s fees and costs.