When it comes to leasing a vehicle in California, it is important to be aware of your rights as a consumer.
The California Lemon Law protects individuals who purchase or lease new or used vehicles with serious defects that impair their safety, use or value.
Qualifying for protection
To qualify for protection under the California Lemon Law, the leased vehicle must have a substantial defect covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. The law typically covers defects that occur within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first, after the vehicle’s purchase or lease.
Documenting the issues
If you suspect that your leased vehicle is a lemon, it is important to document the issues you experience. Keep records of all repair attempts made by the manufacturer or its authorized dealers. These records can include invoices, work orders and any communication related to the repairs.
Notifying the manufacturer
Once you document the issues, notify the manufacturer about the problems with your leased vehicle. Notify them in writing and provide a reasonable opportunity for them to fix the defects. The manufacturer is typically allowed a certain number of repair attempts or a specific time frame to address the issues.
Seeking repurchase or replacement
If the manufacturer fails to fix the defects within the specified time frame, it may entitle you to seek a repurchase or replacement of your leased vehicle. The manufacturer has an obligation to provide you with options for resolution, which may include refunding the lease payments or replacing the vehicle with a comparable one.
While only 19% of car shoppers chose the leasing option in 2022, they deserve the same confidence and reliability that comes with purchasing a vehicle. Being informed about your rights under the California Lemon Law ensures that you can take appropriate steps to address serious defects in your leased vehicle.