Many California drivers choose to lease instead of buy, enjoying the benefits of driving a new vehicle without long-term ownership. However, what happens if your leased car turns out to be a lemon? Fortunately, California’s Lemon Law protects lessees as well as buyers, ensuring you don’t get stuck with a defective vehicle.
At My Lemon Firm, we’ve spent years helping consumers assert their rights under the Lemon Law. Whether you purchased or leased your vehicle, our attorneys can guide you through the process and fight for the remedy you deserve.
Call our law offices today to get started with a free case review at (844) 40-Lemon. Our Lemon Law Lawyers in Santa Monica can advise you of your legal rights and options at that time.
How the Lemon Law Applies to Leased Vehicles in California
California’s Lemon Law, which is codified beginning with § 1793.2 of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, covers leased vehicles when they come with the manufacturer’s warranty. That means if your leased car has serious, repeated defects that impair its use, value, or safety, you may qualify for relief just as if you had purchased it.
The law applies to:
- New vehicles leased in California
- Used vehicles under specific circumstances
- Passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, and some business vehicles under the weight threshold
The bottom line is that as long as the warranty is in effect and the defect is covered, the law is on your side.
What Kinds of Lease Vehicle Defects Qualify for Coverage Under the California Lemon Law?
To be considered a lemon, the defect must be substantial, meaning not just cosmetic or minor. Common qualifying issues include:
- Transmission or engine failure
- Brake, steering, or electrical problems
- Repeated stalling or failure to start
- Safety system defects, such as airbags or seatbelts not working
If the defect reduces the vehicle’s safety or value and the manufacturer cannot fix it after a “reasonable number of attempts,” your leased car may qualify under the Lemon Law.
Why Should I Hire the California Lemon Lawyers With My Lemon Firm?
Dealing with a defective leased car can be stressful, especially when manufacturers push back and try to say they aren’t responsible for compensating you. At My Lemon Firm, we know the process inside and out.
Clients choose us because:
- We have years of focused experience with California Lemon Law cases
- We’ve secured substantial recoveries for consumers across the state
- We handle claims involving all kinds of vehicles
- We provide personalized attention and make every case we take on a priority
Importantly, the manufacturer must generally pay your attorney’s fees if your case is successful. In combination with our contingency fee payment structure, this means you can potentially receive the full value of your claim without paying a cent up front or out of pocket.
Contact Our Lemon Law Attorneys in California for a Free Consultation
Leasing a lemon doesn’t mean you’re stuck without legal options. California’s Lemon Law protects lessees just as it does buyers, giving you the right to a financial remedy that makes you whole again (and possibly more).
At My Lemon Firm, we’ve been helping drivers across California hold manufacturers responsible effectively for years. Contact our California lemon lawyers today at (844) 40-Lemon to schedule a free consultation.