Lemon Law on Leased Cars in California

If you have purchased a car, van, truck, or mobile home, there are very few things more infuriating than finding out you accidentally purchased a lemon. Learning that your vehicle is essentially useless and possibly even dangerous can make you feel frustrated, betrayed, cheated, and even a bit vengeful. You may want to start looking for any avenue that lets you seek compensation. If you’ve leased a car, you may want to know the Lemon Law on leased cars in California.

Comprender la Ley del Limón California

Purchasing a vehicle in California is supposed to be a relatively enjoyable experience. After all, you’re buying a new car for yourself, your significant other, or even your teenager. It might even be an occasion for a family outing. The last thing you ever expect is for your purchase to be dubbed a lemon. Thankfully, due to California’s Lemon Law, that doesn’t have to be the end of the matter for you. You can seek full reimbursement with the knowledge and assistance of an experienced lawyer.

The Lemon Law, also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, provides consumers with additional legal protection if they purchase a lemon and the car is still protected under the manufacturer’s warranty. An experienced Lemon Law lawyer can build a case against the manufacturer and work hard to hold them accountable for your situation. It may not be easy, but it can allow you to get repaid for everything you’ve spent on the lemon.

Lemon Law on Leased Cars in California

Thankfully, the Lemon Law in California does extend to leased cars. If you leased a car that turns out to be a lemon, you are afforded the same rights and opportunities for reimbursement you would have if you purchased a car instead. However, that doesn’t mean your leased lemon automatically qualifies under the law. It still has to meet similar criteria that a purchased car would have to meet.

For a leased car to be considered a legal lemon under the state law, it:

• Must be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
• Have a significant defect that is impacting the vehicle’s safety or use.
• Contain a defect that is not going away despite multiple repair attempts.

Additionally, if it is discovered that the defect is due to the owner’s neglect or abuse, it won’t qualify under the state’s Lemon Law.

Statute of Limitations

Choosing to go up against a vehicle manufacturer for compensation is a complicated process, but you can rest assured that you will not have to pay for it.  California’s Lemon Law allows your attorney to recover their fees from the manufacturer. You do not have to pay for their services, whether you win or lose.

If you do decide that legal action is the route you want to take, it is vital to your case that you pay close attention to California’s statute of limitations for Lemon Law claims. You may not have a lot of time.

Generally, the state will give you four years from the date you discovered the defect to start building your case. You have to:

• Establish grounds for your claim.
• Formulate a strong enough case.
• Collect the necessary evidence.
• Consult a Lemon Law lawyer.
• File a claim for reimbursement or buyback.

Building a strong case takes time, so you may want to start building yours as soon as you possibly can.

Preguntas frecuentes

Q: Does the California Lemon Law Apply to Leased Cars?

A: Yes, the California Lemon Law applies to leased cars. If you leased a car that turns out to be a lemon, you have every right to pursue reimbursement from the manufacturer, just as you would if you’d purchased a car. However, the leased car still has to meet the same criteria that a purchased vehicle would have to. You should speak with a lawyer about your options regarding your leased car.

Q: How Many Repair Attempts Are Required?

A: Generally, state law requires at least four repair attempts on the same defect for a vehicle to be considered a lemon. However, that can change depending on the defect at hand. If the defect could potentially cause serious injury or death, the state may only require two repair attempts. You may want to discuss your options with your lawyer and see if your vehicle is considered a lemon already.

Q: What Happens If My Leased Car Breaks Down?

A: If your leased car breaks down, you are generally responsible for trying to get it repaired. You may want to contact your leasing company to discuss the most appropriate and effective course of action for repairs. Depending on your lease agreement, the repairs may fall under the manufacturer’s warranty. If, after a number of repair attempts, your leased car is still failing because of the same defect, you can seek reimbursement from the manufacturer.

Q: Can I Take Legal Action for a Lemon Vehicle?

A: It depends. To take legal action against the manufacturer for a lemon vehicle you purchased in good faith, the vehicle will need to still be under the manufacturer’s warranty and meet certain other criteria as well. If you are curious about whether your vehicle will qualify under California’s Lemon Law, you should reach out to an experienced lawyer. They can review your case and provide you with that information.

Reach Out to an Experienced Lemon Law Attorney Today

It can be overwhelming to take on a vehicle manufacturer on your own. The legal team at Ley del Limón Pro can provide you with much-needed legal guidance and assistance with your case, and we can do so absolutely free. Everything from our initial consultation to our services in court is free to you. We only get paid if we win, and we get paid from the manufacturer at no cost to you.

Wherever you reside in California, we can build your case, gather the evidence you need, and make sure your interests are protected the entire time. Póngase en contacto con nosotros to speak with a valued team member about your case and schedule a consultation.