Leasing a car seems like the ideal situation: you drive a newer vehicle for several years, and it’s bound to run well, you’d think, being at most a few years old before the end of the lease. But if you have persistent mechanical, computer, or software problems, your dream car may become nothing more than a hassle and a potential safety risk. This can happen, and drivers who’ve tried everything to get their leased car repaired can feel trapped. Understanding your rights under lemon laws is crucial when leasing a vehicle that exhibits substantial defects.
Lemon laws don’t only protect you when you buy a vehicle. They generally extend to leased vehicles, too. One of the big things to keep in mind is that lemon laws vary by state. The complexity of lemon laws and manufacturers’ sophisticated legal teams make professional representation the best course to winning your claim.
The Benefits of Professional Representation
It can be intimidating and confusing to deal with manufacturers on your own for a lemon law settlement. Manufacturers may try to avoid responsibility for fixing the problem. They may also try to fix it but fail or offer a subpar settlement. A quick settlement may seem like a good idea, but it rarely gets you full compensation. A qualified lemon law attorney will negotiate effectively on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.
Lemon law attorneys know how the laws work in each state. They can position you to win your claim through them
- Expertise in evaluating the strength of your case
- Experience in dealing with manufacturer defense tactics
- Understanding of fair compensation values
- Ability to negotiate buybacks or replacements effectively
- Knowledge of timing considerations
Most state lemon laws specify time limits for filing claims. Check your lease agreement. Your prompt action is vital. Waiting too long to address persistent problems can weaken your case and limit your options for compensation.
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Contact Allen Stewart, P.C. so we can determine if you have a case and pursue it against the manufacturer for you.
What Types of Problems Might Make My Car Qualify as a Lemon?
Whether you’ve leased a brand new SUV with up-to-the-minute features, a beautiful new truck, or the latest EV, their systems can malfunction. In some cases, you may be unsuccessful in getting the manufacturer to fix the vehicle, and it then becomes unusable or unsafe. Here we’ll review several potential issues that could qualify your vehicle as a lemon. These are just a few possible defect types; there are many others. Allen Stewart, P.C. can evaluate your specific situation.
For more information on arbitration and other frequently asked lemon law and lease questions, click here.
1: Unreliable Electric SUV
You leased a new luxury electric SUV. Your excitement over its advanced technology and eco-friendly features waned because, within the first six months, the vehicle’s charging system repeatedly malfunctioned. The car failed to accept charges properly. You ended up stranded multiple times. The SUV went through four separate repair attempts at the dealership, but the problem wasn’t fixed. Your new SUV has become nearly useless, and you don’t know where to turn. This would be a potential lemon law claim, as the defect significantly impairs the SUV’s usability and safety.
2: Transmission Trouble
Your lease was only three months old, and your sedan with an advanced dual-clutch transmission started behaving erratically. The transmission hesitated, jerked, and often failed to engage. After five visits to the dealer and cumulative repair time exceeding 60 days, you’re frustrated that the problem is still happening. You now have an ongoing safety and performance issue that presents a strong case for lemon law protection.
3: Safety System Failure
Your luxury crossover seemed perfect when you first leased it. It had the latest advanced driver assistance systems. Suddenly, the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems activated randomly. In traffic, this happened four times, and you’re scared for your safety. Three repair attempts and software updates didn’t fix the problem. This safety-critical defect could qualify for a lemon law claim.
Navigating the Lemon Law Process
In each of the above scenarios, the problems persisted even when the vehicle went through multiple repair attempts. If you’re having issues with your leased vehicle, it’s important to keep track of each time the vehicle malfunctions, and what occurred. Document all repairs and communications with the dealer and manufacturer. These will help prove that you did everything you could to work with them to get the problems solved.
State lemon laws vary, but most require that a reasonable number of repair attempts be made before a vehicle is declared a “lemon.” Allen Stewart, P.C. knows the terms of each state’s lemon laws and will ensure your rights are protected. Additionally, the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 provides protection for consumers dealing with warranty-related issues.
Understanding Your Rights
As a lessee, you have the right to a vehicle that operates as intended. If recurring problems that are unfixable impact the use or safety of your leased vehicle, you have the right to seek compensation. This may include:
- Vehicle replacement with a comparable model
- Lease termination without penalty
- Financial compensation
- Reimbursement of related expenses
Allen Stewart, P.C. offers extensive experience winning Texas lemon law cases and cases in many other states. Don’t let a poorly performing leased vehicle infringe on your life or threaten your safety. You have rights, and we can help you win your claim.
Please note: The manufacturer usually pays attorney fees in successful lemon law cases, making professional representation an accessible option.
Lemon laws are confusing. Read our guide to the lemon law complaint process.
Trust Allen Stewart, P.C. to Get You the Compensation You Deserve
Leasing a vehicle would seem like a good choice if you want lower monthly payments and perhaps a better car than you could afford to buy. Sometimes leased cars or trucks can be lemons, and you need an experienced lemon law attorney to help you win your claim. If your leased vehicle exhibits persistent problems that impact its operation or safety, contact us. Document everything. We will review the number of repair attempts, the total time your vehicle has been in the shop, and the impact of the defect to determine if you have a case.
Dealing with a lemon vehicle doesn’t have to remain your problem. Allen Stewart, P.C. has successfully represented hundreds of vehicle owners and lessees in lemon law cases, securing favorable outcomes for clients facing persistent, unfixable vehicle defects.
Experience gets results. That’s exactly what you’ll receive when Allen Stewart, P.C. handles your lemon law claim. Contact us online or by calling 866-440-2460.