Are Leased Cars Protected Under Lemon Law?
Leasing a car instead of buying one is an attractive option for many individuals, as it provides the opportunity to drive a new vehicle without the long-term costs and commitment of ownership. However, what happens if the vehicle you leased is defective or unreliable?
If your newly leased vehicle experiences recurring issues that cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts, your car may qualify as a lemon. However, whether you are eligible for compensation under the lemon law depends on your state's laws and statutes.
At Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor, with offices in Toledo, Ohio, and West Bloomfield, Michigan, we are experienced in handling lemon law cases, and we can explain how the lemon laws in these states apply to leased cars and whether your vehicle will qualify as a lemon. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Do Leased Cars Apply to Ohio and Michigan Lemon Laws?
Ohio explicitly includes leased cars under its lemon law protections. According to the Ohio Revised Code Section 1345.71, a "consumer" includes individuals who lease motor vehicles for personal, family, or household purposes.
Under Michigan Compiled Laws Section 257.1401, the Michigan lemon law also applies to leased cars. The law applies to anyone who "purchases or leases a new motor vehicle for personal, family, or household use."
This means that if you leased a car that exhibited recurring issues in either Ohio or Michigan, you have the same legal protections as if you purchased the vehicle. If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you, as the lessee, may have the right to receive a replacement vehicle or a refund of your lease payments, including the down payment and subsequent monthly installments.
How to Determine If Your Vehicle Is a Lemon
If you leased a new vehicle that has experienced persistent issues, your vehicle may constitute a lemon. A lemon refers to a vehicle that has considerable recurring issues that impact its safety, operability, and reliability, and that cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts. Generally, for your leased car to be considered a lemon, it must meet the following criteria:
The vehicle must have a significant defect that is covered by the warranty that occurred within a specific period or after a specific number of miles traveled. Generally, the defect must have occurred within the first 12 months or 18,000 miles of use, whichever comes first.
The vehicle must have a substantial defect that can't be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
The vehicle must have spent 30 days or more at the dealership for repairs within the first year of purchase.
If you are in Ohio, the state lemon law has additional provisions. The vehicle must have undergone eight or more repairs in an effort to fix various problems or one attempt to repair a defect that was likely to cause death or serious injury.
Once you determine whether your leased vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you can then begin documenting your claim and taking steps to seek compensation under the Ohio or Michigan lemon law. Contact our Ohio lemon law attorney today for tailored guidance.
Potential Compensation if You Leased a Lemon
If the vehicle you leased turns out to be a lemon, you will be eligible for specific compensation, as established under the Ohio and Michigan lemon laws. Generally, you will have two options: a full refund or a replacement vehicle.
Full refund: You will typically receive a refund of all monthly lease payments, down payments, deposits, and collateral costs, such as taxes and fees. In some cases, you may also be eligible to receive a refund for incidental costs, such as towing fees.
Replacement vehicle: The manufacturer or dealership that you leased the vehicle from will provide you with a replacement vehicle of the same make and model. If the same make and model is not available, they may offer a make and model that is comparable to your current vehicle.
In some cases, you may be able to terminate the terms of your lease for the vehicle in addition to receiving compensation. The party that leased the vehicle to you typically cannot charge fees if you wish to leave your lease due to a lemon law claim. If you believe your leased vehicle is a lemon, reach out to our Michigan lemon law attorney today.
Contact Our Experienced Lemon Law Attorney Serving Michigan and Ohio
Leasing a car is meant to be convenient, not a source of anxiety and frustration. If your newly leased vehicle has exhibited recurring issues that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may be eligible to file a lemon law claim.
At Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor, we are experienced in handling lemon law claims, and we can help you understand and advocate for your rights under Ohio and Michigan law. If you believe your leased vehicle qualifies as a lemon, contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
With offices in Toledo, Ohio, and West Bloomfield, Michigan, we serve clients throughout both states. We understand how stressful lemon law cases can be, and we are here to fight for the resolution and compensation you deserve.