Lemon Law for Leased Vehicles: What You Need to Know

Leasing a new car is supposed to be a worry-free experience—you get the thrill of driving a fresh set of wheels, minus the long-term commitment. But what happens when that leased car spends more time in the shop than on the road? That’s not just an inconvenience—it could be a legal problem. And that’s exactly where California’s Lemon Law comes into play.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we’ve helped countless drivers across California fight back against automakers who lease out defective vehicles. If you’ve been stuck with a lemon, you might have more power than you think.

What Is California’s Lemon Law?

California’s Lemon Law—officially called the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—was designed to protect consumers who buy or lease new (and sometimes used) vehicles that turn out to be… well, duds. If your car has a recurring issue that the dealer just can’t fix—even after several visits—you could be entitled to a refund, a replacement vehicle, or even cash compensation.

And yes—this law absolutely applies to leased vehicles.

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So, Does the Lemon Law Cover Leased Cars Too?

Yes. 100%. California’s Lemon Law doesn’t care whether you bought or leased your vehicle—what matters is that:

• You leased it in California.
  
• It’s still under the original manufacturer’s warranty.
  
• It has a serious defect that keeps coming back, no matter how many times you try to fix it.

If all that checks out, you’re likely eligible for Lemon Law protection.

We’ve seen clients with leased cars experience everything from electrical failures and engine stalls to brakes giving out at high speeds. Scary stuff. If your car feels unsafe or unreliable, you have rights—and we’ll help you fight for them.

What Kinds of Problems Qualify a Leased Car as a Lemon?

Here’s the deal: not every little problem makes your car a lemon. If your Bluetooth is glitchy or the cup holder squeaks, you’re probably stuck with it. But if the issue impacts your safety, keeps you from using the car like you should, and drops the vehicle’s value significantly then you might have a case.

Some examples we’ve seen that usually qualify:

• Faulty transmissions
  
• Brake failures
  
• Engine stalls
  
• Electrical fires
  
• Power steering issues

Here’s the big catch: you’ve got to give the dealership a fair shot at fixing it. The law usually says the manufacturer gets 2 chances to fix a serious safety issue, or 4 attempts for less serious problems. If your car has been in the shop for over 30 days total? That might also qualify.

Steps to Take If You Think You’ve Leased a Lemon

Alright—if your leased car is turning into a money pit, here’s what to do:

1. Start Documenting Everything

This is everything. Keep every repair invoice, note who you spoke with at the dealership, and record the exact issue you reported. If your car is making a weird noise or stalling, take a video. Trust us—this documentation is gold.

2. Get It in Writing

Always ask for written repair orders and confirmations. If the dealership tries to fix your car and hands you a vague receipt that says “checked vehicle,” that’s not enough. You want clear descriptions like: “Customer reports engine stalls at highway speeds.”

3. Talk to the Manufacturer

Sometimes, just reaching out to the automaker directly can escalate your issue and get you faster help. If they’re dragging their feet or ignoring you, that’s when you bring in the big guns (yep, that’s us).

4. Call a Lemon Law Attorney

Look, you can try to go it alone—but why would you? At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we don’t charge you a dime unless we win. Our team will handle the paperwork, the negotiations, and if needed, we’ll take the automaker to court on your behalf.

What Are You Entitled to Under California’s Lemon Law?

You could be looking at:

• A full refund of all your lease payments
  
• Reimbursement for your down payment, registration, and taxes
  
• Coverage of rental car or towing expenses
  
• A brand-new replacement vehicle
  
• Termination of your lease with no penalties
  
• Legal fees paid for by the manufacturer

That last one is important. They pay us—not you. It’s how the law’s written. That means you can get top-tier legal support without ever paying out of pocket.

Common Myths We Hear from Clients (That Just Aren’t True)

“I leased the car, not bought it—so the Lemon Law doesn’t apply.”
Wrong. The law applies to leases and purchases—as long as the car is under warranty and leased in California.

“The dealership said it’s normal.”
They’ll say that a lot. But if something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and get a second opinion.

“I have to go to court and I don’t have time.”
Most cases are settled out of court. And when you hire us, we handle the headache—you just get the results.

Why Work With West Coast Trial Lawyers?

You could try to handle this on your own. Or you could let a powerhouse legal team who’s been down this road hundreds of times handle it for you.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we’ve recovered millions for clients stuck with lemon vehicles. We know the loopholes manufacturers use to avoid responsibility—and we know how to shut them down. When you call us, you’re not getting shuffled around from desk to desk—you’re getting a real attorney who cares.

Take Back Control—Let Us Fight For You

You shouldn’t have to keep making payments on a car that’s constantly in the shop. If your leased vehicle has been a nightmare, let’s fix that—fast.

Call us for a FREE case review at (206) 222-8860 or reach out via this quick online contact form to schedule your 100% free consultation. We’ll review your situation, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve—with zero cost to you.

You leased the car. Not the problems.