Legal Question in Consumer Law in California

Leased vehicle damaged by service tech

My leased vehicle was damaged by the service tech while on a test drive. The

impact wreaked havoc on wheels/tires/suspension/brakes. They have put 4

new wheels & tires on the car (they still want me to pay for 2 of them as they

were on the ''non-damaged'' side and I wanted uniformity if replacement had

to be made. After several attempts at replacing various damaged parts and

fixing the car, I am left with a vehicle which does not drive (steer, brake, ride)

or feel (tight, rattle-free, etc.) like it used to. Can I demand that the selling

dealer terminate my lease early (24 months left) and/ or put me into a

substantially similar new vehicle with the same or longer lease term? If I were

to keep the car, will the dealer absolve me of ANY liability regarding wear/

tear etc. when true lease termination comes about? What liability does the

dealer have should I get into an accident and it is determined that one of the

components previously damaged/fixed was the causative agent for the

mishap? In general, what are my rights and remedies in this situation?


Asked on 4/05/04, 7:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alvin Tenner Law Office of Alvin G. Tenner

Re: Leased vehicle damaged by service tech

Dealers give nothing without a fight. Take your car to another dealer and get an estimate to put your car right. Then take the estimate to small claims court.

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Answered on 4/06/04, 1:30 pm


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