Unexpected Lucid Car Lease Fees
A Lucid car owner received a bill of nearly $4,000 for minor scratches and damage to one wheel. These costs increased the effective lease cost by approximately $200 per month. Other similar complaints accuse Lucid and Bank of America of unfair lease payments.
Rise in Customer Complaints
Lucid has faced criticism over the past year for unexpected fees charged to customers after the lease term ends, often for minimal damage. Initially, these were isolated cases, but now the number of complaints has increased significantly, and more owners are sharing their stories online.
Role of Bank of America in the Process
It is important to note that the Lucid Financial Services division handling leases operates in partnership with Bank of America. The bank reportedly engages independent inspection firms to assess the condition of vehicles after the lease ends, adding an additional barrier between Lucid and the customer.
Recent Case of Inflated Payments
Recently, another Lucid Air lessee posted their story on social media, recounting a shocking $3,800 bill for so-called “excessive wear and tear.” The customer initially received a favorable deal on an 18-month lease, but the final costs came as a surprise.
Bill Details
An initial payment of $300 was charged for a missing key fob. The largest amount—$2,400—was for a damaged front bumper, where the inspector found two scratches: one 15 cm long, the other 13 cm. Interestingly, the lower part of the bumper with scratches will be replaced free of charge, although another lessee was recently billed for similar damage.
Questions Regarding Wheels
Lucid also identified wheel damage: 10 cm curb rash on the left front wheel, incurring a $200 repair charge, and 48 cm marks on the right rear wheel, the replacement of which cost $900.
Company Policy on Wear and Tear
On the other hand, the company acknowledged some damage as part of normal wear and tear, such as minor paint marks on the hood and a small dent on the door, for which no additional charges were levied.
Public Reaction
Reddit users expressed outrage at this situation. One commenter compared it to a restaurant charging for every grain of salt. Another user shared their own experience leasing Maserati cars, where similar damage did not lead to additional costs and even security deposits were refunded.
Got me feeling really foolish for recommending leasing
These cases point to potential issues in Lucid’s policy for assessing vehicle wear and tear after a lease. Although the company offers attractive lease terms, such unexpected payments can significantly impact the overall cost for customers. Many believe that transparency in this process could help avoid negative reactions and maintain consumer trust.