My Lease Vehicle Has Developed A Fault, What Are My Rights?

When you lease a new car or van from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, it comes with a UK manufacturer’s warranty. This means that if something goes wrong during the warranty period (excluding things like wear and tear), you shouldn’t have to pay for repairs.

If your lease vehicle develops a fault, it’s completely understandable to feel concerned. You’ll want to know what to do next, and where you stand.

In this guide, we explain what’s typically covered, what isn’t, and the steps you should take if a fault occurs.

If you notice a fault, your first step should be to contact the vehicle manufacturer or an approved dealership. In most cases, the issue will be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, meaning repairs can be carried out at no cost to you.

If your vehicle feels unsafe to drive, stop using it immediately and contact your breakdown provider.

You can find out more about what’s included in our guide to the car manufacturer warranty

Once you’ve reported the issue, the dealership will inspect your vehicle and confirm whether the fault is covered under warranty.

In most cases:

• Repairs will be completed at no cost (if covered)
• You may be offered a courtesy car
• Work will be carried out by approved technicians

If the issue isn’t covered, the dealership will explain why and talk you through your options.

It’s also worth remembering that leasing is designed to take the stress out of unexpected issues. If you’re unsure how it works, you can read more in our guide to how leasing works.

• Contact the manufacturer or approved dealership
• Stop driving the vehicle if it feels unsafe
• Arrange an inspection or repair
• Speak to our team if you’re unsure

A manufacturer’s warranty is essentially a promise from the vehicle manufacturer to repair certain faults if something goes wrong within a set period.

Warranty periods can vary depending on the manufacturer, typically ranging from around three years, although some brands offer longer cover. Mileage limits may also apply.

What your warranty usually covers:

• Mechanical and electrical faults
• Repairs during the warranty period

What isn’t typically covered:

• General wear and tear over time
• Damage caused by accidents or misuse
• Issues resulting from missed or incomplete servicing

Your rights will depend on the nature of the fault and how long you’ve had the vehicle.

In general:

• Most faults are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty
• If a fault occurs early on, you may have additional protection under consumer law
• Your lease agreement outlines your responsibilities and what’s covered

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, your vehicle must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described.

As lease vehicles are typically owned by the finance provider, it’s important to keep them informed of any ongoing issues, as they may need to be involved in resolving the fault.

If your vehicle needs repairs, the dealership will guide you through the process.

Depending on the situation:

• A courtesy car may be provided
• Repair times can vary depending on the issue
• You should receive updates throughout

If you’re ever unsure, it’s always worth checking with the dealership or speaking to our team.

If you’re unable to reach a satisfactory outcome with the dealership or manufacturer, you may wish to seek independent advice or escalate the issue through relevant industry bodies.

A fault with your lease vehicle can feel stressful, but in most cases, it’s straightforward to resolve. Following the right steps will help get things sorted as quickly as possible.