Lucid Air Lessees Challenge High End-of-Lease Charges for Minor Damage

Lessees of the Lucid Air are raising concerns about exorbitant end-of-lease charges for minor cosmetic damages. Many customers report receiving bills that far exceed their expectations, with one individual facing a charge of $4,900 for a cracked taillight. This situation has prompted questions about the transparency and fairness of Lucid Motors’ billing practices, potentially eroding customer trust in the brand.

A recent case illustrates the growing dissatisfaction among Lucid lessees. One customer was charged a total of over $7,600 upon returning their vehicle, which included $2,400 for replacing the front bumper due to minor imperfections such as ten small rock chips and a one-inch crack. The charge for the right taillight, described as a hairline fracture, has been particularly criticized since it was barely noticeable and did not affect the vehicle’s functionality. Additionally, the customer incurred a $100 charge for minor damage to the left taillight and $200 for a seven-inch scrape on the left front wheel.

Many customers have taken to online platforms to share their grievances, highlighting a pattern of high end-of-lease fees that has led some to reconsider their plans for leasing a Lucid vehicle. The dissatisfaction appears to stem from the inspection process, which is carried out by independent inspectors contracted through Bank of America. Customers argue that the damage assessment criteria applied by these third parties contribute to what they perceive as unfair and excessive charges.

In response to the mounting complaints, Lucid Motors has acknowledged the issues and expressed a commitment to enhancing transparency. In a recent statement, the company indicated that it is reviewing all recent lease-end charges to ensure their accuracy. Lucid admitted that its communication and billing procedures have not consistently met the standards it aspires to uphold.

As part of its efforts to improve customer relations, Lucid announced policy adjustments. The company clarified that specific types of damage, such as underbody plate scratches and minor scrapes under 3.5 inches, would not incur charges. Additionally, charges for wheel scrapes smaller than 3.5 inches have been eliminated, while those between 3.5 and 12 inches will be reduced to $200.

While these adjustments indicate a willingness to engage with customer concerns, the true test lies in whether future lessees experience significant improvements in the lease return process. The impact of these changes will ultimately determine if Lucid can restore trust among its customers.

Customer reactions to the recent developments have been significant, with some stating that the excessive fees have prompted them to cancel their orders or choose alternative vehicles. The situation remains fluid as Lucid attempts to balance its leasing policies with customer satisfaction, a critical factor for its future success in the competitive electric vehicle market.