Lucid Owner Receives Unexpected Charge Months After Returning Their Lease | Carscoops

      Recent complaints indicate that Lucid's lease return issues persist, as customers report suspicious damage claims and concerning behavior.

      Lucid lessees are receiving charges months after returning their vehicles, despite assurances of improvements. One driver was billed $2,400 for scratches on the underbody after turning in their car. Some customers have lodged complaints with the DFPI against Lucid and Bank of America.

      Lucid often presents enticing lease offers that seem like an excellent way to drive an Air without a long-term obligation. However, past experiences suggest there is often a drawback, whether it’s a large down payment or complications at the end of the lease.

      In August, it was reported that Lucid acknowledged glitches within its lease return program, admitting the process lacked consistency. Damage assessments were inconsistent, and some customers faced unexpectedly high charges for minor issues.

      Continuing Frustrations

      Two months later, the problems seem unresolved. At least two owners have shared concerning accounts, with one escalating the issue to regulators.

      Recently, an owner shared a thread on Reddit titled “Just got my excess wear report and it’s ridiculous.” Many people are frustrated about incurring additional charges after a lease, but this individual appears to have a strong case.

      Photos showing the underside of the Lucid Air alongside the company’s digital invoice reveal a $2,400 charge for scratches on the vehicle’s underbody panel. These are not major damages, but rather the type of minor scratches common for drivers of low-slung cars.

      The owner insists they never had an accident or drove over anything substantial, arguing that the marks resulted from ordinary obstacles like speed bumps. They remarked, “Guess we’re supposed to only drive on perfectly flat roads with no speed bumps, and make sure to ‘research’ every driveway before entering.” Notably, Lucid opted not to charge for the missing owner’s manual in the vehicle.

      A Similar Situation

      This is not the sole instance of Lucid's leasing challenges. Another customer, who was charged $585, may have an even stronger case. The owner reported that the Lucid representative at the lease return found no damage at all.

      However, within two weeks, a third-party inspection revealed $785 in wear-and-tear damage. The company waived $200 for a wheel but still insisted on the remaining $585.

      “I just filed a complaint with the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI) against Lucid Financial Services and their collection agency regarding an unfair ‘excess wear & tear’ charge,” they wrote in a Reddit post.

      It's evident that owners are losing confidence in the brand’s lease practices. “If that’s how it’s going to be, we’re all in trouble. There’s no way that part doesn’t get scratched or damaged – it’s designed to safeguard the rest of the undercarriage,” one owner commented. “Next, will we be charged for scratches on the inside of wheels?” questioned another.

      For now, it’s up to Lucid to clarify how it is managing these lease-end assessments and what measures it will implement to regain customer trust. If you have leased a Lucid, please share your experience in the comments; we’d love to hear about it.

      Photo: TackleTurbulent9134 / Lucid