Henry Vorderbruggen, founder of Hammer Law PLLC, recently appeared before the Arizona State Senate to champion a critical reform to Arizona’s Lemon Law, successfully helping pass legislation that extends protections to consumers who lease vehicles.
As a Scottsdale-based attorney specializing exclusively in consumer protection and Lemon Law cases, Vorderbruggen has long advocated for equitable treatment of all vehicle consumers. His efforts focused on a key gap in Arizona law: unlike many states, the Lemon Law historically excluded leased vehicles, leaving millions of consumers with limited recourse when faced with a defective vehicle.
“Both consumers face the same risks, the same financial hardships, and the same safety concerns when saddled with a defective vehicle through no fault of their own,” Vorderbruggen wrote to the legislature. “Legal protections should apply equally to lessees and purchasers alike.”
A Longstanding Legal Gap
Arizona courts, including the Supreme Court in Parrot v. DaimlerChrysler Corp. (2006), had previously interpreted the law to apply only to purchasers. Vorderbruggen highlighted that with modern leasing practices, this outdated interpretation left many consumers without statutory remedies, undermining the intent of the Lemon Law to protect Arizonans from defective vehicles.
A Legislative Win for Consumers
The passed legislation now ensures that lessees are entitled to the same remedies as purchasers under the Arizona Motor Vehicle Warranties Act (A.R.S. §§ 44-1261 through 44-1267). This reform guarantees consistent and equitable protection for all consumers, strengthens manufacturer accountability, and reinforces public safety.
“Expanding these protections to leased vehicles is a significant step toward fairness and safety for all Arizonans,” Vorderbruggen said following the bill’s passage.
To redefine what qualifies as a Lemon in the Grand Canyon State revolutionizes the legal discipline as a whole, and ultimately the consumer wins.
