A brand-new Peugeot electric vehicle stopped working within two weeks of delivery and, months later, still cannot be charged. The owner, identified as AS from Woking, is paying £450 per month for a car that has been unusable for over two months.
Failed Repairs and Missing Vehicle
The dealer postponed the initial repair appointment by a month due to being too busy. Peugeot Assist, operated by the RAC, eventually collected the car for warranty repair, but it never reached the dealer. The RAC claimed the dealer refused to accept it because it was still too busy. The owner made 36 calls to Peugeot and the RAC and sent multiple emails, but no one could locate the car or respond.
Compensation and Continued Issues
After the Guardian intervened, the RAC located the car within a day and paid the owner £250 for failing to keep them informed. However, the car was delivered to a different dealer. In early February, Peugeot promised compensation and a courtesy car, which never materialized. The owner collected the car in early March only to find it could not be charged, the boot would not open, the driver's window operated spontaneously, and the remote locking was faulty.
Lease Company Refuses to Rescind Contract
Peugeot advised that a spare part had been arranged, but the dealer insists the car be brought in, which is impossible as it cannot be charged. The owner attempted to rescind the lease contract with Leasys, but Leasys refused, arguing that the dealer considers the car driveable and a repair is planned. Leasys did not respond to requests for comment.
Legal Rights and Next Steps
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, customers have the right to reject faulty new vehicles if an attempted repair fails or is not carried out within a reasonable time. Since the owner has a credit agreement with Leasys, the case falls under the Financial Ombudsman Service. The Guardian has suggested the owner complain to the Ombudsman. Peugeot and Leasys have been urged to take responsibility for the situation.
