Thousands of New Yorkers who were allegedly overcharged when buying out leased Nissan vehicles will receive refunds under a new settlement announced Wednesday by Attorney General Letitia James.
The agreement with Nissan Motor Acceptance Company expands a years-long investigation into dealership practices that the attorney general’s office says resulted in consumers being charged illegal fees or inflated prices when purchasing vehicles at the end of their leases. The settlement is designed to ensure restitution reaches customers at all remaining Nissan dealerships in New York that were not part of previous enforcement actions.
According to the attorney general’s office, the investigation began after consumers reported being charged more than the purchase prices specified in their lease agreements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigators found that some dealerships added administrative charges, dealership fees and other costs, or altered vehicle pricing on invoices presented to customers during lease buyouts.
James’ office previously reached settlements with 15 Nissan dealerships, recovering more than $4.5 million in restitution for more than 3,100 consumers and collecting $1 million in penalties. The new agreement with Nissan Motor Acceptance Company extends relief to customers who may have been overcharged at any of the state’s remaining Nissan dealerships and will also reimburse additional loan interest paid by consumers who financed inflated purchase amounts through Nissan.
The settlement requires Nissan Motor Acceptance Company to review dealership transactions statewide and issue restitution payments throughout 2026. Eligible consumers do not need to take any action to receive compensation, according to the attorney general’s office. The agreement also requires changes to lease terms and business practices intended to prevent similar overcharge schemes in the future.
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