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Car Warranty Claim Refused
A car warranty adds to your legal rights; it does not replace them. If a warranty company refuses a claim, you can still go to the dealer that sold you the car: it must be of satisfactory quality, and for the first 6 months a fault is presumed to have been there at delivery unless the dealer proves otherwise.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Your Rights Against the Dealer
Quality and Description
Dealer sales: goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described (Consumer Rights Act 2015). If a car fails these tests you have a short-term right to reject and get a full refund within 30 days, counted from when ownership, delivery and any installation are complete (s.22). source
After 30 days
After the 30 days you can ask for a free repair or replacement; the trader normally gets one attempt, after which you can claim a price reduction or the final right to reject (s.19). source
First 6 Months
For the first 6 months a fault is presumed to have been there at delivery unless the dealer proves otherwise; after 6 months you must show the fault was already present (s.19(15)). source
Warranties
Warranties Add to Your Rights
Warranties and guarantees add to your legal rights. You have legal rights for up to 6 years (5 years in Scotland) if there is a fault, and they may be easier to use, especially in the first 6 months. If a guarantee is insurance-backed, contact the insurance company. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 6 monthsFaults presumed present at deliveryFirst 6 months from delivery
- 8 weeksComplain to a dealer before using The Motor OmbudsmanAllow the dealer 8 weeks to respond unless it has issued a final response earlier
- 6 yearsLegal action for goods problems in England and WalesGenerally up to 6 years after you paid (Citizens Advice; 5 years in Scotland)
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Read the refusal and the warranty terms: what reason was given?
Step 2 of 5
Get a written diagnosis of the fault from a garage.
Step 3 of 5
Write to the dealer, asking for a repair under the Consumer Rights Act, especially if the car is under 6 months old. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 4 of 5
If the dealer is accredited and does not sort it within 8 weeks, go to The Motor Ombudsman.
Step 5 of 5
If the warranty is insurance-backed, complain to the insurer and then the Financial Ombudsman Service.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Motor Ombudsman
Dealer is accredited to one of its codes (for example Vehicle Sales Code) and you have given it 8 weeks or received a final response. It does not deal with car finance claims.
Card Provider (Section 75 / Chargeback)
You paid at least part by credit card for a car priced over 100 pounds and up to 30,000 pounds, or by debit card for chargeback.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Free advice and referral to Trading Standards.
County Court Small Claims
After trying to settle and ADR; small claims usually cover claims up to 10,000 pounds.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Do not let anyone repair the car before the dealer has had a chance to inspect the fault, unless it is unsafe.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/22 Checked 12 October 2026
- businesscompanion.info/focus/car-traders-and-consumer-law/part-2-consumer-rights-act Checked 12 October 2026
- legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/19 Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/claim-using-a-warranty-or-guarantee Checked 13 October 2026
- themotorombudsman.org/consumers/make-a-complaint Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/getting-your-money-back-if-you-paid-by-card-or-paypal Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/buying-or-repairing-a-car/the-car-you-bought-is-still-on-hire-purchase Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/small-claims/deciding-whether-to-make-a-small-claim Checked 12 October 2026