Buying & selling
Used Car Right to Reject: How to Return a Faulty Vehicle under the Consumer Rights Act 2015
If your newly bought second-hand car develops a serious mechanical or electrical fault, UK law gives you clear statutory refund rights. Here is how the 30-day short-term rejection, 6-month repair rules, and dealer refund battles work in 2026.
Your 3 tiers of statutory protection in the UK
Buying a second-hand car from a dealership comes with powerful legal safeguards under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA). Under Section 9, any vehicle supplied by a commercial motor trader must be:
- Of satisfactory quality: Meeting the standard a reasonable person would expect given the car's age, mileage, and purchase price.
- Fit for purpose: Capable of being driven safely for normal everyday journeys.
- As described: Matching the specification, condition, and service history listed in the dealer's advert.
The 30-day short-term right to reject explained
If a serious fault manifests within 30 days of taking delivery, you do not have to accept a dealer's offer to "take it into their workshop and see what they can do."
Under Section 22 of the Act, you can formally reject the car and demand a complete refund of all monies paid (including delivery charges and admin fees). The dealer cannot charge a restocking fee or deduct money for the miles you drove during those first 30 days.
The 6-month reverse burden of proof
If a breakdown occurs between Day 31 and month 6, Section 19(14) of the Act establishes the "reverse burden of proof."
The law presumes the underlying mechanical or electrical fault was already present or developing on the day you drove off the forecourt. The dealer must prove the vehicle was completely sound at point of sale, which is legally difficult unless they have comprehensive pre-delivery inspection (PDI) records.
Consumer Rights Act 2015 vs Distance Selling Regulations
| Purchase Channel | Return Window | Dealer Repair Opportunity | Deductions for Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dealership forecourt (in-person) | 30 days (short-term rejection) | None required (buyer chooses) | Zero deductions allowed |
| Dealership forecourt (in-person) | 31 days to 6 months | 1 mandatory repair attempt | Reasonable mileage deduction permitted |
| Online / Distance sale (delivered) | 14 days (no-fault cancellation) | None (return for any reason) | Delivery return costs may apply |
| Private seller sale | No statutory return right | None (buyer beware) | No statutory refund rights |
Why UK car dealers are lobbying for a US-style Lemon Law
In recent trade consultations with the Department for Business and Trade, major UK dealer associations have called the 2015 Act "outdated for modern computerized vehicles."
Dealers argue that complex hybrid battery systems, modern automatic transmissions, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) frequently throw intermittent warning codes that require extensive diagnostic time. Retailers are actively campaigning for a US-style tiered lemon law that separates minor software issues from catastrophic engine failures based on mileage brackets.
Step-by-step guide to rejecting a faulty car
- Stop driving the car immediately: Continued driving after discovering a serious defect can weaken your legal position.
- Get an independent diagnostic report: Have a qualified independent garage or roadside patrol log the fault codes and provide written evidence.
- Send a written rejection notice: Write an email or recorded delivery letter stating clearly: "I am formally rejecting vehicle registration [VRM] under Section 22 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 due to failure to meet satisfactory quality."
- Involve your finance provider: If you bought the car via PCP or Hire Purchase, the finance company is jointly liable under Section 75 or the Supply of Goods (Implied Terms) Act 1973. Contact them directly to stop payments and initiate their complaints process.
How checking a car beforehand stops rejection nightmares
While statutory rejection rights exist, fighting a stubborn dealer for a £10,000 refund can take months of stress and formal ombudsman complaints.
Before you buy, run a free MOT history and specification check on Caroat to inspect historical failure advisories, suspension wear, and mileage patterns. If the vehicle passes initial checks, order a full premium vehicle report to ensure there is no hidden outstanding finance, unrecorded insurance salvage markers, or plate change anomalies.
FAQ
What is the 30-day right to reject under the Consumer Rights Act 2015?
Under Section 22 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, if a used car bought from a motor trader develops a significant fault within the first 30 days of purchase, you have the statutory right to reject the vehicle for a full refund without giving the dealer a chance to repair it.
What happens if a major fault appears between 30 days and 6 months?
Under Section 24 of the Act, if a fault develops within 6 months of delivery, the law presumes the fault was already present or developing at the time of sale. The dealer gets one opportunity to repair the vehicle. If that repair fails, you can exercise your final right to reject for a refund (subject to a reasonable deduction for mileage used).
Why are used car dealers pushing for a US-style Lemon Law?
Motor trade bodies argue that modern used cars with complex electronics, ADAS cameras, and hybrid battery packs suffer intermittent software glitches that make the blanket 30-day return rule financially punishing for independent dealerships.
Does the Consumer Rights Act protect private car sales?
No. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies strictly to transactions between a commercial motor trader and a consumer. Private sales operate under the principle of caveat emptor (buyer beware), where the seller must not mislead you, but you have no statutory right to return a faulty car.