What to do if warranty is not honored?

Asked by: Davon Brekke  |  Last update: April 15, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (58 votes)

If a company won't honor a warranty, first document everything, then escalate by sending a formal, certified letter to the manufacturer requesting action, and if that fails, file complaints with the FTC, Better Business Bureau, and your State Attorney General, potentially pursuing small claims court as a final step for breach of contract.

Is it illegal for a company to not honor warranty?

California State Warranty Laws

Express Warranties: Whenever a seller provides an express warranty, it must be honored. Systemic violations—such as repeatedly failing to repair products under warranty—can lead to class action suits.

Can you sue if the company doesn't honor your warranty?

Filing a Lawsuit in California Courts

If the company still refuses to honor the warranty, you may file a lawsuit. California law lets you: Sue in Small Claims Court (for claims up to $12,500) without a lawyer. File in Superior Court for larger or more complex cases.

What to do if a contractor does not honor a warranty?

If the contractor does not respond, consider sending a formal written demand referencing the warranty terms. If unresolved, you may explore dispute resolution options such as mediation or small claims court, depending on the contract and jurisdiction. Keeping detailed records is essential for any legal steps.

What rights do I have if a product is out of warranty?

Warranties and guarantees

A customer has the same right to free repairs or a replacement regardless of whether they have a warranty or guarantee or not. So you may still have to repair or replace an item if a customer's warranty or guarantee has run out.

What To Do When A Company Doesn’t Honor Warranty? - CountyOffice.org

45 related questions found

What constitutes a breach of warranty?

Breach of warranty is defined as the violation of an express or implied contract of warranty, and thus it is a breach of contract. Essentially, it occurs when the warrantor fails to provide the assurance warranted.

How to fight a warranty denial?

Step-by-Step Guide to Challenging a Warranty Claim Denial

  1. Request and Review the Denial in Writing. ...
  2. Get Your Warranty Documents and Read the Fine Print. ...
  3. Gather Compelling Evidence to Support Your Claim. ...
  4. Get an Independent Inspection and Expert Opinion. ...
  5. Draft a Formal Appeal Letter. ...
  6. Escalate to Higher Authority.

What is the 2 year rule for contractors?

The "2-year contractor rule" isn't a single law but refers to different concepts, primarily the UK's HMRC 24-month rule limiting tax relief on travel/subsistence for contractors at a single temporary workplace, and broader U.S. discussions about independent contractor classification, where long-term relationships (often nearing two years) signal employee status under Department of Labor (DOL) rules. In the UK, exceeding 24 months at one site (or 40% of time there) makes it a permanent workplace, ending expense claims. In the U.S., ongoing 2-year engagements raise red flags for misclassification, pushing the DOL to use various tests (like the current "economic reality" test) to determine if a worker is truly independent or an employee. 

What to do if you get ripped off by a contractor?

If a contractor takes your money, first document everything, then try contacting them, and if that fails, escalate by filing police reports (for theft), reporting to your state's licensing board and Attorney General, pursuing small claims court for damages, contacting your bank for chargebacks, or hiring a lawyer for civil action, depending on the situation. 

Who do I complain to about a warranty company?

File a complaint with government or consumer programs

File a complaint with your local consumer protection office. Notify the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your area about your problem. The BBB tries to resolve complaints against companies.

How hard is it to win a breach of contract lawsuit?

Winning a breach of contract lawsuit is challenging, requiring you to prove four key elements (valid contract, your performance, the other party's breach, and resulting damages) against potential defenses like lack of clarity or capacity, while also proving the defendant has money to pay and managing the stress, time, and cost of litigation, with most cases settling before trial anyway. 

How to prove breach of warranty?

The plaintiff is required to show the following to prove a case of breach of express warranty:

  1. Plaintiff purchased a product;
  2. Defendant provided an express warranty by affirmation of fact or promise, or description of the product;
  3. The product failed to conform to the defendant's affirmation or description; and.

What is the federal law for warranty?

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is the federal law that governs consumer product warranties. Passed by Congress in 1975, the Act requires warrantors of consumer products to provide consumers with detailed information about warranty coverage.

What invalidates a warranty?

A warranty is typically voided by neglecting maintenance, making unauthorized modifications (like aftermarket parts that cause failure), misusing the product (e.g., racing a car, spilling liquid on electronics), altering the odometer, or severe environmental damage (floods, fires). Failure to follow the specific terms, such as using incorrect fluids or not registering a product, can also nullify coverage, though the manufacturer often needs to prove the issue directly caused the damage. 

How long is too long for your car to be in the shop?

There's no single "too long," but generally, a few days is normal, while over a week without updates, or several weeks for major repairs, signals a problem, especially if the shop isn't communicating delays (parts, complex diagnosis) or stuck to an initial estimate. While extensive repairs like engine rebuilds can take weeks (7-21 days), delays beyond the original timeframe, or a lack of communication after a couple of days, warrant assertive follow-up or seeking another mechanic. 

How long is a contractor liable for their work?

Statutes and Contracts

For instance, in California, a general contractor is held liable for a minimum standard of construction for 10 years post-building completion, with certain defects claimable only within 1 or 4 years​.

What is the 24 month rule?

A place cannot be a temporary workplace if the employee's attendance there is during a 'period of continuous work' at the place which lasts (or is likely to last) for more than 24 months.

What are the 5 rules of contract law?

The five essential rules (elements) for a valid contract are Offer, Acceptance, Consideration, Capacity, and Legal Intent (or Legality), meaning one party makes a clear offer, the other accepts it, something of value (consideration) is exchanged, parties are legally capable, and the agreement's purpose is lawful, all with the intention of creating a binding agreement. 

What to do if a company refuses to honor a warranty?

Department of Consumer Affairs. File a complaint online at www.dca.ca.gov or call 800.952. 5210 to have a complaint form mailed to you. California Attorney General's Office.

What are my rights under warranty?

Warranty rights give consumers legal recourse for defective products, ensuring sellers or manufacturers repair, replace, or refund items that fail to meet promised quality within a reasonable time, covering both explicit promises (express warranties) and basic functionality (implied warranties) like being fit for normal use. Key rights include free repairs/replacements, protection from unreasonable limitations, and the ability to enforce claims even if the warranty period ends during a repair, though you should get spoken promises in writing and keep all records.
 

What are the three most common mistakes on a claim that will cause denials?

Here, we discuss the first five most common medical coding and billing mistakes that cause claim denials so you can avoid them in your business:

  • Claim is not specific enough. ...
  • Claim is missing information. ...
  • Claim not filed on time (aka: Timely Filing)

What can you do if a company does not refund you?

If a company won't refund you, first formally contact them again, then dispute the charge with your bank/card issuer, and if needed, escalate by filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), your State Attorney General, and the FTC, or consider small claims court for larger amounts. 

Can I get a refund without proof of purchase?

If the goods are faulty you still have the same rights to a refund etc. even if you don't have the receipt. If the goods are not faulty and you have lost the receipt there is no obligation on the retailer to refund you your money.

What are my consumer rights?

Satisfactory quality – your goods shouldn't be faulty or damaged, and of at least satisfactory quality. For example, second-hand goods aren't held to the same standards as new. Fit for purpose – you should be able to use it for the purpose they were supplied for.