Can I return a faulty car for a full refund?

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA 2015) gives you a legal right to a full refund if a fault is discovered within the first 30 days of ownership. This is known as the 'short-term right to reject' and applies if the car is not of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, or as described.

What are my legal rights when buying a car from a UK dealer?

Under the CRA 2015, cars must meet three criteria: they must be of 'satisfactory quality' (based on age and mileage), 'fit for purpose' (capable of doing what you requested), and 'as described' in adverts or by the dealer.

Do these rights apply if I buy a car from a private seller?

No. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 only applies to vehicles purchased from VAT-registered motor traders. Private sales are governed by the principle of 'caveat emptor' (buyer beware), though the car must still match its description.

Who has to prove the car was faulty?

If you discover a fault within the first six months of ownership, the law assumes the fault was present at the time of delivery. It is the dealer's responsibility to prove the car was not faulty, rather than your responsibility to prove it was.

Will I get 100% of my money back if I reject a car after two months?

If you reject a car after the first 30 days but within the first six months, the dealer is entitled to make a 'deduction for use.' This means they can reduce your refund based on the mileage you have covered since the purchase.

How do I reject a faulty car bought on finance?

If you bought the car on Finance (PCP or HP), the vehicle belongs to the finance company, not you. You should contact the finance provider directly to initiate a formal dispute, as they are equally liable for the quality of the car under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

Rejecting a Faulty Car: Your Rights Under CRA 2015 Explained

Q: Does the dealer have to repair my car or can I just get a refund?

If a fault appears after 30 days but within the first six months, you must usually allow the dealer one opportunity to repair or replace the vehicle. If the repair fails or is not possible, you then have the 'final right to reject' for a refund.

When you drive a new or used car off the forecourt, the expectation is one of reliability and safety. However, automotive mechanicals are complex, and sometimes things go wrong. If you find yourself with a "lemon," the law provides robust protections. In the UK, your primary shield against substandard vehicles is the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA 2015).

Understanding how to navigate this legislation is essential for every motorist. Whether you have discovered a gearbox failure two weeks into ownership or an intermittent electrical fault after five months, the law dictates specific steps you must take to secure a repair, replacement, or a full refund.

The Core Standards: What is a "Quality" Car?

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, any vehicle sold by a motor trader must meet three specific statutory standards. If the car fails any of these at the time of delivery, it is considered "non-conforming," and your rights are triggered.

Satisfactory Quality (Section 9): The vehicle must be of a standard that a reasonable person would expect, taking into account its age, price, and mileage. While a brand-new car should be near-perfect, a £2,000 used car with 100,000 miles is expected to have some wear and tear, but it must still be roadworthy and safe.
Fit for Purpose (Section 10): If you told the dealer you needed the car for a specific purpose (e.g., towing a heavy caravan), the vehicle must be capable of performing that task.
As Described (Section 11): The car must match the description provided by the dealer, whether in a print advert, an online listing on platforms like CarsLink.ai, or verbal representations made during the sale.

The Three Tiers of Remedies

The CRA 2015 provides a tiered system of remedies depending on how long you have owned the vehicle.

Timeframe	Legal Right	Key Detail
0 - 30 Days	Short-term Right to Reject	Full refund if a fault is found. No obligation to let the dealer repair it first.
30 Days - 6 Months	Right to Repair or Replacement	Dealer gets one attempt to fix the fault. If they fail, you can reject for a refund.
6 Months+	Final Right to Reject	The burden of proof shifts to the buyer to prove the fault was present at the time of sale.

1. The 30-Day Short-Term Right to Reject (Section 22)

This is the most powerful tool for a consumer. If a fault that makes the car non-conforming is identified within the first 30 days of ownership, you have the legal right to reject the vehicle and demand a full refund (Section 20).

Crucially, during these first 30 days, you are not legally required to let the dealer attempt a repair. If you choose to accept a repair, the 30-day "clock" stops while the car is in the garage and resumes once you receive it back.

2. The Right to Repair or Replacement (Section 23)

If you are outside the 30-day window but still within the first six months, the law shifts. You must now give the dealer one opportunity to repair or replace the vehicle.

The repair must be carried out within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience to you.
The dealer must bear all costs, including parts and labour.
If that single repair attempt fails, or if the replacement is also faulty, you move to the final tier.

3. The Final Right to Reject (Section 24)

If the dealer’s one attempt at repair fails, you have the "Final Right to Reject." At this stage, you can choose to:

Keep the car and receive a price reduction (partial refund).
Return the car for a refund.

Note on Deductions: If you reject a car after the first 30 days, the dealer is entitled to make a "deduction for use." This is usually calculated based on the mileage you have covered since purchase. There is no deduction for use if you reject within the first 30 days.

Dealing with Dealers: Their Obligations

It is important to remember that these rights only apply when buying from a Commercial Trader. If you buy from a private individual, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 does not apply (the Sale of Goods Act 1979 applies instead, which offers much less protection).

The Burden of Proof

For the first six months of ownership, the law assumes that any fault was present at the time of delivery unless the dealer can prove otherwise (Section 19(14)). This is a significant advantage for consumers. If a turbocharger blows four months after purchase, the dealer must prove the car was fine when sold; you do not have to prove it was broken.

After six months, the burden of proof flips. You must be able to prove (often via an independent engineer's report) that the fault was inherent or developing at the point of sale.

Distance Selling Regulations

If you bought the car entirely online or over the phone and never met the dealer in person until delivery, you have additional protections under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. You have a 14-day "cooling-off" period to cancel the contract for any reason—even if there is no fault with the car.

Finance and Section 75 Protection

If you used a credit card to pay at least £100 towards the car (even just the deposit), or if you bought the car on Hire Purchase (HP) or Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), you have an extra layer of security.

Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, the finance provider is "jointly and severally liable" for any breach of contract or misrepresentation by the dealer. This means if the dealer goes bust or refuses to cooperate, you can claim your refund directly from the bank or finance company.

Practical Steps to Reject a Faulty Car

Stop Driving: As soon as you suspect a major fault, stop using the vehicle. Continued use could be seen as "affirming" the contract.
Gather Evidence: Take photos of dashboard warning lights, record videos of strange noises, and keep copies of any communications with the dealer.
Formal Notification: You must notify the dealer of your rejection in writing (email or recorded delivery letter). State clearly that you are exercising your short-term right to reject under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
The "Out of Trade" Rule: A dealer cannot force you to use a specific warranty company. Your contract is with the dealer, not the warranty provider.
Use Search Tools Wisely: When searching for your next vehicle on CarsLink.ai, always check the dealer’s reviews and history to ensure they have a reputation for honouring consumer rights.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Accepting multiple repairs: If you are within the 30–180 day window, you only have to give the dealer one chance to fix a specific fault. Don't let them string you along with five "software updates" that don't solve the problem.
Ignoring the 30-day limit: If you notice a fault on day 2, don't wait until day 31 to report it. You will lose your absolute right to a full refund without a deduction for use.
Misidentifying a Private Sale: Some "traders" pose as private sellers on social media to avoid the CRA 2015. If a person sells more than a few cars a year, they are likely a dealer in the eyes of the law, and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 protects you against such misleading actions.

Key Takeaways

30 Days is Critical: You have an absolute right to reject a faulty car for a full refund within the first 30 days of ownership.
Satisfactory Quality: The car must be roadworthy, safe, and match its description.
One Repair Attempt: Between 30 days and 6 months, the dealer gets one shot at fixing the issue before you can demand a refund.
Burden of Proof: In the first 6 months, the dealer must prove the car wasn't faulty at the time of sale.
Section 75: Finance companies are equally responsible for faulty cars, providing an essential safety net for buyers.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal matters, consult a qualified solicitor or contact Citizens Advice. Content accurate as of March 2026.