What Are My Rights Under a Warranty?

Warranties are promises about the quality or functionality of a product. Understanding your warranty rights helps you get repairs, replacements, or refunds when products fail.

Types of warranties:

Express warranty — A specific promise made by the seller or manufacturer, either verbally, in writing, or through advertising. Example: "This TV comes with a 2-year warranty against defects."

Implied warranty of merchantability — Exists automatically under the UCC. The product must work as a reasonable buyer would expect.

Implied warranty of fitness — If you rely on the seller's expertise to choose a product for a specific purpose, it must be suitable for that purpose.

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal law):

Applies to products with written warranties costing more than $15.

Requires warranties to be clear and easy to understand.

Prohibits manufacturers from requiring you to use only their brand of parts or service.

Allows you to sue for breach of warranty and recover attorney's fees.

Full vs. limited warranty:

Full warranty — Must repair or replace the product within a reasonable time. If the product cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, you get a refund or replacement.

Limited warranty — Covers only certain parts, certain defects, or has other restrictions.

"As is" sales. Buying a product "as is" generally waives implied warranties but not express warranties. Some states prohibit "as is" sales for certain products.

Extended warranties. These are optional service contracts, not true warranties. Evaluate cost vs. benefit carefully.

This is legal information, not legal advice.