This guide is maintained as a current resource for September 2026 and covers only the laws of England and Wales. Information is for general guidance, not legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
Comprehensive guide to breach of warranty in online purchases under UK law. Learn what a warranty is, how it interacts with statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the remedies available for faulty goods, time limits for claims, and practical steps to resolve disputes with traders or manufacturers.
When you buy goods online in England and Wales, UK law gives you statutory rights that protect you if the item is faulty, not what you expected, or fails to perform as promised. A “warranty” is a promise about product quality or performance that may be included in the contract between you and the seller or manufacturer. A breach of warranty occurs when that promise is not honoured, and understanding your rights and remedies is essential for resolving disputes with traders or manufacturers.
This article explains how breach of warranty works in the context of online purchases, the rights you automatically have under consumer law, how warranties differ from statutory rights, and what practical steps you can take if something goes wrong.
What Is a Warranty in Online Purchases?
A warranty is a contractual promise or guarantee that certain aspects of goods will be upheld. For example:
- A manufacturer might guarantee that a washing machine will operate for two years without defect.
- A retailer might assure you that an electronic device will be free from manufacturing faults for a set period.
Warranties may be offered without extra charge (sometimes called “guarantees”) and can include promises to repair, replace, or refund if the product doesn't perform as described. These are separate from your legal rights under statute but can provide additional remedies.
Statutory Rights Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015
1. Statutory Implied Terms
Even if a warranty is not expressly provided, UK consumer law automatically implies certain terms into your contract with a trader. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 any goods bought online must be:
- Of satisfactory quality – the item should meet the standard a reasonable person would expect, considering description, price, and condition.
- Fit for purpose – the goods must be suitable for the purpose they were sold for, including any specific use you told the seller about.
- As described – what arrives must match the description on the website, packaging, or in promotional material.
If these basic requirements are not met, the contract term is breached, and you have remedies against the seller.
How Warranty Fits With Statutory Rights
A warranty is separate from statutory rights. It may give you additional assurances or a longer period to seek repair/replacement. However:
- You cannot lose your statutory rights because of a warranty. Traders cannot contract out of your core legal protections.
- Warranty terms may include conditions you must meet (e.g. registering the product, returning it within certain timeframes).
- Statutory rights apply even if a warranty has expired, though proving a breach becomes harder the longer you have owned the item.
The key point is that a warranty can be an extra benefit but does not replace your basic legal protection under the 2015 Act.
What Happens When a Warranty Is Breached?
A breach of warranty occurs when the terms of that warranty are not met. For example, a manufacturer promises repair within two years but refuses to fix a confirmed manufacturing fault.
Statutory Remedies for Breach of Warranty‑Related Faults
If a product fails because it is not of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, or as described, you may have the following statutory rights:
- Short‑Term Right to Reject (30 Days)
If the item is faulty, you can reject it and demand a full refund within 30 days of delivery. - Repair or Replacement (Up to Six Months)
If a fault appears within six months, it is presumed to have existed at the time of purchase unless the trader proves otherwise. The seller must repair or replace the item. - Final Right to Reject or Price Reduction
If repair/replacement fails or is impractical, you can reject the goods for a refund or keep them and receive a price reduction.
Even if these statutory rights are exhausted, you may still pursue a breach of warranty claim under the contract terms if the warranty provides further remedies beyond those statutory ones.
Warranties After Six Months
After six months, it becomes harder to rely on statutory rights because you may need to prove the fault was present when you received the goods. In such cases:
- Warranties may provide clearer evidence of what was promised and make it easier to get a remedy.
- Manufacturers often handle warranty claims directly, not through the seller.
Carefully read the warranty terms to establish how to make a claim and what proof is needed.
Practical Steps When a Warranty Is Breached
1. Check the Terms
Review the warranty documentation to understand duration, covered faults, and required claim process.
2. Gather Evidence
Keep receipts, order confirmations, delivery records, photos of defects, and written correspondence.
3. Contact the Right Party
- For statutory rights: contact the retailer or trader from whom you bought the goods.
- For warranty claims: contact the manufacturer or guarantor as specified in the documentation.
4. Escalate If Needed
If the trader refuses to honour statutory rights or warranty obligations, consider:
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services used for consumer complaints.
- Making a claim in the small claims court for breach of contract or mis‑described goods.
Time Limits for Claims
Statutory rights may allow claims for up to six years from the date of purchase under the Limitation Act 1980, but proving fault becomes more challenging the older the case. Warranties often have specific time limits that may be shorter or longer than statutory periods, so noting these is important.
FAQs About Breach of Warranty
Can a warranty be transferred if I sell the item?
Some warranties include clauses stating they are not transferable, which may restrict benefits if the product is sold second‑hand. These terms can be subject to fairness scrutiny under consumer law.
Is statutory protection better than a warranty?
Statutory protection cannot be limited or excluded, whereas warranties are contract terms that can vary widely. Statutory rights often provide stronger baseline protection.
What if I bought the item abroad?
If you bought from a non‑UK trader, statutory rights may differ. Warranties might be useful if a UK manufacturer backs them.
Conclusion
A breach of warranty in an online purchase arises when a seller or manufacturer fails to uphold promises made about product quality or performance. Your core legal rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 ensure that goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described, and give clear remedies if these standards are not met. Warranties add contractual assurances that can extend or complement statutory rights, but they do not replace them.
Understanding both statutory rights and warranties helps you decide the best route when something goes wrong with an online purchase. Keeping detailed records and acting promptly improves the likelihood of a successful claim, whether through statutory rights, warranty provisions, or dispute resolution mechanisms.
