Have you ever purchased a product only for it to fail shortly after, leaving you frustrated? 

We live in a world where warranties are supposed to provide peace of mind, but sellers and manufacturers don’t always hold up their end of the deal. Thankfully, federal law protects consumers against product defects and even entitles you to take legal action if you’ve had repeated issues with an appliance or vehicle purchase but have not received a refund or replacement.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law passed by Congress in 1975 that governs warranties on consumer products and helps ensure that consumers are treated fairly. The law mandates that manufacturers and sellers provide clear and detailed information about warranty coverage, terms, and conditions to consumers before they make a purchase. 

It aims to protect consumers by ensuring transparency and fairness in warranty agreements. It prohibits deceptive practices related to warranties that could mislead consumers, such as disclaimers of implied warranties. This act applies to written warranties on consumer products costing more than $10 and is a valuable tool for consumers seeking legal remedies for breach of warranty. One of its key provisions is the regulation of breach of warranty lawsuits, providing consumers with legal recourse in case a product fails to meet the terms of its warranty. 

Understanding Breach of Warranty Lawsuits

A warranty is a legally binding promise made by a manufacturer or seller to stand behind the quality and performance of a product, providing assurance to the buyer that it will meet certain standards or expectations. A breach of warranty occurs when a product fails to meet the promises made in its warranty. Consumers have the right to file a breach of warranty lawsuit if they have purchased a defective product covered by a warranty and the manufacturer or seller fails to remedy the issue as promised. 

There are two main types of warranties: express warranties, which are explicitly stated and implied warranties, which are presumed by law to apply to the sale of goods. In the case of express warranties, these are specific promises made by the manufacturer or seller about the quality and performance of the product. For example, if a company guarantees that a kitchen appliance will be free from defects for one year, this is an express warranty. On the other hand, implied warranties automatically come into play when a product is sold. These warranties assure that the product is fit for its intended purpose, is of reasonable quality, and will perform as expected.

Examples of breach of warranty:

• A consumer purchases a new refrigerator with a one-year warranty, but the compressor fails after only six months. Despite multiple repair attempts, the refrigerator continues to malfunction, violating the express warranty for satisfactory performance.
• A car buyer purchases a vehicle with a three-year warranty, but shortly after purchase, they discover that the brakes are defective. Despite notifying the manufacturer and dealership, they refuse to repair or replace the faulty brakes, breaching the warranty of merchantability.

Compensation in Breach of Warranty Lawsuits

In breach of warranty lawsuits, consumers may seek various forms of compensation, including repair or replacement of the defective product, reimbursement for repair costs, compensation for damages caused by the defective product, and in some cases, punitive damages to punish the manufacturer or seller for their wrongdoing.

Starling Law Firm Will Fight for You

If you believe that you have experienced a breach of warranty, it is important to seek legal guidance to understand your rights and pursue appropriate legal action. At Starling Law Firm, we understand that when you make a major purchase, you expect the product or vehicle to meet certain quality, performance, and standards. Our team is experienced in handling breach of warranty lawsuits and is committed to advocating for you. Don’t let a breach of warranty go unaddressed. Contact Starling Law Firm to protect your rights and seek justice for your consumer rights.