How long do I have to reject a faulty car?

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have a 30-day 'short-term right to reject' from the date of delivery (not order) if your car has a fault that makes it not of satisfactory quality, not fit for purpose, or not as described. You must notify the dealer in writing within the 30-day window. If you do, you are entitled to a full refund, though the dealer may deduct a reasonable amount for mileage you have added.

What counts as a 'significant fault' to reject a car?

A significant fault is any defect that means the car is not of satisfactory quality, not fit for purpose, or not as described. Examples include: engine failure, gearbox problems, persistent warning lights, electrical system failures, water leaks, brake faults, or any defect that makes the car unsafe or unreliable. The fault does not have to make the car undriveable — a persistent problem that affects your enjoyment and use of the vehicle can still qualify.

Can the dealer deduct money for mileage if I reject the car?

If you reject the car within 30 days, the dealer is entitled to make a deduction for the use you have had of the vehicle. This is usually calculated based on the mileage you have added. The deduction must be reasonable and is typically a few pence per mile. The dealer cannot simply keep a large chunk of your money — the deduction must reflect actual usage. If you reject the car within the first few days with minimal mileage, the deduction should be very small or none at all.

What if the dealer refuses to accept my rejection?

If the dealer refuses to accept your lawful rejection of the car, put your rejection in writing (email or letter) and keep a copy. If you paid by credit card or through dealership finance, you can also make a Section 75 claim with your card provider or finance company. You can complain to the Motor Ombudsman if the dealer is a member. As a last resort, you can issue a claim in the county court. Do not continue to use the car if you have formally rejected it, as this may weaken your claim.

Does the 30-day right apply to used cars?

Yes, the 30-day short-term right to reject applies to both new and used cars bought from a dealer. However, the standard of quality expected of a used car takes into account its age, mileage, and price. A 10-year-old car with 100,000 miles is not expected to be in the same condition as a nearly new car. But it must still be roadworthy, reliable, and free from significant undisclosed faults.

How to Reject a Faulty Car Within 30 Days: Your Short-Term Right UK 2026

Buying a car — whether new or used — is one of the biggest purchases most people make. If your car turns out to have a significant fault, you have a powerful legal right to reject it and get your money back within 30 days. This is your "short-term right to reject" under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, and car dealers are legally obliged to honour it. Here is how to exercise this right effectively and what to do if the dealer pushes back.

The 30-Day Short-Term Right to Reject

Under section 22 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, if your car is not of satisfactory quality, not fit for purpose, or not as described, you have an absolute right to reject it within 30 days of taking delivery. This means:

You do not have to accept a repair — you can demand a full refund.
The dealer must refund you within 14 days of agreeing to the rejection (or from the date they receive the car back if earlier).
The refund must include any standard delivery charges you paid, plus road tax for the remaining months.
The dealer may deduct a reasonable amount for the mileage you have added since purchase.

The 30-day clock starts from the day after you take delivery of the vehicle, not from the date you ordered or paid for it. So if you collect the car on the 5th of the month, day 1 is the 6th, and you have until the 5th of the following month to notify the dealer of rejection.

What Counts as a Fault Worthy of Rejection?

Not every minor issue justifies rejecting a car. The fault must mean the car is not of satisfactory quality, not fit for purpose, or not as described. Examples of faults that typically justify rejection include:

Engine failure or persistent engine management warning lights
Gearbox faults, clutch failure, or transmission issues
Brake system faults that affect safety
Electrical system failures (dashboard, infotainment, warning systems)
Water leaks into the cabin or boot
Suspension or steering defects
The car was sold with a false service history or has been clocked (mileage tampering)
The car does not match the description — e.g., sold as one model but is actually a lower specification
The car is subject to outstanding finance that was not disclosed

Minor cosmetic issues (a small scratch, a slightly worn tyre) are unlikely to justify outright rejection, though the dealer should still remedy these.

Step-by-Step: How to Reject Your Car

Stop using the car. Once you have decided to reject the car, stop driving it immediately. Continued use after formal rejection can weaken your position and increase the mileage deduction. If you need to drive it to return to the dealer, that is acceptable — but do not use it for day-to-day journeys.
Notify the dealer in writing without delay. Send an email or letter to the dealer clearly stating that you are exercising your short-term right to reject under section 22 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Describe the fault(s) and when you first noticed them. State that you want a full refund. Attach photos or video evidence of the fault if you have it. Keep a copy of everything you send.
Arrange return of the vehicle. The dealer is responsible for collecting the car at their own cost if the fault makes it unsafe or unreliable to drive. If the car is driveable, you may need to return it to the dealership yourself. Ask the dealer to confirm collection or return arrangements in writing.
Do not accept a repair as a substitute. Within the first 30 days, the choice is yours — you do not have to give the dealer a chance to fix the car. If the dealer offers a repair, you can politely decline and insist on a refund. Do not let the dealer pressure you into accepting a repair if you want to reject the car.
Return all keys, documents, and accessories. Hand back all sets of keys, the V5C logbook, service history, owner's manual, locking wheel nuts, and any other items that came with the car. If the dealer has the full set, they are in a better position to resell the vehicle.
Follow up if the dealer does not refund promptly. The dealer has 14 days to issue the refund. If they fail to do so, send a formal letter before action and consider escalating to the Motor Ombudsman or the courts.

What If the Dealer Refuses?

Dealers sometimes refuse to accept a rejection, claiming the fault is minor, that you must give them a chance to repair it, or that the 30-day right does not apply to used cars. These claims are often unfounded. If the dealer refuses:

Stay firm. Politely reiterate your legal right under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Many dealers back down once they realise you know your rights.
Use the finance route. If you used dealer finance (a hire purchase or PCP agreement) or a credit card, contact the finance company or card provider. They are jointly liable under Section 75 or the Consumer Credit Act. This is often the fastest route to resolution.
Complain to the Motor Ombudsman. If the dealer is a member of the Motor Ombudsman scheme (check their website), you can use its free dispute resolution service. The Motor Ombudsman can make binding awards up to £100,000.
Court action. As a last resort, you can issue a claim in the county court. For claims up to £10,000, the small claims track keeps costs manageable.

Your Rights After 30 Days

If you are outside the 30-day window, you still have rights:

30 days to 6 months: You must give the dealer one opportunity to repair or replace the car. If the repair fails or the dealer cannot fix the problem within a reasonable time, you are entitled to a refund, though a deduction for usage may apply.
6 months to 6 years: You can still claim, but you must prove the fault was present at the time of purchase. This may require an independent inspection report.

Special Considerations for Finance Agreements

If you bought your car on finance (PCP, HP, or lease), the finance company is the legal owner of the car. This can actually strengthen your position — the finance company is jointly liable for faults under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Contact your finance provider and explain the situation. They may put pressure on the dealer to resolve the issue or may unwind the finance agreement. For regulated agreements, the Financial Ombudsman Service provides a free dispute resolution route.

FAQ

Can I reject a car bought at auction?

Consumer Rights Act protections apply if you bought from a motor trader at auction. However, if you bought at a public auction from a private seller, different rules apply — the auction house's terms and conditions will usually govern, and standard consumer protections may not apply. Always check the auction terms before bidding.

What if the dealer says "sold as seen"?

A dealer cannot exclude or limit your Consumer Rights Act rights by saying "sold as seen", "no refunds", or "trade sale only" if you are a consumer buying from a business. These disclaimers are legally ineffective. Your statutory rights override any attempt to contract out of them. The Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 also restricts such exclusions.

Do I have to pay the dealer's costs for rejecting the car?

No. The dealer cannot charge you an administration fee, restocking fee, or any other charge for accepting the rejection of a faulty car. The only permissible deduction is for the mileage you have added. If the dealer tries to charge additional fees, refuse and cite the Consumer Rights Act.

Can I reject a car because of a fault that was present when I bought it but I only noticed later?

Yes, if you are within the 30-day window. The right to reject applies if the car is faulty, regardless of when you personally noticed the fault. A fault that was present at purchase but only became apparent later still counts. After 30 days, the 6-month reversed burden of proof helps your case — it is for the dealer to prove the fault was NOT present at purchase.

Authoritative Sources

Consumer Rights Act 2015 — full legislative text
The Motor Ombudsman — free dispute resolution for the motor industry
Citizens Advice — Problems with a car
Which? — Car buying rights
GOV.UK — Consumer rights

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