SingaporeThe car I bought has hidden defects. Can I reject it?
Yes, you may reject the car if it has hidden defects that breach the implied terms under the Sale of Goods Act, such as not being of satisfactory quality or fit for purpose — but you must act quickly and before accepting the goods.
What the Law Says
Under Singapore law, when you buy a car (or any goods), certain terms are automatically included in the contract — even if not written down. These are called 'implied terms', and they protect buyers from hidden defects.
The Sale of Goods Act (Cap. 393, 1999 Rev Ed) implies key protections into every sale of goods. Section 14 is especially important: it says that when a seller sells goods in the course of business, the goods must be of 'satisfactory quality' and 'fit for any particular purpose' made known to the seller.
‘Satisfactory quality’ means the car must meet the standard a reasonable person would expect — considering its description, price, and other relevant circumstances. Hidden mechanical faults, undisclosed accident history, or serious unrepaired damage may breach this term.
You can reject the car — meaning cancel the contract and get a full refund — only if you do so within a 'reasonable time' after delivery and before you 'accept' the goods. Acceptance usually happens when you indicate approval, use the car extensively, or wait too long without complaint.
Statutory TextWhere the seller sells goods in the course of a business, there is an implied term that the goods supplied under the contract are of satisfactory quality.
— Sale of Goods Act, s. 14 — Implied terms about quality and fitness for purpose
What to Do
Inspect the car carefully as soon as possible and document any defects (photos, videos, mechanic report).
Notify the seller in writing immediately — state clearly that you are rejecting the car due to hidden defects and refer to s. 14 of the Sale of Goods Act.
Do not continue using the car unnecessarily — continued use may count as acceptance.
If the seller refuses, consider filing a claim at the Small Claims Tribunal (for claims up to S$20,000, or S$30,000 if both parties agree).
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.