Does the Song-Beverly Act cover used products sold with a warranty?

What the Law Says

The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Civil Code § 1790 et seq.) protects consumers who buy consumer goods — including used items — if those goods come with a written warranty.

The law defines 'consumer goods' broadly as 'any new or used personal property that is primarily used for personal, family, or household purposes.' This explicitly includes used products — not just new ones.

Coverage is triggered when the seller provides a written warranty — whether express or implied — and the product fails to conform to that warranty during the warranty period.

Once covered, the manufacturer or seller must repair, replace, or refund the product if it cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts (generally four) or within 30 days total.

The warranty period must be at least one year for written warranties on consumer goods unless a shorter period is clearly and conspicuously disclosed.

Statutory Text

‘Consumer goods’ means any new or used personal property that is primarily used for personal, family, or household purposes.

— Civil Code § 1791(a)

Statutory Text

Any manufacturer or retailer who makes an express written warranty… shall, prior to the sale… make available to the buyer a copy of the warranty.

— Civil Code § 1791.2(a)

Statutory Text

If the manufacturer or its representative is unable to repair the goods to conform to the express warranty after a reasonable number of attempts… the buyer may elect to receive either a replacement or a refund.

— Civil Code § 1793.2(d)(1)

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