US FederalWhat warranty rights do I have when I buy a consumer product?
When you buy a consumer product in the U.S., federal law requires that written warranties be clear, complete, and easy to understand—and if a product fails, the seller or manufacturer must fix, replace, or refund it without charge.
What the Law Says
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is the main federal law protecting consumers’ warranty rights for products used for personal, family, or household purposes. It sets rules for how warranties must be written, disclosed, and enforced.
The Act applies only to 'consumer products'—tangible personal property normally used for personal, family, or household purposes. It does not cover services, real estate, or business-use items.
If a seller or manufacturer offers a written warranty, it must be labeled either 'full' or 'limited.' A full warranty means the company must fix, replace, or refund the product free of charge within a reasonable time and without unreasonable inconvenience.
The law also bans deceptive warranty terms and requires that all written warranties be made available to consumers before purchase—so you can read them in the store or online.
Statutory TextThe term 'consumer product' means any tangible personal property which is distributed in commerce and which is normally used for personal, family, or household purposes...
— 15 U.S.C. § 2301 — Definitions
What to Do
Read the written warranty before buying—it must be clearly labeled 'full' or 'limited'.
Keep your receipt and warranty documents as proof of purchase and coverage.
Contact the seller or manufacturer promptly if the product fails—request repair, replacement, or refund.
If they refuse without good reason, you may file a complaint with the FTC or sue in court (the Act allows recovery of attorney’s fees if you win).
Sources
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JapanNot 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.