{"id":352521,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/warranty-laws-and-the-magnuson-moss-warranty-act.html"},"modified":"2024-03-21T10:59:05","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T15:59:05","slug":"warranty-laws-and-the-magnuson-moss-warranty-act","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/warranty-laws-and-the-magnuson-moss-warranty-act.html","title":{"rendered":"Warranty Laws and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Warranty Laws and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act <\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law governing consumer product warranties, enacted in 1975. It requires manufacturers and sellers to provide clear warranty details and facilitates informal dispute resolution while allowing consumers to seek court remedies for warranty breaches. It covers most consumer products with written warranties but excludes services, resale products, and products for commercial use. The Act prohibits deceptive warranty terms, tie-in sales provisions, and limits on implied warranties, protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair warranty practices.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you own a product with a written warranty, understanding the Magnuson-Moss Act can help you detect unfair terms. You may also want to know how this law applies to a warranty claim if an item falls short of its promises.<\/p>\n

Passed by Congress in 1975, the Magnuson-Moss Act is the federal law that governs consumer product warranties. Manufacturers and sellers must provide consumers with clear details about warranty coverage.<\/p>\n

The Magnuson-Moss Act affects the rights of consumers and the obligations of businesses (the warrantors). The Act promotes resolving disputes informally but also makes it easier for consumers to seek a remedy for breach of warranty in court.<\/p>\n

What the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act Covers<\/h2>\n

The Act covers warranties for most types of consumer products, as long as the seller or manufacturer made explicit guarantees in writing. Merchants who offer written warranties and service contracts must disclose and describe their terms.<\/p>\n

The Magnuson-Moss Act doesn’t require manufacturers or sellers to provide written warranties. Express warranties<\/a> are optional for businesses. A product without any written warranty might still have implied warranty coverage<\/a> under state laws.<\/p>\n

Excluded Purchases<\/h3>\n

The Act applies only to consumer products<\/a>, so it doesn’t cover warranties for the following:<\/p>\n