Federal warranty law (Magnuson-Moss)

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law that covers written warranties on consumer products, including cars, in every state.

What it does for you

• If a product with a written warranty can't be fixed, you can sue the warrantor for breach of warranty.
• A consumer who wins can be awarded attorney fees and costs, so lawyers often take these cases.
• A seller that gives a written warranty can't take away the implied warranties that come with the sale.
• It applies to used cars sold with a written warranty, and after your state's lemon law period ends, as long as the warranty still covers the problem.

Before you sue

If the warranty requires you to use the manufacturer's dispute resolution program first, and that program meets federal rules, you may have to try it before going to court.

Official information

FTC: A Businessperson's Guide to Federal Warranty Law · 15 U.S.C. Chapter 50 (Magnuson-Moss)