UK vehicle complaint guides
Common situations, plain-English explanations, and the information you'll need to organise your complaint.
Bought a faulty car from a dealer
If you bought a vehicle from a UK dealer and a fault has appeared, your position depends on when the fault appeared, what was disclosed at purchase, and what evidence you have. A structured complaint helps the dealer respond clearly.
Read guide Recent purchaseUsed car broke down after purchase
If your used car has broken down shortly after purchase, the key things to capture are the date of purchase, the date of breakdown, any diagnostic codes, and any recovery or repair invoices.
Read guide EscalationDealer refusing to repair the car
If a dealer is refusing to repair a faulty vehicle, set out your position in writing with a clear timeline, evidence and the outcome you are requesting.
Read guide 30-day windowCan I reject a used car within 30 days?
If you bought a used car from a UK dealer and a fault appears within 30 days, your options may depend on when the fault appeared, whether it was present or developing at purchase, what the seller told you, and what evidence you have.
Read guide 30 days – 6 monthsUsed car fault after 30 days
After 30 days, the most common path is to allow the dealer one opportunity to repair, replace or contribute.
Read guide FinanceCar on finance has gone wrong
If the vehicle is on finance (HP or PCP), the finance provider may share responsibility with the dealer. A parallel complaint addressed to both is often appropriate.
Read guide Common objectionDealer says it's wear and tear
'Wear and tear' is a common dealer response. It may or may not apply depending on the part, the mileage, the price you paid, and what was reasonable to expect.
Read guide Common objectionDealer says it was sold as seen
'Sold as seen' does not override your statutory rights when you buy from a UK dealer.
Read guide WarrantyUsed car warranty refused
If a warranty claim has been refused, your statutory rights against the dealer often still apply.
Read guide DocumentLetter to dealer for a faulty car
A clear, factual letter typically outperforms a phone call. It should set out the vehicle details, what went wrong, when, and what outcome you are asking for.
Read guide EscalationLetter before action — used car dealer
A letter before action is a formal escalation document, typically sent after an initial complaint has been ignored or refused.
Read guide Private saleProblems with a privately bought car
Private sales have far fewer statutory protections than dealer purchases. Your position usually centres on whether the seller misrepresented the vehicle.
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