When purchasing a pre-owned vehicle from a well-known auto dealer, it is essential to understand your rights as a consumer, especially when the car is still under warranty. In this case, the consumer had concerns about being asked to pay for spare parts for maintenance, despite the vehicle being covered by a 6-month warranty. The UAE Consumer Protection Law and its Cabinet Decision on Execution Regulations on UAE Consumer Protection Law provides guidelines for situations like this. According to Article 10 of Federal Law No. 15 of 2020 on Consumer Protection, the supplier of products is responsible for implementing all warranties, providing necessary spare parts and maintenance, replacing goods, or refunding their monetary value within the specified time limit.
The warranty of a product should include essential details such as the supplier’s name and particulars, date of purchase, warranty period, name and model of the product, consumers’ obligations, exclusions in the warranty, etc. Failure to adhere to these provisions may result in the consumer claiming compensation from the supplier. Additionally, the supplier is required to provide spare parts for repair within a specified time frame, depending on the demand regularity. The UAE Consumer Protection Law also allows consumers to claim compensation for personal or material damages resulting from the use of the product or service, with exclusions for damages caused by misuse or improper use.
It is crucial for suppliers to fulfill their obligations as stated in the warranty, and failure to do so may result in administrative sanctions and financial penalties. If the warranty details of a car specify that the auto dealer is responsible for covering the cost of spare parts, the consumer has the right to demand that the dealer fulfill this obligation. If the auto dealer insists on the consumer paying for spare parts despite being under warranty, the consumer can file a complaint against the dealer with the UAE Ministry of Economy. Seeking legal advice from professionals like Ashish Mehta, founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates, can also help consumers navigate their rights in such situations.
In conclusion, consumers purchasing pre-owned vehicles with warranties from auto dealers should be aware of their rights under the UAE Consumer Protection Law. It is essential to understand the terms of the warranty, including the supplier’s responsibilities for providing spare parts and maintenance. If a supplier fails to fulfill their obligations as per the warranty agreement, consumers have legal remedies available to claim compensation and seek resolution for the issue. Seeking guidance from legal experts and filing complaints with the relevant authorities can help consumers protect their rights and ensure fair treatment in such situations.
