An expired manufacturer warranty does not by itself end the seller’s legal guarantee. For new goods bought by a consumer from a professional EU seller, the minimum is two years from delivery; national rules and the defect still matter.
| Situation | Who to contact | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer warranty expired | Seller on the purchase contract | Delivery date and applicable national rules |
| Fault appears during guarantee period | Professional seller | Fault timing and whether it existed at delivery |
| Seller rejects the request | National consumer authority | Local proof rules and escalation route |
The seller guarantee is a separate right
Your Europe’s example concerns a computer that fails after a one-year manufacturer guarantee: where the seller agrees the computer is faulty, it must repair or replace it without charge. The commercial warranty does not replace that seller obligation.
Check the purchase and the fault
The legal guarantee concerns non-conformity present at delivery, including defects that appear later. During the first year, the seller must disprove that the defect existed at delivery; some countries extend that presumption to two years. National protection may exceed the EU minimum. This guide excludes private sales.
Ask for assessment before assuming the remedy
Ask for repair or replacement first. A refund may follow if these are impossible or cannot be provided within reasonable time without significant inconvenience. If the seller does not resolve the issue, consult the consumer authority where you live.
Prepare a seller request
- Record the seller, delivery date, and country; keep receipt and delivery evidence.
- Describe the fault and when it first appeared without guessing its cause.
- Ask for legal-guarantee assessment and check your country’s consumer guidance.
Sources & scope
Reviewed 2026-11-01. General guidance for new goods bought by a consumer from a professional EU seller; national rules and the facts of the defect matter. The FAQ page was last checked 2026-04-29.