Legal Definitions - Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act

The Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act is a federal law in the United States designed to protect consumers by ensuring that manufacturers and sellers of consumer products provide clear and understandable written warranties.

Specifically, this Act requires that any written warranty offered for a consumer product must:

• Be written in plain language that is easy for the average consumer to understand.
• Fully and conspicuously disclose all the terms and conditions of the warranty.
• Clearly state whether the warranty is a "full warranty" or a "limited warranty," according to specific standards outlined in the statute.

The primary goal of the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act is to prevent deceptive warranty practices and to empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions by making warranty information transparent and accessible.

Examples:

• Example 1: Purchasing a New Television

  When Maria buys a new 65-inch smart television, the manufacturer provides a written warranty. Under the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act, this warranty document cannot be filled with tiny print or complex legal jargon that only an attorney could decipher. Instead, it must clearly state, in plain language, what parts of the television are covered, for how long, what specific defects are included, and what actions Maria needs to take if the TV malfunctions. It must also prominently state whether it is a "full warranty" (meaning the manufacturer will repair or replace the product without charge if it's defective, and offer a refund if repair isn't possible) or a "limited warranty" (which might cover only certain parts or require Maria to pay for shipping or labor).

• Example 2: Buying a Kitchen Appliance

  A family purchases a high-end stand mixer for their kitchen. The written warranty accompanying the mixer must clearly outline its terms. For instance, if the warranty covers the motor for five years but only covers accessories like beaters and dough hooks for one year, these different coverage periods must be explicitly and understandably stated. If the warranty is "limited" because it requires the consumer to ship the defective product back at their own expense for repairs, this condition must be clearly disclosed, not hidden in footnotes. The Act ensures that the family can easily grasp their rights and responsibilities under the warranty without ambiguity.

• Example 3: Automotive Tire Warranty

  David buys a new set of tires for his car. The tire manufacturer's warranty often includes conditions like pro-rated coverage based on tread wear or specific exclusions for damage caused by road hazards. The Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act mandates that all these details, including whether it's a "full" or "limited" warranty, must be presented in a straightforward and prominent manner. David should be able to easily understand the warranty's duration, what types of defects or wear are covered, and any steps he must follow to make a claim, such as maintaining proper tire rotation records, without encountering confusing or misleading language.