6 year rule for faulty goods

[ContractorBanking]

I have an American fridge freezer that came with 5 years manufacturers warranty, bought from John Lewis.

It’s now been 5 years 11 months and we’ve noticed the inner lining is damaged on both sides, towards the bottom. Checking online, it appears this is a common fault and those within their warranty period are successfully claiming this as a manufacturing fault.

I know there is a 6 year rule for faulty goods but has anyone used this successfully to claim a repair?

Any tips on how best to go about claiming?

thanks

[WTFH]

According to the Consumer Rights Act, you go back to where you got it from with your evidence/proof.

Thing is, though, the inside of fridges get damaged when people don't push drawers in properly, or overload them, or the fridge isn't sitting level, etc - that is not a design fault, it is wear and tear or misuse. Also people will claim/exaggerate things on the internet for the sake of engagement.

But go back to where you got it from and see what they say.

[vwdan]

The "6 year rule" is essentially a statute of limitations - it doesn't say everything (or anything) has to last 6 years, but you have 6 years to bring your claim.

You're basically going to be arguing that a fridge failing after 5 years 11 months hasn't lasted a "reasonable length of time". Personally, I think that's probably a stretch but you've little to lose by trying.

Remember, you can only ever claim against JL

[gables]

The "6 year rule" is essentially a statute of limitations - it doesn't say everything (or anything) has to last 6 years, but you have 6 years to bring your claim.

You're basically going to be arguing that a fridge failing after 5 years 11 months hasn't lasted a "reasonable length of time". Personally, I think that's probably a stretch but you've little to lose by trying.

Remember, you can only ever claim against JL

Interesting how our points of view differ, as I would expect a reasonable length of time for a fridge to be 10 years (same for TVs) maybe I'm just old and items used to last longer.

[ladymuck]

Interesting how our points of view differ, as I would expect a reasonable length of time for a fridge to be 10 years (same for TVs) maybe I'm just old and items used to last longer.

My fridge freezer is well over 10 years old, might even be 15 years old, and is working just fine.

I think it's fair to say that a manufacturing defect would become evident within 6 years of normal use and after that you'd expect failures to be on moving parts that are normal wear and tear.

[WTFH]

Interesting how our points of view differ, as I would expect a reasonable length of time for a fridge to be 10 years (same for TVs) maybe I'm just old and items used to last longer.

It depends, some things are built to better quality than others. I'd expect a Miele fridge to last longer than a Beko one.
I'd expect a TV to last at least 10 years with normal use, but I also would expect that it would no longer support the latest apps, etc.

But there also has to be a certain level of user intelligence. If you override the auto-off functionality of a TV so you can leave it on 24 hours a day, or you put it directly on top of a radiator, etc, then don't expect to get as long out of it as it would be in "normal" use.

[northernladuk]

Interesting how our points of view differ, as I would expect a reasonable length of time for a fridge to be 10 years (same for TVs) maybe I'm just old and items used to last longer.

I'd kind of agree but in this day and age they just aren't built to last. Either way that doesn't cover consumables or replaceable parts. If he means the rubber seal around the door then I can't see that being covered. The fundamental operation of the fridge hasn't failed.

[northernladuk]

I'd go back to John Lewis and try. In my experience, and from other evidence their return and warranties are amongst the best. I've had a few items replaced by them that probably wouldn't from other suppliers. Even if it is out of warranty they can offer a great deal on a replacement item, well below the price the sell at.

[jamesbrown]

I'd go back to John Lewis and try. In my experience, and from other evidence their return and warranties are amongst the best. I've had a few items replaced by them that probably wouldn't from other suppliers. Even if it is out of warranty they can offer a great deal on a replacement item, well below the price the sell at.

+1 on that, they are way better than most stores and often surprise in this regard. Worth a try although, tbh, those manufacturer's warranty periods are quite well calibrated, so you're relying on someone's goodwill

[Paddy]

I have an American fridge freezer that came with 5 years manufacturers warranty, bought from John Lewis.

It’s now been 5 years 11 months and we’ve noticed the inner lining is damaged on both sides, towards the bottom. Checking online, it appears this is a common fault and those within their warranty period are successfully claiming this as a manufacturing fault.

I know there is a 6 year rule for faulty goods but has anyone used this successfully to claim a repair?

Any tips on how best to go about claiming?

thanks

There is no six year rule. The UK even opted out the 2 year statutory guarantee for electrical goods when the UK was in the EU,
Basically, goods should be fit for purpose for a reasonable time in the UK; your fridge has lasted long enough, buy a new one.