Warranties are the safety net for Australian consumers, giving peace of mind when making significant purchases—from new cars to cutting-edge electronics. But as we move through 2025, recent policy tweaks and a flood of new products have changed the warranty landscape. Understanding your rights (and responsibilities) is essential to avoid disappointment and unexpected costs.
What Is a Warranty? Beyond the Fine Print
A warranty is a promise from a manufacturer or retailer that a product will perform as advertised, or they’ll fix it. In Australia, this isn’t just a marketing gesture—it’s the law. The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) provides automatic guarantees on most goods and services, regardless of what the paperwork says. But in 2025, as tech becomes more complex and imported goods more common, it’s important to know where statutory rights end and voluntary warranties begin.
- Manufacturer’s warranty: Typically covers parts and labour for a set period—often 1-5 years.
- Extended warranty: Extra coverage (often for a fee), but sometimes duplicates what you’re already entitled to under the ACL.
- Statutory warranty: The minimum protection you get under law, which can last longer than written warranties for high-value items.
2025 Updates: What’s Changed for Warranties?
This year, the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Fair Go for Consumers) Act 2024 came into force, sharpening the rules on warranty disclosures and sales tactics. Here’s what matters now:
- Clearer warranty terms: Retailers must disclose what’s covered (and what’s not) in plain English before you buy.
- Crackdown on ‘warranty upsell’: Regulators are targeting aggressive selling of unnecessary extended warranties, with penalties for misleading conduct.
- Digital goods and smart devices: New rules clarify that software updates and connectivity are part of the warranty, not just hardware.
For example, if you buy a smart fridge in 2025 and it loses connectivity within two years, you’re entitled to a remedy—even if the written warranty claims you aren’t.
Real-World Examples: Avoiding Common Warranty Pitfalls
Let’s look at some typical situations Australians face—and how to handle them under the new rules:
- Buying a second-hand car: Dealer-sold used cars must come with a statutory warranty if under 10 years old and less than 160,000km. Private sales do not.
- Online electronics purchases: Imported goods sold by offshore websites may not carry an Australian warranty, but ACL protections still apply if the seller targets Australian consumers.
- Extended warranties at checkout: If the salesperson can’t clearly explain how an extended warranty adds value, walk away. Most ‘extensions’ don’t offer more than your existing rights.
In 2025, the ACCC is actively investigating warranty misrepresentations, so document your interactions and keep all receipts—digital or paper.
How to Make a Warranty Claim in 2025: Tips for Success
- Keep original receipts and any written warranty documents.
- Contact the seller (not just the manufacturer) first—under Australian law, your contract is with them.
- Be clear about your rights: cite the ACL if you’re told the warranty has expired but the product hasn’t lasted a ‘reasonable’ time.
- Escalate to your state or territory consumer affairs body if needed.
With the 2025 changes, sellers are under more pressure to resolve issues quickly, and you have a stronger position if your claim is backed by the updated law.
