Reoccurring EML

I recently brought a Vauxhall Corsa S Ecoflex from a main dealer. After only a week, the engine light came on, so I took it back to them. They said it was the power pack and plugs. I picked the vehicle up and the light came back on again.

Taking it back again, they then said it was dirt in the fuel pump. Once more I picked it up and again the light came back on. When I took it back, they said that the same thing had happened again. This is now the fifth time it’s happened and had to go back. Can you advise me of my legal rights? Nicole Wood

I suspect that your Corsa may well have a problem with contamination in the fuel tank. Because this happened so soon after you bought it, the problem was most likely present beforehand.

Your statutory rights when buying a vehicle say that it must be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. The dealer can insist on a repair as a first option, but if this is unsatisfactory

(as in your case) the next option would be to have it replaced. If this is undesirable or impossible, then you can request a refund.

A new Consumer Rights Act came into force on the October 1, 2015. This states:“if a fault renders the product not of satisfactory quality, not fit for purpose or not as described, then the buyer is entitled to reject it within the first 30 days.”

It goes on to say: “If a fault comes to light after 30 days but before six months have passed then you are entitled to a repair, replacement or refund. It is assumed in law that the fault was present at the time of purchase unless the seller can prove otherwise. During this period, unless you have agreed otherwise, the seller (dealer) has only one opportunity to repair (or replace) the faulty vehicle after which, if they fail to repair it, you are entitled to a refund.” Full details can be found at www.gov.uk/consumerprotection-rights

If the dealer cannot rectify the problem and refuses to refund or satisfactorily replace the vehicle, the matter can be dealt with through the Citizens Advice Bureau at this web address: www.citizensadvice.org.uk