Cordless Hoover Warranty Guide (UK)
A cordless hoover bought new in the UK comes with two layers of protection: the manufacturer's guarantee (commonly around two years, sometimes longer if you register) and your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which are against the retailer, not the brand. The statutory rights apply whatever the guarantee says, and for the first six months a fault is generally presumed to have been there from the start.
Quick answer: Register the hoover with the manufacturer as soon as you buy it and keep the receipt. Within 30 days of purchase, you can usually reject a faulty hoover for a full refund from the retailer. Up to six months, the retailer must generally prove the fault was not there at purchase. Use the brand guarantee for convenient repairs and replacement parts, especially batteries.
On this page
Two kinds of cover
| Manufacturer guarantee | Consumer Rights Act 2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is responsible | The brand (Dyson, Shark, Vax and so on) | The retailer you bought from |
| How long | Set by the brand; varies by model and region | Claims possible up to six years (five in Scotland) for goods that were not durable or of satisfactory quality |
| What it covers | Defined in the terms; often excludes wear and misuse | Goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described |
| Registration | Sometimes required for extended cover | Not needed |
| Applies to | Usually new products bought from authorised sellers | Any goods bought from a business |
The two run side by side. A brand guarantee can add to your rights but cannot take away the statutory ones.
Your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015
These rights apply to goods bought from a trader, in a shop or online. In plain terms:
- First 30 days: short-term right to reject. If the hoover is faulty, you can usually reject it and get a full refund from the retailer.
- Up to six months: repair or replacement. After 30 days (or if you choose not to reject), the retailer gets one opportunity to repair or replace. Within six months, a fault is presumed to have existed at delivery unless the retailer proves otherwise.
- If the repair or replacement fails: you can ask for a price reduction or exercise a final right to reject for a refund. After six months, a deduction for use may be made from refunds.
- After six months: you can still claim, but you may need to show the fault was present when you bought it or that the hoover was not reasonably durable. An independent report can help.
- Up to six years (five in Scotland) is the outer limit for bringing a claim, though what counts as "reasonably durable" depends on the product and price.
Batteries are a grey area. They wear with use, so gradual loss of runtime over several years is normal wear. A battery that fails outright within a year or two is more likely to be a fault. Our guide to cordless hoover battery life explains normal ageing.
This is a summary, not legal advice. Citizens Advice and Which? publish detailed guidance and template letters.
Brand guarantees: what to expect
Guarantee lengths change and differ between models, retailers and whether you register. Treat the table as a rough guide and check the terms for your specific model on the brand's UK website or in the box.
| Brand | Typical position (check your model) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dyson | Commonly two years on cordless sticks | Registering is encouraged; parts and batteries widely available. See Dyson troubleshooting |
| Shark | Varies by model; some offer longer cover when registered | Check whether registration extends cover. See Shark troubleshooting |
| Vax, Gtech, Numatic (Henry), Samsung, LG, Bosch, Miele | Commonly one to two years or more, varying by model and promotion | Some brands treat batteries separately; read the small print |
| Budget brands (supermarket and own brands) | Often one year | Statutory rights still apply via the retailer |
| Refurbished | Shorter, often six to twelve months; varies by seller | See refurbished cordless hoovers |
Watch for brands that cover the battery for a shorter period than the hoover, or exclude consumables such as filters and brush rolls. Buying from an unauthorised marketplace seller can sometimes affect guarantee cover, so check the seller is legitimate.
How to make a claim: step by step
- Troubleshoot first. Many "faults" are blockages or dirty filters. Run through losing suction and not charging checks so you can tell the brand what you have tried.
- Find your details: model number, serial number (usually on a label under the bin or on the body), date and place of purchase, and proof of purchase.
- Decide who to contact. In the first 30 days, or if the retailer is easier to deal with, go to the retailer under the Consumer Rights Act. Otherwise, contact the brand under its guarantee; it is often faster for parts like batteries.
- Describe the fault clearly with lights, messages or noises, and when it started. A short video helps.
- Follow their process. You may be sent a part (commonly a battery or charger), asked to send the hoover in, or offered a replacement.
- Keep records of emails, case numbers and dates.
- If refused unfairly, write to the retailer citing the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If you paid by credit card and the item cost over £100, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may also help. Citizens Advice can advise on next steps.
What usually is not covered
- Damage from dropping, water or vacuuming liquids
- Blockages and wear from fine powders such as plaster dust or ash
- Consumables like filters, brush rolls and bags (sometimes)
- Gradual battery capacity loss through normal use
- Damage caused by non-genuine chargers or batteries, or by opening the motor or battery
Watch out: Do not open the battery or motor to "have a look" if you want to claim under warranty. Stop using the hoover and contact the brand if the battery is swollen, hot or damaged, or if you smell burning; see our burning smell guide.
Are extended warranties worth it?
Retailers often offer paid extended warranties or care plans at checkout. For most cordless hoovers, they are hard to justify: the most likely failure is the battery, which is usually replaceable for a moderate cost, and your statutory rights already cover early faults. They can make more sense on expensive models if the plan covers batteries and accidental damage. Read what is excluded before paying. For expected lifespan, see how long cordless hoovers last.
FAQs
Do I need to register my hoover for the warranty?
For the basic guarantee, often not, but some brands extend cover or speed up claims if you register. Registering also helps with safety recalls. Your Consumer Rights Act protection never depends on registration.
Is the battery covered?
Usually for faults within the guarantee period, but some brands set a shorter battery term or exclude normal capacity loss. Check your model's terms.
Should I go to the shop or the manufacturer?
In the first 30 days, the retailer is often simplest for a refund. After that, the manufacturer may be quicker for parts. Your legal rights, however, are with the retailer.
Does buying from Amazon Marketplace affect my warranty?
It can, if the seller is not authorised by the brand or the item is not intended for the UK. Buy from Amazon itself or an authorised seller, and keep the invoice.