Your new-car warranty rights: 2-year minimum, and outside servicing does not void it
Under Ministry of Commerce rules, new vehicles must carry a manufacturing-quality warranty of at least two years or a set distance, whichever comes first — and many brands offer more. The agent (official importer) is legally responsible for warranty service, maintenance and spare parts.
The part many owners don't know: servicing your car outside the dealership does not void the warranty. The Ministry of Commerce has confirmed that agents cannot force you to service at their workshops, and may refuse a warranty claim only if they prove the outside servicing caused that specific damage.
Steps
- Know your warranty limits from the purchase contract: duration and distance (the legal minimum is two years or the set distance, whichever comes first).
- Keep up scheduled maintenance and keep the invoices — at the dealership or outside it; neither voids the warranty.
- When a covered fault appears: go to the agent, register the warranty claim in writing and keep its reference number.
- If the agent refuses the claim: request the refusal in writing — refusal is only allowed if they prove outside servicing caused that specific fault.
- Know your spare-parts rights: common parts must always be available, rare parts within 14 days of your request, and for certain prolonged warranty repairs the agent owes you a replacement car or compensation.
- If the agent does not comply: file a complaint with the Ministry of Commerce via its app or 1900, and check recalls at recalls.sa (safety-defect repairs are free).
Common questions
What is the minimum new-car warranty in Saudi Arabia?
Two years or a set distance, whichever comes first, under Ministry of Commerce rules — and many brands offer longer. The agent is legally responsible for warranty service and parts.
Does servicing outside the dealership void the warranty?
No — the Ministry of Commerce has confirmed outside servicing does not void the warranty, and the agent may refuse a claim only by proving that the outside servicing caused that specific fault.
What if the agent refuses my warranty claim?
Get the refusal in writing, then file a complaint with the Ministry of Commerce via its app or 1900. If the fault is a safety defect, check recalls.sa for a recall — those repairs are free.
Guidance only — the official authority is the final reference.