Guides / Free checkers
Is it a major failure?
Use this major failure checker for something you bought from a business. We show whether the problem is likely to be a major or minor failure, and what you can ask for.
How the major failure checker works
The consumer guarantees apply when a business sells goods to a consumer, including a car.1 Goods must be of acceptable quality and match their description, except when they are sold by auction.2 If goods fail a guarantee, what you can ask for depends on whether the failure is major or minor.3 For a major failure, you can reject the goods and choose a refund or a replacement, or keep them and claim for the drop in value. For a minor failure, the seller can first choose how to fix it.4 Rejection must happen within the rejection period.5
Answer the questions in this major failure checker. Your answers stay on your device; nothing is sent to us unless you choose Start online. This checker covers goods. For work done for you, see Services not done properly.
Major failure checker
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The law behind the checker
- Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) sch 2 (‘ACL’) s 3; Competition and Consumer Regulations 2010 (Cth) reg 77A.
- ACL ss 54(1), (4), (6), (7), 56(1).
- ACL s 260(1), (2), (3).
- ACL ss 259(2), (3), (4), 261.
- ACL ss 262, 263(4).
Last reviewed: November 2026. This page is general information about Victorian and Commonwealth law as at November 2026. It is not legal advice about your circumstances.
Tell us what happened
We reply within one business day.
Your enquiry is read by a solicitor at Professional Edge Lawyers (practice number E0024395, Victorian Legal Services Board). Every letter is written and signed by a solicitor.
To send documents, use the Start online form.
Phone: 1800 776 529
Email: info@consumerlawyers.com.au
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5:30 pm
Office: 435 Nepean Highway, Frankston VIC 3199 (by appointment)
We act for consumers and for businesses, but never for both sides of the same dispute. Before we start, we check that we have not acted for the other party.