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How to Complain to Vauxhall
Vauxhall says it has an internal procedure that aims to resolve complaints quickly and efficiently, and that if you remain unsatisfied you can go to The Motor Ombudsman. No fixed response time is given.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Complaining to Vauxhall
How to Complain
Vauxhall says it has an internal procedure that aims to resolve complaints quickly and efficiently, and that if you remain unsatisfied you can go to The Motor Ombudsman. No fixed response time is given. source
When You Can Escalate
After Vauxhall's internal procedure has finished Scheme: The Motor Ombudsman. source
Buying from A Dealer
Quality and Description
Dealer sales: goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described (Consumer Rights Act 2015). If a car fails these tests you have a short-term right to reject and get a full refund within 30 days, counted from when ownership, delivery and any installation are complete (s.22). source
After 30 days
After the 30 days you can ask for a free repair or replacement; the trader normally gets one attempt, after which you can claim a price reduction or the final right to reject (s.19). source
First 6 Months
For the first 6 months a fault is presumed to have been there at delivery unless the dealer proves otherwise; after 6 months you must show the fault was already present (s.19(15)). source
Deductions for Use
For motor vehicles the dealer may reduce a final-right-to-reject refund by a deduction for your use, including in the first 6 months, which is the exception to the general no-deduction rule in s.24. source
Buying Online or by Phone
If you buy a car at a distance (online or by phone) from a dealer you generally have a 14-day cancellation right under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, starting the day after you receive the goods; you have a further 14 days to return it. There is no automatic right in a showroom purchase. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 30 daysShort-term right to reject a faulty car bought from a dealer30 days beginning the day after ownership, delivery and any installation are complete
- 6 monthsFaults presumed present at deliveryFirst 6 months from delivery
- 14 daysCancelling an online or phone purchase from a dealer14 days to notify from the day after delivery, then 14 days to return the goods
- 6 yearsLegal action for goods problems in England and WalesGenerally up to 6 years after you paid (Citizens Advice; 5 years in Scotland)
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Gather your evidence: order, account or booking number, dates, receipts, screenshots, emails and notes of calls.
Step 2 of 5
Complain to Vauxhall in writing using the route below, and ask for a complaint reference. Say what went wrong, what you want, and by when (14 days is reasonable). Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 3 of 5
Keep a record of every contact: dates, names and reference numbers. Use email or a form where you can, so you have proof.
Step 4 of 5
If you are not getting anywhere, ask for a final response in writing.
Step 5 of 5
If it is still not put right, take it to The Motor Ombudsman.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies. Most are free; court claims have fees.
Vauxhall Complaints
Always start here, in writing.
The Motor Ombudsman
Once Vauxhall has had its chance. See When You Can Escalate under Your Rights.
Your Card Provider
If you paid by card, Section 75 (credit card) or chargeback (debit card) may help.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Free advice. It can pass a report to Trading Standards.
Small Claims Court
A last resort if nothing else works. Citizens Advice explains when it is worth it.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Vauxhall says finance disputes can go to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a car bought from a dealer must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. The same right to reject within 30 days and the 6-month presumption of a fault being there from the start are set out for goods generally.
Keep the advert, invoice, service history and every message. Report faults in writing straight away and keep copies of repair invoices.
Garage work must be done with reasonable care and skill and within a reasonable time. You can ask for it to be put right or for a price reduction.
Consumer Protection UK is independent and is not connected to Vauxhall. This guide uses information published by Vauxhall and the schemes named here. All product names, logos and brands are property of their respective owners.
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Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- vauxhall.co.uk/owners/information-and-safety/motor-codes.html Checked 4 October 2026
- themotorombudsman.org/accredited-business/vauxhall-motors-ltd Checked 4 October 2026
- legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/22 Checked 12 October 2026
- businesscompanion.info/focus/car-traders-and-consumer-law/part-2-consumer-rights-act Checked 12 October 2026
- legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/19 Checked 12 October 2026
- legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/24 Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/changed-your-mind/changing-your-mind-about-something-youve-bought Checked 12 October 2026