Here are examples of small claims court judgments, where consumers asserted their legal warranty rights. This tool can be useful to you in your negotiations with a merchant. For example, it could help you determine a reasonable durability period for your item or estimate the amount of compensation for damages to which you may be entitled. 

Cautionary note

These judgment summaries are presented for reference purposes only. An application that was settled in favour of a consumer in one situation may not necessarily result in the same ruling for another consumer. 

Several factors can influence a judge's decision regarding a reasonable durability period for an item. These include the price paid, contract clause provisions, the conditions under which the  item is used, etc. Remember that each case is different, and every decision is rendered on the basis of the evidence brought before the court.  

Exemples of judgments

Engine of used vehicle had to be replaced after 102,748 km

Application allowed

Summary

Purchase price: $11,031.85

Claim for $2,309.17

  • $318.92 for inspection fees;
  • $1,990.25 for engine replacement.

Amount awarded

$2,309.17

Full judgment (in French only)

Daigle c. Automobiles 112 inc.

June 2016

On used automobile, differential gear needed to be replaced 14 days after purchase, engine needed replacement 38 days after purchase, and chassis frame split

Claim allowed in part

Summary

Purchase price: $2,300

Application to cancel sale and for reimbursement of expenses paid and claim for damages (unspecified amount)

Amount awarded

$1,770.47

Full judgment (in French only)

Legendre c. Automobiles du Plateau inc.

March 2016

Used automobile developed several mechanical problems once possession was taken; could no longer be driven 2 months after purchase

Claim allowed in part

Summary

Purchase price: $1,506

Claim for $2,156

  • Reimbursement of purchase price;
  • Expenses of $150;
  • $500 for inconvenience suffered

Amount awarded

$1,706

  • Reimbursement of purchase price;
  • $200 for inconvenience suffered.

Full judgment (in French only)

Bélanger c. 9107-4203 Québec inc. (Automobiles Del Sol 2002)

November 2015

Engine of used vehicle stopped working 2 months after purchase and needed replacement after 173,000 kilometres

Claim allowed in part

Summary

Purchase price: $4,640

Claim for $7,000

  • $6,328 for reconditioning of vehicle;
  • $671.72 for travel expenses and loss of use.

Amount awarded

$2,950 (reason not specified)

Full judgment (in French only)

Gagnon Desmarais c. 9266-8318 Québec inc. (Auto Max Économie)

October 2015

Engine of used vehicle had to be replaced because of oil overconsumption issue

Application allowed in part

Summary

Purchase price: $13,875

Claim for $9,042.87

  • $5,902.82 for repairs;
  • $754 for purchase of new radio;
  • $45.99 for heater;
  • $236 for alternator belt;
  • $46.57 for engine diagnostic services;
  • $57.49 for inspection of tinted windows;
  • $2,000 for inconvenience suffered.

Amount awarded

$1,604.06

  • $1,500 for repairs;
  • $46.57 for engine diagnostic services;
  • $57.49 for inspection of tinted windows.

Full judgment (in French only)

Lamarre c. Sherbrooke Automobile inc.

September 2015

Used vehicle showed signs of many defects and malfunctions after purchase

Claim dismissed

Summary

Purchase price: $1,070 (including $50 of tax and $20 for transit registration)

Claim for $1,240.20

  • Reimbursement of purchase price plus $108.70 for registration;
  • $11.50 for postage;
  • $50 for repair of oil leak.

Amount awarded

$0

Full judgment (in French only)

Roy c. Roy (GR Autos usagées)

June 2015

Used vehicle caught fire two weeks after sale

Application allowed in part

Summary

Purchase price: $1,600

Claim for $2,225

  • $125 for towing fees;
  • $1,600 for reimbursement of purchase price;
  • $500 for inconvenience suffered.

Amount awarded

$1,675

  • $1,450 for damage to vehicle;
  • $125 for towing charges;
  • $100 for inconvenience suffered.

Full judgment (in French only)

Joly c. Fatihi Auto inc.

June 2015

Used automobile was previously in an accident; replacement of front bumper, brake discs and calipers, and battery required within 7 months of purchase

Claim allowed in part

Summary

Purchase price: $11,500

Claim for $7,000

  • $1,168.97 for body repair;
  • $2,084.23 for brake repair;
  • $149.46 for battery replacement;
  • $97.27 for wheel alignment;
  • $189.71 for extrajudicial fees;
  • $3,313.36 for inconvenience and loss of use

Amount awarded

$2,868.87

  • $1,168.87 for front bumper repair;
  • $1,200 for brake repair;
  • $500 in non-pecuniary damages

Full judgment (in French only)

Rochon c. Lacasse

March 2015

Transmission of used vehicle broke none months after sale

Application allowed

Summary

Purchase price: not specified

Claim for $1,403.73 (cost of repairs)

Amount awarded

$1,403.73

Full judgment (in French only)

St-Laurent c. Club Auto Prestige inc.

November 2014

Engine of used vehicle broke down 16 days after purchase

Claim allowed in part

Summary

Purchase price: $6,025

Claim for $4,999 (reason not specified)

Amount awarded

$4,707.57 (cost of repairs)

Full judgment (in French only)

Catellier c. 9101-7905 Québec inc. (Ste-Rose Automobile)

October 2014

Continuing your search

You can also consult other court decisions concerning legal warranties using the search engine available free of charge on the SOQUIJ website (in French only).

Last update : October 12, 2023

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The information contained on this page is presented in simple terms to make it easier to understand. It does not replace the texts of the laws and regulations.