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
Washing machine stopped working 3 years after purchase
Claim allowedSummary
Purchase price: $1,279.99
Claim for $746.48
- $59.73 for 1 st estimate;
- $80 for laundry expenses during period of breakdown;
- $596.25 for repair costs;
- $11.50 for expenses incurred for registered mail.
Amount awarded
$746.48
Full judgment (in French only)
Labarre c. Général électrique du Canada
October 2016
The washing machine’s motor stopped working 34 months after purchase
Claim allowedSummary
Purchase price: not specified
Claim for $746.08
- Amount of $686.08 charged to replace the motor;
- $60 for inconveniences suffered.
Three parts of a washing machine broke down 4 years and 5 months after purchase
Claim allowed in partSummary
Purchase price: $1,294.98
Claim for $1,817.11
- $1,294.98 for the reimbursement of purchase price;
- $24.90 for postage fees;
- $97.73 for technician’s service fees;
- $100 for travel expenses;
- $300 for loss of time and laundry expenses.
Amount awarded
$1,000
- $700 for the value of the washing machine;
- $300 for inconveniences suffered.
Full judgment (in French only)
Licatese c. 9121-4759 Québec inc.
June 2016
Washing machine stopped working 5 years after purchase
Claim allowed in partSummary
Purchase price: $977.28
Claim for $1,500
Reimbursement of purchase price and miscellaneous damages
Amount awarded
$603.45
- Approximately $488.69 for the reimbursement of 50% of purchased price;
- $103.42 for assessment fees;
- $11.34 for postage expenses.
Full judgment (in French only)
June 2016
Washing machine stopped working approximately 6 years after purchase
Claim allowed in partSummary
Purchase price: $1,099.39 plus tax
Claim for $999.99
Amount awarded
$624.60
Taking into account the fact that the washing machine worked for the equivalent of 60% of its useful life
Full judgment (in French only)
June 2016
Washing machine making excessive noise 2 years after purchase
Claim allowed in partSummary
Purchase price: $1,000.35
Claim for $1,542.57
- Reimbursement of purchase price;
- damages of $517.74 for labour and parts for repair;
- $24.83 for postage fees.
Amount awarded
$1,342.22
Reimbursement of purchase price less 20% depreciation
Full judgment (in French only)
Gagnon c. Meubles Poisson ltée
April 2016
Dryer that could no longer be turned off using the “on/off” button 3 years after purchase
Claim allowed in partSummary
Purchase price: $809.55
Claim for $3,022.06
- $1,230.18 for purchase of new dryer;
- $155.22 for electrician’s fees;
- $49.43 for purchase of clothes drying rack;
- $180 for laundry expenses;
- $122.40 for travel expenses;
- $1,260 for loss of time;
- $24.83 for postage fees.
Amount awarded
$949.26
- $475 for replacement of dryer;
- $24.83 for postage fees;
- $49.43 for purchase of clothes drying rack;
- $400 for laundry expenses and loss of time.
Full judgment (in French only)
Plamondon c. Brick Warehouse, l.p.
April 2016
Washer defective upon 1st use on the day of delivery
Claim allowed in partSummary
Purchase price: $591.39
Application to cancel the sale of the washer and the dryer (total: $1,125.85)
Amount awarded
$791.45
- Reimbursement of the washer only;
- $11.75 for cost of demand letter;
- $100 for inconvenience suffered.
Full judgment (in French only)
May 2015
Washer stopped working less than 2 years after purchase
Claim allowed in partSummary
Purchase price: $549 plus tax
Claim for $1,950.50
- $1,037.96 for the reimbursement of purchase price of washer and dryer set;
- $512.54 for repair costs;
- $400 for loss of use.
Amount awarded
$934.76
- $500 for reimbursement of the washer;
- $334.76 for repair costs;
- $100 for inconvenience suffered and loss of use.
Full judgment (in French only)
Lavoie c. Whirlpool Canada inc.
May 2015
Front-loading washer stopped working 5 years after purchase
Claim allowed in partSummary
Purchase price: $950
Claim for $1,368.44
- $650 for the estimated cost of repairs;
- $93 for the cost of the estimate;
- $600 in damages;
- $25.44 for postage fees.
Amount awarded
$868.44
- $650 for the estimated cost of repairs;
- $93 for the cost of the estimate;
- $25.44 for postage fees;
- $100 in damages.
Full judgment (in French only)
Beaudet c. Ameublement Tanguay inc.
May 2015
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 : June 27, 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.
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