Buying a car in Norway—whether from a professional dealership such as BERTEL O. STEEN, MØLLER BIL, or BILIA, or from a private seller through platforms like Finn.no — comes with the risk of defects or contract inconsistencies. So what can you do if the vehicle you purchased turns out to be faulty or different from what you expected?
Read Also: THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE CHOOSING CAR INSURANCE IN NORWAY
When Do You Have the Right to Complain or Cancel the Purchase?
According to Norwegian Law — Forbrukerkjøpsloven, you have the right to file a complaint if:
The car does not match the condition described in the sales listing, contract, or inspection report — (Tilstandsrapport),
The seller has provided false or misleading information or withheld critical details,
The vehicle has hidden technical defects not discoverable through regular inspection or test driving.
Even if the vehicle was sold "As It Is" ("Selges som Den Er"), you may still have legal grounds for complaint or contract cancellation if fraud or omissions occurred.
Read Also: NORWAY TAX RETURN CAMPAIGN 2025 NOW UNDERWAY
What Constitutes a Defect or Hidden Fault? (Hva regnes som en mangel?)
A defect (mangel) refers to any significant mismatch between the agreed and actual condition of the car.
Examples include:
Severe corrosion not disclosed,
Engine or gearbox failure shortly after purchase,
Rolled-back odometer,
Previous accident damage not mentioned,
Serious electronic system malfunctions.
Minor wear and tear (e.g., brake pads, wipers) or damage caused by the buyer is not considered a defect.
What Legal Framework Governs Car Complaints in Norway?
Two main acts regulate buyer rights:
Consumer Purchase Act — Forbrukerkjøpsloven Applies to purchases from Professional Car Sellers. Complaint period: up to 5 years. Relevant sections: § 16 (defect) and § 27 (repair).
Read Also: BUYING A CAR IN NORWAY | WHAT'S GOOD TO KNOW?
Forbrukerkjøpsloven on Lovdata
Sales Act Kjøpsloven – Applies to private sales. Complaint period: 2 years. See § 17 for definitions of defect.
Kjøpsloven on Lovdata — How to Document the Defect
Before filing a complaint:
Collect all documentation (contract, listing, condition report),
Take clear photos/videos of the issue,
Request an expert report from NAF (Norges Automobil-Forbund), Viking Kontroll, or Autotakst AS to confirm the nature and severity of the defect.
How to File a Complaint or Cancel the Purchase
Step 1: Submit a Written Complaint
You must notify the seller in writing as soon as possible, no later than 2 months from discovering the defect. Clearly describe the problem, include documentation, and set a deadline for a response (typically 7 days). Use a complaint template from Forbrukerrådet — Norwegian Consumer Council.
Read Also: HOW TO SPLIT ASSETS DURING DIVORCE OR SEPARATION IN NORWAY?
Consumer Complaint Template
Step 2: Try Mediation
If the seller denies the complaint or fails to respond, you can escalate the case to the Norwegian Consumer Authority — Forbrukertilsynet.
File a Complaint with Forbrukertilsynet
Step 3: Cancel the Contract (If Applicable)
You may cancel the purchase if the defect is significant (Vesentlig Mangel) and the seller fails to fix it. To cancel:
Send a written statement explaining the reason for withdrawal,
Attach all supporting documentation,
Propose how and when you will return the vehicle,
Request a full refund (minus reasonable usage deduction based on kilometers driven).
If the seller refuses, you can escalate to court or the Consumer Disputes Commission — Forbrukerklageutvalget.
Legal Aid Through Insurance
All mandatory Car Liability Insurance — Bilsnsvarsforsikring in Norway includes legal protection coverage (Rettshjelp). This helps cover legal fees and expert opinions should a dispute arise. Contact your insurer for details on how to access legal help.
Read Also: 5 TIPS FOR FINDING THE BEST CAR INSURANCE IN NORWAY
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Failing to submit the complaint in writing,
Attempting repairs before contacting the seller,
Lack of proper documentation or proof,
Delayed complaint submission.
Need Help?
Contact our Lawyers for assistance and Technical Advisory Team if you have questions about car complaints in Norway.
- Home
- Recommended
- Blog
- About us
- Contact
-
+(47) 23 89 88 63
MONDAY - FRIDAY
OFFICE 10:00 - 18:00
+ (47) 23 89 88 63
MONDAY - SATURDAY
AGENT 08:00 - 20:00
+ (47) 45 09 04 66
AGENT 08:00 - 20:00
+ (47) 47 67 35 73
