New Rules Tighten Auto Dealer Duties in Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Commerce has tightened oversight of auto dealers, distributors and importers across Saudi Arabia in a move aimed at strengthening consumer protection in both sales and after-sales services, including warranties, maintenance, spare parts and the provision of replacement vehicles when needed.

Under the updated rules, dealers must provide necessary spare parts and maintenance throughout the agency period and for one additional year, or until a new agent is appointed, whichever comes first. Commonly demanded spare parts must be continuously available, while the waiting period for rare parts has been cut from 30 days to 14 days. Warranty coverage must also be honored even when the consumer carries out maintenance at a third-party workshop, unless it is proven that the external work caused the damage.

Dealers are now required to set a specific delivery date for each vehicle and disclose in writing any defects or repairs performed before delivery. Showrooms must display prices and key trade data clearly on each vehicle in both Arabic and English, placed prominently and legibly, such as on the windshield. Dealers must also publish prices, purchase and reservation policies, maintenance procedures, complaint channels and reservation lists on their websites.

Compensation for delays

In cases of delay or breach, dealers must provide a substitute vehicle for each day of delay in supplying spare parts, or where they fail to ensure manufacturing quality during the warranty period. They must also supply an alternative spare part of the same brand for each day of delay in delivering guaranteed parts needed during the warranty period.

New evaluation standards have been introduced to improve service quality, including a requirement to publish spare parts prices online. In 2025, 24 non-compliant auto agencies were compelled to publish those prices electronically. To ease delays on high-demand cars, dealers must give priority to individual consumers over distributors and showrooms.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving