Can I claim for a failed cambelt?

I recently replaced the cambelt on my 2013 Ford Focus. Unfortunately, 5 days later the new cambelt failed, a tensioner bolt snapped. I lost the cost of a nights accommodation booked for the night of failure and was without the car for 6 weeks. The fitter garage have replaced the damaged engine and have been really helpful. But am I able to claim compensation from the part supplier for the lost money and the inconvenience of 6 weeks having to share my wife's car? I understand the manufacturer of the part is on Spain.

Asked on 5 June 2025 by Trevor Benton

Answered by David Ross
If a part fails prematurely then the supplying garage should, and in the case has, carry out the necessary repair work at their expense. As for making a claim for losses incurred against the manufacturer of the part, the European Small Claims Procedure was a mechanism by which you could make a claim against a third party in another EU country if the value was under 5000 Euros. However this facility is no longer available to UK residents post-Brexit, so you would need to seek legal advice to determine the correct court to make your claim. It is possible that the cost of legal action would outweigh any compensation even if your claim were to be successful.
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