Which of the following best describes an undisclosed defect?

An undisclosed defect refers to a hidden issue related to a product or service that has not been communicated to the buyer at the time of sale. This means that the buyer is unaware of the defect, which can significantly affect the product's value or functionality. In the context of consumer law, the seller has a duty to disclose any known defects that may impact a buyer's decision to purchase, as failing to do so can result in claims for misrepresentation or breach of warranty.

In contrast, a fault mentioned during purchase would suggest that the defect is acknowledged and known by both parties, which does not align with the definition of an undisclosed defect. A problem that is easily noticeable cannot be classified as undisclosed, since it is apparent to the buyer and therefore does not qualify as a hidden issue. Lastly, a defect that has been fixed before the sale implies that the issue has been resolved, thus it is no longer present and would not fall under the definition of an undisclosed defect.