Faulty product

I bought a steam iron on 22 February 2022 and went to the Witteklip Mall Vredenburg Checkers branch on 11 February 2023 for an exchange of the iron since it was faulty. The iron was replaced and today on 27 August 2023 I again went to the same store with the replaced iron because it does not come on and therefore also faulty. I was told that the initial guarantee period has expired and they cannot replace it. Does it work like that? Can I have an informed response or assistance please.