Will This Modification Void My Warranty?
This is a question that is asked often and is a major concern for many people as they start down the road of modifying their vehicle. Search the web and you will find plenty of answers from internet “experts”, but as usual most of them totally incorrect. So, what is the correct answer?
Despite all the bad information out there, it is pretty cut and dry because there is federal law on the matter. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2302(C)) regulates warranties and protects the consumer. This legislation was enacted in 1975 in response to widespread deceptive warranty practices in many industries. Here is how SEMA summarizes things: The essence of the law concerning aftermarket auto parts is that a vehicle manufacturer may not condition a written or implied warranty on the consumers using parts or services which are identified by brand, trade, or corporate name (such as the vehicle maker's brand) unless the parts or service are provided free of charge. The law means that the use of an aftermarket part alone is not cause for denying the warranty. However, the law's protection does not extend to aftermarket parts in situations where such parts actually caused the damage being claimed under the warranty. Further, consumers are advised to be aware of any specific terms or conditions stated in the warranty which may result in its being voided. The law states in relevant part: No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumers using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade or corporate name... (15 U.S.C. 2302(C)).So in short, this means a service department or automotive manufacturer can not void your warranty simply because you have installed aftermarket parts or have modified your vehicle. They can, however, deny a warranty claim if they can prove the issue in question was a direct result of the installed part or modification. Unfortunately, plenty of people have stories of going to a dealership service department with a warranty issue and being denied because they have modified their vehicle. There are definitely shady service departments out there who will try to get over on their customers if they can, but this is illegal and it is up to the customer to know the law and stand up. Here is an example of what can not be denied: You install a supercharger in your vehicle and a month later your drivers side window stops working. The supercharger has no impact on your electric window motor, therefore, the repair should be covered. Here is and example of what could be denied: You install a supercharger in your vehicle and a month later your clutch is toast. The additional power created by a supercharger can easily overpower a stock clutch and lead to the repair not being covered under warranty. |
Here is a link to an article from Edmunds.com that also covers this topic. Below is the relevant text from that article.
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
|
My dealer denied me warranty for a check engine light because I had a CAI
installed on my vehicle. They said they would have to charge me for any repairs as GM would not cover. After I told them that I didn't want them to do any futher repairs, that I would take the car as is with the check engine light and install the stock air intake and then take it to a different dealer. Within minutes they had my check engine light repaired (vacum hose) under warranty. |
Very well explained!!!! Too bad the internet lawyers, insurance reps, and warranty people will still show up, but hopefully everyone will refer to this for warranty issues.
|
Excellent thread Chase.
The issue I see most often though is a dealer intimidating the car owner into believing the entire warranty is voided...and the ones that go even further and let the owner take the action to prove otherwise. Those are the dealers that need to be exposed to all to avoid at all costs, and the good dealer service centers promoted to drive sales to them (the car sales as well). Far to many treat the car buyer like dumb sheep and feed them so much BS. Thats why we appreaciate the GM customer service reps that are members of these forums and at least try and assist when they can. It also lets them see what scammers so many dealerships are in every aspect from the sale to any service or warranty work. Good explanation Chase! :thumbsup: |
Quote:
|
Thanks chase!
|
Just wanted to add a quote made here on Camaro5 by one of the Chevrolet Customer Service Reps in response to a post about warranty concerns when modifying.
Quote:
|
Quote:
Reggie B. Chevrolet Customer Care |
Quote:
|
Quote:
Reggie B. Chevrolet Customer Care |
doing warranty work pays there bills !!!!!!!!DONT BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU .....
|
Good information. Thanks!
|
Quote:
|
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:04 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.