A dealer cannot VOID your vehicle warranty, simply because an aftermarket part has been installed in the car.

What is the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act?

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law that protects consumer’s warranty rights. A portion of the law addresses warranty rights regarding the use and installation of aftermarket (non-OEM) equipment.

In plain English, what is the law’s intention?

The law basically states that a consumer has the right to use aftermarket, non-OEM parts on his/her car and still retain the factory warranty. Obviously if there is a failure and the manufacturer can prove that the failure was caused by the aftermarket part, warranty coverage on that failure may be denied.

Why did my dealer tell me that if I install aftermarket equipment, my warranty would be void?

Reason 1: The person at the dealership does not understand that there is a law in effect specifically prohibiting such a statement.

Reason 2: Many dealers do not like warranty work because it pays less than normal repair work. By promoting the myth that aftermarket equipment automatically voids warranties, dealers are able to avoid the lower paying warranty work. Instead, some dealers attempt to charge customers the prime service rate for work which should be rightfully done under warranty and at no charge.

What should I do if my dealer is claiming they will void or have voided my warranty due to the installation of aftermarket products?

A dealer must first prove, not just say, that aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before he can deny warranty coverage on that basis.

It is recommended to first bring to the dealer’s attention that such a law exists and that they are probably in violation of such a law. The complete law can be found on the Federal Trade Commission’s website at www.ftc.gov.

Additionally, if you are being unfairly denied warranty coverage, there is recourse. The Federal Trade Commission, which administers the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, monitors compliance with warranty issues. Direct complaints to the FTC can be made at (202) 326-3128.