Don’t get burned by purchasing mobile electronics online from unauthorized dealers.
Manufactures only honor their warranty if you buy from an authorized dealer.
Know Your Warranty Rights
Will using ‘aftermarket’ parts void my warranty? NO!
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Protection Act of 1975
A dealer cannot VOID your vehicle warranty, simply because an aftermarket part has been installed in the car.
What is the Magnuson-Moss Warranty?
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.
Summary
When accessorizing your vehicle with aftermarket parts, your warranty claim cannot be automatically denied, nor can your warranty be voided, if you install non-OEM parts in your vehicle. The burden is on the dealer to prove the aftermarket parts caused the failure. For example, if your windshield wiper motors fail, your vehicle’s warranty claim can’t be denied because you installed aftermarket windshield wipers that are different from OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. Similarly, if a wheel bearing fails or a fan belt snaps and you have an aftermarket exhaust installed, the dealership would have to prove the exhaust system caused the bearing failure or the belt to snap in order to deny a warranty claim. In these types of scenarios, the dealership should have no reason to deny your claims.
In addition to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, you also have SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) working to protect your rights. Because SEMA represents U.S. aftermarket wholesalers, retailers, distributors, and manufacturers, they often keep car manufacturers in check by supporting legislation that prevents dealership service providers from denying warranty coverage. This means dealerships have become less stringent when it comes to aftermarket parts that modify performance or suspension.
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.
This overview was written after research into the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. It is an explanation of the law in plain English so that our customers may understand their rights.
(Text Courtesy of the Mobile Enhancement Retailers Association)
For the complete Magnuson-Moss Warranty act Click Here!
