Sheet One

Anyone have the info on the law that states that a dealer cannot void my warranty unless they determine aftermarket parts i have installed caused the problem? I kinda need the info ASAP because I may have a knock.

THEOLDMAN

It's called the Magnusson-Moss Act.

Automotive Warranty
Can an Automotive Dealership Void Your Warranty?



Nearly everyone has heard about someone who has taken a vehicle that has been modified with aftermarket parts to a dealer for warranty service, only to have the dealer to refuse to cover the defective items. The dealers usually states that because of the aftermarket parts the warranty is void without even attempting to determine whether the aftermarket part caused the problem.

This is illegal.

Vehicle manufactures are not allowed to void vehicle warranty just because aftermarket parts are used on he vehicle. To better understand his problem it is best to know the differences between the two types of new car warranties and the two types of emission warranties.

When a vehicle is purchased new, the owner is protected against faults hat may occur by an expressed warranty. An offer by the manufacturer to assume the responsibility for the problems with predetermined parts during a stated period of time. Beyond the expressed warranty, the vehicle manufacture is often held responsible for further implied warranties. These state that a manufactured product should meet certain standards. However, in both cases the mere presence of aftermarket parts doesn’t void the warranty.

There are also two emission warranties (defect and performance) required under the clean air act. The defect warranty requires the manufacturer to produce a vehicle, which at the time of the sale is free of defects that would cause it not to meet the required emission levels for its useful life as defined in the law. The performance warranty implies a vehicle must maintain certain levels of emission performance over its useful life. If the vehicle fails to meet the performance warranty requirements the manufacturer must make repairs at no cost to the owner, even if an aftermarket part is directly responsible for a warranty claim. The vehicle manufacturer cannot void the performance warranty. This protection is the result of a parts self-certification program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

In cases where such a failed aftermarket part is responsible for a warranty claim, the vehicle manufacturer must arrange a settlement with the manufacturer, but law does not void the new-vehicle warranty.

Overall, the laws governing warranties are very clear. The only time a new vehicle warranty can be voided is if the aftermarket part has been installed and it can be proven that it is responsible for and emissions warranty claim. However, a vehicle manufacturer r dealership cannot void a warranty simply because an aftermarket equipment has been installed on a vehicle.

If a dealership denies a warranty claim and you think the claim falls under the rules explained above concerning the Clean Air Act (such as emission part failure). Obtain a written explanation of the dealer’s refusal. Then follow the steps outlined in the owner’s manual. However, if this fails, then phone your complaint in to the EPA at (202) 233-9040 or (202) 328-9100.

If a dealership denies a warranty claim involving an implied or expressed new car warranty and you would like help, phone the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at (202) 326-3128.

I would like to give credit to the publisher but no name was given.