Dealers And Voiding Warrantee's

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Dealers And Voiding Warrantee's

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Dealers And Voiding Warrantee's - 7/16/2005 8:11:00 PM

HDF Tech

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Joined: 5/14/2005
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Magnusson-Moss Act

If a dealer refuses a warrantee claim because he claims that you have made modifications to your bike and that system is not where the problem lies, you should print this out and take him or her a copy. Only those systems that are directly affected by your modifications are affected.

This is a 1975 United States Federal Law which deals with consumer warranty coverage. It defines responsibilities for both the buyer and the seller of all consumer goods costing more than $25. A portion of this law applies to aftermarket parts and modifications and how it affects your vehicle warranty.

For our purposes the law basically states that you have a right to use aftermarket, non-OEM parts on your vehicle and still retain the factory warranty. However, if there is a failure and the manufacturer can show that the failure was caused by the aftermarket part, they can deny coverage.

The important thing is that your dealer cannot VOID your entire warranty just because the part is on the vehicle. There have been cases where a dealer would tell a customer that their new vehicle had no warranty because it had an aftermarket exhaust or other part. Granted, the exhaust or other part is not covered, however the rest of the vehicle is still under the normal warranty.

Under Magnusson-Moss Act a dealer must prove, not just vocalize, that aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before they can deny warranty coverage. If they cannot prove such claim-or offer an explanation- it is your legal right to demand compliance with the warranty. The Federal Trade Commission (202.326.3128) administers the Magnusson-Moss Act and monitors compliance with warranty law.

In large cities, there are always other dealers you can do business with. It's a good idea to find out about the most cooperative performance-oriented dealer available to you by checking with clubs, local groups, etc.

If you live in smaller communities, make sure that an uncooperative dealer knows that they are giving you plenty of reason to take you business elsewhere.

If you should have to do that, write the "manufacturer" to tell them that their dealer's activities have caused you to buy from another car company!

The bottom line is to talk to your dealer and get their feeling about aftermarket mods. Some dealers are more prone to be ok with it than others. Your option is to find a dealer that will work with you and not against you for their profit.

Here's a link that will explain it in further detail http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/warranty.htm

< Message edited by TCSTD -- 7/28/2005 7:20:30 PM >