Finally! Harley Davidson’s Warranty Restrictions Coming to an End
Federal Trade Commission orders Harley to ‘come clean’ with consumers about repairs.
If you’re thinking of buying a new Harley Davidson and worrying about whether or not that spiffy new aftermarket exhaust and tuner you want to install will void your warranty, fear not.
The Federal Trade Commission announced recently it is ordering Harley Davidson to “come clean” with its unfairly restrictive warranties.
It appears certain that new HD owners can now install any aftermarket part in their hogs they want, without fear of warranty reprisal from the Motor Company.
Sound & Fury
You can almost hear a collective sigh across the Harley world, because it’s a familiar and frustrating situation.
The vast majority of new HD buyers want to increase the sound and performance of their new bikes by buying and installing aftermarket exhausts, tuners and air cleaners. That’s because in many cases, Harley products have been affected by EPA rules.
For years, though, HD gave you an either/or choice: Either buy our products or we will not honor the terms of your warranty.
HD Warranties Are ‘Illegal’
As it turns out, that either/or choice is “illegal,” according to the FTC, and the agency ordered Harley to stop.
“These orders require Harley and Westinghouse to fix their warranties, come clean with consumers, and ensure fair competition with independent providers,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, in a press release. “Other companies that squelch consumers’ right to repair should take notice.”
Voice Your Opinion
The Motor Company, along with generator manufacturer Westinghouse, have agreed to drop restrictions, says the FTC.
FTC officials said they would publish a description of this consent agreement package in the Federal Register “soon.” It will be subject to public comment for 30 days, ending July 23, 2022.
“Instructions for filing comments appear in the published notice. Once processed, comments will be posted on Regulations.gov,” the FTC stated.
So, if you are one of those HD owners who are, or might be, affected – or even if you’re not – you have a chance to voice your opinion.
Boon for Independents
The agreement should also be a boon to your local, independent repair shop, as well as consumers.
The heart of the FTC decision involves the illegal restriction of customers’ right “to repair their purchased products.”
Harley’s warranties included language and terms that made it plain the consumers’ warranty was void if they used independent dealers for parts or repairs.
“Consumers deserve choices when it comes to repairing their products, and independent dealers deserve a chance to compete,” said Levine.
Saves Consumers Money
The FTC has said in the past it has made protecting consumers right to repair their products a priority. The agency said that Harley’s existing warranties hurt consumers and competition in numerous ways.
One of those, of course, is in the wallet.
“By telling consumers their warranties will be voided if they choose third-party parts or repair services, the companies force consumers to use potentially more expensive options provided by the manufacturer,” the FTC claims.
The Motor Company has also been ordered to send and post notices telling customers that their warranties will stay in effect even if they buy those formerly forbidden aftermarket parts or get their bikes repaired at independent shops.
Photos: Harley Davidson
