Interesting Warranty Information
#1
04-18-2005
Interesting Warranty Information
I found this while looking for some stuff for my truck. Thought you guys/gals might like to see it.
The facts about warrantys:
Federal law prohibits a dealer from voiding your warranty just because you are using aftermarket speed equipment, with only two exceptions: the warranty can be voided if the aftermarket part causes damage, or adversely affects the emissions or the emissions system. In recent documents produced by the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association ), a trade association representing specialty automotive parts manufacturers, the following quotes have been extracted:
"The vehicle manufacturer is not allowed to void the vehicle warranty just because aftermarket equipment is installed on the vehicle. This protection for consumers is the result of a parts self certification program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).
"Under the program, if a parts maker completes the EPA process of self-certifying its parts, the vehicle manufacturer cannot void the warranty even if the certified part has failed and is directly responsible for the warranty claim. In cases where such a failed aftermarket part is responsible for a warranty claim, the manufacturer must arrange a settlement with the part manufacturer, but the new vehicle warrant is not void under the law.
"If the failure to honor a claim involves the new-vehicle warranty, and it appears that the manufacturer is improperly denying a claim, the incident should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is responsible for monitoring compliance with the warranty law; the agency's telephone number is 202/326-3128."
Federal law prohibits a dealer from voiding your warranty just because you are using aftermarket speed equipment, with only two exceptions: the warranty can be voided if the aftermarket part causes damage, or adversely affects the emissions or the emissions system. In recent documents produced by the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association ), a trade association representing specialty automotive parts manufacturers, the following quotes have been extracted:
"The vehicle manufacturer is not allowed to void the vehicle warranty just because aftermarket equipment is installed on the vehicle. This protection for consumers is the result of a parts self certification program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).
"Under the program, if a parts maker completes the EPA process of self-certifying its parts, the vehicle manufacturer cannot void the warranty even if the certified part has failed and is directly responsible for the warranty claim. In cases where such a failed aftermarket part is responsible for a warranty claim, the manufacturer must arrange a settlement with the part manufacturer, but the new vehicle warrant is not void under the law.
"If the failure to honor a claim involves the new-vehicle warranty, and it appears that the manufacturer is improperly denying a claim, the incident should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is responsible for monitoring compliance with the warranty law; the agency's telephone number is 202/326-3128."
#2
04-18-2005
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That's the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act , it's been around for a while
http://www.granatellimotorsports.com/magnusonmoss.htm
http://www.granatellimotorsports.com/magnusonmoss.htm
#3
04-18-2005
damn...i feel small and insignificant with my little post compared to that small volume...lol...thanks for putting that up though....some of us newer guys weren't aware of that.
#4
04-18-2005
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Originally Posted by Sad_Savant
damn...i feel small and insignificant with my little post compared to that small volume...lol...thanks for putting that up though....some of us newer guys weren't aware of that.
#6
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So in other words if I were to put an exhaust system on they would have no right voiding my power train warranty? It's been one of the reasons I've been worried about putting one on. The dealer I got the truck from said if I put any aftermarket products on that replace the stock ones that the warranty is void?
#7
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Originally Posted by LilFord4x4
So in other words if I were to put an exhaust system on they would have no right voiding my power train warranty? It's been one of the reasons I've been worried about putting one on. The dealer I got the truck from said if I put any aftermarket products on that replace the stock ones that the warranty is void?
The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act is designed to keep the manufacturer from voiding your warranty for aftermarket parts, but that doesn't mean every dealership feels the same way about non-OEM parts. It's also not a magic wand that automatically means you will get your vehicle fixed for free. It still comes down to the individual Service Manager at the dealership. That's why I stress having a good relationship with your local Ford Service Manager and techs.
The Mag-Moss Act was really pushed by the after-market folks to make sure that their products wouldn't be boycotted by customers afraid of voiding the warranty. The Act is really designed to keep the manufacturers (like Ford) from voiding the entire warranty based on a single unrelated non-OEM mod. In other words, they can't void the powertrain warrenty if you put on KC highlights. Can they void it if you get a Bama chip; yes they can, says so right in the manual. That's why most people wait till after the warrany to do major mods.
That being said, it's still your vehicle and your choice. If your dealer has a hard stance on mods, then maybe you should look for another service place. Or, you could wait till the factory warranty is up. Just don't assume that knowing about the Mag-Moss Act will make them more compliant. Often, it's a last effort (like the Lemon Law), when you've had no success getting a large warranty repair fixed.
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