The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning that objects to vehicle manufacturers requiring consumers to use their parts or services in order to maintain the warranty on their vehicle.
Several leading auto associations praised the FTC for this compliance warning as an infringement of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act––a law that governs consumer product warranties––including the Tire Industry Association, Auto Care Association, and Automotive Oil Change Association. In a news release, the associations stated that they “hope that the FTC action will serve as a wake-up call to the vehicle manufacturers and their authorized service providers about the Act’s anti-tying provisions, and will also help educate consumers that they can have their vehicles maintained by their trusted independent technician using high-quality non-original equipment parts without fear of voiding their new car warranty.”
According to the FTC’s website, examples of inappropriate language in regards to limiting manufacturer warranties include:
— “The use of [company name] parts is required to keep your . . . manufacturer’s warranties and any extended warranties intact.”
— “This warranty shall not apply if this product . . . is used with products not sold or licensed by [company name].”
— “This warranty does not apply if this product . . . has had the warranty seal on the [product] altered, defaced, or removed.”
In summary, you can have your vehicle serviced anywhere of your choosing without fear that such services will void your vehicle’s warranty! Any cautions you receive requiring you to do otherwise are strictly prohibited. To read more about the FTC’s warning, read their news release.
