Rep Power: 0

Hey does anyone know exactly what modifications void your warrenty?

I already know that Intake and Exhaust do not void your warrenty, but what about a Header, Cam Gear, Pulley?

I know for a fact that any sort of forced induction (Turbos, SC's, Nitrous) all void your warrenty, but do bolt ons?

It would definatly be key if bolt ons do not void your warrenty, because then i would be happy to pop in a header and pulleys

 
Rep Power: 0

i know that lowering your car can void your warranty. there are some dealership that will keep the warranty if they perform the installation.

not sure about a header or cam gears, why dont you call your dealership and ask them. i honestly think it all varies with different dealerships

 
Rep Power: 0

all bolt ons wont void ur warrenty, cause u can bolt the oem bak on...but somethign like nitrous will or turbo

 
Rep Power: 0

and how positive are you

 
Rep Power: 0

Turbos, nitrous will for sure, sema says that it doesnt void your warr, unless that aftermarket part caused the issue, i.e. your CAI sucks up water, and your motor locks up, its voided then, i dont think a header will void the warr, unless it f*cked something up

 
Rep Power: 0

I think (like krayziebonet4l said) it all depends on your dealer. Some dealers here say that the part you replace will only void the warranty for that specific part (i.e. header). Others say that anything you do to your car, UNLESS it's with OEM parts, it'll void warranty.

So even if the dealer knows you have bolt ons, it won't void warranty? I'm just curious because you can always go back to stock and not tell the dealer you had bolt ons so that it won't vid warranty.

 
Rep Power: 0

Oh okay. That makes more sense. I guess the dealer guys are just BS'ing me. But will the dealer still fix your car even if it has aftermarket parts (and the aftermarket part DID NOT cause the problem)? I've heard so many dealers blaming every problem on the aftermarket part installed.

 
Rep Power: 0

Actually all bolt-ons will not void the warranty, it really does depend on the dealer. We have a dealer in the south burbs of chicago who sells and installs aftermarket parts, including nitrous. They promised me if I had them install it and it causes a prob they will fix it under warranty.

 
Rep Power: 0

if they said it voided the warr, ask them for it in writing, and how it caused whatever to fail/brake, If they dont want to provide it in writing, you know its BS, If a aftermarket part didnt cause the issue with whats wrong, like you have a CAI and the brakes get ****ed up, they would have to fix the brakes, it has nothing to due with the CAI

here is a site, its one of sema.org 's web sites
http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?id=8123

"You have the Right to use high-quality aftermarket parts and know that your new car warranty claims will be honored. In fact, your vehicle dealer may not reject a warranty claim simply because an aftermarket product is present. A warranty denial under such circumstances may be proper only if an aftermarket part caused the failure being claimed."

 
Rep Power: 424

This is how its gonna shake out for a turbo... while it may not be "officially" voided, once you install the turbo, your powertrain warranty is done. Engine, tranny, axles, computer, etc... no longer covered. You may never need that part of the warranty, in which case, the rest of the warranty is still intact, but don't plan on them covering anything drivetrain related... even if its just a sensor. Anything in the engine is now subjected to pressurized air, which puts more stress on everything, you've modified the computer (which is probably why they'll say a sensor went), you've changed the fuel system, and the extra power puts extra stress on the clutch (which isn't covered anyway), the tranny gears because of more torque, and the axles for the same reason. But if nothing breaks, then you're ok... nothing will happen, but if something does break, you're gonna pay for it.

Nitrous would work similarly, but I would think Nitrous would be a little easier to remove than a turbo system, so its a little easier to get away with. I'm sure nitrous leaves traces in the cylinder walls, but I don't know if the dealer is gonna analyze that closely.

 
Rep Power: 375

In Reality most of you are right in some form or fashion. I know that out of the two dealers that i went to looking for my car one said they allow absolutly no modification whatsoever or warranty was voided. Then dealer i chose i actually went in and told them what i was planning to do with the car and they very soon after offered me a sponsership. I can place ANY aftermarket part as long as i have it installed at the dealership and no warranty is voided excet the part that was replaced ie. header, exhaust, springs etc.(which doesnt bother me i have a garage to work in access to ANY tool i need and techs to help with any question i have).
Best thing to do is talk to the dealer and find out what their stand is on performance parts

 
Rep Power: 0

it doesnt matter what the dealer says, it matters on federal laws,
sema.org is the ****

 
Rep Power: 0

this explains it all

Warranty Denied?



The enclosed materials are intended to help you should you have a vehicle warranty claim denied in circumstances in which an aftermarket product has been used. The information describes the law on vehicle warranties and will provide a sense of what is and is not an improper warranty denial. After reviewing this information, you will be aware of the steps to take to fight unlawful warranty denials.

In many cases it will not be necessary to take all the steps outlined here because disputes are often resolved at an early stage.

What Does the Warranty Actually Say?

Start by re-reading the warranty documents. Become familiar with what the documents actually say, not what you think they should say. If the language is confusing, get help in understanding what it really means. Look for specific items or circumstances that may or may not be covered. Determine if there is a process specified for resolving disputes.

The Law

Federal law sets forth requirements for warranties and contains a number of provisions to prevent vehicle manufacturers, dealers and others from unjustly denying warranty coverage. With regard to aftermarket parts, the spirit of the law is that warranty coverage cannot be denied simply because such parts are present on the vehicle, or have been used (see Attachment A). The warranty coverage can be denied only if the aftermarket part caused the malfunction or damage for which warranty coverage is sought. Disputes in this area usually boil down to arguments over facts and technical opinions, rather than arguments over interpretations of the law.

Check Vehicle History

Sometimes a malfunction in a new vehicle may be identified as a "pattern failure," a failure that is recognized as common to your make and model of vehicle. It may be a manufacturing defect which has become the subject of a government-mandated recall. You should check with another dealer, the vehicle manufacturer or an independent service provider—such as those listed below—to see if there are any Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), ìfield fixes or other service-related information for your vehicle which would indicate that the problem you are experiencing is a common one. In cases of government-mandated recalls, the dealer is obliged to notify you as a vehicle owner. However, you may check for yourself by calling the vehicle manufacturer's 800 number, the EPA (for emissions systems issues) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), for safety-related issues.

EPA: 202/233-9040
NHTSA: 800/424-9393
Chiltons: 610/964-4600
AllData: 916/684-5200
Motor Publications: 800/426-6897
American Automobile Manufacturers Association: 313/872-4311
Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association: 202/296-8537
Determine the True Cause of the Problem

If possible, attempt to independently verify the accuracy of the claims made by the dealership. The manufacturer of the aftermarket part may be helpful to you in providing a technical assessment of the problem. If there is a reasonable possibility that the aftermarket product caused the problem, it may be best to try to reach a compromise. If, however, it is clear that the aftermarket product is unrelated to the problem, you should attempt to gather as much information as possible to support your claim. Useful evidence might include photos, copies of relevant service information, records of prior repairs performed under warranty, or the objective written opinion of a qualified third party (with relevant experience, accreditation, etc.).

Try to Work it Out With the Dealer

Once prepared with the appropriate support information and a basic understanding of the law, present the facts to the dealers service manager and make an effort to resolve the situation. Keep the discussion objective and professional. Make sure to take notes of any significant claims or explanations made by dealership personnel and try to obtain a written explanation if possible.

If discussions with the service manager do not bring about a resolution, speak with the owner of the dealership. Many problems can be resolved at this level. If there is a known pattern failure which matches your problem, be sure to bring this to the dealer's attention. The dealer is able to obtain reimbursement from the vehicle manufacturer under such circumstances. If there is no pattern failure, but other evidence that exists contradicts the dealers conclusion, be sure the dealer is made aware of it. Also explain that you are aware of your rights under EPA's emissions warranty and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Again, if there is a reasonable possibility that either the aftermarket product or its installation could be the cause of the problem, your best bet is to suggest a compromise with the dealer. In many cases, presenting an objective technical assessment and a basic understanding of the law will do the trick.

However, if you believe that you are entitled to warranty service, but the dealer disagrees, you can take other steps to seek a resolution to the dispute.

Get it in Writing

If a dealership denies warranty coverage, they should be willing to do so in writing. Have the dealer describe the failure which is causing your problem AND how the dealer believes the aftermarket product installed is responsible for the problem. Keep an accurate log of all contacts and correspondence in addressing the warranty denial.

Contact the Vehicle Manufacturer's Zone Representative

If a car manufacturer backs your warranty, and you have a dispute with the dealer about either service or coverage, contact the local manufacturer's representative. The local or zone representative has the authority to adjust and make decisions about warranty service remedies or repairs to satisfy customers.

Some manufacturers are also willing to repair certain problems in specific models free of charge, even if the manufacturer's warranty does not cover the problem. Ask the zone representative or the service manager if there is such a policy.

The procedure for contacting your zone representative is usually provided in the vehicle owner's manual. This information can also be obtained from a dealer, or by calling the manufacturer's customer service number, as listed in the carmaker's owner's manual. Present your case to the zone representative. Be sure to indicate how the dealer responded to your information, especially if dealership personnel were notably uncooperative, etc. Once again, be sure to get as much information in writing as you can; request that any determinations or actions which are promised by the zone representative be confirmed by a letter or a fax.

Contact the Vehicle Manufacturer Directly

You may find that contact with the zone representative does not achieve resolve of the matter. If you are still not satisfied, the next step is to contact the vehicle manufacturer directly. Most carmakers maintain a contact office or a special department that is responsible for dealing with warranty issues (see Attachment B).

Using the information you have gathered and any additional information you may have to supplement your case, forward a letter directly to the vehicle manufacturer's customer service office (sometimes called dispute resolution board or something similar). Be sure to explain your situation in detail and in a logical, easy-to-understand manner. Provide as much detail as you can about your contacts with the dealer and the zone representative. Do not hesitate to state if you felt you were treated improperly or unfairly by either. The vehicle manufacturer will almost always respond to you with a letter; sometimes promptly, sometimes not. Again, be sure to retain all correspondence in case you need it for future use. Generally, the vehicle manufacturer has the greatest interest in ensuring your satisfaction; they want you to remain loyal to their brand. As such, they will likely make a good-faith effort to resolve the issue particularly if there is a known pattern of similar failures. If there is a request for any additional information, be sure to keep a record of what you send. If the manufacturer should still decide against you, make sure that their refusal letter provides an explanation of how they believe the aftermarket part caused the problem.

Local Approaches You Can Try

If you cannot get satisfaction from the dealer, the zone representative or the manufacturer, contact one or all of the following:

Better Business Bureau
State Attorney General
Local Department of Motor Vehicles
State Consumer Protection Office
Many states also have county and city offices that intervene or mediate on behalf of individual consumers to resolve complaints.

You also might consider using a dispute resolution organization to arbitrate your disagreement if you and the dealer are willing. Under the terms of many warranties, this may be a required first step before you can sue the dealer or manufacturer. Check your warranty to see if this is the case.

If you bought the vehicle from a franchised dealer, you may be able to seek mediation through the Automotive Consumer Action Program (AUTOCAP). AUTOCAP is a dispute resolution program coordinated nationally by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA: 800/252-6232), and sponsored through state and local dealer associations in many cities. Check with the dealer association in your area to see if they operate a mediation program.

National Approaches You Can Try

Since the manufacturer's failure to honor the terms of the warranty may be a violation of federal law, you can pursue the issue with the appropriate federal agency.

You can call or write the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and ask for assistance on non-emission-related problems. Input from consumers is very important to the work of the FTC. These contacts with consumers are often the first indication of a problem in the marketplace and may provide initial evidence to begin an investigation. Although the agency cannot act to resolve individual problems, it can act when it sees a pattern of possible law violations. FTC, Washington, D.C.: 202/326-3128.

The FTC also maintains regional offices to field consumer complaints. For the telephone number to one near you, see Attachment B.

In the case of a problem with an emission-related component, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the organization to contact. A pamphlet published by the EPA on emissions warranty matters called "What You Should Know About Your Auto Emissions Warranty," can help explain your options. In essence, the EPA requires that you exhaust all of your options with the vehicle manufacturer before you contact the Agency. In all cases, you must correspond with the EPA in writing. You must also provide copies of all correspondence with the dealer and manufacturer, as well as any independent evidence you may have that describes the cause of the problem. The better you are able to make your case that an aftermarket part was not the cause of the failure, the more likely you are to get EPA's help. The EPA is particularly interested in any evidence of a pattern failure being involved.

Warranty Complaint Field Operations and Support Division (EN-397F), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. 20460. Telephone: 202/233-9040 or 202/233-9100.

You can also call the Bureau of Consumer Protections Office of Consumer & Business Education in Washington, D.C., at 202/326-3650.

Final Steps

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may also be helpful. Under this federal law, you can sue on breach of express and implied warranties. The main point of interest here is that the Act says warranty coverage may not be conditioned upon the use of only the vehicle manufacturer's parts unless the parts are provided free of charge. In other words, use of a non-carmaker product should not void your warranty unless it caused the problem.

Obviously, litigation can involve considerable time and expense on your part. However, if the cost of the warranty claim is high enough, this may be an option to consider. Any such lawsuit or claim would have to be fought on the unique merits of the case and we recommend that you consider finding qualified legal counsel familiar with this area of law. In some cases, the filing of a lawsuit may encourage a settlement of the dispute. You should also be particularly aware of the fact that once you file a lawsuit or claim against the dealer or manufacturer, your vehicle and your documentation may become material evidence and may be subject to inspection and reviews in the lawsuit.

You can also consider going to small claims court, where you can resolve disputes involving small amounts of money for a low cost. The clerk of your local small claims court can tell you how to file a suit and what the dollar limit is in your state. Again, this action will sometimes lead the parties to settle the dispute.

No matter which steps you undertake, always approach the situation in a professional manner. Fits of anger, shouting, threats and the like seldom accomplish anything other than aggravating the situation. The best strategy is to stay calm and tactfully demonstrate your knowledge of your rights and potential courses of action.

In most cases, it will not be necessary to go through the entire process described here. What you will normally find is that you will be able to resolve your situation at a fairly early stage if you have the proper information in written form and you approach the issue in a calm, professional manner.

 
Rep Power: 0

Wow, lots of great info

 
Rep Power: 0

once i found that, and read it, no dealership will screw me over on my warr

 
Rep Power: 0

it's warrAnty, not warrEnty.

 
Rep Power: 0

California state law basically says that an aftermarket part cannot void the manufacturer's warranty unless it directly affected the part which fails, i.e., Honda cannot deny warranty repair on an engine or tranny if all you did was put in some sport springs or body kit on your car. Also, obviously installing parts that are not CARB exempt or 50-state legal could be used against you if such litigation is needed. Common sense is also useful, I mean if you blow your motor due to an overspray... that's on you, Honda's not going to pick up the tab. That's why so many of the importers wait until the warranty period has expired before they begin modding their cars.

 
Rep Power: 0

lol woops, my fault

 
Rep Power: 0

ok so i talked to honda, and the service manager said that replacing a part voids the warranty on that specific part. If you change your exhaust system, then the warranty on the exhaust system is gone, if u change ur header, then the warranty on the header is gone etc etc. He said that forced induction systems void the warranty on the whole engine and powertrain because it is forcing the engine to put out more power than it was made to put out, therefore honda doesn't want to deal with a screwed up engine because of a turbo or nitrous.

"We know that people usually buy Honda Civics to modify them, thats why the warranties on Honda Civics is so lenient, they let you modify anything you want without directly voiding the warranty on the car itself, just remember that if the part you put in causes a problem, then we will not cover it"

So im guessing all bolt ons will not void any warranty on the car. The catch is if ur header cracks then honda will not replace it with an oem header, obviously, but cmon now, if ur cat back goes bad or ur header cracks or something, why go back to oem, wouldn't u buy aftermarket anyway?

 
Rep Power: 0

jfc, i just posted a whole thing from sema.org and yet you people are still unsure, lol

god im glad im not some of you

 
Rep Power: 373

different dealerships have different opinions on what voids the warranties on your car, some places it might some it wont, my dealership is cool as crap, they said anything except turbo/supercharger/Nitrous will not void warranty.

Injen

 
Rep Power: 0

but my point is, it doesnt matter what THEY (the dealership) says, its what the law is, end of story

 
Rep Power: 373

ya if your state has emission checks, tenn doesnt


Injen

 
Rep Power: 564

Bolt ons are fine as long as it doesn't mean opening the engine..

 
Rep Power: 0

i know honda said "anything that is installed on your new honda that honda does not install there self, or anything tampered with by the anyone but a certified honda mechanic while in a honda service station, WILL void your warrenty", basically this guy said if you install altelzza (sp) tails and a month later the damn harness frys its not under warrenty...

they will screw you any way possible........then again they all are nothing but BullShitters,

Basically if something breaks put it all back stock