Will Bolt on Mods Void Warranty?

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Bklynjohn718

Premium Member
Premium
Car
2007 FX35 AWD
I have to go to the dealer for some work. I purchased the extended warranty for if any issues that may arise. I have an intake, plenum spacer, and exhaust installed on the car. My question to you guys is that, Do you think the dealer will make a issue out of the mods done to the car? Any of you guys go to the dealer and they say anything? Thanks for for help/input.
 
I don't think so. Those bolt on should not matter. If they have issues, take those mods off and go to another dealer.
 
As long as you are not adding turbo or supercharger and not cutting any wires, such as replacing ECU or add a peggy back. You will be fine.
 
Stu's post is the most accurate to this point. You guys really need to be aware of what your rights are before you mod or go to any dealer. There are some very unscrupulous shops and especially dealers.

Modding your car does not immediately void your warranty... EVER. You are protected by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Please, please, please, read it and know your rights.

If you have already run into issues you may want to take a look at "Warranty Denied?" an article on the Sema Action Network or SAN.

If you aren't the type to read all of that:

Basically, if you add a part that is unrelated to the issue you are wanting covered by the warranty, you are covered. eg: If you add an intake and a strut is leaking, you cannot be denied coverage based on the intake. If you nailed something and caused the damage to the strut, that is not covered. If you lowered the car on coilovers too far, didn't align the car correctly, and caused some type of damage to the other suspension parts or undue/unever tire wear, your warranty will be denied on that part of the vehicle.

edit: I couldn't provide the links because I don't have 10 posts yet. :tdown:
 
They'll prolly find a way to say that those mods caused the issue. Since you bolt it on, then bolt it off before you send it in to be on the safe side.
 
DarkCyde said:
They'll prolly find a way to say that those mods caused the issue. Since you bolt it on, then bolt it off before you send it in to be on the safe side.
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No, there are laws in place, as said in the previous post.
If you have an aftermarket exhaust, and your seat motor dies, they can't say the exhaust caused it, by law.
 
there are times that something can come back to haunt you though, for example, lets say you have a CAI, & lets say that one day your check engine light goes on & you bring it in... now lets say that the oil from the air cleaner coated the maf sensor & that's why the check engine light is on... this would be a case where they technically could say that it's not covered & want to bill you... I've seen stuff like this, also sometimes they can deny some sort of suspension problems or even some brake issues if you have a heavy set of aftermarket 22's on there... but likes been said, they would have to be able to attribute the failure to a direct result of the mod & it's usually up to the service writer or managers discreshion...
 
turbocad6 said:
there are times that something can come back to haunt you though, for example, lets say you have a CAI, & lets say that one day your check engine light goes on & you bring it in... now lets say that the oil from the air cleaner coated the maf sensor & that's why the check engine light is on... this would be a case where they technically could say that it's not covered & want to bill you... I've seen stuff like this, also sometimes they can deny some sort of suspension problems or even some brake issues if you have a heavy set of aftermarket 22's on there... but likes been said, they would have to be able to attribute the failure to a direct result of the mod & it's usually up to the service writer or managers discreshion...
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This is absolutely correct. Many people fail to realize that some mods to increase stress and wear on your car. Throwing monster wheels on stock brakes is an excellent example. The intake is another good example, but be sure there is validity in the claim. Most intake manufacturers now use a dry filter which use no oil and have no detrimental effect to your MAF. In the end, it all comes down to knowing your rights and the modifications you are making.

Happy modding! :smile (2):

---------- Post added at 05:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:39 PM ----------
DarkCyde said:
They'll prolly find a way to say that those mods caused the issue. Since you bolt it on, then bolt it off before you send it in to be on the safe side.
Click to expand...

This brings up a great point. Just knowing your rights is not enough if you don't plan to fight for them.

If you feel you need to remove parts just to take your car in, that's completely up to you, but I'll be damned if I'll let someone at a dealership tell me what is what. I know my mods are safe for me and my vehicles.
 
Perhaps you can state what "work" you need done; then we can give better input on your bolt ons and warranty issue.
 
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