Understanding the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and How it Affects You
- 24 Aug 2012
After investing bucket loads of your hard earned chips on that new dream ride you absolutely want to pamper it by keeping up with routine maintenance and repairs. Or, perhaps you installed a K&N air intake on your car because it simply makes your new car run even better. But, can a dealer refuse to honor the warranty that came with your new car if someone else does the routine maintenance, repairs or installations?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), our nation's consumer protection agency, says no. In fact, it's illegal for a dealer to deny your warranty coverage simply because you had routine maintenance or repairs performed by someone else, or installed aftermarket parts deemed acceptable by your state's particular legislation. Now let's see a show of hands for everyone that's been paying full-pop for an oil change and tire rotation because they didn't know that. You have rights, feel free to exercise them. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act was sponsored by Senator Warren G. Magnuson and U.S. Representative, John E. Moss and Senator Frank Moss. Enacted in 1975, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is the federal law that governs consumer product warranties. The Act requires manufacturers and sellers of consumer products to provide consumers with detailed information about warranty coverage. In addition, it affects both the rights of consumers and the obligations of warrantor's underwritten warranties. In a nutshell, by passing the Act, Congress wanted to ensure that consumers would be able to get complete information regarding warranty terms and conditions up front. By providing consumers with a way of understanding what warranty coverage is offered on a product before they make a purchase, the Act gives us a way to know what to expect if something goes amuck. Which when you think about it, only helps to increase overall customer satisfaction. By its very definition then the Act also promotes healthy, productive competition. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act also reinforces existing incentives for dealerships and companies to perform their warranty obligations in a timely and thorough manner and to resolve any disputes with a minimum of shenanigans and expense to consumers. As a result, the Act makes it easier for consumers to pursue a remedy for breach of warranty in the courts, while also creating a framework for companies to set up procedures for resolving said disputes inexpensively and informally, and without the need to even go to court. For more on the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act visit the Federal Trade Commission website. Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
