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Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

Passed by Congress in 1975 - Section 102(c), 15 U.S.C. 2302(c), the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA) prevents manufacturers from using disclaimers on warranties in an unfair or misleading manner. The MMWA prohibits tying arrangements that condition coverage under a written warranty on the consumer's use of an article or service identified by brand, trade, or corporate name unless that article or service is provided without charge to the consumer.

 

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The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prohibits product manufacturers from conditioning consumer warranties on the use of any original equipment part or service. Furthermore, a manufacturer can only deny warranty coverage if it can demonstrate that a non-original equipment part or related service caused a defect to occur in the original product. In the case of motor vehicles, new car manufacturers have ignored these conditions outlined in Magnuson-Moss and have misled consumers to believe that they must have dealer service shops install only original equipment replacement parts or fear having their new car warranty voided.

 

FTC guide
Car Care Council Vehicle Maintenance Guide
Federal Regulations - Magnuson Moss Warranty Act
U.S. Code

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Aftermarket Parts: Aftermarket parts are designed similarly to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and may meet the requirements; however, they may not be the exact measurements.

As-Is Vehicle Purchase: With an as-is purchase, once you leave the dealership, all repairs and maintenance are the owner’s financial responsibility. There is no warranty to assist with the cost of repairs.

Automobile Insurance Policy: An automobile insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance company. Insurance coverage helps to repair your vehicle if it’s damaged by a specific cause such as an accident, theft, etc.

Automobile Insurance Warranty/Automobile Extended Warranty/Motor Vehicle Service Agreement/Auto Service Contract: A contract between you and the insurance company. This warranty helps cover repairs to your vehicle if damaged by specific causes of loss such as mechanical failures. The warranty usually goes into effect after the manufacturer/dealer warranty expires.

Manufacturer/Dealer Warranty (New Vehicle Warranty): A warranty is a contract between the manufacturer/dealer and the buyer. It covers certain mechanical breakdowns, and the parts and labor repair costs.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: OEM parts are designed at specific measurements to meet the original engineering design.

Routine Maintenance: Routine maintenance is required to ensure your vehicle maintains its effectiveness. Routine maintenance includes services such as oil changes, belt changes, tire rotations, etc.

Routine Maintenance Schedule: A schedule outlined by the manufacturer in which specific repairs or maintenance should be completed to maintain the vehicle’s effectiveness.

 

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arizona attorney general
Texas Attorney General