FTC Consumer Alert

Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection Division of Consumer & Business Education

Auto Warranties, Routine Maintenance, 

and Repairs: Is Using the Dealer a Must?

If you own a car, you know how important it is to keep up with routine maintenance and repairs. 

But can a dealer refuse to honor the warranty that came with your new car if someone else does the 

routine maintenance or repairs?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the 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. Routine maintenance often includes oil changes, tire rotations, 

belt replacement, fluid checks and flushes, new brake pads, and inspections. Maintenance schedules 

vary by vehicle make, model and year; the best source of information about routine scheduled 

maintenance is your owner’s manual. 

What is a warranty?

A warranty is a promise, often made by a manufacturer, to stand behind its product or to fix certain 

defects or malfunctions over a period of time. The warranty pays for any covered repairs or part 

replacements during the warranty period. 

Do I have to use the dealer for repairs and maintenance to keep my warranty in effect?

No. An independent mechanic, a retail chain shop, or even you yourself can do routine maintenance 

and repairs on your vehicle. In fact, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which is enforced by the 

FTC, makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim that your warranty is void or to deny 

coverage under your warranty simply because someone other than the dealer did the work. That 

said, there may be certain situations where a repair may not be covered. For example, if you or your 

mechanic replaced a belt improperly and your engine is damaged as a result, your manufacturer or 

dealer may deny responsibility for fixing the engine under the warranty. However, according to the 

FTC, the manufacturer or dealer must be able to demonstrate that it was the improper belt replacement 

— rather than some other defect — that caused the damage to your engine. The warranty would still 

be in effect for other parts of your car. 

Will using ‘aftermarket’ or recycled parts void my warranty?

No. An ‘aftermarket’ part is a part made by a company other than the vehicle manufacturer or the 

original equipment manufacturer. A ‘recycled’ part is a part that was made for and installed in a new 

vehicle by the manufacturer or the original equipment manufacturer, and later removed from the 
vehicle and made available for resale or reuse. Simply using an aftermarket or recycled part does not 

void your warranty. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for companies to void your 

warranty or deny coverage under the warranty simply because you used an aftermarket or recycled 

part. Still, if it turns out that the aftermarket or recycled part was itself defective or wasn’t installed 

correctly, and it causes damage to another part that is covered under the warranty, the manufacturer 

or dealer has the right to deny coverage for that part and charge you for any repairs. The FTC says 

the manufacturer or dealer must show that the aftermarket or recycled part caused the need for repairs 

before denying warranty coverage. 

Tips To Avoid Warranty Issues

Here’s how to get the most out of your vehicle’s warranty:

• Read your warranty. Often bundled with your owner’s manual, the warranty gives a general 

description and specific details about your coverage. If you have misplaced your owner’s 

manual, look for it online. Check the “Owners” section of your manufacturer’s website.

• Be aware of your warranty period. If problems arise that are covered under the warranty, get 

them checked out before the warranty expires. 

• Service your car at regular intervals. This is a good idea in any case. But for the sake of 

keeping your warranty intact, follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Details 

are in your owner’s manual.

• Keep all service records and receipts, regardless of who performs the service. This includes 

oil changes, tire rotations, belt replacement, new brake pads, and inspections. Create a file to 

keep track of repairs; it will come in handy if you have to use your warranty. If you ever have 

a warranty claim and it appears that you did not maintain your vehicle, your claim could be 

denied.

• Complain. If you think a dealer’s service advisor denied your warranty claim unfairly, ask to 

speak with a supervisor. If you still aren’t satisfied, contact the manufacturer or go to another 

dealer. You also may wish to file a complaint with your state Attorney General, local consumer 

protection office, local Better Business Bureau, or the FTC.

For More Information

Visit ftc.gov for free information on buying, financing, leasing, renting and maintaining vehicles.

The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and 

to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free 

information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); 

TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a new video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more. 

The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and 

investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. 

July 2011