Another Win for Consumer Freedom

Some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) still push the false narrative that consumers must use the OEM brand of parts and...

July 1, 2022

Some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) still push the false narrative that consumers must use the OEM brand of parts and lubricants in their vehicles and equipment to maintain their warranties. We and our Dealers continue to fight this narrative, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is on our side.

In June, the FTC took action against motorcycle manufacturing company Harley-Davidson* for using terms in its 2021 limited warranty that suggested the warranty would be void if consumers used independent parties for parts or repairs instead of Harley-Davidson and its authorized dealers:

“Genuine Harley-Davidson parts are engineered and tested specifically for use on your motorcycle. Insist that your authorized Harley-Davidson dealer uses only genuine Harley-Davidson replacement parts and accessories to keep your Harley-Davidson motorcycle and its limited warranty intact.”

Harley-Davidson has been ordered by the FTC to fix its limited warranty to recognize the right to repair and to notify consumers that their warranties will remain in effect even if they use a different brand of parts.

In America, the federal Magnuson Moss Warranty Act protects consumers’ freedom to choose the brand of parts and lubricants they think is best.

  • It is illegal to tie warranty coverage to whichever brand of parts or lubricants you use. Manufacturers that do so must provide the parts or lubricants free of charge.
  • You have the freedom to choose how you protect your vehicles and equipment, including use of products formulated for extended drain intervals.
  • Manufacturers can’t deny warranty coverage without showing the aftermarket part or lubricant caused a failure.

If you’ve had a motorcycle, UTV, snowmobile or other dealership pressure you into buying the manufacturer’s brand of parts or lubricants to avoid losing your factory warranty, contact the FTC at www.ftc.gov/complaint. Remember, Dealers cannot file complaints on behalf of their customers; the customers need to file them on their own.

*All trademarked names are the property of their respective owners and may be registered marks in some countries. No affiliation or endorsement claim, express or implied, is made by their use.