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.
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