Will Aftermarket Mods Void My New Vehicle Warranty? They'll tell you YES but it's not true!

If you’ve ever been told that installing aftermarket parts will void your new vehicle warranty, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common concerns we hear from customers who want to lift their truck, upgrade wheels and tires, or add off-road accessories.

Let’s set the record straight: just because you modify your vehicle does not mean your warranty is void.

Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, you’re protected.

🔍 What Is the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act?

Passed by Congress in 1975, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law that governs consumer warranties. It was created to protect you, the buyer, from unfair warranty practices — especially when it comes to aftermarket parts or non-dealer service.

🚫 Myth: “Installing Aftermarket Parts Voids My Warranty”

Truth: A dealership or manufacturer cannot void your warranty just because you install aftermarket parts like:

• Lift kits

• Wheels and tires

• Suspension upgrades

• Cold air intakes

• Towing accessories

Under the Magnuson-Moss Act, a manufacturer can only deny warranty coverage if they can prove the aftermarket part directly caused the issue.

Example:
You install a leveling kit, and six months later your air conditioning fails. The dealer can’t deny your A/C repair under warranty unless they can prove the leveling kit somehow caused the failure (which it didn’t).

🧰 What About DIY or Independent Shop Repairs?

Another common concern is that you must use the dealership for all service and maintenance. That’s false.

You are allowed to:

• Perform your own oil changes or maintenance (just keep records)

• Take your vehicle to an independent shop (like ours)

• Use non-OEM parts and fluids

Again, unless the service or parts cause a failure, your warranty is still valid.

🧾 Who Has the Burden of Proof?

Here’s the best part:
The dealership or manufacturer must prove the modification caused the problem.
You don’t have to prove that it didn’t.

This protects you from blanket denials and gives you legal backing if a warranty claim is unfairly denied.

✅ Your Rights Under Magnuson-Moss

• You can use aftermarket parts

• You can choose your own shop

• Your warranty stays intact, unless the mod causes the issue

• You can take legal action if a warranty is wrongly denied

🛠️ What This Means for Our Customers

At Music City 4x4, we install high-quality aftermarket parts every day — lift kits, wheels, bed covers, suspension upgrades, and more. You can rest easy knowing that your vehicle’s factory warranty is still protected as long as the modifications aren’t the direct cause of a problem.

We also offer professional installation that meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications, giving you an extra layer of confidence.

👋 Have Questions?

If you’ve been told you’ll “void your warranty” by upgrading your ride, give us a call. We’re happy to walk you through your options, explain how it all works, and help you build the ride you’ve always wanted — without fear.

Need help building your dream ride? Contact Music City 4x4 today — your warranty is safe with us.