Subaru Warns All Dealers to "Void" Warranties for Specific Mods

**bedabi** · 01-19-2003 03:55 PM

IS2Scooby brought a post in i-club to our attention. It appears that Subaru has instructed all dealers to be on the alert for modifications and has further instructed them to void warranties.

Given the fact that most of the questions here asks whether a performance mod voids a warranty, I thought I'd make it a sticky.

Here's the link: http://www.i-club.com/forums/showthr...&threadid=6255

Here's the post:

Originally posted by WfknRX
Just to let you guys know that Subaru of America has upgraded
there warnanty policys.They just gave each and every dealer ship a list of aftermarket parts to look out for with PICTURES i just recived the list of parts today. I and every one that works for a subaru dealer was informed that if we encounter any of these performance upgrades we are required to inform a supervisor about it so warranty can be VOIDED. Here are some of the performance parts that they have on the list:

Any type of Boost Controller (manual or electronic)
-Blitz
-Apex
-mrt
-etc.......
Any type of Turbo timer
-greddy
-Apex
-etc........
Any type of Air/Fuel meters
-autometer
-etc......
Any type of ECU
-Piggyback with stock ECU
-Prodive Fastroad ECU
-Turbo XS ECU
-any type Uniship ECU
etc...........
Any type of aftermarket Intake system
-AEM
-MRT
-etc.....
Any type of Blow-off valve.
-blitz
-turboXS
-GFB
-etc........
Any type of Exhaust System
-any type of cat-back systems
-any type of up and downpipes
-headers
-etc.........
Any type Aftermarket Turbos
-ball bearing
-VF 22,30,34
-etc......
Any type Aftermarket Intercoolers
-FMIC or TMIC
-silcone IC hose kits
Some Miscellaneous things
-Waterspray kit
-underdrive pulleys
They even have pictures of abused transmissions, first and second gears.
So just to let you guys know that before taking your car to any
subaru dealer TAKE OFF THIS PARTS IF YOU HAVE THEM. DONT SELL ALL YOUR STOCK PARTS. if any of you guys want a copy of this list or have any questions or concerns let me know give me a PM

**bedabi** · 01-19-2003 04:07 PM

I'd like to add three things:

1) Subaru cannot actually "void" you warranty for aftermarket parts. However, they can and will refuse to make repairs under warranty for problems associated with aftermarket enhancements. But this same dealership will most likely repair your broken power window and alarm under warranty despite your catless up pipe. (Like my service manager just did, despite installing the up pipe himself.)

2) When someone says "the M-M Act doesn't allow Subaru to void the warranty for aftermarket parts," all that really means is a court will not legally enforce Subaru's decision. That is, Subaru can declare that your warranty is voided. You can scream about the M-M Act till you're blue in the face. Subaru will again say that your warranty is voided. At this point you can either pay for the repair or get a lawyer involved. When anyone says they can or can't do something legally all it really means to a corporation or lawyer is what a court can or can't enforce. That is, when a court actually gets involved. Till then you can do as you like.

3) Finally, most of the answers here will tell you to look for a mod-friendly dealership. There are more and more dealerships that offer aftermarket installations. Mine does, for example. And they appear to be the most reasonable.

**glepko** · 01-19-2003 07:05 PM

WTG Subaru!! Thank-you, please continue to repair my car under warranty for defects from the factory.

**djrez4** · 01-20-2003 04:14 AM

Hmmm....In an attempt to add life to my engine and turbo, I have installed a turbo timer. Good thing Subaru plans on voiding my warranty over it.

I seriously, SERIOUSLY, hope Subaru didn't actually use the word void in any of the documents. That would be a nice violation of M&M.

**MisterX** · 01-20-2003 04:29 AM

SOA did not use the word "void" in its letter to me. The dealer used the word, though.

X

**djrez4** · 01-20-2003 04:30 AM

So SOA has some lawyers writing letter for them...and the dealer doesn't...

**QuickSilver** · 01-20-2003 04:39 AM

I think this is a good sticky for the newcomers.

For those of us who's been on this forum awhile...nothing new. I would be curious to see what the after-market parts manufactiurers feel about their specific products being named as offenders. If I was Blitz or Greddy or even Autometer, I'd be pissed. And these are big-wig companies who could support a decent lawyer or two.

**iceNine** · 01-20-2003 11:20 AM

Most of the aftermarket parts that I have put on my car say "For Offroad Use Only" (including my SPT muffler). I hope that most of you aren't driving your cars on public roads with this stuff installed

and then expecting the parts manufacturers to stand behind you in warranty battles (especially in court). Even though it is in their interest to sell more parts it would be legally tricky for them to admit in court that they KNOW that almost all of their parts are being used on the street (even though any idiot could figure that out).

Dale

**Ibizan** · 01-20-2003 11:31 PM

Originally posted by djrez4
Hmmm....In an attempt to add life to my engine and turbo, I have installed a turbo timer. Good thing Subaru plans on voiding my warranty over it.

I agree, I'm buying my rex in July and was planning on a turbo timer as well. It makes no sense to void a warranty over a part that actually extends the life of an OEM component

Bedabi has a good point to look for a mod-friendly dealer. That will factor into my decision on where I'll buy my rex.

**platinum scooby** · 01-21-2003 05:39 AM

Originally posted by djrez4
Hmmm....In an attempt to add life to my engine and turbo, I have installed a turbo timer. Good thing Subaru plans on voiding my warranty over it.

turbo timers do nothing for your turbo on this vehicle. no need to install them according to soa's technical report. run a search.

**02WRX03060** · 01-21-2003 06:37 AM

Just one question that this thread got me wondering. First off I do not like taking my car to the dealer for service anyways. It seems that alot of dealers do not even hire ASE certified mechanics anymore. I know my local Honda dealer only had like 2 ASE certified mechanics and the rest were "Honda certified techs".

Here's my question, seeing as most of these car manufactures are trying this sort of warranty stuff, is it possible to buy a car without a warranty?? Would SOA or the dealer give you a price cut on the car?? I mean if I know I will be modding the car and they will not warranty it for these minor upgrades then I have no use for it. Just to clear some things up, I am not talking about any extened warranty but the one that comes with the base price. Is there even a mark up (does the base warranty get added to the base price of the car at the factory) for this??

**bedabi** · 01-21-2003 08:02 AM

Originally posted by 02WRX03060

Here's my question, seeing as most of these car manufactures are trying this sort of warranty stuff, is it possible to buy a car without a warranty??

I can't think of anything that would rule that possibility out. Give a dealership a call and ask. Can't hurt.

**Road Runner** · 01-21-2003 11:14 AM

My guess is the price break if any would be next to nothing and the warranty is still good for the rest of the car. My drivers side window started hesatating and they fixed it for me even though they had already told me not to even talk to them about drive train issues with my mods.

**polkaband** · 01-22-2003 05:33 AM

I'm pickign up my car today. They voided the warranty on a broken Shift Fork because of my Unichip. I'm calling around to lawers. A couple of them sounded interested. I'll see what happens. any one else had broken shift forks? My friend over here is just starting to have the same problem that mine was. it cost me over $1500 to fix the shift fork. I just have to pay it for now because I need a car.