Manufacturers' scam to void warranties from non-dealer service

TV;DW?

 

Streamers scam to increase views?

 

Click bait for people who fall for dealer scams.
One of the reasons I have over 200,000 miles in Priuses but haven't bought a Toyota since the 1980s is that they used to strongly imply that you had to had to have YOUR vehicle serviced or repaired in THEIR dealership - or the OEM factory warranty would be voided.

All dealerships do this on some levels but Toyota tried this (and FAILED) on ME.

An AI overview of a law I've mentioned several times in this forum that might be applicable.......

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. § 2301 et seq.)
A 1975 federal law governing consumer product warranties. It requires warrantors to provide detailed, written information about warranty terms, bans "tie-in" provisions forcing specific brand repairs, and enables consumer lawsuits for breaches, including potential attorney fee recovery.
Key aspects of the Act include:

• No Mandatory Warranty: Manufacturers are not required to provide a written warranty, but if they do, it must comply with the Act.
• Tie-In Sales Prohibition: A manufacturer cannot refuse warranty coverage just because aftermarket parts or non-dealer services were used. Coverage can only be denied if those specific parts or services caused the defect.
• Types of Warranties: Warranties must be clearly labeled as "Full" or "Limited".
  • Full Warranty: Includes free repair or replacement, including removing/reinstalling, and applies to any owner during the period.
  • Limited Warranty: Any warranty not meeting all "full" criteria.
• Implied Warranties: The Act prevents companies from disclaiming implied warranties (unwritten promises that a product works as intended) when a written warranty is provided.
• Enforcement: Consumers can sue for breach of warranty and recover attorney fees if successful, aimed at combating deceptive warranty practices.

The law was sponsored by Senator Warren G. Magnuson and Representative John E. Moss to protect consumers.

 

A successful consumer plaintiff may move, as part of the judgment, for "the aggregate amount of cost and expenses (including attorneys' fees based on actual time expended) determined by the court to have been reasonably incurred by the plaintiff for or in connection with the commencement and prosecution of such action".

§2310(d)(2)

 

Not true at all.....but since leaving the Toyota family 37 years ago I have not been tempted to try.

Having lived in Chaston for over 9 years, (more accurately *gasp!!* NORTH Charleston! ) I have a little Palmetto Low Country blood in my veins, and I happen to ALSO know that their Small Court limits are $7500.

 

I've more-or-less walked away from the whole debacle. My official, Toyota Canada "maintenance record" is VERY sparse. Too, it's almost a relief when your car is out of warranty.