Is your Subaru still under warranty (or any other vehicle for that matter)? Have you been lead
to believe that your car must be worked on at the dealer while it is under
warranty? If so, then read on and I’ll educate you on some of the often
mis-understood facts about new car warranties.
When you purchase a new vehicle it comes with a factory backed warranty. In Subaru’s case
it has a 3 year 36000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, a 5 year 60000 mile power
train warranty, a 5 year rust perforation warranty, and a lifetime seatbelt
warranty.
Sounds great so far, right? Now, I realize there are extended warranties that can be purchased
beyond what the manufacturer will offer but I am only focusing on a new car
warranty in this blog. Whether you own a Subaru, Kia, Ford, etc. it’s good information to be armed with.
In 1975, one of our late, great Senators of Washington State, Warren G. Magnuson, co-sponsored a
bill aimed at protecting consumers from deceptive business practices and
improving competition among business. it was a win,win for consumers. The “Magnuson-Moss Warranty
Act” mandated that a written warranty on any consumer product that costs
more than $5 must completely and conspicuously disclose, in easily understood
words, the terms and conditions of the warranty.
One key aspect of the bill prohibits “Tie-in Sales” within a warranty. An example would be:
In order to keep your new Widget Brand Lawn Mower warranty in effect you must use only
Widget brand air filters and spark plugs in your mower.
Now, let’s apply this to your Subaru. When you purchase your Subaru there is a schedule of
required maintenance. The manufacturer is within their right to require
that specific service, maintenance and inspections be performed at specific
times and mileage to maintain the vehicles warranty. An example of an illegal
practice would be:
Subaru requires the use of a Genuine Subaru oil filter at each oil change performed
during the first 60000 miles of your vehicles life.
In contrast: Here’s what is actually stated by Subaru in the warranty
booklet regarding your responsibility to maintain the factory
warranty:
“It is your responsibility to have all scheduled inspection and maintenance services
performed at the times and mileages recommended at the back of this Booklet and
to retain proof that inspection and maintenance services are performed when
recommended. One method of proof is for you to have each maintenance service
record contained in this Booklet validated at the proper time or mileage by the
Authorized SUBARU Dealer or other service facility performing the service. You are also responsible for
checking such items as fluid levels and tire pressures regularly.”
Do you notice how they state “other service facility”? In summary, by law, Subaru or any
other car maker cannot stipulate that service and maintenance must be perfomed
at a dealer in order to maintain the warranty status of the vehicle. As a matter
of fact, it not only gives you the option to shop for your oil changes, brakes,
30k services elsewhere but if you’re qualified, you can even perform the
scheduled maintenance yourself. I must point out that if you are a DIY person,
you will want to keep detailed receipts of the parts you purchased and detailed
notes with time and mileage of when you performed your services.
Another aspect of this law protects the consumer if a dealer denies a warranty repair due to an
aftermarket part. It requires the dealer prove that a part or service done
outside of the dealership caused or contributed to the damage or failure of the
otherwise warrantable component. For instance, let’s say you installed
aftermarket wiper blades on your car and then the wiper motor went out a month
later. If a dealer were to tell you that they must deny warranty on the
windshield wiper motor because of the aftermarket blades, they would also have
to prove that those wipers or improper installation thereof caused the failure
of the wiper motor.
Another example:
Joe brought his car in to the dealer because he heard a strange knocking noise from his engine.
Upon diagnosis the dealer found that the engine had a major internal failure.
The car was 2 years old and had 23,000 miles on it. The dealer had no service
history on file and asked Joe to provide records of his required maintenance.
Joe had no documentation. The dealer denied the warranty engine repair because
it was their belief that lack of oil changes caused the internal damage to the
engine. (probably a fair assessment)NOTE: Due to economic pressures, dealers
have been requiring more documentation of service than ever before so keep your
receipts!
Examples-DEALER ONLY
My air
conditioning stopped working
My engine is
dripping oil
I hear a
clicking noise in reverse
My car runs
rough first thing in the morning
The ABS Warning
light stays illuminated
The radio
stopped working
I recieved a
RECALL notice
Examples-CONSUMER CHOICE
Oil/Filter
changes
All tune up type
services (7.5k 15k, 30k, 45k, 60k etc)
Tire
rotations
Other fluid
changes
Brakes (wear and tear related)
I am a strong believer in consumer choice and hope this will give you a better understanding
of your rights with any vehicle you ever purchase. I want to make sure it’s
understood that I am not dealer bashing. There are still stellar performing
dealers out there that can be great option for a consumer. I just to make sure
whatever your decision is it’s an informed one!
July 4th, 1975 Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act was signed into law by President Ford.
Stew
July 5, 2011The wife 14 Impreza had the check engine and traction control come up. Quick google tells me that this is nothing minor but I told her anyway to drop by the dealership and get them to scan the code and see if we need to book it in.
The car only has 7,000 mile and has had its first 2 services before needing them (safe rather than sorry). Last service was last month.
When she went to dealership – they said they need a booking to hook up an ODB scanner (this was 8am when they open and all the guys were doing was getting coffee) and that it was $60 diagnostics fee. Sadly my scanner is packed away somewhere otherwise I would look up the code.
Should they be charging for this? Or isn’t this covered by the bumper-to-bumper warranty (car is 10 months old and has low mileage).
Also how hard is it to have an apprentice scan the code? Is it usually Subaru Service Procedure to be trying to scrape the customer like this on a new car? Seem’s like I have the bad egg of service departments – but I don’t want to think that way if its Subaru policy.
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hi Stew, You are correct the car has a 3/36 bumper to bumper warranty and she should not have been charged. She may want to take it up with 1-800-Subaru3 and speak with a customer service rep. It may be an honest mistake but it’s hard to overlook that the car only has 7000 miles on it.
I hope she’s able to get a refund.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
206-417-0880
https://www.smart-service.com
John State
July 5, 2011Quick question, how can dealer prove that aftermarket part caused a damage. For example, you put an after market intake to your car or after market exhaust. How they will prove that that part is the cause of a turbo failure for example?? Whats the procerude for them to find out the cause of a damage?
James Bush
July 5, 2011I liked your direct approach addressing warranty questions & coverage. Thank you
RGN Sr.
July 5, 2011Your article and information is right on target, I own a 2007 Subaru Impreza and purchased a extended warranty ($2,600.00) and last month engine cylinder #4 failed and discovered a exhaust valve guide dropped into the piston chamber. The warranty company requested 2 year copies of oil changes, fortunately I keep good records, they agreed to make the repairs with a stipulation of $3,000 maximum, total costs was $2980.00 and I had to pay $716.00 because warranty company only excepted $90 hr labor rate and I paid the difference. In conclusion a paid $2,600.00 for the warranty so it was really my money the used, I wasn’t told about their terms when I took out the warranty policy. Never again buy a warranty.
Aileen
July 5, 2011Hello Sir, i have a 7 year extended bumper to bumper warranty on my 2017 Impreza that will run out in 2024 i am not understanding this when i have the Factory warranty for 3 years / 36,000 miles so to me the extended warranty should run for seven yrs after the Factory Warranty runs out or am i really missing something? Oh it is only good for 70,000 miles to Help please i am not understanding this.
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hello Aileen, The extended warranty you purchased will run in conjunction with (not in addition to) your Subaru 3/36 Factory bumper to bumper warranty as well as with the Subaru Factory 5/60 Powertrain warranty. So essentially it adds a couple of more years on top of what the factory warranty would have covered.
I hope this clears things up.
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
Connie
July 5, 2011I have a 2013 Outback and one of the headlamps went out, I was under the assumption that this is covered under my warranty, do you know anything about this? Thanks!!!
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hello Connie,
You can call your local Subaru dealer with you VIN # and they will likely tell you the car is under extended warranty for headlight bulbs.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
Also for Subaru parts online visit http://www.smartqualityparts.com
Gordon King
July 5, 2011Hi Mike,
We are picking up a 2018 Subaru CrossTrek on Monday. I am thinking of purchasing an extended warranty on tire damage. I have not been given a final price or any documentation yet, but at first glance, it seems to be a bit pricey compared to damage protection that I have purchased when I bought new tires (not from new car dealers) in the past.
What is your opinion on this?
Thanks in advance.
Gordon
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hi Gordon, If you travel in an area where there are lots of road hazards, rocks, etc you may but for the most part tires are easily repaired if they ever get a puncture in the tread area. If it occurs in or near the sidewall, then replacement would be necessary.
If it were me, I would pass but it comes down to how much you are willing to pay for added security.
Take car,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
Parts online at http://www.smartqualityparts.com
James
July 5, 2011Does doing your own oil change and tire rotation void your 3 year warrenty? The dealer charge double then doing it yourself and other car dealers charge less never owned a new car always did the work myself. If I have to pay the dealer to do normal manintance work then I may never buy a new Subaru again.
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hello James,
Good question. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss act you have every right to change your own oil and filter and the factory still must honor their warranty. Bear in mind that using good quality parts is a must when you’re doing it yourself. Although you can do your own oil change, if you were to do it and the oil seal blew on the filter and caused engine damage due to loss of oil, then the dealer wouldn’t be responsible for the warranty.
The second part is to save all your receipts and keep a logbook of the date and mileage you perform your own service. If any problems arise in the future, they may ask to see them as proof that the oil has been changed at the proper intervals.
Good luck,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service your Independent Subaru Expert
Also, parts online at http://www.smartqualityparts.com
Anthony
July 5, 2011I used Subaru oil and filter to change my oil at 1000 miles. Upon reaching 5000 miles, I found out the filter was defective when it drained out my oil causing engine damage. Drain plug and oil filter tight, but oil leaked through housing. No engine light or oil warning signs turned on. Only found out the problem when I started hearing noise when accelerating and shifting gears from 1 to 2. Will I be warranty still cover this rare problem?
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hi Anthony,
I think there’s a possibility that your manufacturer warranty will not cover the repair if the damage was caused by the oil filter failure unless it was a genuine Subaru filter. If it was an aftermarket filter then you may need to speak with the manufacturer of the filter to see if they will cover any damage it caused.
Good luck,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service Your Independent Subaru Expert
Shoreline Washington
206-417-0880
Jack Hadley
July 5, 2011I have a 2015 Outback with all the bells and whistles. If I get an oil change and normal service in November, and then am away from home for 5 months, I am told I have to get another oil change in May, or my warranty will be void. This is despite the fact that there is less than 1000 Km i=on the car. Is that right?
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Great question. I have to admit I don’t know how Subaru would proceed in a situation that was oil failure related if it had exceeded the recommended time period for oil changes vs. mileage. You may want to check with the Dealer or Subaru directly. I think that common sense would dictate that you’re doing no harm by letting the oil sit in there for that length of time but technically speaking with the warranty you may be correct. If it had nothing to do with the warranty, and just common sense, I advise our low usage customers to at least get the oil changed once every 6 months.
If Subaru gives you an opinion, please feel free to post their answer here. I’m curious what they will say.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
20309-B Ballinger Way NE
Shoreline, WA 98155
206-417-0880
Sal
July 5, 2011Great information, but I don’t see dents covered. Is this under the 3/36k ? I just bught a 2017 Impreza, 617 miles on it.
A car hit a small rock two lanes from me, and once again I won the anti-lottery since the rock hit the chassis (right in front of passenger door). The dent is small but is preventing the door from opening fully.
Is this covered?
Thanks in advance
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hi Sal,
This would be covered by your automobile insurance. Subaru will repair items due to outside causes.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
brian
July 5, 2011I bought a new subaru Impreza back in March 2016 with standard warranty. According to the service schedule they recommended service date is 10k or 6 months. My milage is currently at 8k but just passed the 6 month mark.
Does this void any future claims that i may have for warranty? Does anyone have any experience with cases like these?
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hi Brian,
Technically the stipulation is that the maintenance is recommended by mileage or time, whichever occurs first. I would hope the dealer would be reasonable on a lower mileage vehicle but I believe they could use this technicality to avoid a warranty related repair.
Good luck,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
http://www.smart-service.coj
Nathan
July 5, 2011Hello Mike Great article. I was wanting to ask if adding a turbo charger to my 2016 Crosstrek would void warranty if it was installed by a professional and only boosts to match sea level pressure at all times. See I live in Colorado and make frequent trips into the mountains getting up to around 10,000 feet so having the increased air pressure would help greatly.
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hi Nathan,
Adding a turbo to your Crosstrek would likely void the warranty on any engine or drivetrain related failures as well as would be considered federal emission tampering unless the vehicle is used for offroad purposes only.
I do hear you when it comes to trying to get more power out of those engines but there’s really nothing you can do without compromising the warranty.
Good luck
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
A Davis
July 5, 2011Rear wheel bearings are making a racket on 2015 Outback. The way the written warranty is presented is confusing: does the Powertrain Limited Warranty apply to the “Transaxle/Transmission and Differential” category list below the “Powertrain Coverage Components” or not?
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hello,
To my knowledge, the wheel bearings should be covered by the 5/60 powertrain warranty. When in doubt, call 1-800-Subaru3 and they should be able to give you confirmation.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
Jennifer Jones
July 5, 2011Hi
I was told on April 24, 2017 by my Subaru Forrester dealer service person that my cam case was leaking some but that it was not serious, did not need to be resealed at that time, and that it would not hurt me at all to wait until my next oil change to have the cam case resealed. As a matter of fact, he suggested I wait until then. I didn’t suggest waiting to do it. I asked him what he recommended I do, because I like to get service and any work done whenever they are needed, and I don’t ever want to delay what needs is best to be done then.Today, I found a lot of oil under my car in my garage near the tires, and far as I can tell this is from the cam case leak.
OK, so I just realized that since I bought my car on May 6, 2011, my powertrain warranty was still in force at the time on April 24, 2017, the service guy told me that if he were me, just wait until next time to address it!!!!
I feel that I was definitely misled, and that he should have not suggested I wait when they knew I was just inside my power train warranty by 12 days. Can you tell me your take on this?
I will take it in tomorrow (today is Christmas) and will try to get them to cover it under my warranty, since I figure they will probably have to pull the engine to do the resealing.
If they will not cover it under my warranty, I am wondering what I could do. Can you point me to the best person and address that I can use to complain to Subaru?
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hello Jennifer,
I hope it was an honest mistake and they will realize their mistake. If not, I would suggest calling 1-800-Subaru3 and they will be able to help you.
Good luck and please let me know how it works out.
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
Harry Schoger
July 5, 2011II had my Subaru Forester serviced at an NTB shop. A mechanic told me my struts are leaking a bit and that I should consider replacing them. Do they really leak when overly worn? My car has 53,000 miles on it. It is a 2014.
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hi Harry,
At 53,000 miles the only Subaru’s I’ve ever seen with weak or failing struts that soon are cars that hit a large pothole and damaged 1 strut. All struts will weep a little around the top over time and if it’s just a surface residue then I’d ignore the advice. If it is oily and wet all around the outside and draining down the side as well as if you give it a bounce test and it’s mushy, then it may really need replacement.
Good luck and let me know what you find once you get a second opinion.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
https://www.smart-service.com
Smart Service your Independent Subaru Expert
Katherine Wells
July 5, 2011I recently purchased a 2018 Forester, and under the weather the day I signed the paperwork, or probably wouldn’t have gone for the extended 42K maintenance. I also was led to believe that the maintenance done by Subaru was the only way to protect the warranty.
This is what they replied:
Dealership: If you were to cancel this program, all monies go back to the bank and reduce you principle and you payment will remain the same. But you will still have to pay out of your pocket for the services…
My question is can I get the monthly payment lowered to reflect the lowered price of purchase despite this comment?
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hi Katherine,
I can’t answer this particular question because it comes down to the fine print in whatever contract you signed. I do think it’s a good thing that they are letting you remove the warranty purchase after the fact. I hope it works out for you and in the worst case, the car will just be paid off sooner than expected.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
Brian Carlson
July 5, 2011What about maintenance records when purchasing a used car? For example I just purchased a 2015 Outback with 35,000 miles (from a Buick dealer) so I have quite a bit left on my powertrain warranty, but obviously I don’t have the previous owners oil change receipts. Could that be used to deny coverage if something were to happen to the engine?
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hi Brian,
If the failure is confirmed to be related to lack of proper maintenance or service, they could deny the claim unless you are able to provide records stating otherwise.
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
http://www.smartqualityparts.com
Chris Argueta
July 5, 2011Hi Mike,
Yesterday, I purchased a used, but super clean 2015 Subaru WRX, with only 24,820 miles on it.
I drive 36 miles one way to Los Angeles, to work, everyday.
Our roads in LA County are hit and miss. Some are great, some are like the moon’s surface.
I plan to keep the car at least 3 years, but probably under 100,000 miles.
My questions for you:
1) Does the original basic factory warranty (3 yr/36000 bumper-bumper, 5 yr/60000 power
train, 5 yr rust perforation, lifetime seat-belt) apply to me, the third owner of this vehicle?
2) Should I purchase the extended warranty from my Credit Union? I have until Monday to decide.
Or…
3) Should I or can I purchase Subaru Added Security extended service agreement?
Thanks in advance.
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hi Chris,
1. As long as the car hasn’t been totaled, the car should still have the remainder of the factory warranty in effect. (call your local Subaru dealer with your VIN# and they will confirm)
2 and 3 Are up to you and what your tolerance to risk is. If I were going to purchase one though, I’d go with the Subaru Added Security policy over the credit union one. As far as calculating the risk vs reward I will tell you that the Turbocharged engines are pretty spendy to fix if they have any major failure. ($8000-$12000 depending on severity of damage)
Last but most importantly…. No matter what they tell you, change your oil at least every 3.75 months/3750 Miles and use Synthetic oil only. ALSO Be religious in checking your oil level between changes. The #1 cause of engine failure we’ve seen on WRX’s and other turbo Subaru’s has caused by low engine oil.
Good luck,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
http://www.smartqualityparts.com
Jim Throckmorton
July 5, 2011Hi Mike,
First, thanks for this great resource!
I have a 2013 Crosstrek that just had its 60k service. In the inspection, they determined that the following needed to be addressed:
– Engine Rear Main Seal (leaking)
– Front Control Arms – (rear bushings splitting)
– CV Axel (Left Control Boot – pinhole, leaking)
I have the Subaru Gold Plus (8yr/100k) warranty on the vehicle, will this cover these issues?
Thanks!
James
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hi Jim,
Sorry for the late reply, for some reason the posts were not being forwarded to me. First I believe the rear main seal will be covered by the SAS Gold policy. The front control arms may be a normal wear businig but it’s possible the SAS policy will also cover these. I don’t think they’ll cover the cv boot because normally that is caused by an outside influence. Normally the pinhole is something that can be monitored but can go for years without creating any problems. It all depends how much it’s leaking.
I hope this helps,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Indendent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
Brigitte Farrell
July 5, 2011I decided to trade in my 2016 Forester for a 2018 model that has GPS and some other great features. I am picking up the car today. Yesterday once we agreed on a purchase price, I was shown the chart of all the additional warranty options. Tired and hungry by then, I said I would do the a la carte option for an additional $4K. Decided on the way home that I didn’t want the extended warranty; called them and it’s being removed from the final contract. My question: I am still second guessing this, because as far as I can tell, the car is one big computer chip on wheels. Does it pay to do some sort of extended warranty in the event the gps, or radio, or blind spot detection etc etc go out?? Thanks
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hi Brigitte,
Up to this point, Subaru electronics have been very reliable. I look at extended warranties like purchasing insurance. Most of the time you don’t need it but if you ever do you’re glad you have it. The tough thing about extended warranties is that you pay for the 10 year/ 100k mile coverage but you only get to use 5 years and 40k miles of it because the manufacturer power train warranty covers the first 5 years 60k miles. If it were me, (and you can afford it) I would set that $4000 aside in a c.d. or something similar that matures before your manufacturer warranty expires so that if something ever does go wrong, you have the cash to cover it.
I hope this helps,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Indendent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
Michael S
July 5, 2011I bought a 2018 Forester 2.0XT Premium and was contemplating installing an aftermarket air intake and charge pipe. How might this effect my warranty? Thanks in advance!
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hi Michael,
Here’s how it could affect the warranty. If a component on the engine fails and the manufacturer believes that your aftermarket item contributed to the failure of the component then the warranty claim could be denied. Now in contrast, if you put on an aftermarket intake, and the a wheel bearing started to go bad it would likely be covered under warranty because the modification could not have an effect on the wheel bearing. I hope this answers your question.
Cheers,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
Liz
July 5, 2011Hi Mike,
We own a 2011 Subaru Forrester. We have done all of our maintenance at the dealer and have recorded dates, mileage and cost of all maintenance.
We recently had to make several expensive repairs to the car including repairing repairing transmission lines, replacing both front axles and replacing worn lower bushings and links. We have a Dan Perkins Subaru lifetime warranty which comes automatically when you buy the car from this particular dealer.
When I went to pay I asked them why none of these repairs is covered under the warranty? They said that maybe the axle repair would be and that they would look into it, but that we may have voided the warranty because when we did our 75,000 mile service, we declined having our tires rotated. When I checked our warranty manual it does state that it is our responsibility to keep up with the required maintenance in order to maintain the warranty but I feel like we have except this one tire rotation issue. Could this one declination of tire rotation seriously void our lifetime warranty?
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hi Liz,
I would think the dealer would need to prove that the damage to the parts involved were a direct relation to the fact that you did not rotate your tires. It would be a similar flawed argument if they would not replace your power window motor because you did not change your engine oil on time.
I would definitely push back on this one. Go to their General Manager if you are not getting help from their service department (or even the salesperson that originally sold you the car if they are still there).
Good luck,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
Mark Cox
July 5, 2011M ike:
I have a 2015 Crosstrek with a 5-speed manual that is at 59,800 miles. The throw-out bearing began making noises 6 weeks ago and now has failed. The dealer is advising that the TOB is not included in the 5/60,000 Powertrain warranty as it is a wear item and SOA won’t cover it. I read the applicable 2015 warranty where the “wear items” not covered are “brake pads, clutch linings, and wiper blades”. I understand the concept of not covering consumable items, but I’ve never heard of any manufacturer excluding a TOB. What is your understanding, experience, or opinion? Are there additional warranty terms kept by Subaru that are not publicized? Is this in violation of the law?
Thanks in advance!
Mark
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hi Mark,
I believe we spoke on the phone but if not, I would suggest calling 1-800-SUBARU3 with the problem. I would be disappointed to hear if they did not cover it since it is not a “wear” type item.
Good luck,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
Erin
July 5, 2011Hi Mike,
You’ve got a lot of great advice on here, hope you’ll still be reading these! I just purchased an 18 Forester. I love everything about it but the crappy headunit. I’d love to replace with an aftermarket headunit that is CarPlay compatible. I’m concerned about voiding or making the bumper to bumper warranty I purchased (for $2100) much less worthwhile if I do this. I understand the headunit would no longer be under warranty, is there a lot else that I would risk losing warranty for electronics or otherwise? Thanks!
Mike Corbin
July 5, 2011Hi Erin,
As long as whomever installs the does it properly without doing any harm to the wiring system you should be ok. Essentially if something on the vehicle fails under warranty, as long as the repair facility doesn’t deem that the new head unit caused the problem, all warranty items should still be valid. I hope this helps and you’re able to find a unit that works for you.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service