I just purchased an 05 wrx wagon a month ago, so far I have only installed a kartboy ss and bushing. I plan on upgrading the entire suspension and brakes before I install power mods only because I was under the impression that power mods will void warranty claim if the drivetrain has damage. Am I correct about this? or will power mods such as exhaust and other simple bolt-ons not void the warranty.

I understand that if a suspension piece breaks, then they would say it's due to my aftermarket suspension. I'm not sure what they would do if my ABS stopped working if i had aftermarket calipers, but my guess is they could blame it on my big brakes. But I'm more worried about have a drivetrain problem, and having to pay to get it fixed. What power mods, if any, can I install and still be covered.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

A catback probably won't void powertrain warranty, but if you did a full turbo back and uppipe it is a different story.

You may want to talk to the dealer that will be servicing the car. Find out what they think are acceptable mods and what they would reject if you are planning on doing any modifications. That way you will be safe because your service advisor has told you what he will overlook.

Thanks,
Jackie

OK class repeat after me:

MODDING YOUR CAR DOES NOT AND WILL NOT "VOID" THE WARRANTY.


I don't know how many times we have to talk about this, but there are plenty of people here that have modded exhausts and such and still get warranty coverage on their drivetrain. It comes down to your relationship with your dealer and willingness to bitch until you get what you want.

However if you have a modded exhaust and ECU reflash, and you come in with a blown clutch or transmission, you can't expect them to automatically give you a new one.

Sticky in the general thread:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8947020&postcount=1

Depending on your dealer, chrome valve stem covers may do it.

if subarus are known for their long lasting life, will i'd wouldn't worry abotu the warrenty. Uness you mod it wrong, then its your fault.

Depending on your dealer, chrome valve stem covers may do it.

This is true. Put on a cat back exhaust and if you have tranny problems they can say the added horsepower affected the drivetrain. Don't like it? Go hire a lawyer at $300 an hour LOL.

Technically, to deny a warranty claim SOA has to be able to prove that the mod caused the failure. They usually will just blame the mods, and tell you to take a hike knowing that most people will not take it further than that. If you had a lawyer, the story would be different. However, dealer relationship is a big one. From experience, reading, and talking with people, honesty up front really is the best policy. If you mod smart...you shouldn't have problems.

Will XXX modification void my warranty?
The ONLY ways you can void your warranty are to remove your vehicle outside the United States states or odometer tampering. That's it, nothing else will void your warranty. Modifying your vehicle can impact warranty service on specific components. For example, if you add a boost controller and you have a transmission problem, there is/can be a case for a cause/effect to deny warranty service on your transmission. Will they still have to fix your broken power window? Yes. Will they fix your transmission? No. The determination on what warranty issues get resolved gets made by each regional SOA representative. This means that Bill in Tampa and Steve in Chicago may get polar opposite results with 100% identical mods. Fair? No, but that's what happens with human nature. Want 100% warranty resolution 100% of the time? Keep your car 100% stock.

plz read stickys

i read one sticky about voiding the entire warranty, only by messing with the odometer, which did not answer my question because I asked about a specific claim. The other sticky posted ^^here^^, i did not read, i'm sorry I do not have super sticky searching powers. but thanks to those who sort of helped me out with my answer.

read it, it says that it depends on exactly who you are dealing with, which is completely true. If you want to mod your car, go ask your dealer first. We cant tell you what he is going to say about any mod.

This means that Bill in Tampa and Steve in Chicago may get polar opposite results with 100% identical mods.

Also, read up on the Moss-Magnuson warranty act.

I'm thinking about going stage 2 on my sti.... I've talked to the dealer about it and they said it was fine as long as if anything goes wrong with the car and I have to bring it in.... I must replace it to OEM

Here's another one you might want to read:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=803106

read that one...i think i get the point, and i guess I'm just gonna start modding away. thankyou all for your insight.

I'm thinking about going stage 2 on my sti.... I've talked to the dealer about it and they said it was fine as long as if anything goes wrong with the car and I have to bring it in.... I must replace it to OEM


No.

That is fraud.

just go to a mod friendly suby dealership. I dont know why people care about voiding their warranty.. if you plan to modding your car then do it and be prepared to pay for it if it breaks. when i bought my cars they asked me if i wanted to buy the extended warranties for them. i told them no... because i plan on modding the car. do yourself a favor... do research on the parts you buy. dont try to boost 30lbs... dont continually do 5500k rpm launches.