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Old 01-28-2014, 06:28 AM   #376
blackfang
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ghost911 View Post
Here is a serious question of warrenty.

Let me know if I can get my money back for this. It cost me 150$

I went to Subaru in Carlsbad California, Bob bakers.
Note: this happen when I first got the car Didnt know much about my 2012 Wrx.

Mods: arm inrake , catless downpipe.

Any way. I took my vehicle in because my cruise control was not working because I pulled a code p0140 low bank code, 02 sensor code. So they looked at it for 2 hrs to find out the reason why the cruise control was not working and they said it was switch that was staying stuck on, so they order the part and i had to come back whenthe part comes in. Part comes in and the machanic works on the new part and realises its the wrong part. Soon after that he realises it was a fuse that went bad and that caused the issue, so they replaced it with a new fuse and charged me 160$ because i had a catless downpipe which voided warrenty. And they didn't even give me an option whether to change it or not.. Is this correct that I should have been charged? Or should I go back and get money back? If so what so I say?
What that dealer did was unethical. From what I gather, they diagnosed it as to being a bad switch which was covered under warranty. When another technician went to install said switch, he found a fuse blown and replaced it and now everything works. The ONLY thing you should have been charged for is the fuse. Because the fuse is not covered by warranty. The exhaust has NOTHING to do with the failure of the fuse and/or switch and they should not be telling you that. They misdiagnosed it and that is their fault, not yours. I would go back and talk to the Service Manager who oversees the Service Dept and talk to him about this. If that doesn't work, then talk to the Service Director and slowly move up the chain until something is done.

Quote:
Originally Posted by scoobySTi06 View Post
^^ your SOL if you don't revert back to stock before bringing your car into Subaru then prepare to have your warranty voided. What you could try is reverting to stock and start taking your car to a different stealership.
You are part of the reason why honest people are getting the shaft.
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Last edited by blackfang; 01-28-2014 at 06:38 AM.
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Old 01-28-2014, 05:20 PM   #377
RexyGirl
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The failure they 'diagnosed' had nothing to do with the modifications to his car, correct....HOWEVER, if the cruise control light was on, and flashing, and the cruise control was not working, it was probably because the Check Engine Light was on. The cruise light (and in other models, other lights) comes on every time the check engine light comes on disabling the cruise, for a few reasons.

My guess is that the car was improperly diagnosed, and because the cruise was not working due to the check engine light being on, the customer was charged for the repair DUE TO his modifications, which can cause the check engine light to come on.

Short story....there was probably nothing wrong with the cruise control.
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Old 01-28-2014, 07:03 PM   #378
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exactly, now that I know the engine light comes on because cruise control, I obviously do not bring it in for a check any more. question is that they didn't warn me that they was going to change a fuse and charge me till it was done.. it was about few months ago, is it to late to get my money back if it was improper diagnosed ? 160$ for a fuse is out rages . im not trying to be scandalous like other people, im just wondering if I was taken advantage of and should go complain to management and get money back..

Quote:
Originally Posted by RexyGirl View Post
The failure they 'diagnosed' had nothing to do with the modifications to his car, correct....HOWEVER, if the cruise control light was on, and flashing, and the cruise control was not working, it was probably because the Check Engine Light was on. The cruise light (and in other models, other lights) comes on every time the check engine light comes on disabling the cruise, for a few reasons.

My guess is that the car was improperly diagnosed, and because the cruise was not working due to the check engine light being on, the customer was charged for the repair DUE TO his modifications, which can cause the check engine light to come on.

Short story....there was probably nothing wrong with the cruise control.

Last edited by ghost911; 01-28-2014 at 07:11 PM.
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Old 01-28-2014, 07:26 PM   #379
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ghost911 View Post
exactly, now that I know the engine light comes on because cruise control, I obviously do not bring it in for a check any more. question is that they didn't warn me that they was going to change a fuse and charge me till it was done.. it was about few months ago, is it to late to get my money back if it was improper diagnosed ? 160$ for a fuse is out rages . im not trying to be scandalous like other people, im just wondering if I was taken advantage of and should go complain to management and get money back..
It is too late now being it was a few months ago, but chalk this up as a lesson learned. That is something you address right then.

You did not pay $160 to change a fuse. You paid for the technicians time to diagnose the problem on your previous visit and the time he took on your current visit. The problem I have with the transaction is they never informed you of any charges at write-up. Whenever my customers are written up, we tell them up front there is a charge and it is documented on the repair order where the customer signs. Even if there is additional diagnosis charges, we add that onto the repair order and get the customers initials again. You do not charge a customer after the fact.
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Old 01-28-2014, 11:07 PM   #380
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ghost911 View Post
exactly, now that I know the engine light comes on because cruise control, I obviously do not bring it in for a check any more. question is that they didn't warn me that they was going to change a fuse and charge me till it was done.. it was about few months ago, is it to late to get my money back if it was improper diagnosed ? 160$ for a fuse is out rages . im not trying to be scandalous like other people, im just wondering if I was taken advantage of and should go complain to management and get money back..
Actually, the cruise control light comes on (and flashes) because of the check engine light...not the other way around.

Because you had modifications to the exhaust, it caused the check engine light to come on....because of that, the cruise light came on and disabled the cruise.

They should have pulled the check engine light codes first, found the issue with your exhaust and fixed that FIRST. Then, if there was still and issue with your cruise (which there probably wasn't), it could have been addressed then.

I agree though, that you shouldn't have been charged (or paid) for the repair you didn't authorize. If your repair order said $0.00 and you didn't authorize the repairs, you should not have paid for it. Not at a dealer or anywhere
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Old 03-02-2014, 01:58 PM   #381
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Hmm. I wanna believe this to be true lol
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Old 03-02-2014, 02:33 PM   #382
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Old 03-02-2014, 09:13 PM   #383
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Originally Posted by Rogue_P View Post
Re: OP While what you say is 100% true, when the dealer denies your warranty claim you can escalate the claim to SOA. If they also deny the claim, the only way you can reverse that decision is in court. SOA knows this (as does every other automaker) and they know that only a small percentage of people would take it that far. So it is in their best interest (they think) to deny claims if they even suspect your modification caused the problem. The also know that a few people crying about it on a public forum really doesn't hurt their business so they stick it to us. What they don't seem to get though, is that dealers/manufacturers that are lenient in their warranty claims will likely lead to folks posting positive responses in public forums which can drive car sales. They would rather not fix your $3k transmission claim (for example) and reap instant reward than to "invest" in the possibility of new car sales. You have to remember folks, the percentage of overall auto buyers that modify their vehicles is very low. Anyway, that's my $.02
Dealer cannot deny or approve warranty service. Only SOA.

Sure, you can escalate the situation by threatening legal action, but that won't get you very far.
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Old 03-02-2014, 09:17 PM   #384
RexyGirl
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rogue_P View Post
Re: OP

While what you say is 100% true, when the dealer denies your warranty claim you can escalate the claim to SOA. If they also deny the claim, the only way you can reverse that decision is in court.

SOA knows this (as does every other automaker) and they know that only a small percentage of people would take it that far. So it is in their best interest (they think) to deny claims if they even suspect your modification caused the problem.

The also know that a few people crying about it on a public forum really doesn't hurt their business so they stick it to us.

What they don't seem to get though, is that dealers/manufacturers that are lenient in their warranty claims will likely lead to folks posting positive responses in public forums which can drive car sales. They would rather not fix your $3k transmission claim (for example) and reap instant reward than to "invest" in the possibility of new car sales.

You have to remember folks, the percentage of overall auto buyers that modify their vehicles is very low.

Anyway, that's my $.02

The first denial does not come from the dealer....it comes from SOA. Dealers do not have authorization to deny claims, no matter what they tell you. The original denial comes from Subaru, not the dealer. If the dealer is telling you the claim is denied, then ask who they spoke to at SOA, and how they came to that conclusion.

Subaru has to prove that the failure was a result of something other than an SOA manufacturer's defect. If they can't (and yes, sometimes they can't) then they are obligated to pay for the repair. And in most instances, Subaru pays what the customer would pay (and they pay more if there is an SAS contact), so why would we WANT a claim to be denied?

As a dealer, we don't want a customer's claim to be denied, contrary to what most people think. We just want to get paid.

Modifications are not the only way a claim can be denied. Abuse and outside influences can also be causes of a denial.

Subaru does not think it is in their best interest to deny a claim, although I can't speak for other manufacturers. I've been with Subaru for 13 years, and I have seen them cover some things even I have shaken my head at, and my job is to take care of the customer. Things I would have though they would have denied, they have been covered.
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Old 03-04-2014, 03:06 AM   #385
sdeneve
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Hey guys, quick question here. If I took my car into Subaru with a downpipe/catback/(would uninstall my accessport). Would my warranty still cover my transmission??
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Old 03-04-2014, 03:14 AM   #386
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My car is losing power to car(high revs) 70% on throttle and not sure if its the clutch or something to do with the transmission and am scared to take it to Subaru, lol. Any suggestions?
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Old 03-04-2014, 05:36 PM   #387
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sdeneve View Post
My car is losing power to car(high revs) 70% on throttle and not sure if its the clutch or something to do with the transmission and am scared to take it to Subaru, lol. Any suggestions?
Quote:
Originally Posted by sdeneve View Post
Hey guys, quick question here. If I took my car into Subaru with a downpipe/catback/(would uninstall my accessport). Would my warranty still cover my transmission??
So you're asking us if you should attempt to commit warranty fraud?

**** off. that aint what this thread or forum are here for.

The downpipe is a problem. The accessport is a problem. But they can see both things even if you remove them (tool marks and check counters in the ECU).

Pay to play. Don't modify a car you can't afford.
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Old 03-04-2014, 07:42 PM   #388
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The Dealship I bought my 14' from told me they were ok with tbe,intake, ap stage 2. After that its voided.
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Old 03-04-2014, 10:07 PM   #389
RexyGirl
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Originally Posted by Awd_addict View Post
The Dealship I bought my 14' from told me they were ok with tbe,intake, ap stage 2. After that its voided.
They can't void your warranty, period.

Subaru, can, however, deny a claim that is a direct cause of any modification.
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Old 04-08-2014, 08:36 PM   #390
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very knowledgeable thread
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Old 04-08-2014, 08:42 PM   #391
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Two weeks ago I was driving in the rain and while I was turning my foot slips off the clutch and I pretty much forced the gear into 2nd and gave it too much gas by mistake.

Somehow my clutched locked into 2nd gear not allowing me to shift, even with my foot on the clutch. Long story short, I had to let the syncros/clutch cool down in order to

start driving again. Now every time I drive I have too force 1st/2nd gear into place. Seems like my 1st syncros are failing. I know SOA drivetrain warranty will only void

clutch/turbo but do you know anything about syncros issues?

I do have some modifications but only a catback exhaust, short throw shifter, and the rest is cosmetic. Any thoughts? I'm going too the dealer on Thursday to get an oil change and i'll probably talk about it then. But I wanna go in knowing what to say.
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Old 06-18-2014, 09:01 PM   #392
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RexyGirl View Post
They can't void your warranty, period.

Subaru, can, however, deny a claim that is a direct cause of any modification.
they can, however, refuse to service the vehicle entirely according to the MMA. which may as well be the same thing.

<- used to work for dealers now works for vehicle mfr
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Old 10-07-2014, 08:54 PM   #393
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So, I have read a bunch of conflicting things about warranty issues and an engine tune, I have read that some say it is ok, some say who cares how often do you hear about catastrophic engine failure, and obviously the ones that say it would be voided. I've also heard that it will vary by dealership. Anyone with an engine tune run into any troubles with warranty issues??
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Old 10-08-2014, 08:39 AM   #394
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Originally Posted by mcbro012 View Post
So, I have read a bunch of conflicting things about warranty issues and an engine tune, I have read that some say it is ok, some say who cares how often do you hear about catastrophic engine failure, and obviously the ones that say it would be voided. I've also heard that it will vary by dealership. Anyone with an engine tune run into any troubles with warranty issues??
If you want to ensure your car is covered, don't tune it. If you do, then be prepared to build the engine if it blows. Some people get lucky, but you are rolling the dice that it will be covered.
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Old 11-29-2014, 05:20 PM   #395
Gary R.
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If I track my car at a Driver's Education event (NOT racing) and the engine (or any other drive line part) lets go will I be denied a warranty claim? I have not, nor will in the near future, do any modifications other than suspension.
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Old 11-29-2014, 05:26 PM   #396
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Technically, yes.

You are on a racetrack, regardless of it not being a timed event, you are still "racing"
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Old 03-24-2015, 02:17 PM   #397
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VEHICLE WARRANTY DENIAL & THE LAW
Some motor vehicle dealers and manufacturers are telling customers that the factory warranty on their motor vehicles is "void," if aftermarket parts or accessories are installed on their vehicles. This is incorrect. DONMAR would like to refer you to the federal Consumer Product Warranties law, under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which states, in part, in Title 15, United States Code, Section 2302, subdivision (c) that:

"No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumer's using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade, or corporate name; except that the prohibition of this subsection may be waived by the [Federal Trade] Commission if –
  1. the warrantor satisfies the Commission that the warranted product will function properly only if the article or service so identified is used in connection with the warranted product, and
  2. the Commission finds that such a waiver is in the public interest. The Commission shall identify in the Federal Register, and permit public comment on, all applications for waiver of the prohibition of this subsection, and shall publish in the Federal Register its disposition of any such application, including the reasons therefor."
Under this federal statute, a manufacturer, who issues a warranty on your motor vehicle, is prohibited from requiring you to use a particular brand of product, unless such item is provided, free of charge, under your warranty or unless the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) waives this prohibition against the manufacturer. DONMAR is unaware of any exemption or waiver granted by the FTC to any motor vehicle manufacturer, which pertains to parts, accessories or styling products.

DONMAR considers any claim to void your factory warranty, or the actual voiding of your factory warranty, solely for the installation of a DONMAR product or other aftermarket accessory, to be a violation of federal law. We reccomend that you ask your dealer to provide a written record of the warranty denial, including specific reasons, if warranty is denied under the following circumstances:
  • A motor vehicle dealer fails to provide warranty coverage on an unrelated factory part, and refuses to "demonstrate" [as federal law requires] that an installed aftermarket product caused the failure for which warranty coverage has been denied.
  • A motor vehicle a manufacturer refuses to honor, authorize or cover warranty repairs on your vehicle, merely because you have an aftermarket product installed.
  • A motor vehicle dealer or representative of the motor vehicle manufacturer advises you, prior to your purchase, that the installation of aftermarket parts or accessories will void your vehicle warranty.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) monitors problems associated with warranty claims to ensure that vehicle dealers are not misrepresenting the law. If you believe legitimate factory warranty coverage has been unfairly denied due to presence or installation of aftermarket parts or accessories, contact SEMA online at www.sema.org, or call 909/396-0289. SEMA will contact the dealership and manufacturer to advise them of the law and request that they clarify their position relative to the installed aftermarket parts or accessories.
In addition to any informal action SEMA may take, you should consult an attorney and various state and federal agencies, who may be able to assist you in protecting and enforcing your warranty rights, if you encounter a motor vehicle dealer’s or manufacturer’s refusal to honor your motor vehicle warranty.
If the failure to honor a warranty claim involves the new vehicle warranty, and it appears that the dealer improperly denied the claim, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at www.ftc.gov, or call 202/326-3128.
http://www.donmar.com/ConsumerBillofRights.htm
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Old 03-24-2015, 03:36 PM   #398
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And this is posted because......(if you read the post here, you'll see pretty much everyone on here knows what this "document" repeats)
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Old 03-24-2015, 04:16 PM   #399
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this, along with the magnusson-moss act, pertain directly to aftermarket parts built to OEM manufacturers specs.

this does not apply or cover performance parts or any part designed to cause the car to operate outside of factory specified parameters.
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Old 03-25-2015, 09:29 AM   #400
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And this is posted because......(if you read the post here, you'll see pretty much everyone on here knows what this "document" repeats)
The point was to flush out the very first @$$hole. You have won that prize.

Now if you can extricate yourself from your comfort zone by removing your head from that very dark, low oxygen environment (giant champagne cork popping sound), please do take some extended time and perform the act of self-fornication.
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