Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act: Difference between revisions
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:*Remedies available. | :*Remedies available. | ||
:*Exclusions and limitations. | :*Exclusions and limitations. | ||
:*Procedures for obtaining service.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title= |url=https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/businesspersons-guide-federal-warranty-law |website= }}</ref> | :*Procedures for obtaining service.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Businessperson's Guide to Federal Warranty Law {{!}} Federal Trade Commission |url=https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/businesspersons-guide-federal-warranty-law |website=ftc.gov}}</ref> | ||
===Full vs. limited warranties=== | ===Full vs. limited warranties=== | ||
'''Full warranty''' | '''Full warranty''' | ||
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:The Act preserves state-law implied warranties (merchantability and fitness for particular purpose) and prohibits their disclaimer when a written warranty is provided.<ref name=":3"></ref> | :The Act preserves state-law implied warranties (merchantability and fitness for particular purpose) and prohibits their disclaimer when a written warranty is provided.<ref name=":3"></ref> | ||
===Prohibitions=== | ===Prohibitions=== | ||
*Tie-In sales provisions: Manufacturers cannot require use of specific brands/parts (e.g., OEM parts) unless provided free of charge.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title= |url=https://www.autocare.org/government-relations/current-issues/Magnuson-Moss-Warranty-Act |website= }}</ref> <ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title= |url=https://ecogard.com/resources/articles/magnuson-moss-protection-consumers-installers/ |website= }}</ref> | *Tie-In sales provisions: Manufacturers cannot require use of specific brands/parts (e.g., OEM parts) unless provided free of charge.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA) |url=https://www.autocare.org/government-relations/current-issues/Magnuson-Moss-Warranty-Act |website=Auto Care Association}}</ref> <ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2018-07-31 |title=Navigating Aftermarket Parts and Car Warranties |url=https://ecogard.com/resources/articles/magnuson-moss-protection-consumers-installers/ |website=ECOGUARD}}</ref> | ||
*Deceptive warranty terms: Warranties cannot mislead consumers about coverage or contain unfulfillable promises.<ref name=":3"></ref> | *Deceptive warranty terms: Warranties cannot mislead consumers about coverage or contain unfulfillable promises.<ref name=":3"></ref> | ||
*Disclaimer of implied warranties: When a written warranty or service contract is offered, implied warranties cannot be disclaimed.<ref name=":3"></ref> | *Disclaimer of implied warranties: When a written warranty or service contract is offered, implied warranties cannot be disclaimed.<ref name=":3"></ref> | ||
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Alternative dispute resolution: The FTC encourages informal settlement procedures, though pre-dispute mandatory arbitration clauses are controversial.<ref name=":1"></ref> | Alternative dispute resolution: The FTC encourages informal settlement procedures, though pre-dispute mandatory arbitration clauses are controversial.<ref name=":1"></ref> | ||
===Scope and limitations=== | ===Scope and limitations=== | ||
*Applies only to consumer products (tangible personal property for personal/household use) costing more than $15.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title= |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/93/s356/text |website= }}</ref> | *Applies only to consumer products (tangible personal property for personal/household use) costing more than $15.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Text of S. 356 (93rd): Magnuson-Moss Act (Passed Congress version) |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/93/s356/text |website=GovTrack}}</ref> | ||
*Does not require products to have warranties, can be sold "as is". | *Does not require products to have warranties, can be sold "as is". | ||
*Primarily covers written warranties, oral promises are excluded.<ref name=":1"></ref> | *Primarily covers written warranties, oral promises are excluded.<ref name=":1"></ref> | ||