US Federal

Can a manufacturer void my warranty because I used a third-party repair service?

15 U.S.C. § 230
Governing statute
No voiding allo
Warranty rule
No tie-in sales
Prohibited practice
FTC enforced
Enforcement agency
The Short Answer

No, a manufacturer cannot void your warranty solely because you used a third-party repair service — federal law prohibits this under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

What the Law Says

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is the federal law that governs consumer product warranties in the United States. It prevents manufacturers from imposing unfair conditions on warranty coverage.

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot require you to use only its authorized service providers or original parts as a condition of keeping your warranty valid — unless the manufacturer provides those services or parts free of charge.

This prohibition is known as the 'tie-in provision' rule. The law ensures consumers have the freedom to choose independent repair shops without penalty.

The Act defines key terms like 'consumer product' and 'written warranty,' establishing the legal framework for enforceable, transparent warranty promises.

Statutory Text

The term 'consumer product' means any tangible personal property which is distributed in commerce and which is normally used for personal, family, or household purposes...

15 U.S.C. § 2301 — Definitions

What to Do

1

Keep records of all repairs (receipts, dates, services performed).

2

If the manufacturer denies warranty service, ask for the reason in writing.

3

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint.

4

Contact your state Attorney General’s office for additional consumer protection support.

Sources

Same Question, Other Jurisdictions

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.