I was interested in purchasing a exhaust and when i called honda, they advised me that any modification can void warranty to the engine. Even keeping the stock exhaust system and just changing out the canisters. Ive always heard that anything after the cat back they cant void warranty. Before the cat back they can. Which is true. Thanks

 

cat-back bolt on systems will not void warranties.

 

I just want to make sure before i purchase any exhaust system. I know how honda is with warranty and they would look for any reason to void it.

 

they have to prove the modification did the damage, and no "reasonalble" judge would determine that it would.

 

There's two questions really here ...

Can Honda void your warranty if you install a cat-back exhaust? ... Legally speaking, no they cannot. Honda cannot null and void your warranty just because you have an aftermarket part on your car. Just like Honda cannot void your warranty for using Mobil 1 synthetic oil. If an aftermarket part caused the problem then Honda can refuse to fix the problem under warranty. However, it is up to Honda to prove that the aftermarket part caused the actual problem. That is the law. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects you in this situation.

Will Honda try to not fix a problem under warranty because you have aftermarket parts? Its possible. Some less than honest dealers will tell you that your problem is not covered under warranty because you have aftermarket parts. They will then claim your problem to be paid by Honda under warranty and charge you as well thus making them double the money. Dealerships also get paid at a discounted rate for warranty work so some will not want to claim warranty work when they think they can get you to pay them more. In these types of situations, it is always good to remind your dealer of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and in situations where the dealer will not fix the problem it is advisable to start working your way up the Honda food chain, starting with the service manager then moving to a district manager and then to the corporate level if nobody wants to help you.

We all know that a cat-back exhaust is most likely not going to cause any significant problems on your car. After all, its just a bunch of pipes that are pushing exhaust gas out of the car ... It isn't mechanical and even if the exhaust leaks or fails, it isn't going to damage the car itself. Not everyone is aware of the laws in place for manufacture warranties though, so many dealers like to take advantage. I'd also recommend finding a good Honda dealer that will support you with aftermarket parts.

Here's more info if you're interested about aftermarket parts and warranty claims:

http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?id=8124

 

a VERY informative post !!!

 

Update: In detail, american honda stated for me to look at the warranty which specifically states that any mod can void the warranty to the car. So i advised him what if i just changed the filter to a k&n. since that is a mod. He stated that most likely you shouldn't have a problem with the filter aslong as you keep the stock intake box. When i called the local honda dealer, they advised that it would be covered but if there is an engine light for example which was caused by the exhaust, that they can bill me. The girl i spoke to recommend that i just put back the old exhaust before i come. She did acknowledge that even if i go there for an oil change and they see the exhaust, that they would note it in the system for future warranty claims.

 

I think it all depends on the dealer and your relationship with them. I have had modded cars serviced under warranty. If you have a serious problem with your car than return it to stock and take it to a different dealer.

 

Don't let crooked dealers treat you like an idiot because in the end, they're the idiots trying to make a dirty buck (or double bucks) on "helpless" customers who take their every word as gospel when it comes to service on their cars (especially warranty service). As stated previously, they need to prove, by law, that your "modification", which by the way is no different than you going out and getting a Midas muffler welded on as a factory replacement, did the damage. You're most likely putting a high quality, stainless-steel exhaust system on the car that allows the engine to run more efficiently. How can that void your warranty? Especially a cat-back system. With a header, well now you're getting closer and closer to the engine and if you've got a leak at the header you can burn up a valve or two and bad things happen (which would be an example of what would NOT be covered under warranty). It is very easy for these types of dealers to use aftermarket parts as an excuse to take away an entitlement that YOU ARE PAYING FOR in the price of your car, ie Honda's 3 year/36k mile warranty. I understand there are people who abuse the warranty and make fraudulent claims when in fact damage was caused by abusing the car or using parts they shouldn't have and that's what ruins it for everyone else.