Will catback exhaust and K&N intake void warranty?

707sti · 11-28-2005, 06:38 PM

Hey everyone, havent been on in a while, just needed clarification for myself and a few others with Sti's who want to start modding...Will the factory Subaru warranty be voided if we install a catback exhuast system and K&N intake? Please clarify, this will help answer our roaming questions, and sorry for the repost...

y2ks2k · 11-28-2005, 06:40 PM

If they an prove the failure was directly related to the mods they can

707sti · 11-28-2005, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by y2ks2k

If they an prove the failure was directly related to the mods they can

But the parts just "being" there, they cannot??

heyitzkian · 11-28-2005, 06:44 PM

they can't just void they warranty just because you have it....they have to prove that the mod caused the problem (whatever it might be)....i forgot the name of the law..but it is a law

***Nachos Libres*** · 11-28-2005, 06:45 PM

See this thread:

Will Installing It Void My Warranty?

It basically says that if the aftermarket part you install causes a failure then the parts and labor it costs to fix the problem will not be covered by warranty. It does not mean that your whole warranty is void.

sizzflair · 11-30-2005, 04:00 PM

it won't void it.. if anything goes wrong, just put everything to stock (catback shouldn't be that hard so will k&n) and take it to the dealership for fix

my car's leased, but i'm doing stage 2 (already asked the dealer and he said it was fine... he says that he wants to see how my car turns out after my mods lol)

Chris05STi · 12-01-2005, 04:36 AM

I have a short ram intake, and its been to the dealer a couple of times. No problem.....they told me, Intake, Cat-back are fine, TBE (turbo back exhaust) is a no no, cause thats "messing" with the engine and that will void my warranty....according to them.......Engine Management, aslong as they can't see it....its not there! Suspension is fine, radio is fine and any other cosmetics....and interior stuff...thats enough for you to mod until your warranty is over....unless you have endless amounts of mula!

sebtarta · 12-01-2005, 04:42 AM

Before you go wild on the car, make sure your dealer or service manager agrees with some mods: TBE, air intake, AP, suspension etc.

Chris05STi · 12-01-2005, 05:42 AM

I second that...only because me and Sebtarta always cruise the forums in the wee hours of the morning and always seem to reply to the same threads right after eachother!

Chris05STi · 12-01-2005, 05:43 AM

AHHAHA I just realized I replied an hour after you! Damn work at the office....slowing down my reaction time!!!

OneWay · 12-01-2005, 07:34 AM

You need to ask which ever dealer you intend to take the car for repairs it will all depend on them.

I was told by Gillman Subaru in Austin when I bought my 05 that "any mod" will void the related warranty. At the time I was asking about getting a better anti-freeze/water combination in my car than what is in the car when it comes new from the factory before I accepted delivery.

I was told "It will void the warranty on the engine."

I contacted Subaru Of America about using SPT or STi parts on my car a few different times using Email and the telephone.

I posted thier replies here someplace you can probably search under sao warranty and find them.

To sum it up SOA as a whole is probably one of the worst if not the worst company for allowing mods. Even tho they advertise SPT parts in the "Subaru Drive" magazine they send out to owners if you contact them dirtectly and ask they will probably tell you it will void related warranty.

When I bought my STi I got a free membership to SCCA. if you read the fine print on the card it comes attached to and your warranty. You'll find that entering any competition will void your warranty.............

All indications are that SOA sucks ass as far as warranty is concerned.

I'd say if you end up really having a problem that should be covered under warranty return your car back to stock then take it in and if you race or Auto-x it might be a good idea to not use your real name when entering.
I heard the Service department of Mitsubishi here in San Antonio actually checks the local club results online to find EVO owners that race in order to deny warranty. So it wouldn't suprise me to find SOA doing the same.

Both SOA and Mitsu will put more labor into trying to Deny a claim than it would to fix the problem.

Singletrack · 12-01-2005, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 707sti

Hey everyone, havent been on in a while, just needed clarification for myself and a few others with Sti's who want to start modding...Will the factory Subaru warranty be voided if we install a catback exhuast system and K&N intake? Please clarify, this will help answer our roaming questions, and sorry for the repost...

If something goes wrong with the motor or turbo, the subaru rep could easily chose not to cover it because of the modifications. He doesn't have to prove anything other than the fact that you changed the system that they (SoA) warrantied. If you are increasing boost (TBE) then you are increasing fuel and changing what they designed and agreed to warranty, you can't reasonably expect that contract to still apply. Can you?

Magnusson-Moss (what others are referencing here) is, in essence, designed to prevent manufacturers from forcing consumers to use their OEM parts/service vs. an acceptable aftermarket substitute to maintain the warranty.

Litfuse · 12-01-2005, 01:44 PM

Singletrack, not sure if that is your sti in your avatar or not, but if it is, I noticed the front sti label on your car is in black or dark gray. Where did you find those?

drdome99 · 12-01-2005, 02:36 PM

I had the upper radiator assembly crack on my STi, they replaced it under warranty and I had all the mods in my sig. Depends on the dealer.

Singletrack · 12-01-2005, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Litfuse

Singletrack, not sure if that is your sti in your avatar or not, but if it is, I noticed the front sti label on your car is in black or dark gray. Where did you find those?

I had them custom made by rallydecals.com. It's 6.5" wide. Hope that helps.

11-28-2005, 06:38 PM	#1
707sti Junior STI Driver Posts: 107 Join Date: Jun 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Will catback exhaust and K&N intake void warranty? Hey everyone, havent been on in a while, just needed clarification for myself and a few others with Sti's who want to start modding...Will the factory Subaru warranty be voided if we install a catback exhuast system and K&N intake? Please clarify, this will help answer our roaming questions, and sorry for the repost... This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

12-01-2005, 07:34 AM	#11
OneWay Professional STI Driver Location: Texas Posts: 404 Join Date: Aug 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	You need to ask which ever dealer you intend to take the car for repairs it will all depend on them. I was told by Gillman Subaru in Austin when I bought my 05 that "any mod" will void the related warranty. At the time I was asking about getting a better anti-freeze/water combination in my car than what is in the car when it comes new from the factory before I accepted delivery. I was told "It will void the warranty on the engine." I contacted Subaru Of America about using SPT or STi parts on my car a few different times using Email and the telephone. I posted thier replies here someplace you can probably search under sao warranty and find them. To sum it up SOA as a whole is probably one of the worst if not the worst company for allowing mods. Even tho they advertise SPT parts in the "Subaru Drive" magazine they send out to owners if you contact them dirtectly and ask they will probably tell you it will void related warranty. When I bought my STi I got a free membership to SCCA. if you read the fine print on the card it comes attached to and your warranty. You'll find that entering any competition will void your warranty............. All indications are that SOA sucks ass as far as warranty is concerned. I'd say if you end up really having a problem that should be covered under warranty return your car back to stock then take it in and if you race or Auto-x it might be a good idea to not use your real name when entering. I heard the Service department of Mitsubishi here in San Antonio actually checks the local club results online to find EVO owners that race in order to deny warranty. So it wouldn't suprise me to find SOA doing the same. Both SOA and Mitsu will put more labor into trying to Deny a claim than it would to fix the problem. Last edited by OneWay : 12-01-2005 at 07:37 AM.

11-28-2005, 06:40 PM	#2
y2ks2k Senior STI Driver Posts: 390 Join Date: Jun 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	If they an prove the failure was directly related to the mods they can

11-28-2005, 06:44 PM	#4
heyitzkian Amateur STI Driver Location: Miami Posts: 20 Join Date: Apr 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	they can't just void they warranty just because you have it....they have to prove that the mod caused the problem (whatever it might be)....i forgot the name of the law..but it is a law

11-28-2005, 06:45 PM	#5
*Nachos Libres* Moderator Elite Car: 2005 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Underglows Location: Tyler, Texas Posts: 8,553 Join Date: Jul 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	See this thread: Will Installing It Void My Warranty? It basically says that if the aftermarket part you install causes a failure then the parts and labor it costs to fix the problem will not be covered by warranty. It does not mean that your whole warranty is void.

11-30-2005, 04:00 PM	#6
sizzflair Professional STI Racer Car: 06 Subaru WRX STi (B Fav Mod: Exhaust/Turbo Location: Bloomfield Hills, Michiga Posts: 642 Join Date: Nov 2005 Trader Rating: (1)	it won't void it.. if anything goes wrong, just put everything to stock (catback shouldn't be that hard so will k&n) and take it to the dealership for fix my car's leased, but i'm doing stage 2 (already asked the dealer and he said it was fine... he says that he wants to see how my car turns out after my mods lol)

12-01-2005, 04:36 AM	#7
Chris05STi I Has a Turbo Timer Car: 2005 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Every single one! Location: NJ Posts: 9,663 Join Date: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (27)	I have a short ram intake, and its been to the dealer a couple of times. No problem.....they told me, Intake, Cat-back are fine, TBE (turbo back exhaust) is a no no, cause thats "messing" with the engine and that will void my warranty....according to them.......Engine Management, aslong as they can't see it....its not there! Suspension is fine, radio is fine and any other cosmetics....and interior stuff...thats enough for you to mod until your warranty is over....unless you have endless amounts of mula!

12-01-2005, 04:42 AM	#8
sebtarta Spec C Club Car: Waiting for the STI Fav Mod: Driving My Car Location: I Don't Know Posts: 1,661 Join Date: Sep 2005 Trader Rating: (7)	Before you go wild on the car, make sure your dealer or service manager agrees with some mods: TBE, air intake, AP, suspension etc.

12-01-2005, 05:42 AM	#9
Chris05STi I Has a Turbo Timer Car: 2005 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Every single one! Location: NJ Posts: 9,663 Join Date: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (27)	I second that...only because me and Sebtarta always cruise the forums in the wee hours of the morning and always seem to reply to the same threads right after eachother!

12-01-2005, 05:43 AM	#10
Chris05STi I Has a Turbo Timer Car: 2005 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Every single one! Location: NJ Posts: 9,663 Join Date: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (27)	AHHAHA I just realized I replied an hour after you! Damn work at the office....slowing down my reaction time!!!

12-01-2005, 01:44 PM	#13
Litfuse Junior STI Driver Car: 05 STi Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 172 Join Date: Mar 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	Singletrack, not sure if that is your sti in your avatar or not, but if it is, I noticed the front sti label on your car is in black or dark gray. Where did you find those?

12-01-2005, 02:36 PM	#14
drdome99 Spec C Club Car: '04 JBP STi Fav Mod: Whiteline Steering Bushings Location: Maryland Posts: 1,800 Join Date: Feb 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	I had the upper radiator assembly crack on my STi, they replaced it under warranty and I had all the mods in my sig. Depends on the dealer.