What is the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, and how does it affect me?

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal consumer protection law enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. It sets the terms that a written warranty has to spell out clearly:

• Who's covered by the warranty
• A clear description of what's covered
• What you and the warrantor are each responsible for, including where repairs and maintenance can be performed
• When the warranty expires
• How to resolve a dispute with the warrantor

The Act also blocks manufacturers from voiding your warranty just because you used an aftermarket part. They can only deny a claim if they can prove that a specific part caused the problem.

For the full text, see the FTC's Businessperson's Guide to Federal Warranty Law. You can also watch the Car Care Council's explainer video.