Warranty Denied Due to Modifications

[Zachanadandy]

It’s definitely an idea, but remember you have to put it all back on. At that point, I’ll bite the bullet on a rebuild or some used ones off eBay.

I ran the AEV kit for the first 20k miles. Pulled the spacers and went to 3.5" metalcloak springs as it felt like it was into the bump stops too often in the desert. Pulling it apart is part of the fun and an opportunity to upgrade. Still have the AEV bump stop extensions, shock extensions, and rear sway bar links. Added the rock krawler triangulated 4 link rear kit, new springs, metalcloak flipped drag link and raised track bar mount, metalcloak sway bar disconnects, geometry correction brackets, and an RSO through shaft stabilizer so far. Shocks will probably be next but it's never done.

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[ShadowsPapa]

I'd contact AEV for advice, and a possible testimonial from them that their lift affects the factory bumpers zero.
Jeep works closely with AEV on many things, and I'm thinking a statement from AEV in support of your claim could possibly change their minds, or at least give you better ammunition in an appeal.

You COULD remove the lift, take it to another dealer, and try it that way, but that's a butt ton of work.

our dealer has sold AEV modified Jeeps..........

A 2" lift is nothing compared to many lifts out there, and it's a kit from a company Jeep works with, like already said.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

First, no one cares about any testimonials, it's either covered with a number or it isn't.

Secondly, again, I feel like I'm being uncleared, I do not believe OP's warranty is being denied, per se, I believe the dealer put it on a hoist, saw the lift, and said nope, not doing that.

My duties were not to approve or disprove individual claims from customers, it was to approve or deny dealers submitted claims, and determine root cause.

The dealer, individually, choses if it's covered or not. Then they in turn submit their claim, if Stellantis denies their claim, they eat that.

So, OP, if you have a print out, with your name, VIN, etc.. Whatever it says on that print out, is what's in the GWAR system. I'll get a screenshot of it tomorrow.

So, it's highly highly likely, simply visiting another dealer, and being like, man, I got a clunk up here, idk wtf it is, and they'll see it, submit it, and not say a word about the spacer. Or, like I said, pull the spacer out first, but really not necessary.

Because they bill like crazy for warranty, it's one of the main profit centers of the dealer, because out of warranty, no one is paying their prices.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Secondly, again, I feel like I'm being uncleared, I do not believe OP's warranty is being denied, per se, I believe the dealer put it on a hoist, saw the lift, and said nope, not doing that.

Exactly.
I know some dealers will ignore that fact (because they sell such things) while others prefer not to touch something that's not stock. We have both types here.
Ironically, the dealer I use that prefers to work only on bone-stock stuff, happily works on mine, knowing very well what I've done (in detail). They even swapped in taller springs for me one time.

Another dealer is a "bring it on" type. No cares as long as it's not so radical it's obvious that the mods are the actual issue.

I agree with your statement above, based on what I've personally seen around here.

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

I've lifted and modified numerous trucks and Jeeps over the years and never ever had a warranty claim denied because of modifications. But I never do engine or exhaust mods while in warranty.

As others have said; Go to another dealer.

On the other hand, if you've been jumping it like the Dukes of Hazard and there is serious abuse and other damage to the suspension. It's like wanting to return or get a refund on a Happy Meal after you ate it....

 

[Sweetums]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson–Moss_Warranty_Act

Federal law sets forth requirements for warranties and contains a number of provisions to prevent vehicle manufacturers, dealers and others from unjustly denying warranty coverage. With regard to aftermarket parts, the spirit of the law is that warranty coverage cannot be denied simply because such parts are present on the vehicle, or have been used (see Attachment A). The warranty coverage can be denied only if the aftermarket part caused the malfunction or damage for which warranty coverage is sought. Disputes in this area usually boil down to arguments over facts and technical opinions, rather than arguments over interpretations of the law.

Determine the True Cause of the Problem

If possible, attempt to independently verify the accuracy of the claims made by the dealership. The manufacturer of the aftermarket part may be helpful to you in providing a technical assessment of the problem. If there is a reasonable possibility that the aftermarket product caused the problem, it may be best to try to reach a compromise. If, however, it is clear that the aftermarket product is unrelated to the problem, you should attempt to gather as much information as possible to support your claim. Useful evidence might include photos, copies of relevant service information, records of prior repairs performed under warranty, or the objective written opinion of a qualified third party (with relevant experience, accreditation, etc.).

Try to Work it Out With the Dealer

Once prepared with the appropriate support information and a basic understanding of the law, present the facts to the dealers service manager and make an effort to resolve the situation. Keep the discussion objective and professional. Make sure to take notes of any significant claims or explanations made by dealership personnel and try to obtain a written explanation if possible.

If discussions with the service manager do not bring about a resolution, speak with the owner of the dealership. Many problems can be resolved at this level. If there is a known pattern failure which matches your problem, be sure to bring this to the dealer's attention. The dealer is able to obtain reimbursement from the vehicle manufacturer under such circumstances. If there is no pattern failure, but other evidence that exists contradicts the dealers conclusion, be sure the dealer is made aware of it. Also explain that you are aware of your rights under EPA's emissions warranty and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Again, if there is a reasonable possibility that either the aftermarket product or its installation could be the cause of the problem, your best bet is to suggest a compromise with the dealer. In many cases, presenting an objective technical assessment and a basic understanding of the law will do the trick.

However, if you believe that you are entitled to warranty service, but the dealer disagrees, you can take other steps to seek a resolution to the dispute.

Get it in Writing

If a dealership denies warranty coverage, they should be willing to do so in writing. Have the dealer describe the failure which is causing your problem AND how the dealer believes the aftermarket product installed is responsible for the problem. Keep an accurate log of all contacts and correspondence in addressing the warranty denial.

Contact the Vehicle Manufacturer's Zone Representative

If a car manufacturer backs your warranty, and you have a dispute with the dealer about either service or coverage, contact the local manufacturer's representative. The local or zone representative has the authority to adjust and make decisions about warranty service remedies or repairs to satisfy customers.

Some manufacturers are also willing to repair certain problems in specific models free of charge, even if the manufacturer's warranty does not cover the problem. Ask the zone representative or the service manager if there is such a policy.

The procedure for contacting your zone representative is usually provided in the vehicle owner's manual. This information can also be obtained from a dealer, or by calling the manufacturer's customer service number, as listed in the carmaker's owner's manual. Present your case to the zone representative. Be sure to indicate how the dealer responded to your information, especially if dealership personnel were notably uncooperative, etc. Once again, be sure to get as much information in writing as you can; request that any determinations or actions which are promised by the zone representative be confirmed by a letter or a fax.

Contact the Vehicle Manufacturer Directly

You may find that contact with the zone representative does not achieve resolve of the matter. If you are still not satisfied, the next step is to contact the vehicle manufacturer directly. Most carmakers maintain a contact office or a special department that is responsible for dealing with warranty issues (see Attachment B).

Using the information you have gathered and any additional information you may have to supplement your case, forward a letter directly to the vehicle manufacturer's customer service office (sometimes called dispute resolution board or something similar). Be sure to explain your situation in detail and in a logical, easy-to-understand manner. Provide as much detail as you can about your contacts with the dealer and the zone representative. Do not hesitate to state if you felt you were treated improperly or unfairly by either. The vehicle manufacturer will almost always respond to you with a letter; sometimes promptly, sometimes not. Again, be sure to retain all correspondence in case you need it for future use. Generally, the vehicle manufacturer has the greatest interest in ensuring your satisfaction; they want you to remain loyal to their brand. As such, they will likely make a good-faith effort to resolve the issue particularly if there is a known pattern of similar failures. If there is a request for any additional information, be sure to keep a record of what you send. If the manufacturer should still decide against you, make sure that their refusal letter provides an explanation of how they believe the aftermarket part caused the problem.

 

[Stan H]

Exactly.
I know some dealers will ignore that fact (because they sell such things) while others prefer not to touch something that's not stock. We have both types here.
Ironically, the dealer I use that prefers to work only on bone-stock stuff, happily works on mine, knowing very well what I've done (in detail). They even swapped in taller springs for me one time.

Another dealer is a "bring it on" type. No cares as long as it's not so radical it's obvious that the mods are the actual issue.

I agree with your statement above, based on what I've personally seen around here.

My dealer will work on anything if it dont have a warranty . If it's an FCA product they will service or work on it.

 

[WILDHOBO]

our dealer has sold AEV modified Jeeps..........

A 2" lift is nothing compared to many lifts out there, and it's a kit from a company Jeep works with, like already said.

AEV doesn’t buy their jeeps directly from Jeep. They buy them from dealers, bolt parts to them, and have dealers sell them to customers. Jeep has little or nothing to do with them.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

AEV doesn’t buy their jeeps directly from Jeep. They buy them from dealers, bolt parts to them, and have dealers sell them to customers. Jeep has little or nothing to do with them.

Yes, but the dealer does agree, sell them, and I'd think can't be against servicing a rig that they actually sell.

"It's modified - we'll be happy to sell it to you but we won't work on it and no warranty because of these mods we sell it with"

This was at our local dealership for sale in the showroom - they also had a modified Sport done by a company like AEV.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Yes, but the dealer does agree, sell them, and I'd think can't be against servicing a rig that they actually sell.

"It's modified - we'll be happy to sell it to you but we won't work on it and no warranty because of these mods we sell it with"

This was at our local dealership for sale in the showroom - they also had a modified Sport done by a company like AEV.

I was only saying it was a dealer thing, not a Jeep corporate thing. Did the op say if this was an Aev built Jeep, or just a Jeep with an Aev lift kit installed? I’d say there’s a difference. If it was Aev built, Aev could be involved in the warranty. I’m guessing this wasn’t a built to sell Aev.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I was only saying it was a dealer thing, not a Jeep corporate thing. Did the op say if this was an Aev built Jeep, or just a Jeep with an Aev lift kit installed? I’d say there’s a difference. If it was Aev built, Aev could be involved in the warranty. I’m guessing this wasn’t a built to sell Aev.

He's got an AEV spacer lift. Sounds like a legit setup. I'd say his own doing, or he had it installed.

My gut says it's the dealer not wanting to touch it - he simply needs another dealer.

Many dealers will and do work on modified Jeeps - either ones they modify, or other companies modify, or that owners modify.

He just needs another dealer as these things aren't at all uncommon.
IF they can show that he's done something improperly - like he's smacking the stops too often because of improper spacing and causing the leaks, they might say sorry, your setup did this.
But because of a simple, basic, 2" AEV spacer lift if it's all properly done?
That's the dealer not wanting to mess with things, IMO.

 

[WILDHOBO]

He's got an AEV spacer lift. Sounds like a legit setup. I'd say his own doing, or he had it installed.

My gut says it's the dealer not wanting to touch it - he simply needs another dealer.

Many dealers will and do work on modified Jeeps - either ones they modify, or other companies modify, or that owners modify.

He just needs another dealer as these things aren't at all uncommon.
IF they can show that he's done something improperly - like he's smacking the stops too often because of improper spacing and causing the leaks, they might say sorry, your setup did this.
But because of a simple, basic, 2" AEV spacer lift if it's all properly done?
That's the dealer not wanting to mess with things, IMO.

The op I believe said they had bump stop spacers as well. They very well might be hitting too hard, too often.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The op I believe said they had bump stop spacers as well. They very well might be hitting too hard, too often.

Which I'd find interesting as a 2" spacer lift would lift it exactly 2"
So to maintain the factory dimensions and spacing of the stop, you would need 2" spacers for the bump stop. Otherwise you risk spring bind before hitting the stop.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Which I'd find interesting as a 2" spacer lift would lift it exactly 2"
So to maintain the factory dimensions and spacing of the stop, you would need 2" spacers for the bump stop. Otherwise you risk spring bind before hitting the stop.

We’re debating not knowing the numbers though. We have no idea how this thing was setup. We have pieces of information.

 

[TheSolarWizard]

IF you modify the suspension with a non mopar or Jeep Gear part, it's not jeep responsibility or mandate to warranty the suspension.
The dealer probably just doesn't wanna touch a modified suspension for a warranty claim in case they get asked to submit photos and end up eating the labor because it shouldn't be covered .

personally, if they fit a Mojave (and Im happy to ask on your behalf if you want) id strongly consider switching to sumo spring bumpstops instead of paying to rebuild the Mojave stuff. rather than doing hydro bumps in the rear of mine I got sumo springs and I think they are outstanding. I'm very likely going to switch out the Radflo hydro bumps in the front of mine for them as well

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