I'm new to Dodge and haven't really had any warranty work done except a bad window motor on a Cherokee almost 20 years ago and the odd recall stuff performed with other routine maintenance. I'm looking for some advice on how to handle getting service done and what kind of mods will kill your warranty.

I just bought a 2013 AWD Crew with 30k miles left on the bumper to bumper warranty. I want to add the tow hitch with bezel and found the part at mopardodge.com for $256. I have a bunch of dealers around me but ended up buying the car out of town so no prior relationship there. The dealer I'd most likely go to quoted me $320 for the parts and $150 on labor. Are they like any other garage that would still do the work if I already had the parts? Does it vary dealer to dealer? I don't mind paying the extra $60 if there's a benefit to it.

I want to keep my Durango stock with Durango/Mopar parts except for the shark fin antenna. How does installing different rims or even that antenna affect the warranty? I read where different air intakes may or may not cause problems but is it the same with all parts? I'm just looking to put on some blacktop or grey 20in stock Durango rims, currently have 18in stock. Do I need all work done at a dealer to keep the warranty intact?

Thanks in advance for any feedback you can provide.

 

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for companies to void your warranty or deny coverage under the warranty simply because you used an aftermarket part.

A consumer has the right to patronize independent retail stores and repair shops for parts and service without fear of voiding the new car warranty.

The dealer/vehicle manufacturer has the right to deny a warranty repair but they must demonstrate that the aftermarket part caused the problem. The warranty remains in effect for all other covered parts.

You are protected. No mod will kill your warranty unless the manufacturer can prove that the aftermarket part caused the problem. And even then, it's only the failed part that is tied to the aftermarket part that gets denied warranty coverage, not the entire vehicle. The only issue you may have is if you put a supercharger in it or make some other modification to the engine in that manner that adds stress to the engine and other components due to a large increase in horsepower and torque such that the stock parts can't handle it anymore.

Even then, the burden is on the manufacturer to prove that the modification caused the failure. Their word just won't cut it.

Short version: You're perfectly fine.

As for the dealer doing work if you buy the part. That's up to the specific dealer. They don't have to and can choose not to perform the service unless you buy the part from them. It's a business decision on their part as they make more money by having you buy the part from them at their increased markup + the labor charge. But other dealers are better about it and understand that a repeat customer is better than one you rip off one time. Even if they do install it for you, don't expect them to warranty the work performed if the part didn't come from them. That's one of the downsides to that side of things.

 

Thank you McFarl! The info is greatly appreciated.