Does an Independent Repair Void My Appliance Warranty? What the FTC Says
Updated
Short answer
What the FTC says
The Warranty Act says companies can't void a warranty or deny coverage solely because you use a part made by another company or get repairs from someone not associated with the company, unless the company provides the part or service for free under the warranty. Companies may refuse coverage for defects or damage caused by third-party parts or services. In 2022 the FTC acted against companies that told customers otherwise (FTC).
In practice
- While the appliance is under the manufacturer's warranty, call the manufacturer first: covered repairs are free through its own network (for example, KitchenAid's warranty requires a KitchenAid designated service company, KitchenAid).
- An earlier independent repair for something else does not cancel the warranty on the rest of the appliance.
- Out of warranty, you choose who repairs it.
If you are told a warranty is void because you used a third-party part or an independent shop, the FTC asks you to report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Quick answers
Will an independent repair void my warranty?
Not by itself. The FTC says companies can't void a warranty solely because you used an independent repair shop or third-party parts, though they can refuse coverage for damage those caused.
Should I call the manufacturer first?
Yes, while the appliance is under warranty: covered repairs through the manufacturer's own service network cost you nothing.
Rather have someone fix it?
Tell us the appliance, the brand, the model number and what it is doing. A local technician calls back with a time and a price before any work starts.