The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on Aug. 18 that it is requesting comments on five key consumer warranty issues concerning interpretations of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Specifically, the FTC is requesting public input on: Rule Governing Disclosure of Written Consumer Product Warranty Terms and Conditions; Rule Governing Pre-Sale Availability of Written Warranty Terms; Rule Governing Informal Dispute Settlement Procedures; and Guides for the Advertising of Warranties and Guarantees and procedural standards for warrantors who want consumers to use a dispute resolution process before filing suit for breach of warranty.
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) says it has been at the forefront in pushing the FTC to take a stronger role in making sure that car companies do not condition their new car warranties on the use of original equipment parts or service. This pressure resulted in guidance (http://ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt192.shtm) issued earlier this year by the agency for consumers regarding their rights under new car warranties.
The recently issued request for comments regarding Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides another opportunity for the aftermarket to weigh in with the agency regarding consumers being mislead regarding their rights under their new car warranty, according to AAIA. Comments must be received by Oct. 24, 2011.
More information:
The Federal Register text can be viewed here
