Trailer Repair Warranty Rights: Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

March 25, 2025

Trailer Repair Warranty Rights: Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

If you’ve ever been told that using a different brand’s actuator, brake system, or other components with your trailer axles will void your warranty, you may want to take a closer look at your rights as a consumer. We’ve encountered situations where trailer manufacturers, dealers, and customers were misinformed about trailer repair warranties and warranty coverage, and we want to make sure you have the facts.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA) is a federal law that generally prohibits companies from voiding trailer repair warranties solely because a consumer uses their product with a competitor's product. This means manufacturers cannot condition warranty coverage on the use of specific brands or products unless they can prove that the competitor’s product directly caused damage. This law serves as a vital consumer protection measure under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines and applies to many industries, including trailer repair warranties.

Key Protections Under the MMWA:

Prevents Unfair Tying Practices: The act prevents manufacturers from tying warranty coverage to the use of specific brands or services, stopping them from saying "use only our accessories to maintain your warranty."
Limited Exceptions Exist: While the MMWA generally protects consumers, there are exceptions. If a competitor's product directly impacts the functionality or safety of the primary product, a manufacturer may have grounds to deny warranty coverage related to that failure.
FTC Enforcement: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing the MMWA and taking action against companies that attempt to unfairly restrict trailer repair warranties based on product usage.

What This Means for You as a Trailer Owner

If you’re considering using a different brand’s actuator, brake assembly, or other parts with your axles, know that you cannot legally be forced to use only the manufacturer’s brand to maintain warranty coverage—unless they provide proof that the competitor’s part caused damage.

However, choosing high-quality parts from reputable brands is always advisable to ensure safety and reliability. If a dealer or manufacturer tells you that your trailer repair warranties are automatically void due to a third-party part, you have the right to challenge that claim and request written proof of the policy’s legality.

Have You Been Denied a Trailer Repair Warranty Claim Unfairly?

If you believe a manufacturer or dealer has wrongly denied your trailer repair warranties due to using non-OEM parts, you can:

Request a written explanation with technical proof that the part caused the failure.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if you believe your rights under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act have been violated.

Learn more about your Deutsche Hydrapro Warranty or reach out for more questions.