Beach Bill to Require Consumer Notification of Warranty Coverage for Aftermarket Parts Advances

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator James Beach, which would require manufacturers to notify vehicle purchasers of their ability to use aftermarket and recycled parts, advanced from the Senate today.

“The ‘Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act’ has been in effect since the seventies, but many consumers are unaware,” said Senator Beach (D-Burlington/Camden). “Knowing their rights with respect to retaining a warranty will allow consumers to make more informed decisions on how they care for and repair their vehicle.”

The bill, S-1712, would require motor vehicle manufacturers to notify buyers or lessors of the provisions of the “Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.”

The Act makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to deny coverage under the warranty or void the warranty because an aftermarket or recycled part was installed or used. It also makes it illegal for them to deny coverage or void a warranty due to someone other than the dealer performing service on the vehicle.

The bill was released from the Senate by a vote of 31-0.