Blumenthal tells FTC: Stop carmakers from misleading consumers

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) should stop carmakers from telling consumers that servicing their vehicle outside a dealership voids their warranties. 

{mosads}“Car manufacturers too commonly deceive consumers into believing that their warranties will be voided if they do service or repair work at local shops,” Blumenthal said Tuesday. “This reprehensible car industry practice — reflected in owner manuals — must be stopped.”

Federal law prohibits companies from requiring consumers from using their brand over others, but Blumenthal said despite this law companies such as BMW, Kia and Mazda are misleading consumers in their car manuals about warranties.

“I am calling on the FTC today to protect consumers from deceptive warranty practices, which are particularly rampant in the auto repair industry,” Blumenthal said. “Consumers deserve to know they have a right to shop around when their car needs to be serviced or repaired, and the FTC must act decisively to protect against any manufacturer implying or stating otherwise.”