Buying a new or used car can be a major purchase. Once you buy a car, the last thing you expect is to have to pay for expensive parts and repairs. Depending on the circumstances, certain laws might shift the financial burden of car parts and repairs to the dealership from which you bought the car. Even if you're responsible for the expense, other consumer laws might protect you from getting ripped off. (To learn more about buying a car, see Consumer Law Car Purchase FAQ.)
Although laws vary among states, certain laws protect consumers from breaking the bank to repair a recently purchased used car. Under Massachusetts law, for example, a dealership that sells a car with fewer than 125,000 miles on it for at least $700 must provide the buyer with a written warranty. (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90 § 7N 1/4).
Once a warranty expires, you'll be paying out-of-pocket for car parts and repairs. Because the majority of consumers aren't car mechanics, many states arm you with a number of legal rights when dealing with auto repair shops. Under the Illinois Automotive Repair Act, for example, repair shops must provide you with a written estimate of the work needed and must indicate which charges relate to essential repairs and which relate to suggested repairs.
When you purchase a new car, it's likely that your warranty covers the cost of parts and repairs for a number of years. Under federal law, car companies and dealerships cannot make the warranty contingent on your use of certain mechanics or parts manufacturers or prevent you from using aftermarket car parts to maintain the warranty's coverage. (15 U.S.C. § 2302). That said, if the aftermarket part somehow causes or contributes to a failure in the vehicle, the dealer might be able to deny a warranty claim—if they can prove the connection.
If you purchase car parts at a retail outlet, consumer warranty laws protect you if the part doesn't work properly or is damaged. As is the case with most consumer purchases, retailers who sell car parts make an implied warranty of merchantability, which means they are responsible for refunding your money or exchanging the part if you're unable to use it for its intended purpose, or if it's below average in quality.
The law surrounding car parts and repairs is complicated. Plus, the facts of each case are unique. This article provides a brief, general introduction to the topic. For more detailed, specific information, please contact a consumer law attorney.
