What voids the Subaru warranty?
Voiding a Subaru warranty generally happens when the issue stems from owner actions such as skipping maintenance, installing non-approved aftermarket parts, or misusing the vehicle. To protect coverage, follow the factory guidelines, use Subaru-approved parts, and have service performed at authorized centers.
Subaru’s new-car warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for a defined period, but certain conditions can void or limit coverage. The following article outlines the main scenarios that can affect warranty status and how to maintain eligibility.
Common reasons that can void Subaru warranty
Situations that commonly jeopardize warranty coverage fall into categories like modifications, maintenance practices, and misuse. The list below highlights typical triggers and how they can impact coverage.
- Modifications and aftermarket parts that alter engine, exhaust, drivetrain, or electronics, especially those that are not Subaru-approved or that the manufacturer did not authorize for warranty consideration.
- Installation or use of non-approved fluids, lubricants, or additives (for example, incorrect engine oil viscosity, cooling fluids, or transmission fluids) that can cause damage or misbehavior in covered systems.
- Maintenance that is not performed according to the owner’s manual or serviced by an unauthorized shop, which can lead to problems that the warranty may not cover.
- Damage resulting from accidents, abuse, neglect, or environmental events (flood, fire, etc.), where the resulting repair may not be covered under the warranty for the affected components.
- Use of the vehicle for racing, track events, off-road extreme use, or commercial rental/ride-share operations beyond what is considered normal driving.
- Tampering with emissions controls or installing non-compliant emissions-related parts or tuning that violate legal requirements and affect covered components.
- Incorrect installation of third-party accessories or parts that interfere with the vehicle’s systems, potentially causing failures that are not covered.
- Damage caused by towing beyond the vehicle’s rated capacity or improper towing modifications that affect drivetrain components.
- Warranty exclusions that apply to wear items (like brake pads, tires, wiper blades) when the failure is due to normal wear rather than a defect in materials or workmanship.
In short, warranty coverage can be limited or denied if the root cause is traced to modifications, improper maintenance, misuse, or emissions tampering. Always check the warranty booklet for your model year and consult a Subaru dealer if you’re considering changes that could affect coverage.
How to keep your Subaru warranty intact
Keeping the warranty intact involves prudent maintenance practices, using approved components, and clear documentation. The following list provides actionable steps to preserve coverage.
- Follow the maintenance schedule exactly as outlined in the owner’s manual, and have all service performed by an authorized Subaru dealer or a Subaru-approved service center.
- Use Subaru-approved or manufacturer-recommended fluids, lubricants, and replacement parts. Avoid aftermarket products that aren’t cleared by Subaru for the specific model.
- Keep detailed service records and receipts for all maintenance and repairs, including part numbers and fluid specifications.
- Consult with your dealer before any modifications. If you plan performance or appearance upgrades, choose Subaru-approved parts and ensure they won’t compromise warranty coverage.
- Avoid emissions-related modifications that could violate regulations or interfere with the vehicle’s emission controls.
- Operate the vehicle within its design limits (e.g., towing within rated capacity, not using it for competitive racing or extreme off-road use unless the vehicle is purpose-built for such activities).
- Address any unusual noises, handling changes, or warning lights promptly at an authorized service center to determine if a defect is involved rather than waiting for a potential failure to occur.
Proper maintenance, compliant parts, and timely service are the best ways to protect warranty coverage and ensure that any genuine defects are addressed under the plan.
Notes on regional and model-year variations
Warranty terms can vary by region and model year. While the general framework described here applies to many Subaru models, specifics such as exact mileage limits, coverage durations, and included benefits may differ. Always review your Subaru Warranty Booklet for your country and model year, or check Subaru’s official site or your local dealer for the precise terms that apply to your vehicle.
Key regional distinctions
Different markets may have slightly different warranty structures (for example, variations in bumper-to-bumper and powertrain durations, or separate corrosion warranties). When in doubt, rely on the documentation provided with your vehicle and the guidance of an authorized Subaru representative.
Summary
The Subaru warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for a defined period, but it can be voided by owner actions such as improper maintenance, non-approved modifications or parts, and misuse (including emissions tampering and track/off-road use). To preserve coverage, follow the official maintenance schedule, use Subaru-approved fluids and parts, document all service, and consult your dealer before any significant modifications. Always verify the exact terms for your model year and region in the official warranty booklet.
What are conditions of warranty void?
A warranty can be voided if a product is misused, altered, or not maintained properly according to the warranty terms.
What modifications void the Subaru warranty?
If you want to make customizations or add accessories, you must be sure to use genuine Subaru parts. If you install aftermarket components that interfere with original parts or cause damage, your warranty can be voided. The same is true if you modify the engine or suspension system.
What voids the warranty on a Subaru?
Subaru has the right to deny warranty coverage if your vehicle has not been properly maintained, or if repairs are needed because parts other than Genuine Subaru Parts were used. Warranty coverage will be based on component failure, and not just maintenance records alone.
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Does changing my own oil void my Subaru warranty?
Changing your oil at a non-dealership shop or doing it yourself will not automatically void your Subaru warranty, thanks to laws like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. However, if the incorrect oil or parts are used, or if a failure can be directly linked to a lack of proper or timely maintenance, Subaru can deny a warranty claim for the specific part affected. To protect your warranty, use the correct oil and filter specified by Subaru, keep detailed records of all maintenance (dates, mileage, and part/oil brands), and ensure any work done is completed correctly to the manufacturer's specifications.
How to protect your warranty
- Use the correct oil and parts: Always use oil and a filter that meet Subaru's specifications for your vehicle's model and year.
- Keep detailed records: Maintain thorough records of all maintenance performed, including receipts for parts and labor, dates, and mileage.
- Document your work: If you perform the oil change yourself, keep a record of the date, mileage, oil type, and filter brand used.
- Understand the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: This federal law prevents manufacturers from voiding your warranty simply because you use an independent repair shop or perform maintenance yourself.
- Know the limitations: Subaru can deny a warranty claim for a specific part if they can prove that the failure was caused by the use of incorrect parts or improper maintenance. For example, if a part fails due to using the wrong type of oil, the warranty claim for that part would likely be denied.
