FTC Takes Action Against Harley-Davidson After Illegally Voiding Warranties

The Federal Trade Commission is intervening on behalf of Harley-Davidson fanatics everywhere. The agency has accused the motorcycle behemoth of illegally voiding warranties of consumers who repair their motorcycles on their own. The practice, according to the FTC’s complaint, violated the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

Harley-Davidson and Westinghouse Electric did not fully disclose their warranty restrictions to customers, according to the FTC. The Director of the agency’s Bureau of Consumer Protection Samuel Levine issued a statement. He said the FTC has ordered Harley-Davidson and Westinghouse to fix their warranties to avoid violating the law.

“Consumers deserve choices when it comes to repairing their products, and independent dealers deserve a chance to compete. These orders require Harley and Westinghouse to fix their warranties, come clean with consumers, and ensure fair competition with independent providers. Other companies that squelch consumers’ right to repair should take notice.”

The FTC noted that actions taken by both Westinghouse and Harley-Davidson restricted customers’ choices in the market. That cost consumers money by forcing them to use dealerships instead of having the ability to shop around or complete repairs themselves. Both companies were ordered to recognize a consumer’s right to repair in the future.

President Joe Biden has made a consumer’s right to repair a key issue in his administration. He issued an executive order directing the FTC to take action against companies who violate Magnuson-Moss. Harley-Davidson and Westinghouse appear to be among the first to do so.

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