Maryland Warranty Disclosure Bill Receives Companion Bill in Senate

UPDATE: Maryland Warranty Disclosure Bill Receives Companion Bill in Senate


DON’T DELAY!  Please contact the State Senate Committee on Finance Immediately to request support for S.B. 529

You may use the following points in your message:
 

  • Consumers are generally unaware of the rights afforded them under the law and many are forced to absorb the costs for repairs that were properly covered under the warranty.  S.B. 529 would require that dealers inform consumers in writing of these basic rights.
     
  • The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act regulates warranties for the protection of consumers and provides that vehicle manufacturers may not deny warranty coverage based on the use of an aftermarket part alone.  
     
  • In December 2010, the Federal Trade Commission issued an Alert stating that the manufacturer or dealer must show that the aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before denying warranty coverage.
     

Overview: Legislation (S.B. 529) was introduced to require new car dealers to provide purchasers a written statement declaring it is illegal for manufacturers or dealers to void a warranty or deny coverage because aftermarket or recycled parts were installed or because someone other than the dealer performed service. The bill is currently in the Senate Committee on Finance. The companion bill (H.B. 434) still remains in the House Economic Matters Committee.