Do Coilovers Void Your Car's Factory Warranty?
Do coilovers void warranty coverage on your car? In the US, not automatically. Under the FTC's guidance, a dealer generally has to show that the part caused the failure before denying coverage for it.
That second half matters. If a dealer can tie a failure to your coilover kit, the repair for that damage can be on you. Other coverage is not automatically void. Here is what the law says and what a dealer can and cannot deny. We also cover how Canada differs and how to protect yourself before the first bolt comes out.
This is general information as of October 2026, not legal advice.
Do Coilovers Void Warranty Coverage? The Short Answer
The FTC's guidance points to a claim-by-claim question rather than a switch that flips. When something breaks, the question is whether the aftermarket part caused it.
Usually still covered
Failures with no link to the suspension. An engine, transmission, electrical or infotainment fault should be handled like on any other car.
Open to dispute
Parts the coilovers touch or load. Think strut mounts, hubs, control arm bushings, axles and alignment-related tire wear. Expect the dealer to look closely here.
Not covered
The coilovers themselves. Your car's warranty never covered them. They carry their own warranty from the brand that built them.
What the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act Says
The federal law here is the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. As of October 2026, two FTC sources spell out the parts that matter to a car person.
First, the FTC's consumer tips on auto warranties cover aftermarket equipment. A manufacturer may not deny coverage over it unless it can show that "the aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs". The same FTC release says it is illegal to deny coverage just because someone other than the dealer worked on the car.
Second, the FTC's Businessperson's Guide to Federal Warranty Law covers what it calls tie-in sales provisions. In its words, "Generally, tie-in sales provisions aren't allowed". A warrantor generally cannot make coverage depend on you using its own branded parts, unless it provides them free under the warranty. The guide also says a warrantor may disclaim coverage for defects or damage caused by parts or service it did not provide.
Put those together and you have the working rule: in the US, fitting coilovers does not by itself void your car's warranty. The aftermarket part does not get a free pass. If the part caused the damage, the warrantor can decline to pay for that damage.
What a Dealer Can and Cannot Deny
The FTC's wording puts the burden on the manufacturer or dealer to show the aftermarket equipment caused the problem. In practice, that is a conversation at the service desk before it is ever anything else.
What they generally cannot do
Deny an unrelated claim on the parts alone. A dealer generally has to show that the part caused the failure before denying coverage for it. A failed fuel pump on a lowered car is still a fuel pump problem.
Deny warranty coverage just because someone other than the dealer did the work. The FTC calls that illegal. Keep your receipts so you can show what was done and when.
What they can do
Decline damage the part caused. If a dealer can show a coilover or a bad install damaged a covered part, that repair can be yours to pay.
Ask questions about install and setup. Ride height, alignment and how the kit was installed are fair questions on a suspension claim. Good records answer them quickly.
If you think a claim was unfairly denied, the FTC suggests going up the chain. Talk to a dealership supervisor, then the manufacturer. You can also contact your state Attorney General, a local consumer protection office, your local BBB or the FTC.
Canada: How the Rules Differ
Canada does not use the Magnuson-Moss Act. The federal Canadian Consumer Handbook comes from the Office of Consumer Affairs. It explains that a manufacturer's warranty is a promise to repair or replace within a set period. It also notes implied warranties under provincial and territorial law, with wording that varies by province. As of October 2026, it lists each provincial and territorial consumer protection office for complaints.
In Canada, the warranty booklet itself and your province's consumer law do most of the work. Read the booklet's exclusions section. Manufacturers publish their own positions. Ford Canada, for example, says installing an aftermarket product "will not necessarily void" its new-car limited warranty. It also says repairs and related damage caused by an aftermarket product failing are not covered.
If a Canadian dealer refuses a claim, ask for the reason in writing. Then contact the manufacturer and, if needed, your provincial consumer protection office.
Leases, Insurance and Records
Leases. A leased car belongs to the leasing company. Read your lease for terms on modifications and return condition before you install anything. If in doubt, ask the leasing company and get the answer in writing. Keeping the factory struts and springs makes a return far simpler.
Insurance. Tell your insurer before or right after you install. Canadian broker BrokerLink lists lowered suspension among modifications insurers care about. It warns that an undisclosed modification found after an accident can mean a denied claim or a revoked policy. Policies differ, so ask yours.
Records. The FTC advises keeping all service records and receipts, no matter who does the work. For a coilover install, keep the parts invoice, the install invoice, your alignment printout and a note of the ride height you set.
How to Install Coilovers Without Inviting a Dispute
Most warranty fights over suspension start with an install shortcut. Do it right and you give a dealer little to point at.
Buy the listing that names your car. Fitment is the first defense. Our listing titles name the years, chassis, drivetrain and factory damping system each kit fits. Confirm on the product page or call 1-800-460-9106 with your VIN.
Use a shop that documents the work. Torque specs, an itemized invoice and an alignment printout make your case for you. Our guide on how to install coilovers shows what a proper install covers.
Pick a sensible spring rate. A street spring rate keeps the car usable and the loads on mounts and bushings closer to what the car was built for. Our piece on buying suspension walks through the choices.
Set ride height sensibly and align the car. Ride height changes alter camber and toe. An alignment after the install protects your tires and your claim. Snug every locking collar once height is set.
Keep the factory parts. Store the original struts, springs and mounts. They help on a lease return, a resale, or a dealer visit where you want to rule the coilovers out.
One more point that comes up in these disputes. Unsprung weight is the mass the springs do not carry: wheel, tire, hub, brakes and part of the arms and damper. A coilover kit alone does not change it much. If you also fit heavier wheels and tires, that is a separate change to account for.
Your Coilovers Carry Their Own Warranty
Your car's warranty does not cover aftermarket performance suspension. The coilover brand's warranty does. Terms differ by brand, so read them before you buy.
BC Racing North America lists a two-year limited warranty on full kit orders, from the date of purchase, subject to its warranty terms. Coverage applies to the original purchaser only. Swift Springs SPEC-R springs are an upgrade option on most BC Racing fitments. KW lists a limited lifetime warranty on the KW V1, KW V2 and KW V3 for the original purchaser. The kit must come from an authorized North American dealer and be installed per KW's instructions. Fortune Auto states a five-year limited warranty on its Generation 4 to 8 products, subject to its terms, with shorter coverage on some items.
For Öhlins, Bilstein and the other brands, our warranty information page lists each brand's coverage. Our guides on coilover warranty support and coilover serviceability cover the ownership side. You can browse every coilover kit we carry by fitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will coilovers void my new car warranty?
Not automatically in the US. Under the FTC's guidance, a dealer generally has to show that the part caused the failure before denying coverage for it. Other coverage is not automatically void. Damage the coilovers cause can be excluded, and the coilovers themselves are covered by their own brand warranty, not the car's.
Can a dealer deny an engine claim because my car is lowered?
Under the FTC's explanation of federal law, the dealer would generally need to show the aftermarket part caused the problem. If you are refused, ask for the reason in writing and escalate to the manufacturer. This is general information, not legal advice.
What is the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act?
It is the US federal law on consumer product warranties, enforced by the FTC. For car owners, two points matter. Tie-in provisions are generally not allowed. A dealer generally has to show that an aftermarket part caused the failure before denying coverage for it.
Do coilovers void warranty coverage in Canada?
Canada relies on the warranty contract and provincial and territorial consumer law, which varies by province. Manufacturer positions differ too. Ford Canada, for example, says aftermarket products will not necessarily void its warranty, but damage they cause is not covered. Read your warranty booklet and ask the dealer in writing.
Can I put coilovers on a leased car?
Check your lease first. The leasing company owns the car, and leases often set terms on modifications and return condition. Ask the leasing company and get the answer in writing. Keep the factory suspension so you can put it back before you return the car.
Do I need to tell my insurance company about coilovers?
Yes, tell them. Canadian brokers warn that undisclosed modifications can lead to a denied claim or a cancelled policy. Lowered suspension is one of the modifications insurers ask about. Get your insurer's answer on record.
How do I protect my warranty when I install coilovers?
Buy the kit listed for your exact car and use a shop that documents the work. Align the car after setting ride height, and keep every receipt. Store the factory parts too. Good records turn a service desk argument into a short conversation.
Questions Before You Install?
We can help with the part we know: the right kit for your exact car, what is in the box and the brand's own warranty. For your car's warranty terms, your booklet and dealer have the final word.
Call 1-800-460-9106 with your VIN and tell us what you drive.
1-800-460-9106Browse Kits by Your Car