Rivian Says Running Boards Negate Battery Warranty

[iansriv]

It's so funny that they said that they will not allow you to install one but also don't have one to install.

Sponsored

 

[Riviot]

Added drag -> more battery cycles for fewer miles. Next post we will see is "Guide Says Driving with Windows Down Voids Battery Warranty"

Extremely lightweight wheels with lighter tires = better efficiency -> less battery cycles for more miles.

INFINITE BATTERY WARRANTY

 

[Prime]

Hmm following. Just got some sliders delivered, but my truck is in the shop.

This would be a good question for the Reddit Rivian Responds.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Never trust a guide to understand the legal nuances of warranty. They only know what they are told, or can lookup.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 states that a dealership must prove that aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before it can deny warranty coverage.

This^. I would add that the burden of proof rests with the manufacturer to prove the aftermarket part cause the failure.

These issues have been discussed at length for years on this and other automotive forums. This is nothing new or specific to Rivian.

Magnuson Moss is a federal law.

 

[CTRedCanyon]

The specific law to cite if this comes up at a service center is the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson–Moss_Warranty_Act

"Warrantors cannot require that only branded parts be used with the product in order to retain the warranty. This is commonly referred to as the "tie-in sales" provisions"

Exactly. Unless the running boards somehow damaged the battery, how could they void the warranty? That's going to be a hard case for them to make IMO.

 

[Polar]

This^. I would add that the burden of proof rests with the manufacturer to prove the aftermarket part cause the failure.

These issues have been discussed at length for years on this and other automotive forums. This is nothing new or specific to Rivian.

Magnuson Moss is a federal law.

It’s as if every day people are discovering that aftermarket modifications exist.

?‍

OP spoon-fed the chat bot/person with all the info up front as well; leading them to the answer as well.

The only thing this thread accomplishes is giving search results easy to crawl ammunition for future Internet arguments; especially with the title as it is.

 

[SeaGeo]

Here's the other issue: Rivian refuses to provide written approval for *any* third party modifications, including putting winter tires on.

Rivian legal needs an attitude adjustment.

 

[DuoRivians]

For the record they can say anything they want but if the modification (ie running board) didn’t cause any damage to the battery then they can not void your warranty.

As with any accessory if it causes damage then Rivian is well within their rights not to cover those repairs.

Also I would add that not all running boards/sliders on the market use the battery fasteners.

Edit: I should add that I talked to the SC about my rock sliders before I installed them. The only thing they told me is to make sure I use a TP55 and not a regular Torx. Apparently they had a few folks strip out the fasteners.

Thanks for the heads up on the TP55!

 

[Polar]

It begins… (again)

 

[Prime]

It begins… (again)

I think it's good to have the discussions everywhere to get Rivians attention on this subject and to get some sort of official statement. With that said, every auto maker looks for a way out of honoring their warranties. Hyundai / Kia apparently require you to have a complete history with receipts of all oil changes and service history for them to honor the 100k mile engine and powertrain warranty. Some dealerships may or may not enforce that.

I know friends with Jeeps that have had dealerships refuse to initiate warranty service with vehicles having mods unless they were brought back to factory spec.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

It's unfair to blame guides for misinformation. Yes, they are not legal experts. However, it is their job to follow company policy, find and regurgitate Rivian's policies, as they are written word-for-word, without any editorial interpretation. Speaking of policy, of course Rivian's position is that non-factory parts would void warranty. Every car company has virtually the same policy. Even Jeep.

If you ran a business designing, manufacturing and selling products... Would you warranty those products after your customer have altered them beyond your specifications? Of course you wouldn't. It's the same logic.

Just the same, if you were involved in a side impact collision, and your aftermarket sliders transferred force and damaged battery pack... you couldn't reasonably expect Rivian to cover that damage under warranty.

That said, per Magunson Moss Warranty FTC Improvements Act, Rivian would have to prove that your aftermarket part(s) is cause of damage before they can legally void your warranty. This doesn't mean they won't try and deny coverage on repairs. They and any other car brand will try, in order to protect their interests. And if you try to fight them in court, this FTC act is what your attorney would throw back at them.

 

[Zoidz]

I think it's good to have the discussions everywhere to get Rivians attention on this subject and to get some sort of official statement. With that said, every auto maker looks for a way out of honoring their warranties. Hyundai / Kia apparently require you to have a complete history with receipts of all oil changes and service history for them to honor the 100k mile engine and powertrain warranty. Some dealerships may or may not enforce that.

I know friends with Jeeps that have had dealerships refuse to initiate warranty service with vehicles having mods unless they were brought back to factory spec.

There was an extended warranty on Audi 4 cylinder turbo engines back in the 2000 - 2010 era. The oil pickup screen was too fine and would clog due to turbo exhaust particulates in the oil, causing a drop, sometimes rapid, loss of oil pressure. They would only honor the warranty if you had full documentation of oil changes. I did my own oil changes, didn't keep receipts/records and Audi said "FU".

 

[Prime]

There was an extended warranty on Audi 4 cylinder turbo engines back in the 2000 - 2010 era. The oil pickup screen was too fine and would clog due to turbo exhaust particulates in the oil, causing a drop, sometimes rapid, loss of oil pressure. They would only honor the warranty if you had full documentation of oil changes. I did my own oil changes, didn't keep receipts/records and Audi said "FU".

Yes, this right here.. unfortunately

 

[mike813]

My @EV Sportline sliders that I'm patiently waiting on will also negate dents in the bottom of my doors, which are NOT covered under Rivian's warranty

 

[NineElectrics]

Here's the other issue: Rivian refuses to provide written approval for *any* third party modifications, including putting winter tires on.

Rivian legal needs an attitude adjustment.

Pretty ballsy of Rivian considering they don’t sell a winter tire, have issues with regen locking up wheels, and quad motor causing loss of control on slippery surfaces.

Sponsored