No, headers don’t automatically void your warranty. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, manufacturers must prove the headers directly caused a specific failure to deny coverage. Dealers often blame modifications like headers or tuning, but they can only legally exclude affected components. If installed correctly and emissions-compliant, bolt-on catted headers pose minimal risk. Keep stock parts, avoid ECU changes, and follow best practices—your warranty stays protected, and you’ll see how smart mod choices keep coverage intact.
Quick Tips
- Aftermarket headers alone do not automatically void your warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
- Manufacturers must prove headers caused the specific failure to deny warranty coverage.
- Warranty can only be denied for affected components, not the entire vehicle, if headers cause damage.
- Catless headers or ECU tuning may void emissions warranty and increase denial risk.
- Keep stock parts, use professional installation, and avoid tuning to help maintain warranty protection.
Do Headers Void Your Car’s Warranty?
Slipping a set of headers onto your engine might enhance performance, but it can also put your car’s warranty at risk.
Dealers often deny claims if they spot headers, especially with a tune.
While the Magnuson-Moss Act protects you, they only need to prove the part caused a specific failure.
Headers typically void drivetrain coverage, even if unrelated.
A dealer’s claim that a failure was caused by aftermarket headers may be enough to deny warranty unless you can challenge it with evidence, placing the burden on the owner to disprove causal link.
Proper tuning after installing long tube headers is strongly recommended to avoid lean conditions and potential engine damage.
How a 1970s Law Protects Your Right to Modify
While you might worry that adding aftermarket parts like headers could automatically cancel your car’s warranty, a federal law from the 1970s actually protects your right to modify your vehicle without losing coverage.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act stops manufacturers from voiding warranties just because you used aftermarket parts. They must prove the modification caused the specific failure—otherwise, your warranty stays intact.
Regular maintenance and proper installation, such as inspecting for damaged wiring and ensuring components are installed correctly, can help prevent disputes over whether a modification caused a failure.
Why Dealers Deny Warranty Claims With Aftermarket Headers
Even though the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects your right to install aftermarket parts like headers without automatically losing warranty coverage, dealers often deny claims when these modifications are present.
They argue headers caused failures, especially if tuning is detected.
While only affected components can legally be denied, many dealerships void entire warranties.
Proof of direct damage is required—but often ignored in practice.
Can a Tune or Catless Headers Void Warranty?
Dealers often blame performance upgrades like tunes and catless headers when denying warranty claims, even if those parts didn’t cause the problem. A tune typically voids engine warranty coverage because it alters factory settings permanently. Catless headers remove emissions components, violating federal regulations and nullifying emissions warranty.
Both increase denial risk, but unrelated repairs, like wheel bearings, should still be covered under the Magnuson-Moss Act. Deleting emissions equipment can also have legal and performance consequences, particularly affecting emissions compliance.
Upgrades That Won’t Void Warranty (Including Headers)
You can keep your warranty intact while still upgrading your car with the right modifications. Properly installed headers won’t void your warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Act, as long as they don’t cause damage.
Air intakes, FMICs, and oil coolers are safe when correctly fitted. So are cosmetic mods like badges, spoilers, and interior trim—just make sure everything is installed cleanly and reversibly. The vehicle’s security components, such as the immobilizer system, should be left functional and undamaged during any modification.
How to Install Headers Without Losing Coverage
When you install headers, keeping your warranty intact comes down to how you approach the process—from the parts you choose to the way you handle installation and tuning. Use bolt-on, catted headers and avoid ECU changes.
Keep stock parts, document everything, and get professional installation. Reversible setups help, and reviewing your warranty manual first can prevent surprises later. Installing headers without proper ECU recalibration can lead to issues like check engine lights and poor driveability, so consider addressing ECU responses when planning your install.
Wrapping Up
You don’t automatically void your warranty by installing headers. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects your right to modify your vehicle. Dealers can’t deny warranty coverage unless they prove the header caused the specific failure. Use quality parts and professional tuning to minimize risks. Document all work, and keep OEM parts in case you need them. Smart upgrades, done right, won’t cost you warranty protection.
