Can You Force a Dealer to Repair Your Car Under Warranty?

When Your Car Needs Repairs, But the Dealership Won’t Help

You bought a new car (or maybe a used vehicle with a warranty) expecting peace of mind. You assumed that if something went wrong, the dealer would honor their promise and handle the repair—no questions asked.

But now, here you are, dealing with a car dealership that’s refusing to fix your car. Frustrating, right?

So, what are your options? Can you actually force a dealership to repair your vehicle under warranty? The answer: Yes, but it depends on how you go about it. Let’s break it down.

What Your Warranty Actually Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

First things first—what kind of warranty are we talking about? Not all warranties are created equal, and dealerships love to use fine print to their advantage.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Manufacturer’s Warranty

This is the coverage that comes with a new vehicle straight from the factory. It generally lasts between three to five years or 36,000 to 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. It covers defects in materials or workmanship, meaning that if something breaks due to no fault of your own, the manufacturer is responsible for the repair.

Extended Warranty

Unlike the manufacturer’s warranty, this is an optional service contract that you can purchase separately to extend your coverage beyond the original terms. These are typically sold by the dealership or third-party providers and can vary widely in what they cover. Some only handle powertrain issues, while others cover nearly everything except wear-and-tear items.

Powertrain Warranty

This warranty focuses solely on the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components—essentially, the parts that keep your vehicle running. Since these parts are expensive to replace, this type of warranty is highly valuable, but it often lasts longer than a standard bumper-to-bumper warranty (sometimes up to 10 years or 100,000 miles).

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty

Often considered the most comprehensive type of car warranty, this covers most vehicle components except routine maintenance items such as brake pads, oil changes, and tires. However, even with this coverage, some dealerships will find loopholes to deny a warranty claim, so it’s crucial to read the fine print.

Implied Warranty

This is a warranty that exists even if it’s not explicitly written down. Under consumer protection laws, any vehicle sold by a dealer should be in working condition and fit for driving. If a dealership knowingly sells you a defective vehicle and refuses to fix it, they could be violating the implied warranty of merchantability, which means you may have legal grounds to demand repair or replacement.

The Excuses Dealerships Use to Avoid Repairs

Here’s the game they play: dealerships might claim that:

• The warranty doesn’t cover the issue.
• Your warranty has expired (conveniently).
• You didn’t follow routine maintenance (so they blame you instead for the defect).
• The problem was caused by an aftermarket part.
• The repair shop you used wasn’t “authorized.”

Sound familiar? If so, don’t worry. You’ve got options.

8 Steps to Get the Dealership to Fix Your Car Under Warranty

1. Read the Warranty Like a Lawyer

Before marching into the dealership, take a deep breath and read your warranty. Look for:

• What’s covered under warranty.
• How long the warranty coverage lasts.
• Any loopholes the dealer might try to use against you.

If they claim something isn’t covered, ask for proof in writing.

2. Keep Every Maintenance Record (Even Oil Changes)

Dealerships love using the “you didn’t maintain your car” excuse. The best way to shut that down? Receipts. Keep all records from repair shops, routine maintenance, and any oil changes you’ve had done. This proves you’ve done your part.

3. Consult a Mechanic for a Second Opinion

If the dealer insists that the issue is not covered under the car warranty, consider taking your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for an independent evaluation. A qualified mechanic can confirm whether the issue is truly a defect that should be fixed under the warranty or if the dealership is misleading you.

4. Contact the Manufacturer (Go Above the Dealer’s Head)

If the dealer won’t help, go straight to the manufacturer. Many brands have customer support lines that can push dealerships into action. After all, the manufacturer’s warranty is their reputation on the line, too.

5. Get the Dealer to Put Their Refusal in Writing

If they refuse the warranty repair, don’t just walk away angry—make them put it in writing. Ask them to spell out why they’re denying your claim. They’ll be a lot less likely to dodge responsibility if they know their response could be used against them later.

6. File a Complaint with the BBB

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) exists for moments like these. File a complaint against the dealership, and you might be surprised how fast they suddenly become willing to “work something out.” No car dealership wants bad press.

7. Send a Demand Letter

Time to step it up. A demand letter basically says, “Fix my car, or we take this further.” Outline your case clearly, cite the Mississippi Lemon Law and Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, and let them know you’re not backing down.

8. Report the Dealership to a Consumer Protection Agency

Mississippi has consumer protection agencies that can help if a dealership isn’t playing fair. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also monitors warranty violations and might step in if needed.

9. Take Legal Action (Last Resort, But It Works)

If all else fails, it’s time to get serious:

• File a Lemon Law claim if your car qualifies.
• Take the car back and sue the dealership in small claims court.
• Hire a consumer protection attorney to fight for your warranty repair rights.

You Deserve a Car That Works—We Can Help

Dealing with a dealer that won’t honor your warranty contract can feel like a never-ending headache. But you don’t have to fight alone.

At Ware Law Firm, PLLC, we stand up for car owners who get the runaround from dealerships, warranty companies, and manufacturers. If your car is still covered by the warranty, you shouldn’t have to beg for the repairs you’re entitled to.

Don’t wait—contact us today, and let’s get your car fixed without the stress.