Lift & Leveling Kits and Your Warranty: What to Know at Horne Nissan & CDJR

Installing a lift or leveling kit on your vehicle can affect your factory warranty. While the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act stops manufacturers from automatically voiding a warranty due to aftermarket parts, they can deny a warranty claim if the modification directly causes a failure. It’s key to know these details and chat with our parts and service teams before making any changes.

Understanding Warranty Coverage with Modifications

When you add aftermarket parts like a lift or leveling kit, your factory warranty usually stays valid for parts that remain unaffected. But, if something goes wrong and the manufacturer believes your modification caused the issue, they can deny a warranty claim for that specific part. Your entire warranty won’t be voided, but you could be stuck with repair costs for the modified system.

For instance, if you install a lift kit and then face problems with your suspension or steering, the manufacturer may deny the warranty claim for those parts. On the other hand, your warranty on the engine or electrical systems—assuming they weren’t impacted by the lift—would likely still be in effect. This distinction is important and often misunderstood.

What to Ask Before You Buy or Install

Before you dive into purchasing or installing a lift or leveling kit, it’s a good idea to speak with our parts and service advisors at Horne Nissan and Horne Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. They’re here to guide you based on your vehicle model and the type of modification you’re considering. Some important questions to ask include:

• Nissan owners: Call our parts department at 928-615-5883 for details on Nissan warranty policies related to modifications.
• Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram owners (Mopar): Call our parts department at 928-248-1818 for Mopar-specific warranty information.

Make sure to ask about:

• Which specific parts of my vehicle's warranty could be affected by this lift/leveling kit?
• Are there any manufacturer-approved lift or leveling kits that minimize warranty impact?
• What are the potential long-term effects on vehicle systems like steering, braking, or drivetrain?
• What documentation should I save regarding the installation?

Getting this information ahead of time can help you make a smart decision and avoid surprises later on.

Genuine vs. Aftermarket Kits

There’s a big difference between genuine, manufacturer-approved lift and leveling kits and generic aftermarket options. They can achieve similar looks or performance, but their effect on your warranty can be quite different.

Genuine Kits

Genuine lift and leveling kits are crafted and tested by the vehicle manufacturer or an authorized partner. For Nissan vehicles, these are often Nissan-branded accessories. For Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, you’ll want to look for Mopar-branded performance parts. These kits are usually designed to work seamlessly with your vehicle's systems and might carry their own warranty or even be covered under your original warranty if installed by an authorized dealership.

• Pros: Less impact on factory warranty, specifically designed for your vehicle, often better quality control.
• Cons: Can be pricier than some aftermarket options, may offer fewer extreme customization choices.

Aftermarket Kits

Aftermarket kits come from independent companies, and quality can vary widely. Many brands produce excellent products, but some may not meet the same standards as genuine parts. The risk of warranty denial is generally higher with aftermarket kits since manufacturers are less likely to cover issues from parts they didn’t design or approve.

• Pros: Broad range of options, often lower costs, more room for customization.
• Cons: Higher chance of warranty denial for related parts, varying quality, possible unforeseen issues.

Our parts counters at Horne Nissan and Horne Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can help you explore both genuine and good-quality aftermarket options. For Nissan parts, call 928-615-5883. For Mopar parts, call 928-248-1818.

The Importance of Professional Installation

No matter if you go with a genuine or aftermarket kit, having it professionally installed is crucial. Poor installation can lead to several problems, including:

• Safety hazards: Wrongly installed parts can fail, creating dangerous driving situations.
• Premature wear: Parts can wear out faster from improper alignment or stress.
• Warranty complications: Even if the part itself doesn’t void your warranty, issues from bad installation certainly can.

Our certified technicians at Horne Nissan and Horne Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram have the expertise to ensure your lift or leveling kit is installed correctly. You can schedule service for Mopar vehicles online, or call 928-615-5883 for Nissan service to book an appointment.

Alignment After Installation

After you install any lift or leveling kit, a professional wheel alignment is essential. Changing the suspension geometry—even slightly—will throw off your vehicle's alignment settings. Driving with improper alignment can lead to:

• Uneven tire wear: Your tires will wear faster and unevenly, leading to premature replacement.
• Poor handling: The vehicle may pull to one side or feel unstable.
• Reduced fuel efficiency: Misaligned wheels create more rolling resistance, affecting your MPG.
• Stress on suspension components: Other parts of your suspension can wear out sooner.

Our service centers are equipped with the right tools to perform precise alignments. This step is non-negotiable for ensuring the safety and longevity of your modified vehicle. Make sure to include the cost of an alignment in your budget when considering a lift or leveling kit.

Ready to Talk Parts and Service?

If you're in Globe, Arizona, or the surrounding Gila County area and thinking about modifying your Nissan, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram, we’re here to help. Our parts and service teams at 2046 E Highway 60, Globe, AZ 85501, are ready to answer your questions and provide expert advice. We want to ensure you make the best decisions for your vehicle and understand any warranty implications.

Department	Phone Number	Booking Method
Horne Nissan Parts	928-615-5883	Call
Horne Nissan Service	928-615-5883	Service request form on site or by phone
Horne CDJR Parts	928-248-1818	Call
Horne CDJR Service	928-615-6495	Online scheduling or by phone

We’re looking forward to assisting you!