Macrofab Engineering Podcast

MEP EP#286: FTC “Nixing The Fix” ReportFTC “Nixing The Fix” Report The debate around repair restrictions illustrates the limitations of MMWA’s anti-tying provision in repair markets. While the anti-tying provision gives consumers the right to make repairs on their own or through an independent repair shop without voiding a product’s warranty, repair restrictions have made it difficult for consumers to exercise this right. Although manufacturers have offered numerous explanations for their repair restrictions, the majority are not supported by the record. How manufacturers may limit repairs by consumers and repair shops, and how those limitations may increase costs, limit choice, and impact consumers’ rights under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act The statute is remedial and is intended to protect consumers from deceptive warranty practices Consumer products are not required to have warranties, but if one is given, it must comply with the Magnuson-Moss Act. Defines definitions and disclosure standards Bars