If a manufacturer finds that a warranty related failure is due to inferior quality parts, incorrect service procedures or faulty workmanship they are within their rights to decline the warranty. As stipulated in the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (“the CPA”), the liability in such an instance will lie with the ISP and/or the parts supplier/importer. If a manufacturer declines a warranty without providing evidence that the warranty related failure is due to inferior quality parts, incorrect service procedures or faulty workmanship then a consumer is entitled to dispute the declining of the warranty and approach the Motor Industry Ombudsman or the Competition Commission.

It is important to note here that while manufacturers are entitled to void a section of a warranty where a customer brings in a vehicle with a fault and it is clear that the fault has been caused by low quality parts or poor workmanship on the part of an ISP, they are not entitled to void your warranty for the simple act of choosing to use and ISP instead of the dealer workshop. The same goes for the fitment of accessories. For example the manufacturer is not entitled to void your warranty if you elect to fit a matching quality non-original tow bar or bulbar. There has to be a causal link between the action of the customer and/or his chosen service provider and the fault.  So if your engine blows up after fitting a non-original tow bar,  the manufacture is not entitled to void the warranty on your engine on the basis of fitting the tow bar.