Breaking the Contract Between You and the AutomakerA warranty is a contract between you and the company that built your car. It promises to take care of any applicable repairs, provided that you maintain the vehicle to proper expectations. But like any contract, it can be broken if you don't hold up your end of the bargain, so it is important to know what circumstances can void your warranty.
Warranty Partially Voided or Claim Denied?

Not every circumstance will void your entire warranty. In some situations, the repairs for a specific part will not be covered, but you still retain the warranty on the remainder of the vehicle.

Any time you take your car to the dealer for warranty work, they must file a claim with the manufacturer or warranty provider, which is how they get paid for the work performed under warranty. If a repair isn't covered under the manufacturer's warranty, the claim will be denied and the dealer won't get paid. This could mean paying for the work out of your own pocket, and in many circumstances, a dealer will make the determination whether your car is covered before a claim is even submitted.

What Voids Your Entire Warranty?

Salvage title: If your car was in a severe accident and was given a salvage title or declared a total loss, your entire warranty is voided. Unknowingly buying a salvaged car isn't an issue with certified pre-owned vehicles, but keep this in mind if you are looking to purchase a late-model used car from a private party or independent used car lot. If you are unsure about a car's past, we suggest getting a vehicle history report.

Misuse of the vehicle: This term can be interpreted in broad ways, and often includes racing/competition of any type, overloading the vehicle or off-roading. Potentially, anything outside of normal operation of the vehicle can be considered misuse. Some automakers will void your entire warranty for these infractions, and this decision is typically left to the discretion of the warranty administrator. Even if there is no proof but just signs of abuse, your warranty claim may be denied.