Who has warranty responsibility?

[Mopar488]

It is pretty obvious that the Viper is going to a new home. Mine is almost a month old. For you Legal Eagles out there, does Chrysler still have warranty obligations for previously sold Vipers like mine and everybody elses or does their obligations for the warranty pass to the new owner of the Viper platform. In addition, would it be wise to purchase an extended warranty from Chrysler now if they are still on the hook to honor the warranties? Thanks.

 

[Coloviper]

From a contract point of view, the MAXCARE contract is with Chrysler not a specific model contract. I would hazard a guess to say that they still have to honor it.

I bought the 7 yrs, 100,000 mile, $0 deductible warranty with my 06' They better fricken honor it.

 

[ViperTony]

I'm certain Chuck Tator can answer this question once he gets back from VOI. 914-763-3136

 

[Viper Wizard]

Thanks Tony!

The factory Warranty 3yr/36,000 mile goes with the vehicle and it does not matter how many owners!

Mopar488, if you'd like when I get back on the 2nd, give me a call or e-mail me and I can give you some prices on extended Warranties.

914-763-3136

 

[Mopar488]

Chuck, Thanks for the reply. I will be calling you when you get back.

 

[2000_Black_RT10]

It sounded like you were questioning if Chrysler sells off the Viper platform, will the factory warranty still be honored? It kind of read like Chuck may have thought the question was about the warranty being transferrable between the buyer and seller of a car? It's an interesting question.. surely if another company bought the Viper brand, it'll cost them more to replace parts, since many are carryover Chrysler components and they'll have to purchase them from Chrysler to make repairs.

 

[Mopar488]

It sounded like you were questioning if Chrysler sells off the Viper platform, will the factory warranty still be honored? It kind of read like Chuck may have thought the question was about the warranty being transferrable between the buyer and seller of a car? It's an interesting question.. surely if another company bought the Viper brand, it'll cost them more to replace parts, since many are carryover Chrysler components and they'll have to purchase them from Chrysler to make repairs.

You are correct. That is exactly what I meant, no disrespect to Chuck as he is a very helpful person. I would like to get a straight answer, but unless contract law mandates something in these type of situations, it could be open to negotiations between Chrysler and who ever purchases the Viper platform.

 

[Flexx91]

You are correct. That is exactly what I meant, no disrespect to Chuck as he is a very helpful person. I would like to get a straight answer, but unless contract law mandates something in these type of situations, it could be open to negotiations between Chrysler and who ever purchases the Viper platform.

Contract law does apply in this case and yes, DC would be legally obligated to honor your warranty per the terms and conditions listed in the agreement. Regardless of the model or year, it's still a Chrysler vehicle.

 

[TAXIMAN1]

We might need an attorney to define contract language. But as an Insurance broker. I can take a pretty good stab at answering this.

Dodge (or whomever purchases the viper brand) has a duty and responsibility to fix,repair,replace,etc any "covered" items that fail under the warranty "term", as defined by your in-service date and mileage. This responsibility does not end or change IN ANY, WAY, SHAPE OR FORM if the company is sold.. Who ever purchases Viper, would have to factor this (tail/spin-off) liability, into their offer. And most likely work a deal with Dodge to continue honoring warranty claims, at Dodge Dealers (on a sub. basis). Same thing goes if the Viper is discontinued. The "write-off" amount of that company. Would have to include future warranty exposure/liability.

If Viper is sold, a number of things could happen. And I would have to read my whole warranty contract to answer this. The question is, "can they change service providers or use a third party" and change your contract mid-term? They probably CAN.... Simply because if Dodge (or any company for that matter) went out of business. They would obviously have to push servicing the remaining balance of warranty cars, off to another brand/repair shop. So, Im sure there is language which states this, in any warranty contract. The question is, does Dodge have to go out of business for this to take place? Or would this apply if Dodge just sold the brand name?

It really doesnt matter though. Unless Dodge/Cerberus (and all of its companies) were going out of business. It simply would not make business sense to have these cars warrantied elsewere. Allowing "Brand-X" to start doing warranty repairs just because they now own the company makes ZERO sense.. Could you imagine the logistical nightmare of training techs,stocking parts,ordering parts through Dodge,etc.. No Matter what happens, they will find a way for us to continue to use Dodge dealers for service. It makes sense for them, plain and simple.

As for "service contracts" and cars that have expired "factory" warranty... Nothing at all will (or could) change. Service Contracts in an Insurance Company, and seperate from Dodge,Chrysler,Jeep. They will provide coverage no matter where you go for service. As long as time/parts cost are in check.