Will Trailer Hitch Installation on 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Void Warranty

Published 07/03/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(82)

$261.34

Phat Bike Adapter Kit for Kuat Bike Racks

(140)

$19.00

Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Metallic Black

(470)

$989.00

Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gunmetal Gray

(470)

$989.00

Question:

You are actually covered by the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act which states that if something breaks on your vehicle and you take it in for warranty repair, the dealer must honor your warranty unless whatever modifications you have added to your vehicle actually caused the problem in question. This means that unless the Curt Trailer Hitch # C11435 that you referenced is the reason that you are needing repairs on your 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata the dealer has to honor the warranty. If you let me know what you plan on using the trailer hitch for I can make additional recommendations if necessary.

asked by: David G

Helpful Expert Reply:

You are actually covered by the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act which states that if something breaks on your vehicle and you take it in for warranty repair, the dealer must honor your warranty unless whatever modifications you have added to your vehicle actually caused the problem in question. This means that unless the Curt Trailer Hitch # C11435 that you referenced is the reason that you are needing repairs on your 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata the dealer has to honor the warranty.

If you let me know what you plan on using the trailer hitch for I can make additional recommendations if necessary.

expert reply by: Jon G

David G.

7/3/2019

Jon G.

7/3/2019

I can definitely see where some confusion is found by their statement. While the owner's manual does specifically state "Your Mazda is not designed for towing. Never tow a trailer with your Mazda" there isn't anything in there stating not to install a trailer hitch. Your contact at Mazda skirted around telling you that it would void the warranty by saying "there are no bike rack accessories offered by Mazda" (which any bike rack wouldn't be from Mazda as they don't make them) and "any after market part or modification can void warranty coverage". The keyword in that second phrase it can. If they said "will" then that would be a different story. Basically it is their way of discouraging this use so that if anything does happen you can't come back and say that they said it was okay when in reality unless the trailer hitch actually causes the damage your warranty can't be voided. Also be sure to stay within the weight ratings of your vehicle to help prevent damaging anything. For a bike rack I recommend using the Kuat NV 2.0, which comes in both Gunmetal Gray # NV12G and Metallic Black # NV12B, because this is a high-end bike rack that is compatible with any bike frame style out there that doesn't use a front fender and it is one of the most (if not THE most) stylish bike racks on the market today. The NV 2.0 comes fully loaded with bike and rack locks, an integrated anti-rattle system, a convenient lever for tilting/folding the rack with your foot, and a bike repair stand. I have attached a review video for you to check out. Please note that if you have a fat tire bike (larger than 3") then you need the Fat Bike Strap # APBK to accommodate a tire up to 4-3/4".