Will Installing Trailer Hitch On 2021 Tesla Model 3 Void The Factory Warranty?

Question:

The salesperson at my local Tesla dealer said that adding a hitch to the car would nullify the warranty. Is there any truth to this?

asked by: Richard L

Expert Reply:

Adding a trailer hitch to a vehicle like the 2021 Tesla Model 3 you were looking at at your local Tesla dealer will not void the vehicle warranty.

This is due to you being protected by the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, passed by Congress in 1975, ensures that consumers can install aftermarket parts without the fear of voiding their warranty. The only way the warranty would be voided is if the install of the component or the component itself caused the damage to the vehicle.

For the vehicle you were looking at we have the Stealth Hitches # 391TES317 which has a 350lb tongue weight rating and is designed for carrying a bike rack or cargo carrier. If you were wanting something that could tow you would need to go with the # 391TES317T instead,

I included a video of these hitches being installed for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

Steve

2/21/2024

I am not a lawyer but having delt with lawyers, lemons, voided warranties and engineering I can say that it depends. Most vehicles have "limited" warranties which are not the same as a warranty per the feds. You may get a service center that doesn't care you may have someone trying to pinch pennies and looking for any excuse to get out of doing service work and you'll be out of luck due to the mgf claiming outside influence or not following the manual.