On June 23, 2022, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission took a big new step in the right-to-repair battle. The FTC is taking action against Harley-Davidson, as well as MWE Investments, the company that makes Westinghouse outdoor generators, due to what the FTC says are illegal restrictions on customers’ right to repair their products.
A big part of this complaint is warranty language from both companies that say the warranty is void if customers choose to use independent dealers to either perform repairs or supply parts. According to the warranties as currently written, use of aftermarket parts and taking your bike to any place other than an authorized Harley dealer for service could void the warranty—which the FTC says is illegal.
