Dangerous Mods That WILL Void Your Tesla Warranty

[@dannym3845]

I had my power steering go out after 2 months on a new model Y. Tesla Service here denied the warranty because I had a powered frunk and the back display in the center console. I took it to a closer service center, with those components disconnected. They tried to say the warranty was voided because of those aftermarket items. So I quoted them the federal law that states they can't void the warranty on unrelated aftermarket parts. I asked them which aftermarket part SPECIFICALLY caused the power steering to fail. Several days later they said they weren't able to conclusively prove it was the rear display or the powered frunk (I know, shocking...). So they fixed it under warranty. The actual gears in the power steering unit were bad. It really pisses me off that they tried to void the warranty knowing full well there was no chance it was anything I installed. Those parts have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with the power steering... I told them that up front, and told them before and after that I'd share my "experience" with everyone. Basically, they were hoping I'd just accept their "diagnosis" and pay the $3000+ for a bad part on my new car. It wasn't until I called them on it and demonstrated I knew the law and was willing to go to the press and file a lawsuit if necessary, that they decided to hold to their obligations under the warranty. Not a good look for them.

[@fishhunterjay]

What’s the law?

[@ItsKimJava]

@@fishhunterjayMagnuson moss act…mentioned in detail in the video.

[@XX-166]

Voiding warranties saves the company money at the end of the day.

[@arcataslacker]

​@@XX-166only on a quarterly basis. Legal costs from a potential class action, and damage to the brand's reputation will do far more financial damage to the bottom line year over year. I absolutely love my model 3, but the direction Tesla service has taken the last few years has really soured my opinion of the brand.

[@cannukian1]

I had a similar thing happened with Hyundai. This was for transmission and very well under warranty. I think my car had 20K miles at the time. They repeatedly denied the repair saying it was out of warranty, out of the powertrain warranty. I think sometimes they just do that in the hopes that somebody will just lay over and accept the fate. I had to fight for a little bit and they finally relented and covered the whole thing. I was like how is the transmission not part of the warranty.

[@hyp36rmax]

NAILED IT! Warranty denial is based on the claim and NOT the whole warranty as long as the aftermarket part is directly associated to the claim. If your part has a direct corealtion to the issue then the claim is denied. People need to learn this. Great topic, lots of non car folks can learn here.

[@StayConnectedEV]

this is a bunch of advertisements. Many false statements on warranty in this video.

[@hyp36rmax]

@@StayConnectedEV Nothing wrong with integrating advertisements of products along with core warranty topic. They didn't address Service Writer bias and lack of education, at the end of the day they hold the burden of denial.

[@ItsKimJava]

Sorry you felt that way, video wasn't even sponsored. In fact, no Tsportline video we've ever featured has ever been sponsored. They're local to us and have pretty cool products so we try to share some of the behind the scenes stuff with you here. Thanks for watching!

[@StayConnectedEV]

@@ItsKimJava you do get product from them and it just gets repetitive. That’s all

[@mincooper]

From a common sense and legal perspective there are mods that "should" not void your warranty but what a Tesla Service Center chooses to do is often not based on the common sense nor law (ie Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act). I had problems with my side repeater cameras and clearly my power frunk/trunk kits are not in any way linked to functionality of the side repeater cameras nor my T-Sportline Smart Instrument Cluster. Tesla told me they are clamping down and said they are not going to warranty my car with any electrical mods even though the service advisor said it's unlikely these have any impact to the side repeater cameras. Even a 12v bypass connector tap to the cigarette lighter power to run a radar detector was questioned. My SC said Tesla is clamping down on all mods that tap into power or OBD/Canbus (such as screens). After a lot of convincing (and it was not easy) they agreed that if I disconnected the power to my trunk kit, frunk kit, and Smart Instrument Cluster, they would warranty my cameras. "Invasive" is really a subjective word. My frunk and trunk kits are plug and play other than a power connection. Like the Smart Instrument Cluster, the trunk kit taps into the OBD system which Tesla does not like even though they know it's not an issue. I am reasonably confident that anyone took Tesla to court under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act could win but most people don't have the energy or time to take legal actions so it boils down to a fruitless argument with the service center. To be clear, Tesla can void the warranty on anything that interfaces with the electronics. The power trunk and frunk kits have no more higher chance of voiding warranty compared to any other electronics (ie, screens) that T-Sportline sells. If anyone wants clarification ask your local service center - I'd be surprised that they would sanction some electronics and not others.

[@tesladura3085]

Gotta disagree with the comments about power trunk kits "cutting into the harness" and being "invasive". Mine is in fact, plug and play. It's basically the same as the factory power trunk that later Model 3's have from the factory. Tesla China is even doing power trunk retrofits. I've never felt like going with a power frunk for the simple reason that I simply don't use the frunk enough to justify it. So far, I am loving the convenience of a power trunk and hopefully it will perform as designed long term.

[@tjhouston1280]

A lot of these features are what’s supposed to be in this car💀. You just made me fully realize, why am I paying premium car money for a car that’s not very premium.

[@keissadavis6893]

Exactly…no gauge cluster, no HUD, no ventilated seats…wth

[@Revolver.Ocelot]

​@keissadavis6893 new model has ventilated seats. Also buy other ev then, it will cost you 20k or 40k more. Model 3 now 41 k in europe. Long range 46k 700 km range.

[@cybyr_]

Loved the section with Matt Henrichsen, the dust storm story was pretty cool. What a legend for keeping the model 3!

[@ChrisPolg]

Thanks Kim. Few questions; 1) I want the yoke for my M3P. What is recommended? I feel like I want one by Tesla and nobody else. It’s such a big safety piece. Am I wrong for thinking that? 2) Now that I know not to do a power hood, is changing the suspension Ok? 3) I’m one year in with my Tesla, where can I find an event like you where at in this video?

[@ItsKimJava]

I understand your concern, but the yoke isn’t much more of a safely risk than anything else, like suspension. Tesla also doesn’t offer yokes for the 3 or Y. Only S and X. I know Tsportline has done thousands of these with no problems, and they have certified installers in every state, just reach out to them and ask.

[@taiwoegun1288]

CyberTruck Also yea its “under wraps” they’re definitely using that vinyl paint looking wrap for the cyber truck. Its going to look sick

[@GXKid06]

My power frunk was plug and play and has been great.

[@ZipZoomZip]

Tesla has always been super generous on any warranty issue we've had on our 3 Tesla.

[@brivera1]

Same here. They’ve never questioned anything warranty related.

[@cav8285]

But have they seen aftermarket parts on y’all’s cars?

[@IdiocracySpace]

Adding camber arms to my Model X - mechanics says it voids warranty. But I don’t think any issue would be related. Doesn’t make sense. Better to save tire wear.

[@sorka95032]

Tesla might say warped rotors or other heat related brake failures aren't covered due to airflow difference from after market wheels.

[@LL-camerawork]

Are those covered under warranty?? Aren't those normal wear item that other car manufacturers don't cover either?

[@sorka95032]

@@LL-camerawork brake pad wear is normal wear and tear. Warped rotors if you're not racing on a track is not normal wear and tear. I've had warped rotors covered under my bumper to bumper warranty many times but never under the power train warranty.

[@immersive360vr]

Are there aftermarket headrest adjustments for model 3. I’m 6’6” tall and would love to be able to adjust the headrest up.

[@tayloranderson456]

One of my peeves about my y is the headrests, helps a lot to rotate it 180

[@unforgiving266]

my 2023 Y-p is awesome. I see no need to modify any thing of it. Especially if it'll Fk anything up warranty wise. It's not like you can just take your car to any mechanic you want.

[@Robin_IV_13]

So basically if we were to get Tsport products for the most part we should be safe for warranty? If so are there any products tsports sell that aren’t safe?

[@Ilithyia_and_Chelsie_Marie]

Love my nose cone and the personalized upgrades to make my car the best reflection of me 💖

[@u.e.u.e.]

How about aero parts for improving efficiency and reducing noises? @Kim If you install orange seatbelts the exact same color should be mirrored somewhere. That could be in bi-color seats, dashboard or doorpanel parts, floormats or at least the stitching in the seats or floormats. How about one single pinstripe on the spoke of the wheel that's closest to the valve? An orange pinstripe to accentuate the contur of the body? 😉

[@optiskeptic4746]

She did mention she's thinking about wheels or calipers.. but you're right something else in the interior would be good too

[@vforillo]

The FTC already stated that it’s illegal to claim that you can void your warranty by customizing your property, breaking the sticker, does not avoid the warranty

[@mr88cet]

Austinite here… 3:58 - Ah, cool! Ours was made in the Austin plant. (Now if only they’d given me a phone call rather than charging $1K or so destination charge… 😂)

[@PersonalUseChannel]

2:23 Hanshow auto-frunk is plug and play. No splicing envolved. 7:58 Tesla can't void warranty because of aftermarket part installed but they can deny it. being voided and denied are two separate things.

[@professorking5762]

Does tinting the top glass void the warranty? I went to get the window tint last time and the staff told me that tinting the top glass will void the warranty……….. is that true? I ended up tinting the 4 windows only…….

[@oby-1607]

I think adding dual exhaust would void your warranty. Seriously, really great questions and answers. I think anything would look good with your complexion.

[@yassirusa]

Cybertruck Battery powered trailer for equipment, smart enough to move forward or engage motor brake based on whether it's being pulled or truck speed is slowing. If battery goes out it'll be charged by the pull. Should at least fit a golf cart.

[@infinitegary]

HI there. Just watched your video. So i brought my 2020 model 3 LR into tesla sc in st pete florida recently due to a clicking sound coming from rear axles. I have aftermarket wheels and they denied doing a warranty reapir bc i have aftermarket wheels. They said my rear hub and drive axle should be replaced to get rid of sound but wont do it bc of my wheels. The lead tech said put my facory ones on and try to bring it in again? They blatently are violating this law you are referring to. I also have the messages from the chat from them saying they are denyinmg the claim bc of wheels.

[@stevegraf191]

Thank you for this video!

[@MrH786]

I wish Tesla would sell more customization of their vehicles rather than focus on minimalization. If someone wants minimalization, okay offer it, but offer instrument clusters, automatic sunshades, door latches, PPF, different colors, tinted windows, hard tops, etc.

[@ny1fanta]

I picked up my model y a month ago, until one day my passenger told me their side of the AC is weak, then soon I confirmed that my passenger ac fan direction isn’t moving like what it supposed to. The problem is I have some pro installed ambient lighting in my car, he told me he never tempered with the electronics all he did was pushed the light into the gap. Tesla is refusing to fix my fan under warranty. If anyone knows how to handle this situation please lmk, extremely frustrated now.

[@surferdude4487]

If they refuse your warranty claim, it is on them to prove that your modifications caused the problem. That's the law.

[@radicalradzik]

Cybertruck ordered. Stoked to see what happens in the aftermarket community.

[@Hillclimbheros]

Has anyone ran into warranty problems from tinting the windows? I want to tint my model y but they said they could void the entire warranty even if the issue is small like the windows having issues like not being able to roll down properly. They stated if this issue occurred it would void the whole warranty.

[@jakewilly8891]

I just had my model x windows tinted and my door latch started having issues. They said they won't cover it because the windows were tinted

[@mrclaytontodd]

Yeah I had my model Y front windows tinted & have horrible rattling somewhere in the door/side pillar & they said they wouldn't even investigate because the tint voided the warranty

[@NahTesla]

@@jakewilly8891 updating this, tesla themselves now offers window tinting so now I wonder how this will hold up

[@Funtime77x]

My new Model Y couldn't install updates for over half a year long. 4 appointments at Tesla service center and nothing resolved. They said a part of the car needs to be replaced. It had to be ordered so I ended up waiting 4 months. It was replaced but still nothing. The car just couldn't install new updates. Finally, after +6 months and 6 service center appointments, one of Tesla technicians said the reason is the subwoofer I had installed in the car. I said it has nothing to do with anything but they refused and made me pay 570€ . I was so angry. I am still angry sharing it now.

[@schuylerpryne5]

They developed a vinyl film? I dont really believe it. Thats a whole nother level of emgineering and mfrging. Maybe spec it and source it. Those kind of statement from engineers make me suspicious. It is cool to see how much development they do on their electronics. Ill consider them if I do a dash cluster. Appreciate your videos.

[@GreenTechFusionRenewableEnergy]

CyberTruck! Order around 160-190k so will be late next year before I can get hands on mine. Plan for solar biz so I have ideas of adding my own solar and extra battery bank…

[@ianthong]

Unplugged Performance Front & Rear Sway Bars are the best upgrades I’ve done on my 3.

[@robm6962]

I was comped a set of Helwig sway bars and they are amazing I actually got a 😊set for my model y before tsport got there comp from Helwig

[@t.r.766]

I did the same from unplugged front and rear sway bars big difference! On my model Y P 2020 i did the enduro oil coolers that use K/N filters and change my trans fluid every 15-20 K not 50k as tesla Says to do.

[@t.r.766]

I will want a rack for lumber and or pipe for the cyber truck.

[@tesla-spectre]

very important video. I am even extreme on this: I only use a few accessories like boxes , otherwise keep it as clean as it was. here in Europe many do antirust treatment inside the door sills and those doing it do not even tell them that it voids the 12yr antirust warranty

[@kanaka-sound]

In regards to the Tmax film (red color), by the time you buy the film and pay for installation, it's the same cost (if not more) than just getting the red color upgrade on your order. Other than that, cool product. Reminds me of Inozetek's Supergloss Metallic series

[@grudzien9784]

That is super cool! u guiys create these things from scratch! wow! just wow! talk about REALLY understanding your tech! I will absolutely get your product for my 3

[@mrdsn189]

Thank you!

[@wylieecoyote]

Magnuson Moss Warranty Act REQUIRES that the manufacturer denying the claim MUST prove the mod caused the problem. Just because something was added, it does not mean they can void any warranty. That being said, Tesla may do it anyway and you may need to file a lawsuit to force them to follow the law.

[@nelsonahmed]

Thank you so much for your hard work. I really enjoy all your videos.

[@RoxyJill]

What are a few good websites to modify your Tesla? Specifically the X

[@DxMilla]

Glad the 20 engineering changes is common knowledge. No way to tell people how insane this is.

[@mmf9765]

I’ve heard mixed things when it your warranty when it comes to aftermarket ambient lighting

[@dereksylvester2226]

If someone else took that lock up/tensioning assembly apart to put a different color belt in, Tesla would not warranty that tensioning assembly.

[@LL1684L2]

KJ, I'm impressed w/your hands-on abilities. I didn't think of you doing as much yourself compared to SarahNTuned or Chloe Kuo. I'm watching this vid as I type this.

[@micdesignstudio]

This is only applicable to USA warrenty right ???

[@Ken.Howard]

From Australia: "Lug nuts!" Ha ha ha ha

[@ThomasButryn]

Hey guys, do you have any information on the Model Y? I went online to order a model Y Performance and I am unable to do that! The Model Y online interface has removed the "Custom Order" button and replaced it with "Shop Available". So Tesla right now is forcing people to buy the existing stock of Model Y, you cannot configure and order one. And within a 200 mile radius of my home there are no Model Y performance models available. What the heck is going on? Do you think this is because Tesla wants to clear out the existing stock of Model Y because the Juniper Refresh Model Y is actually ready early!?!?! Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[@edornelas8275]

Kim too bad you can’t get red belts! Of white & red stripes

[@t.r.766]

I will want a rack for Lumber or pipe 20 ft length for CT. Preferably with a sleeve design to insert when needed.

[@joecristman4045]

light colored seat belts get dirty and stained over a period of time and look awful, so you might want to stick with darker colors.

[@dr.swaster8763]

Cybertruck bumpers that are as tough as the panels. Imagine even asking that statement!?!

[@TeamEmperor]

Is that PPF color change film?

[@AmericusCuevas]

honestly it just depends on the service center, I have a heavily modded widebody model 3 with practically everything touched, spliced, etc and I was still able to get work done under warranty with the local service centers in san diego and one in vegas. It really just depends or I'm just extremely lucky lol 😂

[@MrLeonidas123]

Love your videos! Would you happen to know if interior ambient lighting can be added to the current model s? I know they added it to the new model 3 but as of yet nothiing on the S

[@ItsKimJava]

Don’t know off hand but have been thinking about it for an upcoming video. Will look into it more.

[@PLATINUM2U]

Those orange belts are very nice. It will definitely compliment your interior 😎👍

[@montu25]

Do they have red seat belts for Model Y? How hard is it change them?

[@ItsKimJava]

hmmm good question...I feel like they do but I wouldn't tackle that one myself (not because of complexity)

[@ItsKimJava]

Here it is….can customize to color of your choice. tinyurl.com/4fpmjba6

[@kenhiett5266]

​@@ItsKimJava Colored seat belts will inevitably clash with some outfits. That's why I think it's best to stick with black. I also think colored look cheesy, but I'm a classic timeless styling, modest, and less is more person.

[@brianbeasley7270]

CT on order but probably won't get it for 3 years. I may or may not take it then!

[@matrixmatrix911]

Cybertruck! Currently 2018 model 3 performance, 2023 model Y performance / yoke!!

[@moderndaycaveman2519]

Kim, do you have a pre-order in for a CyberTruck? If so, do you plan to mod it out aka Java-It?

[@MilaEVChargerFactory]

It is a real thoroughly modifications😂

[@gregorydavis2568]

Do you do polestar?

[@lslewis104ca]

Does Tsportline ship to Canada?

[@BlueCollarEV]

Elie could have drove my Lightning. I think it was there getting the diablosport tuner installed around that time.

[@shannonlawhorn1674]

12:35 Anyone know who makes these seatbacks? Love the fold down tray.

[@hectorsmith956]

Cybertruck dual motor on order for australia. If they ever produce it in right hand drive.

[@abc123fhdi]

they can make so many changes underneath but can't change the body much.

[@Weezedog]

The law protects those who can afford a lawyer. OEMs can and do unjustly deny warranty claims on modded cars, and unless you have the deep pockets to go to court, they usually get away with it.

[@Mikeflorida7000]

CT $100 deposit paid. I will follow through when available. I want it now.

[@johans7119]

I wish there was a HW4 quality camera upgrade or full HW3 to 4 upgrade!

[@PackFan-tv5pj]

That would be fantastic!

[@walterwhite1]

What’s a hw4?

[@jachoi105]

I wonder if they’ll release speaker upgrades.

[@ZipZoomZip]

Speakers are about the last thing you would ever need to upgrade on a Tesla.

[@tomrybold]

i cant use a ccs adapter cause car said CCS not enabled

[@hrhkee]

Where in Atlanta?

[@robm6962]

I would highly disagree I did soft closing doors auto presenting door handles auto frunk no problems at all I would be more concerned about you changing your headlights and taillights than any of those mods the mods that I just mentioned are the best bank for your buck hands down

[@ltsky311]

I saw that Ohio plate on the shelf... GO BUCKEYES!!!

[@accountname1651]

@11:40 does anybody know who does these Picknick tables for the seat covers?

[@Seventh7Art]

Τhe only mod I would like is a battery or electric motor mod (hardware or software or both) as long as the car becomes faster!!!

[@EFox36]

Where did that seat belt come from? I don't see that on their website

[@ItsKimJava]

Here it is….can customize to color of your choice. tinyurl.com/4fpmjba6

[@EFox36]

@@ItsKimJava thanks!

[@DxMilla]

Once your past 100 thousand miles there is no more warranty lol they don’t even give you a rental anymore lol 😂

[@scotttucker2557]

Kim next time you talk to t-sportline tell them this model3 highland will not come with a yoke ask them to make a yoke for model3 highland

[@darren4635]

CyberTruck order in Australia with CYBATRK number plates reserved 😎

[@NovemberMoore]

My model 3 came with an automatic truck 😮

[@stevebrojer6613]

Cybertruck on order here

[@zacharyeversole]

Figured you would’ve already switched the belts lol

[@scottbreseke716]

I keep thinking I'm going to start to see Kim in the Fast and Furious movies.

[@whitlockbr]

Fast and the furious 52: EV edition!

[@eliseocarrillojr]

I’m waiting on my cybertruck too

[@CesarMattos]

I didn't see a specific question about the screens. Maybe i missed it

[@ChasL704]

Make cyber truck a welding rig.

[@BrianJoslyn]

💣vlog, yo! Occasionally I find something to mod a vehicle and it just seems - 'sketch.' I'm one that would have someone do my mods for me and I'd prefer to watch it being done. Some I'd prefer a 'pro' to do it but there are some I'd be happy to let someone just as you do, whether with your 'other half' [hehe] or not. I'm also subscribed to "Dirty Tesla" (Chris) and he is another I'd be happy with letting do mods for me.

[@Rsmart2175]

lol why do ya got a porsch in a tesla shop?

[@dathyr1]

I am the person, if I have to change the wiring or have to tear half the car apart for a new mod to work, I will not do it. If something goes wrong, breaks, or don't work right, I am pretty sure Tesla service center will not fix that mod, maybe not even look at it. Most these high end techy mods are for people that have worked with cars all their lives and know what they are doing. And don't care about the warranties. But anything can happen. Especially if you are changing the yokes and tampering with the air bags I will put in matts, storage covers, maybe new wheel covers (when i can afford getting them), and even change out for a larger storage drive for Sentry/Dashcam. Take care.

[@andyzegerman]

First thing on my Cybertruck I would like to see is a dashboard, coming from a Model X would make me miss the screen. Best would be to have the FSD (if Tesla gets it working soon on HW4) visualization on there. Perhaps a slick HUD would be awesome too.

[@cobraskenpo2299]

Tell them to create a massive front and rear bumper for the cyber truck.

[@Irodnak]

I feel like this video didn’t answer the question we all had.

[@ItsKimJava]

And those were?

[@fredbecker607]

The orange seat belt is too much like the truck i drove at work. Bad memory.

[@JDCNY1]

They can't simply void a warranty.

[@PaddyThermos]

They simply can. Car manufacturers have certain terms and conditions that apply during the purchase of the car.

[@Osmosis909]

I would absolutely love to modify my car BUT, I don't own it as it's on a PCP agreement and I do have concerns over voiding the warranty if I put something like a digital heads up display/or binnacle in my car :(

[@dogbots159]

I got mine on a weed agreement. Way more relaxed a deal. Let’s me have my power frunk 🎉

[@amina001]

CyberTruck: The first thing I want to see is amazing wraps and dashboard.

[@cameronjoseph2147]

Cybertruck on order

[@voidthewarranty1429]

If you have purchased something and it can be improved, then go ahead and modify it to work better. I often do this with brand new items, straight out of the box, in the full knowledge that I may be voiding the warranty. You have bought the product. You now own it. It is yours to modify and do with as you like (within legal limits). You may be taking on a financial risk by doing so, but that is more than made up for by improved use and enjoyment you will get from the product.

[@Resist4]

Orange seatbelts with a white interior looks ugly! It would look better with a black interior.