If you are in the USA the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA) does not allow a manufacturer to void (deny) any part of its warranty simply because of the installation of a non-OEM part or modification.

HOWEVER, the MMWA does allow a vehicle manufacturer to deny warranty coverage on an otherwise eligible component if the use of non-OEM parts contributed to the OEM component failure.

There's no question that the Jsport 1.5” Lift alters (increases) the halfshaft angle and thereby the angle of operation of the CV joints. That fact, IMO, opens the door for Honda to claim that the lift may contribute to the premature failure of OEM CV joints, and thereby may give Honda the right under law to deny warranty coverage on those CV joints.

Whether or not that has actually occurred, IMO installation of the lift kit exposes one to that possibility and invites a situation where some 'rigorous discussion' may be required to determine the appropriateness of applying the warranty denial provided by the MMWA.

Good luck.

IMO the MMWA is a great bit of law for consumers, OE manufacturers, and aftermarket manufacturers. IMO it imposes a reasonable duty of 'fairness and equity' on all parties: no-one can deny a warranty simply because an aftermarket part is used, but no one can force application of a warranty when an aftermarket part does indeed cause a failure of an OEM component. It's the vehicle owner's obligation to assess the potential impact of installing aftermarket parts and determine if they want to assume the risk of their use. The appropriateness of a warranty denial by an OE manufacturer can only be determined when a warranty claim is made, based on the specific circumstances surrounding that claim.

 

There's no question that the Jsport 1.5” Lift alters (increases) the halfshaft angle and thereby the angle of operation of the CV joints. That fact, IMO, opens the door for Honda to claim that the lift may contribute to the premature failure of OEM CV joints, and thereby may give Honda the right under law to deny warranty coverage on those CV joints.

I have to agree. I think the dealer owed you a discussion detailing issues that may result from the install and its effect on your warranty.

 

I live in Canada so I don’t think the MMWA applies but thank you for the information.

 

You might research to see if there is similar legislation in Canada. If nothing else, the principles of equity codified in the US MMWA may well be found applicable by Canadian Courts - there is surely a body of case law pertinent to the situation.

(Why should Honda be forced to warrant a component which has been damaged by modification of the vehicle in a way that alters the OEM design operating condition of that component?)

 

I am assuming that the OP purchased the modification kit and then took it into the dealer to be installed? If so, I am somewhat surprised that the dealer did not require a signed statement from the owner relieving them of any responsibility in the installation of this modification? I agree that this should not be Honda's responsibility as the manufacturer, and not taking away from the owner's responsibility concerning this modification, but shouldn't there be some sort of trust that since the dealer willingly performed this modification to a vehicle that may alter its warranty, that maybe the dealer themselves should take at least partial responsibility when it caused damage?

Bill

 

I think the crux of the issue here is that Jsport touted its kit as being warranted by Honda when dealer-installed, IIRC. Questions are:

Does the same "guarantee" apply to Canada?

Even though installed by the dealer, does the kit need to be purchased from the dealer?

Is the dealer an authorized Jsport dealer/installer?

If any issues are indeed due to the kit, and the kit is exactly the same as all other Jsport kits, then 1) Honda should warranty the issue out of good will and good business practice, and more importantly, 2) i would think Honda would be VERY interested in exactly what happened, as this could significantly affect their ability to 'warranty' the Jsport kits going forward, and could possibly influence any future suspension design or changes.

 

Is the dealer an authorized Jsport dealer/installer?

No the dealer is not a Jsport dealer, the nearest jsport dealer is a 4 hour drive for me. I decided to contact my local dealer before purchasing with information on the kit including that they are claiming to be 100% warranty compliant and sold from other Honda dealerships including the name of the closest Jsport dealer. My local dealership agreed to do the installation after running it by the service manager. I felt I had done my due diligence and would not of installed the kit if I didn’t feel it was warranty compliant.

“4. Jsport states that their products may void manufacturer warranties.

YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT REGARDING AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS: YOU acknowledge that YOU have purchased aftermarket products (“Products”) and therefore understand and accept the consequences of installing the Products on YOUR vehicle. Such consequences include, among other things, changing the center of gravity, rollover resistance, ride characteristics, performance, and general operation of YOUR vehicle from that intended by the vehicle manufacturer and potentially voiding manufacturer warranties.”

I would like to know where you found this ? I have been all over on Jsport website and can not seem to find that statement. In my phone conversation with a Jsport sales rep last night they also claimed that the kit would not affect my Honda warranty because it was within the factory specifications.

 

1. Honda does not sell or warrant Jsport lift kits. Honda states in the owner's manual, service information, and position statement not to make any modifications to the vehicle or install any aftermarket accessories.

CMBS Conditions and Limitations

The system may automatically shut off and the CMBS indicator will come on under certain conditions. Some examples of these conditions are listed below. Other conditions may reduce some of the CMBS functions.

RDM/LKAS Conditions and Limitations

The system may not detect lane markings and therefore may not keep the vehicle in the middle of a lane under certain conditions, including the following:

Vehicle conditions

• The vehicle is tilted due to a heavy load or suspension modifications.

2. Some Honda dealers (which are all independently owned) have agreed to sell and install Jsport lift kits. Honda is not responsible for Jsport products, their installation, or any potential consequences of their use.

3. The Consumer Protection Acts in Canada are equivalent to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act in the US.

4. Jsport states that their products may void manufacturer warranties.

YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT REGARDING AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS: YOU acknowledge that YOU have purchased aftermarket products (“Products”) and therefore understand and accept the consequences of installing the Products on YOUR vehicle. Such consequences include, among other things, changing the center of gravity, rollover resistance, ride characteristics, performance, and general operation of YOUR vehicle from that intended by the vehicle manufacturer and potentially voiding manufacturer warranties.

5. The very first requirement for aiming the camera and radar units for vehicles equipped with Honda Sensing is ensuring that the suspension has not been modified. From the service information:

GENERAL AIMING REQUIREMENTS

Although the procedures for radar unit and camera aiming are different, the general aiming requirements are the same.
Here are the minimum requirements for both the vehicle and the aiming area.

Vehicle Requirements

• The suspension has not been modified.

 

Thanks, I missed that I guess you really have to read the fine print and find the hidden hyperlinks lol.

 

Thanks, I missed that I guess you really have to read the fine print and find the hidden hyperlinks

That's why it's called "due diligence".

diligence: careful and persistent work or effort

 

“Countless hours and miles of research and development went into this package to ensure that it takes the vehicle as far as it can go while remaining warranty compliant and staying within the mechanical limits of the factory components.” Off Jsport website.

Jsport Pre-Run Package | Ultimate option next level | Jsport USA

TheJsport Pilot Pre-Run Package for the Honda Pilot is the ultimate option for taking the vehicle to a dynamic new level.

jsportusa.com

I was referencing the email I sent to my dealer prior to purchasing kit and used the term 100% compliant in the email so if The dealer disputed that the dealer would let me know. “ they in that email was referring to Jsportusa.

 

“Countless hours and miles of research and development went into this package to ensure that it takes the vehicle as far as it can go while remaining warranty compliant and staying within the mechanical limits of the factory components.” Off Jsport website.

Jsport Pre-Run Package | Ultimate option next level | Jsport USA

TheJsport Pilot Pre-Run Package for the Honda Pilot is the ultimate option for taking the vehicle to a dynamic new level.

jsportusa.com

Jsport can state their products don't affect Honda's warranty all they want, but Honda makes their position regarding aftermarket accessories and modifications clear. They do not sell or install Jsport products or cover any damage caused by aftermarket accessories or modifications. Jsport cannot speak for Honda - only Honda can speak for Honda and I don't see where Honda says they cover Jsport products.

Honda has no obligation whatsoever to cover any aftermarket accessory or modification or any damage caused by them.

Did the Jsport lift damage your vehicle? I have no idea. Others seem to be using the Jsport lift without damage. Maybe your installer installed it wrong. If so, they'll probably deny they did because they probably don't want to eat the parts and labor cost to make it right. If they're feeling particularly generous, they might eat the labor if Jsport will provide the parts, but if it's not a Jsport authorized dealer or Jsport determines that it was installer error, then they're unlikely to cover the damage.

 

edit / NM - post above edited to include link

 

If Jsport lift maintains the angle of operation of the CV joints within factory specifications as it claims I feel it may be hard for Honda to prove the aftermarket parts is what has caused damage to my CV joints. I personally feel the kit may have been installed improperly but being able to prove that is a different story. Hopefully I will find out soon who will cover what if anything at all. Thank you to everyone for all the input.

 

If Jsport lift maintains the angle of operation of the CV joints within factory specifications as it claims I feel it may be hard for Honda to prove the aftermarket parts is what has caused damage to my CV joints.

How can one know what these specification are? They're not listed in the Owner's Manual or service information. Maybe Jsport called Honda and asked this question and Honda gave them the answer which is written on a napkin and stored in a vault.

As some may know, Jsport is an offshoot of Honda Performance Development (HPD) with close ties to Honda products.

Are they? Honda's only acknowledgement of Jsport that I can find is the use of their products on one-off show or racing vehicles that are not sold to the general public.

Adam Gunn, the Operations Manager of Jsport started his career as a UPS delivery driver then spent a decade in marketing before his days with Jsport according to his resume on LinkedIn. Jacob Wright, the sales director, sold clothes, insurance, and cars before going to work for Jsport. Neither of their resumes mention any association with Honda.

James Jeffrey (Jeff) Proctor appears to be the owner of Jsport Performance Accessories, LLC according to public records. Honda acknowledged Jeff as a team owner and driver for the Ridgeline Baja Race Truck.

It's possible that Jeff obtained some design specifications and tolerances through his association with Honda. However, I can't find any evidence to suggest that Jsport is in any way associated with or backed by Honda. It appears to me that Jeff used the knowledge he gained through racing for Honda to open a private business selling aftermarket accessories that are not warranted by Honda.

Now, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that, but describing Jsport as an "offshoot" of Honda may mislead some people to believe that Jsport is or was owned or formed by Honda.

Jsport's own website reads: "Jsport was born out of the Factory Honda Off-Road racing program by real enthusiasts who love all things performance. Coupled with significant experience in the automotive dealership setting, our team maintains a firm grasp on both the automotive industry and the enthusiast scene. We make the parts that you wish your Honda came with."

"Jsport parts and accessories are not only as tough as nails, but styled similarly to the Honda Racing Team’s official gear. Drive like a pro and look like one too."

Notice that they stop short of saying that their products are "official" Honda products or that they are guaranteed by Honda. Jsport may very well make great products - I've never used them.

Another member in the thread below experienced a suspension noise on a Ridgeline with a Jsport leveling kit. He claims his repair was covered under warranty.

Low level front suspension rattle w/ 2019

I recently took delivery of a new, 2019 Ridgeline (AWD) RTL-E. The vehicle has just over 1,000 miles on it and has developed a low level (at this point) front suspension rattle that sounds like it could be strut related. It' not noticeable on the highway (better roads / higher speeds), but is...

www.ridgelineownersclub.com

 

What I find strange about all of this is the fact that numerous posters here have installed 1.5" front lifts by Truxxx, Traxda and Jsport on the G2, and for the most part, we haven't heard much about CV joint/drive axle damage. Certainly, some of these owners have racked up serious miles on the modified RLs by now. What we have heard, though, is that the installation is tricky and there is potential to screw it up. I think there's a good possibility that the dealership did something wrong during installation.

As some may know, Jsport is an offshoot of Honda Performance Development (HPD) with close ties to Honda products. They've developed 1.5" lifts (and other accessories) for RLs, Pilot and Passports and are seriously invested in the success of these products. If it turns out that these lift kits and leveling kits are causing drive axle damage and invalidating the factory warranty, Jsport would be in a world of hurt. Also, Honda sent a Ridgeline Overland modified with the Jsport 1.5" leveling kit to the 2018 SEMA show, which many fans would interpret as an unofficial endorsement of the product.

As for the need to recalibrate/aim the Honda Sensing system after modifying the suspension, I think that's a legitimate question which remains unanswered.

 

How many miles where on the truck before the kit was installed.

 

I have 36000km (22369miles) on my truck now and I would estimate I have put less than 1000miles since kit installation.

 

What no one addresses or can answer is the scrub radius measurements.Even under stock setup, lengthening or shortening of the shock (adding a lift kit or lowering) alters the scrub and too much variance will adversely affect handling. Can anyone reach out to JSport ans ask that particular question? I have asked KW and they 'do not have' those numbers.

 

CV joints will not wear out in 1000 miles due to a small change in angle. They were probably damaged during installation.

 

If they are damaged at all. It might be best to just remove the lift kit and see if the noise goes away.

My limited experience is that the techs at the dealer are terrible at diagnosing and fixing noises.

I had a ticking noise which sounded like it was coming from the right front of my truck. The dealer immediately suspected my aftermarket mud flaps. When that turned out not to be the problem, they adjusted the hood and told me it was fixed, but it wasn't. I'm not sure what the noise was but it could have been the windshield. I stopped hearing it after the windshield broke and I had it replaced.

 

Here is my alignment results during installation if anyone is interested.

 

I was really excited about the J Sport leveling kit on my soon to be purchased new Ridgeline. Now I am not so sure about it. I have always believed in the power of keeping a vehicle stock. I remember reading somewhere that it did not void the warranty, now I am not so sure, maybe if something sounds to good to be true, it isn't. I am still getting the new Ridgeline, I may wait for the leveling kit though.

 

Putting a front lift on the RL is a bit different than most other trucks so the most important thing is finding a good installer with experience doing these. I'm not an expert but I don't see how raising the front end 1 1/2" is gonna put any undue stresses any of the suspension or drive parts. I had a lift put on mine as soon as I got the truck, have had no problems and like the way the truck looks and drives. Granted that's not that long but I called Traxda to find an installer with experience and I believe they did a good job on the install. I poured over this forum before purchasing my RL and found numerous members have had lifts installed and very few have reported issues. For the ones who have had problems, from what I'm reading, it seems most have been related to poor installation.

I think that if you purchase & install at the same dealer then the dealer would warranty it. In addition I think the OP's problem is a bad install. YMMV.

I agree with Farther, especially if they've been installing the lifts for awhile. I'd ask 'em and base your decision on that.

 

I think that if you purchase & install at the same dealer then the dealer would warranty it. In addition I think the OP's problem is a bad install. YMMV.

 

I looked through the jsport website and can find nothing about thier products being approved by Honda let alone being "warranty approved" I think common sense would tell me that any such upgrades would void my warranty.. just my 2 cents

 

Fair enough, but Jsport pushes this issue harder on their Facebook page. There you will see comments and replies that claim their kits maintain factory specs and do not void Honda's warranty. They are careful not to imply that Honda endorses or warranties Jsport products, but they are also notably proud that Honda put Jsport accessories on the Ridgeline Overland that went to SEMA last year.

 

Any alteration will make things go out of factory specs. I cannot fathom how their lift kit 'maintains factory specs'. Higher ride, increased roll center, increased center of mass, variance in scrub radius, increased steering effort, etc etc. Though many of these can be brought back to OEM specs, you cannot bring the physical constraints back. I am not going to say that I dislike their stuff, but claims such as those are just dumb and wrong.

 

What was the end result of all this?

 

Still waiting on a resolution. My dealership has been in contact with Jsport and is saying the Warranty approved literature only applies in U.S. My dealership sent the information they were provided to the areas Honda district manager and I am waiting for a review to be completed. Weather or not Honda Canada warranty’s my cv joints I will be pushing very hard for my stealership fix the damage that they caused to my truck.

In my meeting they admitted they took apart my CV joint when the jsport installation instructions clearly state they should not be. The tech claimed it is impossible to remove the strut without taking apart the CV, however I provided my dealership with an installation video from jsport before I brought my truck in for installation that showed step by step how to do it ( they clearly never viewed it) . They also made many false deceptive statements to me about the cause during the meeting and could not explain why I was hearing popping noises on my drive home immediately after installation. They screwed up, if they don’t make it right I have lost all faith in the dealer and will not deal with them in the future.

 

The tech claimed it is impossible to remove the strut without taking apart the CV

Might be interesting to take a look at the official Honda service procedure for OE strut R&R, just for grins ?

Maybe @zroger73 has access and would offer insight ...

 

This does sound like an installation problem to me, but whether or not they're gonna be honest about it, well I hope for you that they do.

 

One should NEVER be taking the CV joint apart to do the install. The CV comes as a whole, and goes in that way. The tech did what I did in my Accord; since it takes a lot of time to pull the axle nut off and then pull the hub off the car, it is always easier to just rip the boot and disconnect the axle that way at the outer joint. All you need to do is put the boot back on, grease it up, and then clamp it up. A lot of times, when you do not pack proper grease in, or get dirt in (that thing is like a dirt magnet), you will hear clicking and crunching.

@Farther nailed it in the head; it is a half ass job by someone trying to cut corners.

 

This is the first thread that I have found with cv issues regarding the installation of a leveling kit. A bit concerning since my truxxx kit was delivered today and I'm having it installed in a few days. I'm taking it to a shop that specializes in off road 4x4 truck modifications. I'll ask them if this might be a potential problem.

 

Very interested in how this goes for you. My only regret with purchasing a RL over a Tacoma is clearance, so I eventually wanna level it out + lift w/ bigger tires.