Does modifying the exhaust affect the warranty?

[LeAlejandro]

Modifying the exhaust does not affect the warranty. Here are some related introductions about car exhaust pipe modifications: 1. Removing the rear muffler: The main function of the rear muffler is to eliminate the car's sound. After removing the rear muffler, you will feel that the car's sound becomes louder. Removing it will not affect the car's performance. 2. Replacing the exhaust pipe material: Replacing the exhaust pipe and reducing its length shortens the exhaust path, increases the exhaust volume, reduces the car's weight, naturally increases horsepower, and makes the car's sound louder. 3. Removing the catalytic converter: The catalytic converter is a honeycomb-like object. After removing the catalytic converter, the exhaust system will be smoother than before, and the sound will also become louder.

[DeEzra]

I've been through this myself! I bought a new car and thought it would be cool to modify the exhaust sound after seeing my friend do it, so I spent over 3,000 yuan on a mid-to-rear exhaust system. Half a year later, the oxygen sensor failed. When I went to the 4S shop hoping to claim the warranty, they directly told me that the engine data was abnormal due to the exhaust modification, voiding the entire powertrain warranty. I was furious at the time and ended up paying over 4,000 yuan out of pocket for repairs. Turns out, the manual had fine print stating that any modifications affecting the emissions system could void the manufacturer's warranty. I've learned my lesson now—my advice is to wait until the three-year warranty period is over before making any modifications, so you don’t end up regretting it like I did.

[WillowDella]

Having worked in an auto repair shop for seven or eight years, I've seen too many cases where warranty was voided due to exhaust modifications. There are mainly two scenarios: if it's just a decorative tailpipe modification, dealerships usually turn a blind eye; but if the catalytic converter is tampered with or an electronic valve is added, the engine warning light will almost certainly come on. The key is whether the malfunction is directly caused by the modification—for example, if altered exhaust leads to abnormal turbo pressure, the manufacturer will definitely refuse the claim. I often advise car owners to either keep the original parts for easy reinstallation or have the shop sign a modification agreement promising not to affect the warranty of core components—double insurance is always safer.

[ONevaeh]

As an environmental inspector, I must warn about the fatal flaw of exhaust modifications—tailpipe emissions. Current China-6 vehicles come with real-time monitoring systems; even changing a muffler tip can trigger ECU fault codes. Last week at the inspection station, a modified Mazda arrived. Its warranty-covered particulate filter clogging was denied free repair due to exhaust modifications. Worse yet, its annual emissions test showed triple the limit—restoring it to factory specs cost over 8,000 RMB. If you insist on modifying, at least choose exhaust brands with eco-certification, or follow my colleague’s approach: only replace the silencer insert to avoid failing annual inspections.