SouthernP4P
 lvl.1
Flight distance : 26050 ft
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I wanted to put this information into a new thread, hopefully to help raise awareness of US consumer protection law as it relates to DJI warranties and doing our own repairs.
Basically, DJI said that I voided my warranty because I opened up my Phantom to survey the damage after a crash to attempt a repair. However, according to the FTC voiding a warranty based on attempted service is deceptive practice. "warranty language that implies to a consumer that warranty coverage is conditioned on the use of select parts or service – is deceptive." https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2015/05/ftc-will-keep-consumer-product-warranty-rules-current-form-some
An analogy from the auto world is helpful. FTC regulations do not allow auto makers to void warranties if a consumer performs their own repairs. For example, BMW had to settle with the FTC who said they could not require consumers to use only authorized repair centers, in that case BMW was forbidden "from representing that, to ensure a vehicle's safe operation or maintain its value, owners must have routine maintenance performed only by MINI dealers or MINI centers" https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/ ... legally-conditioned
Furthermore, the FTC has made it clear that "Generally, the MMWA (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) prohibits warrantors from conditioning warranties on the consumer's use of a replacement product or repair service identified by brand or name," https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/ ... est-word-warranties
The DJI policy of voiding warranties based on user repair is illegal and deceptive. If the company does not reconsider, my only recourse would be to file a formal complaint with the FTC.
After receiving my P4P back from DJI service, I have to say I'm impressed with the repair. Drone fly's like new, and continues to be a marvelous machine. The repair cost was also relatively reasonable, although I maintain that the repair might have been necessitated by a hardware or software malfunction. I do maintain that the policy of voiding warranties when a consumer attempts repair is illegal and deceptive, I'd like to add the positive note that I'm back flying again and that's thanks to DJI.
While the warranty voiding practice DJI has is all too common among tech companies, it is against US law and I'd like consumers to be more informed of that fact. I would much prefer DJI change their policy without my having to file an FTC complaint, but somehow I think that unlikely. Time will tell.
My best to DJI and all the members of this community. Happy flying!
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