Oklahoma Supreme Court rules service warranty law bars bad‑faith tort claims, grants writ in America's Car Mart case

The Oklahoma Supreme Court held Oct. 14, 2025, that the Service Warranty Act, 15 O.S. §141.24(b), bars tort claims for breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing arising from vehicle service warranty contracts and issued a writ of prohibition in America's Car Mart Incorporated v. Hon. Damon Cantrell.

The case arose after Linda and Jeremy Nakwin bought a used 2012 Dodge Durango and a separate vehicle service contract from America's Car Mart (ACM). The Nakwins alleged they returned the SUV repeatedly for repairs, paid deductibles, were prevented from communicating directly with the repair shop, and were told repairs had been completed when the vehicle remained defective. They sued in Tulsa County district court for breach of contract, breach of warranty, and breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing. ACM moved for partial summary judgment, arguing §141.24(b) of the Service Warranty Act precluded tort claims based on service warranties; the district court denied that motion, and ACM sought extraordinary relief.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court…