Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating whether Rehlko, formerly Kohler Energy, improperly restricts homeowners and independent generator technicians from diagnosing, commissioning, programming, repairing, or restoring Kohler-branded standby generators by limiting access to proprietary software, firmware, activation tools, and electronic service functions.
What Consumers Report
Consumers and independent service providers report:
- Needing manufacturer-specific software to perform complete diagnostics.
- Replacement controllers or transfer-switch components requiring proprietary configuration.
- Being unable to complete commissioning outside the authorized dealer network.
- Paying dealer charges for programming, resets, or firmware procedures.
- Waiting extended periods for authorized service.
- Losing emergency backup-power capability during repair delays.
- Having limited access to complete technical or diagnostic information.
- Receiving little advance disclosure about dealer-dependent repair functions.
Why Consumers Should Be Concerned
Standby generators are intended to operate during emergencies, when timely service is especially important. A failed controller or electronic component may be physically replaceable, yet the generator may remain unusable until the new part is programmed or commissioned through manufacturer-controlled tools.
Rehlko repair restrictions may force homeowners to use a limited authorized network even after warranty expiration, increasing service costs and prolonging the period during which the home lacks backup power.
Potential Claims May Include
- Unfair and deceptive trade practices
- Consumer protection violations
- Failure to disclose material repair limitations
- Breach of express warranty
- Breach of implied warranty
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act violations
- Unlawful tying of generator sales and repair services
- Unjust enrichment
Signs You May Be Affected
You may be affected if:
- You own a Kohler or Rehlko branded standby generator.
- An independent technician could not access a required diagnostic or commissioning function.
- A replacement control module or transfer-switch component required dealer programming.
- You paid additional charges for activation, configuration, or firmware access.
- Your generator remained unavailable while waiting for authorized service.
- You suffered losses because backup power was unavailable.
- You were told that only an authorized provider could complete the repair.
If you have encountered these issues, we would like to hear from you. Please complete the contact form on this page, send us an email at [email protected], or give us a call at (202) 470-3520.