Your Guide to Car Warranties
A bumper-to-bumper explanation of the several warranties that come with each new car
Factory warranties offer new car owners protection from unexpected repair bills that can cost thousands of dollars. But they don’t cover everything, and some automakers offer far more generous warranties than others. That’s why it’s a good idea to research and compare factory warranties when deciding which new car to buy.
Fifty-one percent of internet users who said they were planning to buy a car within the next three years said they would research the vehicle warranty before making their purchase, according to a survey from Mintel, a market research firm.
Read "Get What You Need From Warranties" for information about warranties on other big-ticket products.
Bumper-to-Bumper
What the warranty covers: This is the primary warranty, which covers all nonwear items and ensures that the car operates like new while it’s in effect. It would cover a power window failure or buggy infotainment system, for instance, but not maintenance or wear-and-tear items like brake pads, tires, and wheel damage.
How long the warranty lasts: All major automakers provide at least three years or 36,000 miles of coverage. Many luxury brands offer at least four years or 50,000 miles.
Powertrain
What the warranty covers: This provides extended coverage for the major powertrain parts, including the engine, transmission, drive axles, and even turbo-chargers. On electric vehicles, it covers the motors. (The large battery pack that drives the motors usually has its own warranty.)
How long the warranty lasts: Most warranties last for five or six years, or 60,000 to 70,000 miles, whichever comes first. Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, and Mitsubishi powertrain warranties stretch to 10 years or 100,000 miles.
Corrosion
What the warranty covers: Perforating (with holes) and non-perforating (surface) corrosion. Rust caused by extreme environmental factors such as flooding and regular exposure to road salt is not covered.
How long the warranty lasts: Coverage varies. For example, Ford guarantees that its vehicles will remain free of non-perforating corrosion for three years or 36,000 miles, and free from rust perforation for five years and unlimited mileage. BMW, Porsche, and Volvo provide 12-year corrosion warranties.
Emissions
What the warranty covers: Provides coverage to ensure that the emissions systems in vehicles will pass an emissions test.
How long the warranty lasts: The federal government requires auto manufacturers to guarantee that a vehicle’s emissions system will function as designed for two years after it’s purchased new, or for 24,000 miles. The major components—the catalytic converter, electronic emissions control unit, and onboard emissions diagnostic computer—are covered for eight years or 80,000 miles.
Electric Vehicle Battery
What the warranty covers: The batteries that power the electric motor or motors in hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs.
How long the warranty lasts: Battery warranties vary by manufacturer, but most cover expensive hybrid and EV batteries for at least eight years or 100,000 miles. The federal government doesn’t currently require manufacturers to warranty hybrid and EV batteries, but many will replace the battery if it falls below a 70 percent charging capacity threshold.
Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the July 2023 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
