Disclosure: This content was produced by an independent editorial party for the purposes of educating our customers, and is not influenced by the other business operations of CARCHEX.
A manufacturer warranty is offered to car buyers as a promise that the seller backs a vehicle against design and workmanship defects. Auto dealers who sell these factory warranties are required to repair, replace, or reimburse customers for many damages that occur.
Whether you’ve purchased a new or certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, your dealer likely offers a warranty plan along with the purchase. Your car will likely outlast that manufacturer warranty, though, so it’s best to get an extended car warranty quote to keep your car safe for years to come.
What Is a Manufacturer Warranty?
Manufacturer warranty plans typically cover parts and systems that break down due to design flaws or defective factory-installed parts. Most new and CPO vehicles come with a manufacturer warranty for a specified amount of time.
What Does a Manufacturer Warranty Cover?
Manufacturer warranties cover most parts of your vehicle for a limited period of time, though protection is broken down into different warranty plans. Here are some of the factory plans you’re likely to come across while car shopping:
Type of Warranty |
Manufacturer Warranty Details |
|---|---|
New vehicle limited warranty |
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|
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Emissions warranty |
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Corrosion warranty |
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Lifetime limited parts warranty |
|
Maintenance warranty |
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In contrast, used cars come with an implied warranty or a warranty of merchantability. This protection, which is required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), simply acknowledges that a vehicle meets an acceptable quality standard and remains in a usable condition.
What's Not Covered by a Manufacturer Warranty?
A manufacturer warranty works by covering repair and replacement costs caused by factory and workmanship errors. There are exclusions for most other damages, so the following won’t be covered:
- Routine maintenance: You’ll still cover oil changes and tire rotations out of pocket.
- Normal wear and tear items: Brake pads and windshield wiper replacements stand apart from nearly all manufacturer warranties.
- Damage caused by accidents or environmental factors: If your car is hit by another car or harmed by hail or wind, look to your insurance company instead of your auto dealer.
- Cosmetic parts: If you get a ding in your windshield or your paint chips, a manufacturer warranty won’t cover repairs.
- Damage caused by improper car care: If you avoid regular maintenance, don’t expect the manufacturer to repair or replace a part.
Vehicles aren’t meant to last forever, but they can last for many years if given proper care. Along with performing routine maintenance, it’s good to consider an extended warranty, which will protect used vehicles for a long period of time.
How Long Does a Manufacturer Warranty Last?
Manufacturer warranty lengths vary based on your car’s make, model, and year. Expect vehicles from Honda and Dodge, for instance, to have drastically different warranty details. Below is a comparison between automakers’ standard coverage lengths:
| Manufacturer Warranty | Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty | Powertrain Warranty | Corrosion Warranty | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura | 4 years/50,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles | 5 years/unlimited miles | 4 years/unlimited miles |
| Audi | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles | 12 years/unlimited miles | 4 years/unlimited miles |
| BMW | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles | 12 years/unlimited miles | 4 years/unlimited miles |
| Buick | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | 6 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Cadillac | 4 years/50,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| Chevrolet | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Chrysler | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/unlimited miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Dodge | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/unlimited miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Fiat | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles | 3 years/unlimited miles | 4 years/unlimited miles |
| Ford | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/unlimited miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Genesis | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles | 7 years/unlimited miles | 5 years/unlimited miles |
| GMC | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Honda | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/unlimited miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Infiniti | 4 years/60,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles | 7 years/unlimited miles | 4 years/unlimited miles |
| Jaguar | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | 6 years/unlimited miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Jeep | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/unlimited miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Kia | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Land Rover | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles | 6 years/unlimited miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Lexus | 4 years/50,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles | 6 years/unlimited miles | 4 years/unlimited miles |
| Lincoln | 4 years/50,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles | 5 years/unlimited miles | Lifetime coverage |
| Mazda | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/unlimited miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Mercedes-Benz | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Mini | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles | 12 years/unlimited miles | 4 years/unlimited miles |
| Mitsubishi | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles | 7 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/unlimited miles |
| Nissan | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/unlimited miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Porsche | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles | 12 years/unlimited miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Ram | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/unlimited miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Subaru | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/unlimited miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Tesla | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles | Lifetime coverage | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Toyota | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/unlimited miles | 2 years/unlimited miles |
| Volkswagen | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles | 7 years/100,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Volvo | 4 years /50,000 miles | 4 years /50,000 miles | 12 years/unlimited miles | 4 years/unlimited miles |
When your factory warranty coverage expires, you’ll lose vehicle protection and could greatly benefit from an extended warranty. Buying from a third-party warranty company like CARCHEX is typically more affordable than buying extended coverage from a car dealership.
Manufacturer Warranty vs. Extended Warranty
Extended warranties, commonly known as vehicle service contracts, provide coverage once your manufacturer warranty ends. Some automakers offer their own plans, but they typically require that you buy coverage while your car is still under its factory warranty.
Apart from the automaker, you can buy an extended warranty through third-party providers. The timing of when you can purchase these plans is more flexible, with CARCHEX warranties covering vehicles past 100,000 miles.
While third-party providers offer extended service contracts for older cars, it’s best to buy early. Expect to receive a lower extended warranty cost if you buy one before your manufacturer warranty ends.
Is an Extended Auto Warranty Worth It?
Unexpected car repairs and replacements are both costly and stressful. A car transmission, for instance, costs an average of $1,800 to $3,400 to replace, while a fuel pump costs an average of $488. The price to replace a power steering pump ranges from $507 to $720.
Vehicle service protection plans can save you hundreds or even thousands on car costs. Mechanical breakdowns are inevitable no matter how well you take care of your vehicle, so adding extended coverage could contribute to your peace of mind on the road.
Benefits of CARCHEX Extended Warranties
With five tiers of vehicle protection, CARCHEX offers customizable aftermarket care. Drivers can purchase anything from powertrain coverage to a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty. Either way, you’ll enjoy the following CARCHEX benefits:
- 30-day money-back guarantee: If you’re not satisfied with your plan or if you change your mind after purchasing, get full reimbursement for up to 30 days.
- Flexible repair facility options: With an extended warranty from CARCHEX as opposed to a manufacturer warranty, you’ll be able to choose your repair shop, mechanics, and parts.
- 24/7 emergency roadside assistance: You can’t predict when your car will break down. Roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and towing reimbursement are included in all CARCHEX plans.
- Direct payments: Rather than waiting around for reimbursement, CARCHEX pays the repair shop directly. This is ideal for car owners hoping to avoid out-of-pocket fees.
- Affordable payment plans: With extended warranty plans from CARCHEX, you can pay upfront or choose a monthly payment option. Deductibles start as low as $0.
- Free quote tool: You don’t have to wait to determine the cost of a protection plan. Simply fill out our online form and get a quote on your vehicle today.
With a CARCHEX warranty, you gain peace of mind in knowing you’ll be covered if anything happens after your manufacturer warranty ends. We’re proud of our strong customer reviews and A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Call us at 866-261-3457 today to get a free quote on CARCHEX coverage that can long outlast your manufacturer warranty.