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.

When you drive a Mazda, you’re getting a great vehicle. Mazda is a trusted auto brand, providing vehicles in a variety of sizes. But even the best used Mazda CX-3, MX-5 Miata, or Mazda 3 needs routine maintenance and repairs with time and normal wear. These costs can skyrocket without the right Mazda warranty in place.

Mazda Warranty Coverage

When you drive your new Mazda off the lot, you probably aren’t worried about the repairs ahead. That’s because new cars shouldn’t need big repairs, and Mazdas are generally reliable, anyway. But like other standard factory warranties, they don’t cover everything. It’s good to know exactly what you’re getting with your warranty. In fact, Mazda warranties are shorter than most other manufacturer warranties. New Mazda factory warranty coverage includes the following.

3-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty

This warranty, Mazda’s version of bumper-to-bumper coverage, protects your car—and your wallet—against defects in materials and workmanship in all parts supplied in your Mazda. The bumper-to-bumper limited warranty is the most comprehensive coverage. Like most auto companies, Mazda’s factory warranty is transferable on all new vehicles sold and serviced in the U.S.

5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty

Mazda’s Powertrain Limited Warranty protects your vehicle’s powerhouse against defects in materials and workmanship in the powertrain components supplied by Mazda. These components usually include the engine, transmission, axles, front and rear wheel drive systems, transfer case, drive shafts, differentials, and drive box.

The Mazda powertrain warranty is transferable to subsequent owners during the warranty period.

3-year/36,000-mile 24/7 Roadside Assistance Program

For the first three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, Mazda will provide 24/7 roadside assistance and towing to the nearest Mazda dealer. If a covered powertrain part causes the breakdown, roadside assistance and towing are included if you’re still under the Mazda powertrain warranty coverage period.

12-month/12,000-mile Replacement Parts and Accessories Warranty Coverage

For vehicles year-model 1996 and beyond, a Mazda dealer will repair or replace Mazda parts or accessories that were properly installed, but later found to be defective in material or workmanship.

36/60-month High-Performance Replacement Battery Warranty

If your Mazda’s battery was installed by a Mazda dealer or professional, your battery’s first 36 months come with free replacement and labor.

At 37–48 months, you will be responsible for 70% of the battery MSRP and labor.

At 49–60 months, you will be responsible for 80% of the battery MSRP and labor.

The Mazda battery warranty does not cover improper installation or battery recharging, or use in applications for which the battery is not designed. The warranty also does not protect against accidents, misuse, theft, fire, freezing, and improper discharging.

96-month/100,000-mile Mazda RX-8 Rotary Engine Core Warranty

The Mazda RX-8 rotary engine core warranty includes coverage for the rotary housing and internal parts, as well as the internal seals and gaskets. It also includes roadside assistance for the length of the Rotary Engine Care Limited Warranty Extension (96 months or 100,000 miles).

Mazda Emissions Warranty

For Mazda vehicles, the Federal and California emissions warranties are listed below.

FederalEmission defectsAny related parts36 months or 36,000 miles
Specific parts96 months or 80,000 miles
Emission performanceAny related parts (covered under the New Limited Warranty)24 months or 24,000 miles
Specific parts96 months or 80,000 miles
CaliforniaEmission defectsAny related parts36 miles or 50,000 miles
Specific parts (except those covered by the Federal Emission Warranty)84 months or 70,000 miles
Emission performance36 months or 50,000 miles
Partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV)All emission related parts180 months or 150,000 miles

Brake Parts Lifetime Warranty

Mazda offers a lifetime warranty for Genuine Mazda brake pads and shoes for the original vehicle owner.

What’s Not Covered

While Mazda warranties may seem extensive, they don’t cover everything. Here are some situations and components that your Mazda warranty won’t include.

  • Tires (covered by the tire manufacturer)
  • Factors beyond the manufacturer’s control (damage from accidents, collisions, fire, theft, etc.)
  • Environmental damage from road salt, hail, flood, lightening, etc.
  • Damage due to lack of maintenance
  • Damage due to incorrect fuel, lubricant, or oil
  • Normal deterioration
  • Normal maintenance
  • Altered mileage

For more details, see the Mazda warranty information booklet provided by the dealer or online.

Is Paint Covered Under My Mazda Warranty?

In certain situations, paint repairs may fall under the 60-month Anti-Perforation Limited Warranty, but rarely. Under this warranty, it is your responsibility to prevent rust through paint repairs as soon as possible.

If your Mazda has cosmetic conditions or surface corrosion from scratches in the paint or stone chips, the Anti-Perforation Limited Warranty doesn’t apply.

Through the Mazda Extended Confidence program, you can purchase Appearance Package Protection, which includes paintless dent repair.

Mazda Repair Costs

When you purchase a used vehicle or pass the timeframe of your original warranty, you have to pay out of your own pocket for every repair when something goes wrong. Even the simplest issues can cost hundreds of dollars on your used Mazda.

Are you prepared for an unexpected repair? Many people aren’t. Here are common costs associated with car ownership:

Can You Afford To Pay These Repair Costs?

According to RepairPal, a blown head gasket on a Mazda CX-3 can cost drivers more than $1,000 in repair costs. While Mazdas are known to be reliable vehicles, you will need to have your car repaired as it ages, and that blown head gasket is just the start.

Here are examples of potential expenses if you lack warranty coverage and have to pay for your 2017 Mazda CX-3 repairs out of pocket, pulled from RepairPal data.

  • Brake pad replacement (resurface rotors): $272–$428
  • Air conditioning diagnosis: $106–$135
  • Wheel alignment: $106–$135
  • Heater hose replacement: $134–$187
  • AC compressor replacement $928–$968
  • Engine mount replacement $275–$296
  • Brake booster replacement $517–$592

Don’t get caught without coverage. Purchasing a Mazda extended warranty covers costs similar to the ones above, and keeps you and your vehicle on the road.

Long-Lasting Mazdas Need Coverage

The good news for you is the Mazda brand is rated near the top of recent reliability rankings on Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. Mazda vehicles are efficient and are expected to last sometimes past 200,000 miles. Mazda warranties give you comprehensive coverage for 36,000 miles and powertrain coverage for 60,000. That means your car is just getting started as your factory warranty is expiring.

The most common problems you’ll find with Mazda cars cost thousands, and may not occur until well past the 60,000-mile mark. So, if you let your warranty expire, you face paying some of the most costly repairs out of pocket. Let’s use a head gasket replacement as an example. Pay particular attention if you drive one of the following models:

  • 2010 MAZDA3: According to RepairPal, a head gasket replacement could set you back between $1,014–$1,843.
  • 2012 MAZDA6: A head gasket replacement could cost about $1,376–$,2419.
  • 2011 Mazda Tribute: You could pay $1,192–$2,326 for a head gasket replacement.
  • 2017 Mazda CX-5: A head gasket replacement could cost between $1,102–$1,338.

To get the most out of your car, you should consider an extended protection plan that picks up where your limited warranty leaves off. As years and miles start to add up, so do repair costs. Don’t get stuck paying loads of cash for repairs in your car’s twilight years.

Portrait of a mechanic at work in his garage - car service, repair, maintenance and people concept.

Mazda Extended Warranty

Through the Mazda dealership, you can extend vehicle protection up to seven years or 100,000 miles. If your Mazda new limited warranty is about to run out, or if you have a certified pre-owned (CPO) Mazda, the coverage is similar to the CPO Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Through their Mazda Extended Confidence program, the manufacturer offers two levels of extended service plans:

  • Total Confidence—Comprehensive coverage for mechanical breakdowns or failures
  • Powertrain Confidence—Same coverage for your powertrain as under the CPO Limited Powertrain Warranty

With the extended Mazda warranty, you’re limited to Genuine Mazda Parts and their technicians at Mazda dealerships. You have deductible options of $0 or $100.

If you want additional coverage, you can purchase other service plans on top of your extended protection, such as Gap Protection, Vehicle Theft Protection, Tire and Wheel Protection, and Appearance Package Protection.

Give the Dealer the Red Light: Why Consider Third-Party Warranty Providers

When it comes to selecting an extended warranty for your Mazda, you can choose from two paths: either you can purchase extended warranty coverage through Mazda or you can purchase your policy through a third-party extended warranty provider, like CARCHEX.

Nobody ever got a bad deal by shopping around. When you restrict yourself to the warranty Mazda gives you, you’re only getting one opinion and one price. Wouldn’t it be better if you had some options?

Third-party warranty companies test the market and pull quotes from multiple administrators, helping you find the best price. You’ll also find more options that fit your needs. For instance, let’s say you know you’re having problems with your air conditioner or another electrical system. You can make sure you get the plan that fits what you need covered, not what Mazda just happens to offer.

Not all third-party warranty companies are created equal. Learn how CARCHEX compares to the leading competition.

As you can see, CARCHEX is a trusted choice when it comes to third-party vehicle extended warranties.

  • We have high customer satisfaction ratings from the Better Business Bureau and Thoroughly Reviewed. We’ve been a BBB-accredited business since 2009.
  • We are more experienced than most of the competition with 20 years of experience in the auto warranty business.
  • Key players in the industry endorse CARCHEX, including those from Edmunds, Bankrate, CARFAX, The Motoring Club, and MotorWeek’s Pat Goss.

How to Choose: Dealership vs. Third-Party

If you decide to go with Mazda’s extended warranty, know that Mazda will try to keep control of your car’s protection, and your policy won’t be that flexible. You’ll most likely need to bring your car into a Mazda dealer to receive any repairs covered by your warranty. The policy will not cover warranty repairs at outside mechanics or repairs caused by improper servicing. With a third-party warranty provider, you have a lot to gain:

No Interest

When you buy extended coverage from a third-party warranty company like CARCHEX, the cost of your Mazda warranty is a separate purchase and won’t be rolled into your auto loan. Over time, you’ll pay less because of no interest. When you give the green light to the dealership, they may ask you to just roll the cost into your car’s purchase price. That means you’ll pay interest.

Flexibility

Third-party warranty companies are not obligated to stick with a certain dealer, so they work with multiple providers to find you the best price on the market. They also allow you to choose your own repair shop or mechanic, so you don’t have to go to the Mazda dealership unless you want to.

Customizable Plans

Instead of selecting from only two plans and Mazda dictating what your policy covers, you have a say in your coverage with a third-party plan. With the help of a CARCHEX representative, or on your own, you can determine what is best for you and your Mazda.

CARCHEX Plans Meant to Help You

Instead of a one-size-fits-all policy, CARCHEX gives options to help you get the coverage you need at the price you can afford. CARCHEX offers five levels of coverage for Mazda drivers— Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze—with a number of protection plans available within each level. Learn more about the options you have with CARCHEX:

CARCHEX Vehicle Protection Plans

With CARCHEX, you’re able to customize a plan to fit your needs. From our Bronze Coverage—which covers your engine and transmission (or powertrain)—to our Titanium Coverage, offering comprehensive benefits for vehicles well past 60,000 miles, we have options that cover your Mazda for up to 10 years.

Consider an Extended Vehicle Protection Plan with CARCHEX

For over 20 years, CARCHEX has led the automotive industry by providing a top-rated customer service experience. Our sterling reputation has earned us an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Instead of buying coverage from the Mazda dealership, you’ll be able to take your car into thousands of shops around the country and choose an extended plan that fits your driving needs. Less hassle, more flexibility.

Why else should you choose CARCHEX to protect your Mazda?

  • CARCHEX puts our customers first with our motto “Customer Experience Above All” and promises a No-Haggle, Low-Price, Everyday Guarantee™. That means you don’t have to fight us for the lowest price.
  • We offer affordable monthly payment plans that are easier to manage than a large repair bill.
  • If you plan to sell your Mazda, our extended protection plans are fully transferable to the new owner.
  • You can have peace of mind on the road since we include 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption services, gas delivery, towing, and more.
  • Our team backs our product with a 30-Day Money Guarantee.
  • Claims are paid directly to repair shops, so you don’t have to foot the bill and wait for a reimbursement.
  • Quotes are completely customized to your vehicle, driving habits, needs, and budget.

MAZDA WARRANTY QUICK FACTS

  • New Vehicle Limited Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • RX-8 Rotary Engine Core: 8 years/100,000 miles
  • High-Performance Battery: Prorated coverage
  • Powertrain Limited Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Replacement Parts and Accessories: 12 months/12,000 miles
  • Popular Mazda models: MX-5 Miata, Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-9, CX-30, CX-3, RX-9
  • Roadside Assistance: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Mazda Brake Pads and Shoes: Lifetime for original purchaser

Sources:

Motor1: https://www.motor1.com/features/253277/comparing-new-vehicle-warranties/

Mazda: https://www.mazdausa.com/owners/warranty

Mazda: https://www.mazdausa.com/siteassets/pdf/manuals-and-guides/2017/2017-warranty-booklet.pdf

Mazda: http://mazda.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/37

RepairPal: http://repairpal.com/estimator/mazda/cx-3/head-gasket-replacement-cost

U.S. News & World Report: https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/mazda-vs-honda

RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/cars/mazda/cx-3/2017?trk_loc=nav

Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/car-brands-reliability-how-they-stack-up/

J.D. Power: https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2020-us-vehicle-dependability-study

CarComplaints: https://www.carcomplaints.com/Mazda/

Mazda Problems: www.mazdaproblems.com/

Mazda Problems: http://www.mazdaproblems.com/vehicles/mazda3/

RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/estimator

Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org/greater-maryland/business-reviews/extended-warranty-contract-service-companies/carchex-in-hunt-valley-md-23015869

Thoroughly Reviewed: https://thoroughlyreviewed.com/car-warranty/carchex-reviews/

Mazda: http://mazda.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/36/related/1