New Car Manufacturer Warranties

Buying a new car? Congratulations! There are some great benefits to purchasing a brand new vehicle, including the protections you'll enjoy the second you drive your car off the lot. New car manufacturer warranties can simplify the buying process and offer you peace of mind that your new car will stay in good shape.

Common Features of Warranties

Auto warranties can vary from one manufacturer to the next, and the language can be a little tricky. When you're looking at the sticker on a new car, under warranties you may see the following perks and protections:

  • Bumper to bumper (or basic): For a certain number of years and/or miles all parts of your new car, minus those subject to wear and tear like wiper blades and oil filters, are covered by the manufacturer for repair or replacement.
  • Powertrain (or drivetrain): These are the parts that make the car move—engine, transmission, axles, driveshaft. Parts subject to wear and tear (hoses, belts, etc.) usually aren't covered.
  • Roadside assistance: Many manufacturers offer this coverage to assist you if your new car breaks down, if you lock yourself out of your car, or even if you run out of gas.
  • Rust or corrosion: This is exclusive to rust-through issues in the sheet metal of the car.
  • Emissions: Federal law requires vehicles to have certain emissions control devices. Car manufacturers generally offer two types of warranties on these parts:
    • Performance warranties: Repairs or adjustments for 2 years or 24,000 miles on emissions control parts to ensure your vehicle passes the required emissions test.
    • Design defect warranties: Replacement on defective parts lasts for 8 years or 80,000 miles.
  • Battery: Batteries may have their own warranty from their manufacturer. For hybrid vehicles, since the battery is part of the emissions system, the federal regulation for coverage is 8 years or 100,000 miles. States that have adopted California's zero emission vehicle standards have even more coverage.
  • Extended warranty: Buying an extended warranty might be an option if you plan to keep the vehicle longer than the dealer warranty lasts. It will extend some or all of the original coverages you get with your new vehicle. This is something you can also purchase later.

Best Manufacturer Warranties

The best warranties are those that can help protect your vehicle as long as possible. When you can find a manufacturer that offers coverage, in any category, for 100,000 miles or more, that's one you should definitely consider.

Some examples of quality warranties on the market include:

  • Hyundai:
    • 5 years or 60,000 miles new vehicle limited warranty coverage.
    • 10 years or 100,000 miles powertrain limited warranty (original owner).
    • 7 years or unlimited miles anti-corrosion perforation.
    • 5 years or unlimited miles roadside assistance.
  • Kia:
    • 5 years or 60,000 miles new vehicle limited warranty coverage.
    • 10 years or 100,000 miles powertrain limited warranty.
    • 5 years or 100,000 miles anti-perforation coverage.
    • 5 years or 60,000 miles roadside assistance.
  • Volvo:
    • 5 years or 60,000 miles factory warranty.
    • 5 years roadside assistance.
    • Free maintenance on new vehicles at:
      • 10,000 miles.
      • 20,000 miles.
      • 30,000 miles.

If you're looking into new car warranties, you're probably in the market for a new car. Be sure to check out our New Car Buyer's Guide to get the best value.

DMV.ORG BBB Business Review