The powertrain warranty covers the components and systems responsible for keeping your vehicle moving.
When you buy a new car, your manufacturer typically warrants the powertrain for at least 5 years or 60,000 miles.
While your powertrain warranty is in place, your vehicle's engine, transmission, and drivetrain are protected against covered defects or damage.
After the manufacturer's powertrain warranty expires, you can extend your vehicle powertrain coverage by purchasing an extended warranty.
A powertrain warranty protects your vehicle's most essential components, but what exactly does that mean?
The term "powertrain" refers to the parts of your vehicle that transmit and moderate the power from your car's engine to its wheels. By getting to know your manufacturer's powertrain warranty, you'll not only improve your peace of mind, but you'll also be able to decide whether it's worth buying a longer powertrain warranty from your manufacturer. one of the best extended car warranty companies.< /p>
To start the process, this guide will outline what a powertrain warranty is, what powertrain coverage entails, and finally, what you should do when your powertrain warranty expires.
Best Extended Warranty
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What is a powertrain warranty?
What is Powertrain Warranty Coverage?
What does the powertrain warranty not cover?
Powertrain Warranty vs. Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
How much does a powertrain warranty cost?
How long does a powertrain warranty last?
3 tips to take care of your car's powertrain
Where do you get a powertrain warranty?
How to protect your vehicle after your powertrain warranty expires p>
Why Choose a Third-Party Extended Warranty Provider?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a powertrain warranty?
A powertrain warranty covers the parts that make your car move, including the engine, transmission, and transmission. New cars usually come with a powertrain warranty that protects the car after mechanical breakdown for a specified period of time.
The components that make up a car's powertrain are some of the most expensive and essential parts of a vehicle. Even basic powertrain repairs can cost thousands of dollars in labor and parts, so a good powertrain warranty can be especially helpful as your vehicle ages. For example, according to RepairPal, replacing the transmission on a 2018 Honda Civic can cost up to $6,000.
What does a powertrain warranty cover?
Basically, a powertrain warranty covers three key vehicle systems: the engine, the transmission, and the drive system. The components covered in these systems vary depending on your vehicle and powertrain warranty contract.
We know that's not necessarily much to do, so we've compiled a handy chart listing the parts commonly covered by a powertrain warranty.
vehicle system
Standard Components Covered by Powertrain Warranty
Engine
Engine mount, cylinder block, cylinder heads, engine gaskets and seals, compressor pistons and seals, fuel injection and hydraulic/oil/water pumps, timing chain, valve train, flywheel, timing gears and belts
Transmission
Transaxle, torque converter, transfer case (all wheel drive and four wheel drive), hydraulic lines, central gear, clutches, actuation sensors, transmission fluid lines
drive system
Differentials and differential housing, drive shafts, all internal joints, drive shafts and axle shafts, constant velocity (CV) and universal (U) joints, axle hubs, intake manifolds, wheel bearings
What is not a Po wertrain Warranty Coverage?
A powertrain warranty does not cover systems other than your vehicle's engine, transmission, and driveline. This means you won't have coverage for things like the brake system, chassis and panels, air conditioning, cabin entertainment, suspension, and auxiliary electrical systems.
Depending on your plan and provider, powertrain warranties may also exclude the following maintenance and repair items:
Oil changes
Tire rotations
Engine control module sensors and connectors
Secondary hose and secondary hydraulic lines
Remember that your powertrain warranty only covers component repairs or replacements when the damage is verifiably caused by faulty workmanship, faulty materials, or faulty drive systems. Damage resulting from vehicle accidents, aftermarket modifications, improper maintenance, or negligent driving will not be covered by your powertrain warranty.
If a powertrain component is damaged due to daily wear and tear, it will also be excluded from powertrain warranty coverage. Claim denial due to wear is especially common for the following powertrain components:
Clutches
Timing belts
Oil filter unit
cylinder heads
Timing covers and rotors
Engine control module sensors
Finally, powertrain warranties do not include coverage provisions for damage caused by storms, fires, floods, vandalism or theft. If you want to cover your vehicle against these potential dangers, you will need to purchase a comprehensive auto insurance policy.
Powertrain Warranty vs. Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
A manufacturer's warranty often includes separate powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage. The powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission and transmission, while the bumper-to-bumper coverage - a more comprehensive warranty - covers all other major systems between the bumpers of your car.
A powertrain warranty covers fewer components than a bumper-to-bumper, but coverage remains active for a longer period. The industry standard for bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage is three years or 36,000 miles, although some manufacturers have terms up to five years or 60,000 miles.
Some brands do not offer a separate powertrain warranty, and all coverage is provided by a four-year warranty that includes bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage. This is typical of luxury brands.
Even though bumper-to-bumper warranties are more comprehensive than powertrain warranties, you will still encounter certain coverage exclusions, such as:
Interior trim
pane of windows
Brake pads and pads
Tire support and tread
Chassis structure and panels
Cabin fairing, fabrics and seats
How much does a powertrain warranty cost?
The powertrain warranty that accompanies new cars is included at no cost. After your factory warranty expires, you may consider purchasing an extended warranty. Our research shows that a powertrain warranty costs an average of $2,856 and adds three to six years of coverage. Keep in mind that this amount can be divided into small monthly payments with interest-free financing.
To better understand powertrain warranty costs, we contacted several reputable extended car warranty companies to get quotes for a 2013 Honda Accord with 90,000 miles. Here is what we were offered for powertrain warranties with a $100 deductible:
Guarantee company
Powertrain Warranty Plan
Duration of term
Monthly payment
Deposit
Total cost
Endurance
Secure Plus
5 years/100,000 miles
$81.67 for 36 months
$174.75
$2,940.12
CARCHEX
Money
5 years/ 75000miles
$116.09 for 24 months
First month payment
$2786.16
CarShield
Gold
Unlimited
$99.99 per month
First month payment
$1199.88 per year
protect my car
Transmission
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4years/75000miles
$78.86 for 42 months
$85.00
$3312.12
How long does a powertrain warranty last?
A standard manufacturer's powertrain warranty lasts for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, many manufacturers offer powertrain warranties with varying durations, and extended powertrain warranty coverage will depend on your supplier.
The table below lists the powertrain warranty durations for most major automotive brands sold in the United States.
Powertrain Warranty
Duration of term
Genesis Warranty
10 years/100,000 miles
Hyundai Warranty
p>
10 years/100,000 miles
Kia Warranty
10 years/100,000 miles
Lincoln Warranty
6 years/ 70000miles
Chevy Warranty
5years/60,000miles or 8years/80,000miles for the Bolt electric vehicle
Ford Warranty
5 years/100,000 miles or 5 years/160,000 miles for diesel engine models
Chrysler Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles
Dodge Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles
Honda Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles
Jeep Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles p>
Mazda Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles
Nissan Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles
Subaru Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles
Toyota Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles
Audi Warranty
4 years/50,000 miles
Fiat warranty
4 years/50,000 miles
If you buy a used car that is still under warranty, the remaining powertrain coverage time may be adjusted or standardized. For example, a brand new Hyundai Elantra is usually covered by the Hyundai 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. In comparison, powertrain warranty coverage for a used Hyundai Elantra is capped at the standard term of five years or 60,000 miles.
3 tips to take care of your car's powertrain
Keep your service records up to date. By proactively identifying and resolving minor issues, you will prevent small problems from developing into more serious mechanical complications. In addition to regular maintenance, we strongly recommend servicing your vehicle when it reaches certain mileage milestones, such as 30,000 miles or 50,000 miles.
Perform preventative maintenance as needed. As a car owner, you are responsible for a wide range of urgent maintenance tasks. To keep your powertrain running smoothly, you will need to regularly check, clean, or change your car's engine oil, radiator fluid, internal lubrication, air filter, oil filter, and battery.
Drive responsibly. Reckless driving is one of the fastest ways to damage your powertrain. If you want to extend the life of your powertrain, we recommend the following best practices: Minimize overall engine strain, avoid dangerous off-road terrain, and avoid potholes. According to AAA studies, pothole damage alone costs American drivers about $3 billion in vehicle repairs each year.
Where do you get a powertrain warranty?
When you buy a new car, it comes with a new vehicle limited warranty package. This set of warranties typically includes a manufacturer's powertrain warranty. You can also purchase an extended powertrain warranty from the dealership or a third-party provider.
How to protect your vehicle after the powertrain warranty expires
When your manufacturer's warranty expires, you can drive unprotected or renew your coverage with an extended powertrain warranty. You have two options for warranty extensions: purchase manufacturer-backed vehicle maintenance contracts through a dealer or contact a third-party vendor for a custom plan.
Different extended warranty plans provide different levels of component coverage. Depending on your provider, an extended powertrain warranty contract can provide access to a wide range of benefits, such as:
Concierge
Roadside assistance
Trip interruption coverage
Rental car reimbursement
Free or discounted car performance tweaks
Reimbursement for towing, fuel delivery and battery charging services
Why Choose a Third-Party Extended Warranty Provider?
The extended powertrain warranty provider you choose will have a big impact on your coverage, plan cost and claims process. A manufacturer's coverage will usually guarantee you genuine (OEM) parts, while a third-party protection plan usually offers more customizable coverage.
Third-party extended warranty providers are not limited by the manufacturer's strict coverage stipulations. . Your powertrain warranty coverage may be best suited to your car's expected mileage, scheduled repairs, and your personal budget needs.
Third-party companies are not affiliated with a single automobile manufacturer or dealership. Therefore, car owners have no contractual obligation to have their vehicle repaired exclusively at service centers authorized by the manufacturer. You can use your favorite local repair shop or go to the nearest dealership.
To see how much you'd pay for powertrain warranty coverage from our top recommended vendors, get some free quotes for your vehicle below.< /p>
Featured Extended Warranty Companies
We've reviewed the best extended car warranty providers in the industry, and here are our featured picks.
Best Overall
Ideal for used cars
Low cost plans
Endurance
CARCHEX
Select Auto Protect
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(866) 990-3410
(866) 950-7122
(860) 294-4933
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the suspension covered by a powertrain warranty?
No, it is rare for a powertrain warranty to cover the cost of suspension repairs or replacements. Remember that the powertrain warranty only covers vehicle parts that are directly involved in the forward or rearward movement of your car.
Are the sensors covered by a powertrain warranty?
For the most part, yes, the sensors are covered by a powertrain warranty. Standard coverage includes essential engine control module sensors. However, your car's auxiliary sensor systems, such as cabin, brake, or suspension sensors, will generally not be covered by a powertrain warranty.
Are powertrain warranties transferable?
Yes, powertrain warranties are generally transferable. If ownership of a car changes, the vehicle's powertrain warranty can be transferred to the new owner, usually for a nominal fee.
Can powertrain coverage be voided?
Yes, powertrain coverage can be voided if you ignore the terms of your warranty agreement. If you only commit a minor breach of contract, your provider may choose to deny your request for coverage but allow you to retain your underlying powertrain plan for future repairs. However, more serious warranty violations, such as misuse of your vehicle off-road, negligent maintenance scheduling, or aftermarket modification, can void your entire powertrain warranty.
What is the average cost of a car warranty extension?
The average cost of an auto warranty extension is around $2800. Your own price will depend on the make, model, age and mileage of your vehicle, as well as the extended warranty company you choose and your deductible.
What does an extended powertrain warranty cover?
The extended powertrain warranty covers the same systems as the manufacturer's powertrain warranty: engine, transmission and transmission. The specific internal components of these systems will vary depending on your contract.
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