Are fuel injectors covered under warranty?
They’re usually covered, but remember to read the fine print
An auto warranty comes in handy when something goes wrong with your car, especially when it comes to parts like your fuel injectors. The good news is that fuel injectors are generally covered under warranty, but it’s worth familiarizing yourself with why before you file a claim.
We’ll break down how warranty coverage works for fuel injector replacements and how to know whether or not your fuel injectors are covered.
Fuel injectors are covered under most powertrain and emissions warranties.
Jump to insightThat applies to extended powertrain warranties too, but be careful to check the fine print before you buy.
Jump to insightIf you have to pay out of pocket, fuel injector replacements can cost anywhere from $300 to more than $4,000.
Jump to insightFuel injector warranty coverage
Fuel injectors are typically covered under warranty because they’re part of your car’s powertrain and not considered wear-and-tear pieces meant to be replaced every so often.
Just be aware that car warranties are specific in what they cover and mainly aim to fix components that fail due to manufacturing-related issues. If your fuel injectors fail due to another issue, like misuse or neglect, the repairs will likely not be covered under warranty.
Think of it this way:
- Did your fuel injectors stop working for no clear reason? You might be covered.
- Did your fuel injectors stop working after you left your car sitting for a year? You’re probably out of luck.
» LEARN: What does a car warranty cover?
What types of warranties cover fuel injectors?
There are several different kinds of warranties that cover fuel injectors.
All cars sold in the U.S. come from the factory with a powertrain warranty and a federally mandated emissions warranty. These coverages last for a specified period of time or until you hit a certain mileage cap, whichever comes first.
- Factory powertrain warranties usually last at least four years or 50,000 miles, but five years/60,000 miles is the most common cap.
- Emissions warranties usually only cover fuel injectors for two years or 24,000 miles, though they last up to eight years/80,000 miles for other components.
If an issue arises that’s caused by a manufacturing defect while these warranties are active, your repairs should be covered by one or the other. If you want protection from fuel injector problems after your factory warranties expire, though, you’ll need to have an extended auto warranty plan.
Most extended warranties offer at least powertrain coverage, but it’s important to check your warranty contract to make sure your fuel injectors aren’t excluded for one reason or another. Also, it’s worth pointing out that extended warranties don’t cover preexisting conditions, so don’t expect your new warranty company to pay for the repairs if you wait to buy one until you’re already having car problems.
Does your extended warranty cover fuel injectors?
Because your exact extended warranty coverage will depend on your choice of plan and the company you go with, we checked to see which options from popular extended warranty providers offered coverage for your fuel injectors.
| Warranty provider | Plans offering fuel injector coverage |
|---|---|
| Endurance | Superior and Supreme |
| American Dream Auto Protect | All plans |
| olive | N/A |
| Omega Auto Care | Exclusionary and Used Stated |
| Toco Warranty | All plans |
| Concord Auto Protect | Advance and Premium |
How much does it cost to fix your fuel injectors?
When we investigated fuel injector replacement costs, we found that you can expect to spend anywhere between $300 and $4,000 to get them fixed. The reason for this extremely wide range is that there are a multitude of factors at play, including the make and model of your vehicle, labor rates in your area and how many injectors you replace at a time.
Fuel injector replacement costs vary so much that you probably need to get estimates for your particular vehicle.
Bear in mind, that you can expect to pay even more if you need to replace any other parts of your vehicle’s fuel system — like the fuel tank, fuel pump or fuel lines — at the same time.
FAQ
Are fuel injectors covered under a powertrain warranty?
Yes, fuel injectors are usually covered under powertrain warranties. These warranties cover the parts of your vehicle that make it “go,” including your fuel injectors.
Are fuel injectors covered under the federal emissions warranty?
Yes, fuel injectors are covered by the federal emissions warranty. This warranty states that vehicles manufactured after 1995 are eligible for free repairs if they fail inspection because of a manufacturing defect while the warranty is active. Coverage for your fuel injectors generally lasts for two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.
What is the life expectancy of a fuel injector?
The average life expectancy of a fuel injector is between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, but your fuel injectors can last as long as your vehicle with proper maintenance and care. To keep your fuel injector in good condition, try to use high-quality fuel to prevent buildup and change the fuel filter as recommended in your owners manual (usually every two years or 30,000 miles) to prevent restricting the flow of gasoline.
Article sources
- North Carolina Consumers Council, “The Federal Emissions Warranty is Often Overlooked When Your Vehicle Needs Emissions Fixes.” Accessed April 30, 2024.
