Are Shocks and Struts Covered Under Warranty?
These wear-and-tear parts have a high price tag
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Shocks (shock absorbers) and struts are part of your vehicle's suspension system, helping absorb road impacts and maintain tire contact with the road for a smooth, stable ride. Like brake pads and tires, they gradually wear out through normal use due to constant compression and extension, fluid degradation and component aging.
Shocks and struts are crucial for driving safety and comfort. But if they’re no longer working properly, you might be out of luck when it comes to warranty coverage. Your factory new car warranty may cover them if they fail from a defect, but an extended warranty typically won’t.
Your manufacturer’s warranty might provide coverage for shocks and struts if they fail due to a factory defect, but not from expected degradation.
Jump to insightShocks and struts are not usually covered by extended warranties since they’re wear-and-tear items, but it depends on your warranty provider.
Jump to insightIf you notice excessive bumpiness when you drive, leaking from shocks and struts, or difficulty maneuvering your vehicle when you steer, you might need your shocks and struts replaced.
Jump to insightThe average repair cost for shocks and struts starts at $1,000.
Jump to insightShock and strut warranty coverage
Shocks and struts are typically not covered under extended warranties or vehicle service contracts, as they're considered wear-and-tear items. However, they are usually covered under factory warranties for new vehicles if they fail due to a manufacturer defect.
A standard factory bumper-to-bumper warranty typically lasts for 3 years/36,000 miles from the in-service date, but term lengths vary based on your car brand. Some manufacturers extend this coverage up to 5 years/60,000 miles.
» LEARN: What does a car warranty cover?
What does a manufacturer's warranty cover for shocks and struts?
When it comes to shocks and struts, your manufacturer’s warranty is your best bet for coverage. Your factory warranty protects against manufacturing defects such as faulty seals, premature fluid leakage or defective internal components that fail under normal operating conditions.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically covered and excluded:
What’s covered
- Leaking shock absorbers or struts due to seal failure
- Broken or defective mounting hardware
- Failed internal valving or piston components
- Premature wear from manufacturing defects
What’s excluded
- Gradual performance degradation from normal use
- Worn bushings or mounting points from age
- Damage from potholes, curbs or road hazards
- Reduced dampening ability after years of service
Coverage requires that you've followed the recommended maintenance schedule and that the failure occurred during normal driving conditions.
How cause of failure determines coverage: example scenarios
Warranty companies determine the root cause of failure before approving claims. Here are a few example situations that illustrate when your shocks and struts would be covered versus not covered:
- Manufacturing defect: A shock absorber fails at 15,000 miles with visible fluid leaking from a faulty seal. Since this represents premature failure during the warranty period, the manufacturer covers replacement. The component failed well before its expected lifespan due to a defect in materials or workmanship.
- Normal wear and tear: Your struts show reduced performance at 80,000 miles with no visible damage or leaks. The components have simply worn out from years of absorbing road impacts. This represents normal deterioration, which warranties explicitly exclude. Replacement becomes your responsibility.
- Accident or road hazard: You hit a deep pothole, and a strut develops immediate problems with a bent shaft or damaged mounting. This damage resulted from an impact rather than a defect. Your auto insurance collision or comprehensive coverage might cover this repair, but your vehicle warranty will not. Some insurance policies include road hazard coverage for suspension damage.
Always document the circumstances when shocks or struts fail to help determine the appropriate coverage source.
Does your extended warranty cover shocks and struts?
Extended warranties (vehicle service contracts), which you can purchase from third-party companies or dealerships, typically exclude shocks and struts as wear items. Most list suspension components in their “excluded components” section along with brake pads, wiper blades and tires.
Some premium plans offer limited coverage, particularly when failure results from a covered mechanical breakdown rather than normal wear.
When extended warranties may cover shocks and struts
Some providers offer limited coverage under specific circumstances:
- Premium comprehensive plans: High-tier contracts from companies like Endurance may include suspension components at significantly higher cost.
- Stated-component coverage: A few providers explicitly list shocks and struts as covered in premium plans. Verify in writing before purchasing.
- Connected failures: If a covered mechanical failure damages shocks or struts, coverage may apply.
- Manufacturing defects: Some contracts distinguish between wear and defects, covering premature failures.
ConsumerAffairs reviewer Kevin from Mississippi shared his experience with Endurance: "When I needed them for some help, they came through with everything. I had to do my airbags and struts. I was told they go out around 80,000 to 100,000 on my car. Endurance provided a tow truck and the place to get it fixed. Everything went A-1. They covered everything."
Always contact your provider directly, confirm your plan includes coverage and get approval in writing before authorizing repairs.
Extended warranty vs. aftermarket parts warranty
Unlike extended warranties, which are meant to cover your vehicle when your factory warranty expires, aftermarket part warranties come from parts manufacturers when you purchase replacement shocks or struts. These cover defects in the replacement parts for one to three years or specific mileage.
Major brands like KYB and Bilstein offer limited lifetime warranties on their products, protecting against manufacturing defects but not normal wear. Mid-tier brands like Monroe and Gabriel may offer shorter terms, typically 3 years/36,000 miles, while budget brands usually only cover parts for one to two years.
The following are covered under an aftermarket parts warranty:
- Manufacturing defects
- Premature seal failure
- Defective internal components
The following are excluded from aftermarket parts warranty coverage:
- Labor costs
- Normal wear
- Accident damage
- Corrosion
- Improper installation
Keep your installation receipt and proof of purchase. Some manufacturers require professional installation. If a defect occurs, you receive a replacement part but pay labor costs.
Signs your shocks and struts need replacing
Shocks and struts can last up to 100,000 miles when properly maintained, granted there are no factory defects. If you notice any of the following, you should get your car evaluated to see if your shocks and struts need replacing.
- Noticing your car swaying or bouncing while you drive
- Starting to feel every bump in the road
- Becoming hard to control your vehicle as you steer
- Vehicle nose-dives forward when braking
- Uneven or excessive tire wear patterns
- Visible fluid leaking from shocks or struts
- Longer stopping distances than normal
- Vehicle sits lower on one side
How much does it cost to fix your shocks and struts?
There are several factors that contribute to the overall cost of fixing your shocks and struts. There are the parts and labor, and the type of car you drive is a big component.
“Once you go into sports car/luxury car territory, that price skyrockets,” said Sean Kim, a mechanic. “Even aftermarket air suspension for Mercedes or Lexus can run $1,000-plus per corner just for the part, not including labor.”
Though RepairPal says you’re looking at between $1,057 and $1,268 on average for shock or strut replacement, Kim says that might not be the case. According to Kim, paying $500 per corner is not out of the question.
The parts themselves are going to be what drives the repair cost up the most, along with the brand of vehicle. RepairPal data shows that parts cost an average of $750 to $818. After this, our average estimate of labor costs is about $270, though RepairPal says labor can cost between $307 and $450.
You’ll have to factor in taxes and fees, plus your location, to get a more accurate idea.
FAQ
How long are shocks and struts typically covered?
Shocks and struts are typically covered for 3 years/36,000 miles under factory bumper-to-bumper warranties, though some manufacturers like Hyundai and Kia offer 5 years/60,000 miles. Coverage only applies to manufacturing defects, not normal wear and tear. Extended warranties rarely cover these components since they're considered wear items.
What items are typically not covered under a car warranty?
Car warranties typically exclude wear-and-tear items including brake pads, rotors, wiper blades, tires, batteries, light bulbs, air filters and fluids. Most also exclude damage from accidents, neglect, modifications, improper maintenance or environmental factors like rust.
What is the life expectancy of shocks and struts?
On average, shocks and struts have a lifespan of five to 10 years, or 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, there are conditions that can reduce this life expectancy, including road hazards and your driving style.
Do I need to replace both shocks and struts?
It is recommended that you replace both your shocks and struts at the same time. Doing so will help you maintain the parts equally, giving you better control of the vehicle and assisting with longer tire wear.
What are the signs of bad struts?
Common signs of bad struts include excessive bouncing after hitting bumps, the vehicle nose-diving when braking, swaying or leaning during turns, uneven tire wear and longer stopping distances. You might also notice visible fluid leaking from the struts, a rough or uncomfortable ride, or difficulty controlling the vehicle while steering. If your car continues bouncing more than two to three times after going over a bump, your struts likely need replacement.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Monroe, “What Causes Shocks & Struts to Wear Out?” Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement Cost Estimate.” Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.
- Endurance, “Are Shocks & Struts Covered in an Extended Warranty?” Accessed Oct. 23, 2025.
