Do Car Warranties Cover Batteries?

Battery warranty coverage

Generally speaking, batteries are covered under warranty, but the specifics are a little complicated. For example, your starter battery is usually covered under your vehicle’s bumper-to-bumper warranty. However, if you drive an EV or hybrid, the traction battery that helps move your car will likely be covered under a separate warranty.

And even if your battery is under warranty, there are exclusions as to what warrants coverage and what doesn’t. Batteries are deemed wear-and-tear items, which means they’re designed to eventually need replacing. Battery coverage usually only applies if the failure is due to a manufacturing defect — not regular use or wear. For example, battery capacity loss in an older vehicle is considered a wear and tear issue, not a manufacturing defect.

If your battery dies from age or general wear and tear, you’ll likely have to pay for a replacement yourself. Misuse or aging is typically not covered under warranty.

• Typically covered: Manufacturing defect, internal short confirmed by diagnostic testing, premature failure within the warranty term when the battery and charging system pass inspection
• Typically not covered: Sulfation from repeated deep discharge, battery drained by leaving lights on or aftermarket accessories, damage from improper jump-starting or reversed polarity

» LEARN: What does a car warranty cover?

What types of warranties cover batteries?

Because batteries can be covered under different types of warranties — including coverage from the vehicle or the battery manufacturer — it’s worth checking all your options before paying out of pocket.

• Bumper-to-bumper warranties: Most new cars come with bumper-to-bumper warranties that help cover the cost of a starter battery replacement should yours fail prematurely. These warranties usually last for three to six years or until a specified mileage cap.
• EV warranties: While the powertrain warranty on an internal combustion vehicle typically won’t cover any batteries, new hybrids and electric vehicles have special warranties that cover their drive units and traction batteries even after their bumper-to-bumper warranties expire.
• Extended warranties: Extended warranties, also known as vehicle service contracts, don’t usually cover batteries. But some companies have battery coverage that’s either included with certain plans or available for an extra charge.
• Battery manufacturer warranties: If you’ve already replaced your car’s battery, the one you bought might still be under warranty from the manufacturer. For example, OPTIMA offers a three-year warranty on its REDTOP and YELLOWTOP batteries.

Note that even if your battery is covered under warranty, you may not get the full battery replacement cost back unless it fails within the free replacement period (usually the first one to three years). If you have a prorated warranty, you’ll get partial coverage based on how long the battery has been in use.

» MORE: Car warranty guide: what you need to know

Legal standards for EV battery warranties

EV and hybrid vehicles come with separate warranties for their high-voltage traction batteries. By federal law, the minimum EV battery coverage carmakers must offer is eight years or 100,000 miles. Some manufacturers go beyond the minimum EV battery coverage required by law, backing their cars’ batteries for up to 10 years.

Additionally, some states set stricter standards; the California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires car manufacturers to ensure that certain EV batteries retain at least 70% of their original capacity for 10 years or 150,000 miles.

Does your extended warranty cover batteries?

Although extended warranties don't normally cover starter batteries, some warranty plans do. We checked with a few popular auto warranty companies to see which offer battery coverage.

How much does it cost to fix your battery?

The average starter battery replacement costs between $456 and $493, according to RepairPal. If you’re paying out of pocket to replace the high-voltage traction battery in your electric vehicle or hybrid, your bill is likely going to be much larger, though. According to our research, replacing an EV battery usually costs thousands. In fact, it’s generally the most expensive single repair a car can need.

How to file a battery warranty claim

The quickest way to find out if your warranty covers batteries is to run a standard claim workflow and get the required diagnostic proof.

1. Confirm the warranty type and term. Check whether you are using the factory bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, separate battery warranty or an extended warranty.
2. Verify the battery type. Identify whether the issue is with a 12V starter battery or an EV/hybrid high-voltage traction battery, since coverage and tests differ.
3. Check eligibility dates and mileage. Compare your in-service date, current mileage and any battery-specific terms listed in your warranty booklet.
4. Contact the dealer or warranty administrator. Ask what is covered, what exclusions apply and whether preauthorization is required.
5. Confirm whether a deductible applies. Get the required diagnostic test. Many claims require an authorized dealer or approved shop to document failure rather than relying on an independent parts-store test.
6. Submit documents and keep copies. Send the requested proof, follow the instructions for where to send it and retain receipts and reports for your records.
7. Get approval and next steps in writing. Confirm repair or replacement, timeline and whether you owe any fees.

Commonly requested items when filing a claim

• VIN
• Proof of purchase or ownership
• Battery date code or serial number
• Service records and diagnostic report
• Receipts for related work, towing or prior battery replacement

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