Ford extended warranty: cost, coverage and plans
Expect average costs, excellent benefits and limited parts coverage
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Ford remains one of the most popular automakers in the U.S., with the F-150 consistently ranking as a top-selling truck and its growing electric vehicle (EV) lineup expanding its reach.
However, reliability has been a long-standing issue. The 2025 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study found Ford to be around the industry average, with owners reporting more problems per 100 vehicles than some key competitors.
Because of this, Ford owners may want to consider an extended warranty to avoid expensive repair bills. Ford’s own extended warranties offer strong benefits, but are they your best option?
Ford’s official extended warranty products are called Ford Protect Extended Service Plans.
Jump to insightPrices range from roughly $1,500 to $7,000, with terms stretching up to 10 years or 175,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Jump to insightOf the quotes we collected from third-party extended warranty companies in 2024, none were cheaper than Ford Protect.
Jump to insightFord extended warranty coverage
Extended warranties don’t cover repairs due to negligence, abuse or misuse. They typically cover mechanical failures from normal use as long as the issue isn’t caused by an accident or lack of maintenance.
Ford calls its official extended warranties (aka vehicle service contracts) Ford Protect Extended Service Plans (ESPs). There are seven plans in total (or, as Ford calls them, tiers) — four for gas and hybrid vehicles and three for EVs. We’ll break down what’s included in each tier later, but for now, just know that extended warranties pay for the cost of fixing covered components when your vehicle breaks down from normal use.
You can purchase a Ford Protect ESP for any Ford or Lincoln vehicle that’s still within its three-year/36,000-mile limited factory warranty. (Note that this is different from your five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.) You can get price quotes online, and you can even purchase coverage online without purchasing from a dealership.
Terms for Ford Protect ESPs range anywhere from three years/36,000 miles to eight years/175,000 miles. Ford also lets you mix and match any combination that works for you, so you can purchase a four-year/175,000-mile warranty or a 10-year/48,000-mile warranty if you want.
Ford extended warranty benefits
Ford Protect ESPs come with several additional benefits beyond repair coverage, including:
- 24/7 roadside assistance that helps with tire changes, lockouts, fuel deliveries and jump-starts
- Towing assistance of up to $100 per occurrence for a covered breakdown
- Emergency travel expense reimbursement of up to $1,000 within the first five days after each occurrence
- Up to $75 for live agent support to help with travel assistance if your vehicle is inoperable
- Rental vehicle benefits with up to $60 per day for up to 10 days per occurrence
- Interest-free payment plans for up to 30 months on many contracts, which can ease the up-front cost
Overall, Ford’s ESP benefits are among the most generous we’ve seen on a factory extended warranty — especially since they apply even to the cheapest PowertrainCARE plan.
For perspective, other reputable benefit programs offer $500 of emergency travel expense reimbursement, but Ford doubles that. Also, most factory extended warranties we’ve seen only offer $35 per day in rental car reimbursement for five days (a benefit worth $180). Ford, on the other hand, offers $60 per day for 10 days, making the benefit worth $600.
Ford extended warranty plans
While these additional benefits can come in handy, the bulk of an extended warranty’s value comes from its parts coverage. Let’s take a closer look at Ford’s extended warranty plans to see what each each plan covers.
Ford offers four ESPs for gas and hybrid vehicles:
- PowertrainCARE covers 29 components across four groups: engine, transmission, rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
- BaseCARE covers 84 components across nine groups: engine, transmission, rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, steering, brakes, front suspension and electrical plus air conditioning and heating.
- ExtraCARE covers 113 components across 10 groups: engine, transmission, rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, steering, brakes, front suspension, electrical and high tech plus air conditioning and heating.
- PremiumCARE covers 1,000+ components across all of Ford’s 14 listed groups: engine, transmission, rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, steering, brakes, front suspension, electrical, air conditioning and heating, high tech, rear suspension, emissions, audio and safety.
Ford EV plans are essentially direct copies of its gas/hybrid plans, minus the PowertrainCARE option. You can see a specific list of parts by downloading each plan's brochure from Ford.
Ford extended warranty cost
Based on our quotes from 2024, Ford’s extended warranties with $100 deductibles tend to cost between $700 and $1,400 per year of added Ford PremiumCARE coverage. (Basically, you’ll pay between $700 and $1,400 for each extra year that isn’t already covered by your three-year/36,000-mile factory warranty.)
Ford also advertises interest-free payment plans of up to 30 months, which can spread the expense over time with no added finance charge.
For context, the average cost of a bumper-to-bumper extended auto warranty is around $1,000 per year, meaning Ford’s prices are likely about average, depending on your vehicle.
The following are extended warranty costs for specific Ford models:
To see how Ford Protect ESPs stack up against the average cost of an extended warranty, we got sample quotes directly from Ford for a variety of vehicles in November of 2024.
| Coverage | Term | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ExtraCARE | 6 years or 75,000 miles | $1,873.55 |
| ExtraCARE | 8 years or 100,000 miles | $2,777.50 |
| PremiumCARE | 6 years or 75,000 miles | $2,216.95 |
| PremiumCARE | 8 years or 100,000 miles | $3,520 |
| BaseCARE | 6 years or 75,000 miles | $1,373.60 |
| BaseCARE | 8 years or 100,000 miles | $2,227.05 |
| PremiumCARE | 6 years or 75,000 miles | $2,025.05 |
| PremiumCARE | 8 years or 100,000 miles | $2,772.45 |
| PowertrainCARE | 8 years or 100,000 miles | $2,353.30 |
| PowertrainCARE | 10 years or 175,000 miles | $4,262.20 |
| PremiumCARE | 6 years or 75,000 miles | $2,363.40 |
| PremiumCARE | 8 years or 100,000 miles | $3,080.50 |
| PremiumCARE | 10 years or 175,000 miles | $6,893.25 |
| ExtraCARE EV | 6 years or 75,000 miles | $1,691.75 |
| ExtraCARE EV | 8 years or 100,000 miles | $2,535.10 |
| ExtraCARE EV | 10 years or 175,000 miles | $5,034.85 |
| PremiumCARE EV | 6 years or 75,000 miles | $2,262.40 |
| PremiumCARE EV | 8 years or 100,000 miles | $2,979.50 |
| PremiumCARE EV | 10 years or 175,000 miles | $6,792.25 |
Note that all plans were quoted using a $100 deductible, but $0, $50 and $200 deductibles are also available. Choosing the $200 deductible lowered the price by 5%, while a $0 deductible raised it by 10%.
As for the price difference between plans, the three more affordable plan options (ExtraCARE, BaseCARE and PowertrainCARE) might not actually be a better value than the top-tier Ford PremiumCARE plans. PremiumCARE might cost more in some cases, but it covers 90% more parts. That could be a worthwhile trade-off.
Ford extended warranty terms and conditions
We dug into the terms and conditions of Ford Protect ESPs to see how these contracts handle some key details:
- Maintenance: You’re required to stick to the recommended maintenance schedule listed in your Ford owner’s manual — and probably keep your receipts — to prevent claims from being denied. If you can’t provide proof that you kept up with regular oil changes, for example, Ford may deny your claim for an engine repair.
- Preexisting conditions: Ford’s sample contract includes bold font telling you that “all repairs that are required due to a condition that existed prior” aren’t covered.
- Transferability: If you sell your Ford or Lincoln, you can transfer your remaining Ford warranty coverage to the new owner by filing some paperwork and paying a $75 fee within 180 days of the sale.
- Cancellation and refunds: You can cancel your Ford Protect ESP for a full refund within 30 days of signing up, provided you haven’t filed a claim. If you have filed a claim or simply waited longer than 30 days, your refund will be prorated.
Ford extended warranty exclusions
Ford’s extended warranty does not cover the following:
- Normal wear and tear: Components that naturally degrade over time, such as brake pads and tires
- Routine maintenance: Services like oil changes, tire rotations and fluid replacements
- Damage from accidents or environmental factors: Includes collisions, natural disasters and other external events
- Aftermarket modifications: Failures resulting from parts or modifications not approved by Ford
- Preexisting conditions: Issues present before the warranty's effective date
- Negligent use: Misuse or improper operation of the vehicle, such as racing or off-road driving beyond the vehicle's intended design
» LEARN: What voids a car warranty?
Ford extended warranty alternatives
Third-party warranty companies can sometimes offer better parts coverage than manufacturer plans while also being cheaper. Ford Protect ESPs aren’t your only option for extended warranties. The key is shopping around and finding the right one for your situation.
That being said, none of the dozen or so quotes we collected from third-party extended auto warranty providers were less expensive than Ford Protect plans. olive quoted us $977 per year to protect a 2022 Mustang GT, which is much higher than Ford Protect’s offer of $675.
We also collected multiple quotes for a Ford F-150 to show how different brands compared:
| Warranty provider | Cost* |
|---|---|
| Ford | $2,353 |
| olive | $4,886 |
| Endurance | $4,193 |
| Toco Warranty | $4,960 |
| Omega Auto Care | $8,399 (with a $200 deductible) |
Ford Protect was the cheapest option by a long shot. But, as we said before, the value you get from a Ford Protect plan heavily depends on the overall quality and responsiveness of your local Ford dealer. Third-party warranties, while more expensive in this case, do let you visit virtually any ASE-certified mechanic.
Before you put down your hard-earned money on an extended warranty, it makes sense to check out what different warranty providers offer, get multiple quotes and read reviews from others.
Ford extended warranty pros and cons
Pros
- Generous benefit package including up to $1,000 in travel expense reimbursement
- Wide range of coverage options and flexible terms
- PremiumCARE covers over 1,000 components
- Lower cost than most third-party warranties, based on quotes
Cons
- Must return to a Ford dealer for repairs
- Coverage does not include wear and tear, maintenance or preexisting conditions
- Reliability of Ford vehicles is average, with some models facing known issues
- Some consumer reviews cite delays and service frustrations
Is a Ford extended warranty worth it?
Whether or not an extended warranty is worth it usually depends on your circumstances. We can’t definitively say whether an extended warranty is right for you, but the odds are better if you:
- Drive an unreliable vehicle
- Think coverage will be cheaper than the repairs it should cover
- Don’t have enough saved to cover a surprise repair bill
- Want peace of mind, even if it doesn’t save you money
Fords fall in the middle of the pack when it comes to reliability, and they’re not cheap to get back on the road when parts fail. In a previous investigation, ConsumerAffairs got estimates for fixing major problems in different vehicles, one of which was a Ford F-150.
Average repair costs for a Ford F-150
| Service | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Axle repair/replacement | $287 to $531 |
| Fuel pump replacement | $379.68 to $563.92 |
| Alternator replacement | $529.23 to $880.06 |
| Catalytic converter replacement | $933 |
| Radiator repair/replacement | $700 to $1,757 |
| Head gasket replacement | $4,545.60 |
| Transmission replacement | $5,913 to $6,405 |
Ford itself referenced the potentially high costs of repairing its vehicles in a 2023 Ford Protect brochure, citing the following average repair costs for a Ford Edge:
- Engine: $6,996
- Transmission: $4,653
- Steering gear: $2,367
- A/C evaporator core: $1,211
You may never have to deal with these kinds of major repairs, but your Ford will likely still cost you some money at the mechanic. Data from RepairPal suggests that, in 2019, the average Ford cost $775 in annual repairs. Adjusted for inflation, that’s $1,060 in 2024 dollars — well above the $892 industry average.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of car repair and maintenance increased by 31.4% from September 2019 to September 2023.
Some consumer reviews also report ongoing problems that result in high repair bills.
“In February of 2017, I purchased a 2016 Ford Focus off the lot with a full 5-year 100,000 km warranty,” wrote Dan, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer. “On December 9, 2021 the transmission module failed. … The dealership I purchased the car from informed me that the car was not covered under the warranty for this repair. I contacted another Ford dealership where the warranty repair was confirmed, but the part was back-ordered 3 months.”
Ford’s repeated denial of transmission-related warranty claims eventually led to multiple class-action lawsuits and a fine in Australia.
I would most likely get an extended warranty on a Ford vehicle, especially if it’s a hybrid. ”
Normally, inconsistent reliability and high repair costs add weight in favor of extended warranties — the more frequent and expensive your repairs are, the likelier your Ford warranty is to pay for itself. Plus, a warranty can provide invaluable peace of mind even when you’re not using it.
“I would most likely get an extended warranty on a Ford vehicle, especially if it’s a hybrid,” wrote Grant Lewis, co-host of Everything Auto, in an email to ConsumerAffairs.
However, Ford Protect ESPs require you to return to a Ford dealer for all repairs, so your overall service and wait times may be mixed. In other words, the overall value and convenience of a Ford Protect plan may depend on the quality of your local Ford dealer.
Considering the average cost and Ford’s mixed reputation for both reliability and customer service, it may be wise to consider other options before purchasing a Ford Protect ESP.
FAQ
How do you cancel a Ford extended warranty?
To cancel your Ford extended warranty, contact the dealership where you purchased it. If you cancel within 30 days, you’ll receive a full refund. If you cancel after 30 days or you’ve already filed a claim, you’ll receive a prorated refund.
How much does a Ford extended warranty cost?
Quotes from 2024 indicate a Ford extended warranty costs between $700 and $1,400 per year of added coverage. That cost is for plans with $100 deductibles.
Can I buy a Ford extended warranty online?
Yes, you can get quotes and purchase a Ford extended warranty online.
How long is Ford’s factory warranty?
Ford’s factory warranty is three years or 36,000 miles.
Is Ford’s extended warranty transferable?
Yes, Ford’s extended warranty is transferable. There is a $75 transfer fee that needs to be paid within 180 days of the sale.
Can I buy a Ford extended warranty later?
Yes. You can purchase a Ford Protect Extended Service Plan any time before your new-vehicle warranty ends at 3 years or 36,000 miles.
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:
- J.D. Power, “Vehicle Dependability Still Suffering Due to Pandemic Aftershocks, J.D. Power Finds.” Accessed March 13, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Ford Repair & Maintenance Costs.” Accessed Nov. 10, 2023.
- Lemon Law Experts, “Ford Transmission Lawsuit Overview.” Accessed Feb. 27, 2023.
- Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, “Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair in U.S. City Average.” Accessed Nov. 8, 2023.
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