Is a water pump covered under warranty?

What is a water pump and why it matters

Your car’s water pump moves coolant through the system from the radiator to the engine and back again. The coolant absorbs heat from the engine, dissipates it through the radiator and remains in the system unless there is a leak.

The engine in your car gets very hot when it runs. If the pump stops working, coolant stops moving and the engine quickly overheats. Overheating can lead to a blown head gasket, warped engine parts or a cracked engine block (may require a whole new engine).

Why a functional water pump is critical

Think of your water pump as your engine’s personal cooling assistant. Keeping it in good shape protects your car from overheating, saves you from big repair bills and helps your vehicle last longer.

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Water pump warranty coverage

Unlike some automotive components that warranty providers exclude, water pumps are generally included with basic powertrain coverage.

Water pumps are sometimes covered with a basic powertrain warranty.

Water pump coverage could depend on how it failed and on the causes of the failure, so if another component, such as the thermostat or hosing, fails and is not included in the coverage, you might be on the hook to pay for the water pump repair.

Factory warranty vs. extended warranty coverage

A factory warranty, also called the OEM warranty (original equipment manufacturer), comes automatically with a new vehicle. The water pump is almost always covered under the bumper-to-bumper portion, since it’s considered part of the cooling system.

Once the bumper-to-bumper period expires, coverage depends on how your manufacturer classifies it: Some manufacturers include the water pump in the powertrain warranty, but many don’t, since it’s technically a cooling component and not an internal lubricated engine part.

Extended warranty providers sometimes include water pumps with basic powertrain coverage options, which are often the least expensive plan. Often, though, companies separate water pumps individually or as part of another parts group. For example, olive covers the water pump in its basic powertrain plan, but it’s listed separately as a stand-alone item in its list of covered components.

» LEARN: Car warranty coverage

Powertrain vs. cooling system classification

Most powertrain warranties do not cover the water pump. Even though the water pump is mounted on the engine and helps keep it cool, it’s usually not listed as an internal lubricated part of the engine (which powertrain warranties mainly focus on).

Some cars have a dashboard light that tells you if the coolant is low.

If your water pump fails and you only have powertrain coverage left, you’d most likely have to pay out of pocket. If you’re still within the bumper-to-bumper warranty (often 3 years/36,000 miles) or have a vehicle service contract that covers cooling system parts, then you’re more likely to be covered.

» GUIDE: What you need to know about car warranties

Does your extended warranty cover water pumps?

Most warranties cover water pumps in their most basic tier of protection, so you’ll likely be covered without spending extra money. Some limit water pump protection for specific vehicles, including those with higher mileage.

It’s important to note that a water pump failure caused by a noncovered component might not be paid for under the warranty. For instance, the CARCHEX basic plan does not cover the thermostat, heater cores, hoses, pipes or valves, so if one of those components fails and damages your water pump, it might not be covered. That said, it can sometimes be challenging to determine which component failed first, causing the pump’s issues, so a thorough diagnostic will be required to find out the cause.

Extended warranty provider comparison

Endurance offers powertrain coverage through its Secure Plus plan, and its documentation states that water pumps are protected under engine components. Similarly, the most basic CarShield plan covers water pumps, but unlike Endurance, it’s classified under the cooling system. CARCHEX also classifies the water pump as a cooling component, and its cheapest plan covers it.

Signs your water pump may be failing

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to have your mechanic check things out right away.

• Engine is overheating: If your temperature gauge starts creeping into the red zone, or you see a warning light on your dash, your cooling system (including the water pump) might not be working properly.
• Coolant leaking under your car: If you see a green, orange, pink or blue puddle (depending on the coolant used), it could be coming from the water pump.
• Grinding or whining noises: You might hear a high-pitched whining or grinding noise coming from the front of the engine.
• Steam coming from under the hood: If coolant isn’t circulating, the engine can overheat enough to cause steam to billow out, usually from around the radiator or under the hood.
• Build-up around the water pump: Rust, white-ish deposits or pitting near the water pump or its bolts could indicate a slow leak.
• Low coolant level: If you have to keep topping up your coolant, the water pump (or another part of the cooling system) might be leaking.

How much does it cost to fix your water pump?

Some water pump repairs are simple and can be completed for a few hundred dollars, while others are more complex and significantly more expensive. Depending on the job, you can expect to pay between $486 and $1,736, but remember that there’s always the “while we’re in there” tax, which could add to your total if other issues arise during the repair.

One CoverageX customer, John in Illinois, told us he saved $700 (after his deductible) on a water pump repair. An Endurance customer, George in New York, told us that when his water pump broke, it damaged the car’s pulley and serpentine belt. Endurance covered the water pump, but “everything else was my cost.”

Average water pump replacement costs

How much it costs to replace your water pump depends on the type of car you have, with luxury or imported vehicles having pricier repairs than water pumps on domestic vehicles. On the higher end, George in Wisconsin told us he spent about $4,200 on water pump repairs.