Is an axle covered under warranty?
Drivetrain or powertrain coverage might take care of it
+2 more
An axle isn’t a car part that you frequently think about. An axle connects the car’s wheels together and ensures that your car moves properly. If something goes wrong with the axle, your wheel could fall off entirely, leaving you with a much bigger problem.
So, if you need to fix or replace your axle, you probably want to see if your warranty will pay for the repair or replacement cost. Read below to learn if an axle is covered under a warranty — and how much fixing it will cost if it’s not.
Axles are part of drivetrain and powertrain warranties.
Jump to insightAxles may not be covered if you damage them in an accident or as a result of poor maintenance.
Jump to insightReplacing your axle shaft usually costs between $500 and $2,500.
Jump to insightAxle warranty coverage
Axles are generally covered by warranties because they're part of the car's powertrain and drivetrain system. Powertrain warranties are one of the most common types of warranties and are often available for both new and used cars.
What types of warranties cover axles?
If you’re worried about axle issues, take heart. The powertrain warranty — arguably the most common warranty — covers axles.
If you buy a new car, it will come with a powertrain warranty. These typically last up to four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, but some can last up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. The exact limits depend on the specific auto manufacturer. If you already have a car with a powertrain warranty, look at the plan’s terms to see when it expires.
If you have a used car that did not come with a powertrain warranty, you can potentially purchase a third-party car warranty (also called a vehicle service contract). Just be aware that axle repairs and replacements are often denied if the company can justify that the problem is a “preexisting condition.”
What voids axle warranty coverage?
Getting into an accident, hitting a pothole or neglecting maintenance could negate the warranty, even if the axle coverage is in your contract. This is true for most warranties. However, if you get into an accident and damage your axle, then your car insurance might cover the repair.
» MORE: Car insurance vs. car warranty
Compare extended axle warranty coverage
Based on a sentiment analysis of the last 50 extended warranty reviews on our site, many customers have positive experiences with getting an axle repair covered. However, others have faced challenges with claim denials, delays in approvals and issues with coverage for specific parts like axles and bearings. Read our guide to the best extended car warranty companies for more information.
| Company | Customer rating | Axle coverage available | Waiting period | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Endurance Warranty | Get Pricing | 4.5 |  | 30 to 60 days and 1,000 miles | Nationwide (not MA) |
 American Dream Auto Protect | Get Pricing | 4.1 | | 30 days | Nationwide (not CA) |
 olive | Learn More | 4.0 | |  | Most states (not FL) |
 Omega Auto Care | Learn More | 4.1 | | 30 days | Nationwide |
 Toco Warranty | Learn More | 4.6 | | 90 days and 1,000 miles | Most states (not AK, MO or WA) |
 Concord Auto Protect | Learn More | 1.2 | | 30 days | Nationwide (not CA) |
How much does it cost to fix your axle?
Replacing or fixing your axle can be a pricey problem. The average cost to replace an axle is $500 to $2,500. Unfortunately, axle problems often coincide with other major problems. For example, one extended car warranty reviewer told us their rack and pinion, ball joints and CV joints all needed at the same time as the axles on a 2011 Toyota Tundra. This means their total repair costs were likely several thousand dollars.
Common repairs related to axle shaft replacements
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| CV joint replacement | $1,174 to $1,291 |
| CV boot replacement | $398 to $514 |
| Axle shaft seal replacement | $342 to $480 |
| U-joint replacement | $311 to $410 |
Cost factors
If your axle needs to be fixed, the cost will also vary based on the extent of the damage. What type of car you drive also matters greatly from a price perspective. There are nondrive (dead) axles and drive axles; drive axles are more costly to fix or replace.
Costs also vary depending on if you need a new front or rear axle. Generally, front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive cars are more expensive to fix compared with rear-wheel-drive vehicles.
For example, on a 2017 Honda Civic, a new axle will cost around $1,307, while the cost drops down to $531 on a 2017 Ford F-150. Car owners with a 2019 BMW 740i may spend $2,325 on a new axle. These prices include both parts and labor.
Average axle shaft replacement costs in 2025
Sometimes mechanics may disagree if you need to simply repair your axle or replace it entirely. In general, replacing the axle will be more expensive than repairing it.
| Total cost | Labor | Parts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 1,263 to $1,410 | $298 to $437 | $965 to $973 |
| Toyota Tacoma | $1,234 to $1,435 | $430 to $631 | $805 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $678 to $759 | $172 to $253 | $506 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $637 to $779 | $305 to $448 | $332 |
| Ford F-150 | $586 to $687 | 211 to $310 | $374 to $377 |
| Chevrolet Impala | $564 to $632 | $146 to $215 | $417 |
| Dodge Ram 1500 | $423 to $500 | $163 to $239 | $261 |
FAQ
Are axles part of your powertrain?
In general, your powertrain includes the engine and parts that power the engine. This includes the axle. If you have a powertrain warranty in effect, it should kick in if you need to replace or fix your axle.
However, that warranty will not apply if you have been in an accident that damaged your axle. Also, axles can be damaged if excessive force is applied to them, like if you hit a pothole.
Are axles part of your drivetrain?
Yes, axles are part of the drivetrain. If you have a drivetrain warranty, then your axle should be covered under that drivetrain warranty.
However, some situations and circumstances may essentially void your warranty. For example, if you didn’t take care of your car properly according to its maintenance schedule, then your axle may not be covered even under a drivetrain warranty. Also, damage from accidents will almost always be excluded under a warranty.
Are axles covered under extended warranties?
Axles are covered under most extended warranty plans. However, there may be some circumstances when coverage is excluded.
For example, if you get into a car accident, then your axle replacement or repair will not be covered, even if you have an extended warranty. In that case, you would have to utilize your auto insurance for help with payment.
Also, if your axle was damaged due to a lack of maintenance on your vehicle, then you’ll have a hard time getting it covered by your extended warranty.
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:
- Endurance, “What Does a Powertrain Warranty Cover?” Accessed July 14, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Axle Shaft Replacement Cost Estimate.” Accessed July 14, 2025.
- RepairPal, “Get a free car repair estimate.” Accessed July 14, 2025.
