Is an Exhaust Covered Under Warranty?

Exhaust warranty coverage

As a rule of thumb, factory warranties and extended warranties both cover exhaust systems, but the type and length of coverage depend on your specific warranty plan and the nature of the problem.

New cars typically include protection for major exhaust components, like the pipes, manifold and catalytic converter, though different parts of the exhaust system may fall under different types of warranties with varying coverage periods.

For example, your exhaust falling off unexpectedly might be covered by your manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty. However, an emissions test failure would be covered under your emissions warranty. Damage to your exhaust from bottoming out on a speed bump wouldn’t be covered by either because that’s not considered a factory defect.

Bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage

The factory warranty that came with your vehicle should include exhaust coverage for a specific period of time, usually at least 3 years/36,000 miles, though some car brands offer longer comprehensive warranties.

This coverage typically applies to manufacturing defects or premature failures in exhaust components such as pipes, mufflers or the manifold. However, it won’t cover damage caused by corrosion, accidents or environmental exposure.

Federal emissions warranty coverage

The federal emissions warranty protects components related to your vehicle’s emissions system, including the catalytic converter, exhaust manifold and onboard diagnostics (OBD) system.

These parts are covered for at least 2 years/24,000 miles under federal law, but key emissions parts — such as the catalytic converter and engine control module — are covered for up to 8 years/80,000 miles. This coverage ensures your vehicle remains compliant with federal emissions standards.

There’s some overlap between this warranty and your bumper-to-bumper coverage. For example, during the first few years of ownership, both warranties may apply to the same component if it fails due to a manufacturing defect. However, once your bumper-to-bumper warranty expires, the federal emissions warranty continues to protect critical emissions parts for the remainder of its term.

Corrosion and perforation warranty coverage

Many automakers include a corrosion or perforation warranty that covers rust-through damage to metal parts of the exhaust system. This coverage usually lasts between five and seven years and applies only if the rust causes a hole that affects the part’s function. Surface rust, discoloration or corrosion from road salt are typically excluded.

CPO warranty coverage

If you purchased a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, it may include limited exhaust coverage as part of the manufacturer-backed warranty. CPO warranties usually extend the original bumper-to-bumper or powertrain protection, so exhaust components may still be covered against manufacturing defects during the CPO term. However, the coverage level varies by automaker, so it’s best to review the CPO warranty booklet for specific inclusions and exclusions.

Exhaust warranty limitations and exclusions

Even if your vehicle warranty covers exhaust components, that coverage comes with limits. Factory and extended warranties generally only apply to defects in materials or workmanship, not to damage caused by wear and tear, environmental exposure or external impact.

Severe rust that causes a hole or structural failure may be covered under a corrosion or perforation warranty, depending on the automaker and terms.

Rust, corrosion and modifications to your exhaust system are among the most common reasons for a denied claim under your bumper-to-bumper or emissions warranty, since these issues usually aren’t considered manufacturer defects.

Common reasons for denied warranty claims

Exhaust warranty claims are often denied when the issue stems from something other than a factory defect, such as:

• Physical damage from road debris, speed bumps or collisions
• Corrosion or rust, unless covered under a separate perforation warranty
• Aftermarket modifications that alter or replace original exhaust components
• Neglect or improper maintenance, such as ignoring check-engine lights or exhaust leaks
• Normal wear and tear, which is considered part of the vehicle’s aging process

Maintenance tips to keep your warranty valid

To help keep your exhaust coverage intact:

• Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, including regular inspections and emissions checks.
• Avoid unauthorized modifications or aftermarket parts unless approved by your automaker.
• Address exhaust issues promptly, since delaying repairs can lead to further damage that voids coverage.
• Keep service records and receipts in case you need to prove proper maintenance for a warranty claim.

» LEARN: What does a car warranty cover?

Does your extended warranty cover exhausts?

Many extended warranties cover parts of the exhaust system, but not all do. Your exact coverage depends on your plan and provider. Some exhaust system parts are deemed wear-and-tear components and aren’t covered because they naturally degrade over time. These include:

• Mufflers
• Resonators
• Exhaust pipes
• Gaskets
• Hangers
• Heat shields

Just remember to read the contract carefully, especially the section that lists excluded items. Even if a component is technically covered, your provider may deny your claim for any number of reasons.

For example, James, a reviewer in New York, had no problem getting his car’s touchscreen fixed under his Endurance warranty, but “then there was also a ticking noise, which was the exhaust manifold, but that wasn't covered by the warranty, so I had to pay for that.”

View the chart below to see which companies include exhaust coverage and what specific parts are included.

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

How much does it cost to fix your exhaust?

If your exhaust is no longer covered under warranty, you’ll have to pay out of pocket to cover the replacement of malfunctioning parts. Driving with a damaged exhaust system can expose you to harmful fumes, reduce engine performance and decrease fuel efficiency.

If your exhaust is malfunctioning, get it repaired ASAP. Otherwise, it may lead to fumes entering your car, potentially causing carbon monoxide poisoning.

It’s hard to predict what an exhaust repair will cost since it depends on which part of your exhaust system needs replacing, but expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 for major components. In general, the catalytic converter is the priciest to replace and the muffler is the least expensive.

The exhaust system is made up of four main parts:

• Catalytic converter
• Exhaust manifold
• Exhaust pipe
• Muffler

There are also some smaller components, which may be less expensive to replace. Here’s are average cost ranges to replace the main parts of your exhaust system:

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