How a manufacturer’s warranty works
A warranty is an agreement between a manufacturer and the buyer guaranteeing the quality and performance of a product. In the automotive industry, a manufacturer’s warranty covers specific parts of your car for a set number of years or miles. Your vehicle may carry more than one type of warranty (such as bumper-to-bumper and powertrain).
The warranty claim process
If you experience an issue on a covered part of your vehicle, your first step should be to contact the warranty provider. Most likely, you’ll be instructed to take your car into an authorized dealership or licensed service center.
The dealership’s mechanic will diagnose the issue and either give you a quote for the repair or submit it directly to the warranty provider. You may need to wait for the repair quote to be approved by the provider before the mechanic can begin the service.
Once the quote has been pre-approved, the mechanic can begin work on your vehicle. When it’s finished, the service center will likely bill the warranty provider directly unless you’ve received different instructions. You’ll need to submit a formal claim with the provider, including details about your vehicle, maintenance records and the repair invoice.
To keep your coverage valid, follow the maintenance guidelines in your owner’s manual and keep detailed records of your service history.
What is and isn’t covered by a manufacturer’s warranty?
Below, we’ve broken down the main things covered (and not covered) by most manufacturers’ warranties. If you want to know the specifics of what is and isn’t covered through your manufacturer’s warranty, look at the coverage details in your warranty agreement.
Most manufacturers provide multiple warranties on their vehicles, so coverage is separated into different tiers and term lengths.
Typical coverages
Instead of listing various car parts and systems, most warranties broadly define their coverage by whatever necessitated repairs, such as:
- Manufacturing errors: Issues caused by faulty parts or poor workmanship are generally covered by your bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties.
- Corrosion: Most manufacturers provide specific warranties to cover body panels that need repair or replacement due to perforation from rust.
- Poor emissions control: If your vehicle fails to meet emissions standards, dedicated emissions warranties from your manufacturer should cover the cost of getting your vehicle back on the road.
The particular details of warranty coverage only matter if the repairs you need were caused by a covered problem, like those listed above. That means your engine might be covered if it breaks down due to a workmanship defect, but not if you did something to cause it. (More on that below.)
Typical exclusions
Generally, the following issues are not covered by manufacturers’ warranties:
- Regular maintenance: Oil changes, tire rotations and similar maintenance items are typically not covered.
- Wear and tear: Parts that are expected to break down or wear out through normal use, like brakes and windshield wiper blades, usually aren’t covered either.
- Damage caused by improper care: If something on your vehicle breaks down because you're not properly maintaining the vehicle, your warranty generally won’t cover it.
- Damage caused by accidents: If you get in a wreck, your warranty won’t pay to repair the damages — that’s what car insurance is for. (Your warranty also won’t cover damage caused by fire or flooding.)
» MORE: What does a car warranty cover?
Types of warranties
As we mentioned earlier, new vehicles come with multiple types of manufacturers’ warranties, all providing different coverage levels. Here are the most common types of factory warranties you’re likely to encounter in the auto industry.
Bumper-to-bumper warranties
Sometimes called “new vehicle limited warranties,” bumper-to-bumper warranties cover most parts and systems in your car against manufacturing defects. (These warranties often have blanket “exclusionary” coverage where they only list the parts they don’t cover.) The length of your warranty depends on your car’s manufacturer, but most last 3 years/36,000 miles.
Powertrain warranties
A powertrain warranty covers your vehicle’s engine, transmission, drive shaft, differential(s) and other parts of the drivetrain against factory defects. Manufacturers’ powertrain warranties generally last for 5 years/60,000 miles.
Emissions warranties
Automakers are legally required to offer emissions coverage for at least 2 years/24,000 miles. (Some parts must be covered for up to 8 years/80,000 miles.) That means the manufacturer will take care of the needed repairs if the car fails an emissions inspection, provided certain other conditions are met.
Corrosion warranties
This type of warranty covers the car’s sheet metal and body panels in case there is corrosion or rust damage. Warranty length varies significantly by manufacturer.
How long does a manufacturer’s warranty last?
Manufacturers’ warranties usually last for at least 3 years/36,000 miles — whichever comes up first — but some offer coverage lasting longer than the industry standard.
The specific limits of your manufacturer’s warranty will depend on the brand, model and year of your vehicle. For context, here are the bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranty lengths of some popular manufacturers.
| Car brand | Bumper-to-bumper coverage | Powertrain coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Honda | 3 years or 36,000 miles | 5 years or 60,000 miles |
| Toyota | 3 years or 36,000 miles | 5 years or 60,000 miles |
| Ford | 3 years or 36,000 miles | 5 years or 60,000 miles |
| Nissan | 3 years or 36,000 miles | 5 years or 60,000 miles |
| Chevrolet | 3 years or 36,000 miles | 5 years or 60,000 miles |
| Tesla | 4 years or 50,000 miles | 8 years or at least 100,000 miles |
| Cadillac | 4 years or 50,000 miles | 6 years or 70,000 miles |
| Hyundai | 5 years or 60,000 miles | 10 years or 100,000 miles |
| Kia | 5 years or 60,000 miles | 10 years or 100,000 miles |
» SEE WHO OFFERS THE MOST COVERAGE: Best new car warranty
Manufacturer warranties normally begin on the day when a vehicle is delivered to the buyer or leaser. It’s worth noting the day your coverage begins and inspecting the relevant covered items a few months before the warranty expires.
“Be vigilant about adherence to the expiration of your Bumper-To-Bumper warranty, especially as it applies to brand new model year vehicles,” wrote Dave, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Massachusetts. “The heater failed on my new 2019 Ranger … just as I started into my 4th heating season (just past my 3 year purchase). … I approached the dealership where I purchased the Ranger and was told that I should have tested it before the warranty expired?”
How to find out if your car is still under warranty
You can check to see if your car is still under warranty by following these basic steps:
- Find your VIN: Your vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-character code unique to your vehicle. You should be able to find it on the driver’s side of the windshield above the dash, on the inside edge of the driver’s door or under the hood. Sometimes, you’ll find it on the driver’s side rear wheel well. It’s also on the car’s paperwork (registration, insurance card and title documents).
- Check your car’s mileage: Most warranties expire when you’ve driven a certain number of miles. Check the odometer to find out how many miles your car has on it. If it’s more than 100,000, it’s probably not under warranty anymore.
- Contact the dealership where you purchased the car: Provide your vehicle’s VIN and mileage, and the dealership should be able to find the terms of your warranty, when the car was purchased and if your vehicle is still covered. Alternatively, some automakers and dealerships have online tools you can use to look up your warranty status.
If you’ve had the vehicle for a while and the dealership can’t help you, you can pay for a vehicle history report through a company like Carfax.
» MORE: Car warranty check by VIN
Your manufacturer’s warranty expired — now what?
When your manufacturer’s warranty expires, you may think you have two options: replacing your car with something still under warranty, or driving without warranty protection.
However, there are other options that offer coverage at an additional price. If your manufacturer’s warranty has ended, you could consider getting mechanical breakdown insurance, looking into a prepaid maintenance plan or buying an extended warranty.
You aren’t required to have a car warranty at all, despite what some scam callers say. Still, some people don’t like the idea of paying out of pocket for unexpected repair costs.
Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is an insurance policy that covers the major parts and systems in a car in the event of unexpected repairs. A prepaid maintenance plan, on the other hand, helps cover the costs of routine maintenance services. While prepaid maintenance plans don’t offer coverage for the same items as a manufacturer’s warranty, they can make it easier to budget for predictable upkeep once the warranty ends.
Extended warranties are available from car warranty companies and possibly even your vehicle’s manufacturer. Just know that they’re more likely to be worth it if you rely on an older vehicle as your primary mode of transportation and you plan to keep it for several more years.
» LEARN: What to know about manufacturers’ extended warranties
Manufacturer's warranty vs. extended warranty
Manufacturers’ and extended warranties offer car owners similar financial protections. However, they do have some important differences.
Technically, only a manufacturer can issue a warranty. Extended auto warranties are actually vehicle service contracts.
A real car warranty is defined as “a contract to fix certain defects or malfunctions for a specific amount of time after you buy a car” by the Federal Trade Commission. On the other hand, a service contract is an agreement “to perform (or pay for) certain repairs or services” that can be bought at any time.
Also, unlike with your factory warranty, you can choose how long your extended warranty lasts. “The industry average is three- to seven-year plans, depending on level of coverage. But there are some like Toco and olive that do month to month,” according to a ConsumerAffairs concierge team member.
» SEE HOW THEY DIFFER: How do extended car warranties work?
| Manufacturer’s warranty | Extended car warranty |
|---|---|
| Technically a warranty | Technically a vehicle service contract |
| Provided by car manufacturer | Offered by manufacturers, dealers and third parties |
| Typically lasts 3 to 10 years | Typically lasts 3 to 7 years |
| No waiting period | Usually has a waiting period |
| Included in vehicle price | Additional cost (negotiable) |
FAQ
How does a manufacturer’s warranty work?
When it comes time to use your manufacturer’s warranty, the process is relatively simple. If there's a problem with your vehicle and your coverage is still active, you should be able to get it fixed for no cost at an approved dealership.
Depending on the car model you have, your manufacturer may have strict guidelines for how a car must be maintained to qualify for warranty coverage, though.
What is the difference between a dealer warranty and a manufacturer’s warranty?
Most dealers advertise a limited service warranty on used cars, often a “90-day or 3,000-mile guarantee” or something similar. A factory warranty comes with new cars and is backed by the automaker for a longer term.
Both are different from the extended car warranty plan a salesperson is likely to offer you when you buy a new or pre-owned vehicle.
Can a used car still be under a manufacturer's warranty?
Used cars can still be covered under the warranty that originally came with the vehicle when it was new. According to the Federal Trade Commission, dealerships are required to provide a “Buyers Guide” with every used vehicle, which tells you if the manufacturer’s warranty still applies.
What voids a manufacturer’s warranty?
Depending on the car model you own, your manufacturer likely has strict guidelines for how a car must be treated and maintained in order to qualify for warranty coverage. Sometimes, getting alterations or aftermarket modifications can void a manufacturer’s warranty. Racing and driving off-road can also void your coverage.
Follow the rules from your manufacturer to keep your car in the right condition and maintain your warranty coverage.
» MORE: What voids a car warranty?
Are manufacturers’ warranties transferable?
In many cases, yes. If you sell your car before the warranty expires, the coverage may transfer to the new owner for the remainder of the term. Some manufacturers allow this automatically, while others may require you to fill out paperwork or pay a small transfer fee.
Check your warranty booklet or contact the automaker directly to confirm whether your coverage is transferable.
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:
- Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, “What Is the Difference Between a Manufacturer’s Warranty and an Extended Vehicle Warranty or Service Contract?” Accessed May 5, 2026.
- Federal Trade Commission, “Auto Warranties and Auto Service Contracts.” Accessed May 5, 2026.
- Federal Trade Commission, “Buying a Used Car From a Dealer.” Accessed May 5, 2026.
- USAGov, “Where to File a Complaint About Your Car.” Accessed May 5, 2026.
- J.D. Power, “Navigating Car Warranties: How to Determine if a Vehicle Is Still Protected.” Accessed May 5, 2026.
