- A powertrain warranty covers the components and systems responsible for driving your vehicle.
- While your powertrain warranty is in place, your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and drivetrain are protected against covered defects or damages.
- When you purchase a new car, your manufacturer will typically guarantee the powertrain for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
- After the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty expires, you can prolong your vehicle’s powertrain coverage by purchasing an extended warranty.
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A powertrain warranty protects the most essential components of your vehicle, but what exactly does that mean?
The term “powertrain” is a collective designation for the components in your vehicle that transmit and moderate your engine’s acceleration or deceleration. By acquainting yourself with your manufacturer’s powertrain warranty, you’ll not only improve your overall peace of mind, you’ll also greatly simplify the process of repairs and eventually selecting an extended powertrain warranty provider.
To get the process started, this guide will break down what a powertrain warranty is, what powertrain coverage entails, and finally what you should do when your powertrain warranty expires.
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What Is a Powertrain Warranty?
A powertrain warranty covers the parts that make your car move, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. New cars typically come with a powertrain warranty that protects the car after mechanical breakdowns for a specified period of time.
The components that make up a car’s powertrain are some of the most expensive and essential parts of the vehicle. Even basic powertrain repairs can end up costing thousands of dollars in labor and parts, so a good powertrain warranty can be especially valuable as your vehicle ages.
What Does a Powertrain Warranty Cover?
Broadly speaking, a powertrain warranty covers three key vehicle systems: the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Covered components within these systems vary depending on your vehicle and powertrain warranty contract.
We know this isn’t necessarily much to go on, so we’ve compiled a handy table listing the parts commonly covered under a powertrain warranty.
| Vehicle System | Standard Covered Components |
|---|---|
| Engine | Engine mount, cylinder block, cylinder heads, engine gaskets and seals, pistons and compressor gaskets, fuel injection and hydraulic/oil/water pumps, valvetrain, flywheel, and timing gears and belts |
| Transmission | Transaxle, torque converter, transfer case, hydraulic lines, central gearset, clutches, actuation sensors, transmission fluid lines |
| Drivetrain | Differentials and differential housing, propeller shafts, all internal joints, driveshaft and axle shafts, CV and U-joints, axle hubs, intake manifolds, and wheel bearings |
What Doesn’t a Powertrain Warranty Cover?
A powertrain warranty doesn’t cover systems beyond your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and drivetrain. This means you won’t have coverage for things like the braking system, chassis and paneling, cabin entertainment, suspension units, and auxiliary electrical systems.
Depending on your plan and provider, powertrain warranties may also incorporate the following coverage exclusions:
- Engine control module sensors and connectors
- Secondary hosing and secondary hydraulic lines
- Coolant and fluid changes
Remember, your powertrain warranty will only cover repairs or component replacements when the damage is verifiably caused by flawed workmanship, defective materials, or malfunctioning drive systems. Damage resulting from vehicle accidents, aftermarket modifications, irregular servicing, or negligent driving will not be covered by your powertrain warranty.
If a powertrain component is damaged due to everyday wear and tear, it will also be excluded from powertrain warranty coverage. Claim denial due to wear and tear is especially common for the following powertrain components:
- Clutches
- Timing belts
- Engine control module sensors
- Oil filter unit
- Cylinder heads
- Distributor caps and rotors
Finally, powertrain warranties do not include coverage provisions for damage caused by storms, fire, flooding, vandalism, or theft. If you want to cover your vehicle against these potential dangers, you will need to purchase a comprehensive car insurance policy.
Powertrain Warranty vs. Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
A manufacturer warranty often includes separate powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage. The powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, while the bumper-to-bumper warranty covers almost every major system between your car’s bumpers.
A powertrain warranty covers fewer components than a bumper-to-bumper warranty, but the coverage remains active for a longer period of time. The industry standard for bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage is 3 years or 36,000 miles.
Even though bumper-to-bumper warranties are more comprehensive than powertrain warranties, you’ll still encounter some coverage exclusions, including:
- Chassis structure and paneling
- Interior trim
- Window glass
- Tire support and tire tread.
- Cabin fascia, fabrics, and seating
How Much Does a Powertrain Warranty Cost?
The powertrain warranty that comes with new cars is included at no cost. After your factory warranty expires, you may consider purchasing an extended warranty. Our research shows that a powertrain warranty costs $2,856 on average. Keep in mind that this amount can be broken up into small monthly payments.
To get a better understanding of powertrain warranty cost, we reached out to several reputable extended car warranty companies for quotes for a 2013 Honda Accord with 90,000 miles.
| Warranty Company | Powertrain Warranty Plan | Term Length | Monthly Payment | Down Payment | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endurance | Secure Plus | 5 years/100,000 miles | $81.67 for 36 months | $174.75 | $100.00 |
| CARCHEX | Silver | 5 years/75,000 miles | $116.09 for 24 months | First month’s payment | $100.00 |
| CarShield | Gold | Unlimited | $99.99 monthly | First month’s payment | $100.00 |
| Protect My Car | Driveline | 4 years/75,000 miles | $78.86 for 42 months | $85.00 | $100.00 |
How Long Does a Powertrain Warranty Last?
A standard manufacturer powertrain warranty lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, many manufacturers have powertrain warranties with shorter or longer terms, and extended powertrain warranty coverage will depend on your provider.
If you purchase a used car that’s still under warranty, the remaining powertrain coverage term may be adjusted or standardized. For example, a brand new Hyundai Elantra usually comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty as part of the Hyundai warranty. In comparison, powertrain warranty coverage for a pre-owned Hyundai Elantra is capped at the standard term of 5 years or 60,000 miles.
3 Tips for Taking Care of Your Car’s Powertrain
Keep your service record up to date. By proactively identifying and fixing minor issues, you’ll stop small problems from snowballing into more serious mechanical complications. In addition to reactive maintenance, we strongly recommend servicing your vehicle when it reaches certain mileage milestones, such as 30,000 miles or 50,000 miles.
Perform preventative maintenance as needed. As a car owner, you are responsible for a wide range of time-sensitive maintenance tasks. To keep your powertrain running smoothly, you’ll need to regularly check, clean, or change your car’s engine oil, radiator fluid, internal lubrication, air filter, oil filter, and battery.
Drive responsibly. Reckless driving is one of the fastest ways to damage your powertrain. If you want to prolong the life of your powertrain, we recommend the following best practices: Minimize general engine stress, avoid hazardous off-road terrain, and avoid potholes. According to studies from the American Automobile Association (AAA), pothole damage alone costs U.S. drivers approximately $3 billion in vehicle repairs every year.
Where Do You Get a Powertrain Warranty?
When you purchase a new car, you receive a new vehicle limited warranty package. This bundle of warranties typically includes a manufacturer’s powertrain warranty. You can also purchase an extended powertrain warranty from the manufacturer or a third-party provider.
To give you an idea of how powertrain coverage compares between auto manufacturers, we’ve broken down the powertrain warranties of five popular automakers.
| Powertrain Warranty | Term Length | Partial Coverage Exclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Dodge Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | Belt tensioner, EGR valve joints, and engine control module fittings |
| Ford Warranty | 5 years/100,000 miles or 5 years/160,000 miles for diesel engine models | Oil filter seals and oil pan gasket |
| Honda Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | Some engine case panels and fasteners |
| Jeep Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | Clutch lining, filter units, engine adjustment, and fluid changes |
| Nissan Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | Some engine control module sensors |
How to Protect Your Vehicle After Your Powertrain Warranty Expires
When your manufacturer warranty expires, you can either drive unprotected or renew your coverage through an extended powertrain warranty. You have two options for extended warranties: Purchase manufacturer-backed vehicle service contracts through a dealership or contact a third-party provider for a customized plan.
Different extended warranty plans provide different levels of component coverage. Depending on your provider, holding an extended powertrain warranty can also give you access to a wide range of perks, such as:
- Roadside assistance
- Reimbursement options for towing, fuel delivery, and battery recharge services
- Trip interruption coverage
- Free or discounted car performance adjustments
- Concierge support
Why You Should Choose a Third-Party Extended Warranty Provider
The extended powertrain warranty you choose will have a big impact on coverage, plan cost, and the claims process. Extended coverage from a manufacturer will usually guarantee you original equipment manufacturer parts (OEM), while a third-party plan generally provides more customizable coverage.
Third-party extended warranty providers are not constrained by stringent manufacturer coverage stipulations. Your powertrain warranty coverage can be more closely tailored to your car’s expected mileage, its projected repairs, and your personal budgetary requirements.
Third-party companies aren’t affiliated with a single auto manufacturer or dealership. As a result, car owners are under no contractual obligation to have their vehicle exclusively repaired at manufacturer-authorized service locations. You can generally use your favorite local repair shop or head to the closest dealership.
To see how much you would pay for powertrain warranty coverage from our top recommended providers, get a few free quotes for your vehicle.
| Best Direct Coverage | Best for Older Vehicles | Best Prices |
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| Endurance | CARCHEX | CarShield |
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| Get Quote | Get Quote | Get Quote |
| (877) 374-1840 | (866) 254-0205 | (800) 563-2761 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is suspension covered under a powertrain warranty?
No, it is rare for a powertrain warranty to cover the cost of suspension system repairs or replacement. Remember, the powertrain warranty only guarantees vehicle parts that are directly involved with your car’s forward or backward movement.
Are sensors covered under a powertrain warranty?
For the most part, yes. Standard powertrain warranty coverage includes essential engine control module sensors. However, your car’s auxiliary sensor systems, such as cabin awareness, braking, or suspension sensors, will not usually be covered under a powertrain warranty.
Are powertrain warranties transferable?
Yes, powertrain warranties are generally transferable. If ownership of a car changes, the vehicle’s powertrain warranty can be transferred to the new owner, usually for a small transfer fee.
Can powertrain coverage be voided?
Yes, powertrain coverage can be voided if you are found to be ignoring the conditions of your warranty contract. If you have only committed a minor breach of contract, your provider may choose to deny your coverage claim while keeping the underlying powertrain plan intact. However, more serious warranty breaches, such as off-road misuse of your vehicle, negligent service scheduling, and aftermarket modification, can void your entire powertrain warranty.
What is the average cost of an extended car warranty?
The average cost of an extended car warranty is about $2,800. Your own price will depend on your vehicle make, model, age, and mileage, as well as the extended car warranty company you choose and your deductible.
What does an extended powertrain warranty cover?
An extended powertrain warranty covers the same systems as a manufacturer’s powertrain warranty: the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Specific parts within these systems will vary depending on your contract.
Original article: What’s Included in a Powertrain Warranty?
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