Ford Warranty Coverage Guide [Factory & Extended Warranty]
All of the new Ford vehicles include a factory warranty with bumper-to-bumper coverage. However, the original warranty only lasts so long. As it nears its end, you must consider your options moving forward.
One of your choices is the Ford extended warranty plans. What coverage do they offer, and are they worth it?
In this review, I break down what you need to know about this manufacturer’s factory and extended warranty so you can make the best decision possible.
What Is the Standard Ford Factory Warranty?
New Ford vehicles include standard factory warranties. Here’s a brief overview of the standard Ford warranties:
New Vehicle Warranty
The New Vehicle Limited warranty lasts for 3-years or 36,000 miles. It offers bumper-to-bumper coverage for replacement or repairs of defective parts.
Powertrain Warranty
The vehicles also come with a Powertrain warranty. This lasts for 5-years/60,000 miles. It includes coverage for:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Four-Wheel / All-Wheel Drive
Safety Restraint Warranty
The Safety Restraint warranty covers the airbag Supplemental Restraint System and seat belts for 5-years/60,000 miles.
Corrosion Warranty
The Corrosion warranty lasts for 5-years, with no mileage cap. It covers the vehicle’s aluminum or sheet metal body panels.
Note that it only covers corrosion of normal use/manufacturing defects, not rust damage from accidents or customer actions.
Emissions Defect Warranty
Fords also include Emissions Defect Warranties. However, the coverage varies based on the specific vehicle. It covers any parts with an emission-related defect.
To see all of the parts and the different coverage terms, review this page on their website.
Hybrid & EV Unique Component Coverage
The manufacturer also offers standard warranties for Hybrid/EV Unique Components. Coverage lasts for 8-years or 100,000 miles.
Exact coverage varies based on the vehicle, but it includes parts that are specific to hybrid or EV vehicles like battery pack fan assembly, high-voltage batteries, variable transmission, and more.
Diesel Engine Coverage
This coverage lasts for 5-years or 100,000 miles. It covers direct injection diesel engines, which include:
- Gaskets
- Sensors
- Seals
- Water Pump
What Is the Ford Extended Warranty?
As the factory warranties approach their end, you have the option to purchase a Ford extended warranty. Here’s an overview of their extended options:
PremiumCARE
The most extensive extended coverage that Ford offers is its PremiumCARE plan. This plan covers over 1,000 key vehicle components including the transmission, engine, steering, brakes, front suspension, and more.
You can purchase this option for up to 8-years or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first).
ExtraCARE
ExtraCARE is ideal for vehicles without many high-tech parts. It’s more focused on the drivability features and vehicle performance, This plan covers 113 components that include:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Electrical
BaseCARE
BaseCARE is similar to an advanced Powertrain warranty. It covers 84 components, including major parts. However, it does not cover the flywheel ring gear, fuel system, or radiator.
PowertrainCARE
PowertrainCARE is the most basic extended warranty plan from Ford. It covers 29 components including the transmission, drive system, and engine.
Ford Additional Extended Warranty Plans
You also have the option to purchase additional extended plans. They provide coverage for parts that your New Vehicle Warranty does not cover. Note that you can only purchase them at the time of a new vehicle purchase.
TireCARE
TireCARE is an extended service plan for tires and wheels. It covers all repairs or replacements of tires and wheels due to road conditions or hazards. It will also cover towing to the repair facility and reimburse 100% of the cost of new tires or tire repair.
DentCARE
DentCARE will cover minor dent repair. You can purchase up to 7-years of coverage for minor dents or dings.
WindshieldCARE
Pebbles, rocks, or debris flying on the road can damage your windshield at any time. WindshieldCARE covers windshield repair for any minor cracks or chips for up to 7-years.
TripleCARE
TripleCARE combines the coverage of TireCARE, DentCARE, and WindshieldCARE into one. Enjoy 7-years of unlimited mile coverage, no claim limits, and no deductible.
Ford Protect Premium Maintenance Plan
You may also purchase the Ford Protect Premium Maintenance Plan. The other warranties do not cover maintenance, this plan is available for up to 8-years/150,000 miles. It covers:
- Preventive Maintenance
- Wear and Tear Items (brake pads, shock absorbers, wiper blades)
- Oil Filter Changes
- Routine Inspections and Multi-Point Inspections
- Factory Required Maintenance
Ford Additional Benefits
All of Ford’s extended warranties include a few added benefits. Ford’s additional benefits are:
- 24-Months of Interest-Free Financing
- 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
- Transferable Policies
- Towing Reimbursement
- Tire Changes
- Fluid Delivery
- Rental Car Benefits for 10 Days
How Much Does Ford Extended Warranty Cost?
There’s no set number for the cost of Ford’s extended warranties. The industry average for three to six years of coverage is $2,862. Ford’s plans can cost between $1,600 and $4,500.
The plan type, deductible, vehicle model, and vehicle condition will all impact the cost of the extended warranty. To find out how much you can expect to pay, you must request a quote on their website.
However, keep in mind the potential savings that the extended warranty may offer. For the PremiumCARE coverage, here are some average customer savings according to Ford:
- Engine: $4,5000- $6,000
- Transmission: $3,000- $5,000
- Rear-Wheel Drive: $1,000- $2,000
- Steering: $1,000-$1,500
What Is Not Covered by Ford Extended Warranty?
There are a few common exclusions to Ford’s warranties. These exclusions follow industry standards. They include:
- Wear and Tear
- Maintenance Items
- Damage from Weather
- Accident Damage
Should I Get the Ford Extended Warranty Program?
Compared to some other manufacturers Ford vehicles are not the most reliable as they rank 21st out of 32. Still, they have an above-average reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. In general, Ford owners pay more than the market average for yearly maintenance and repairs.
A Ford extended warranty can give you peace of mind for dealing with any manufacturer defects that come up. They can save you money on costly repairs, and they also include some great additional benefits like roadside assistance.
To determine if a Ford extended warranty is right for you, you must evaluate:
- The Vehicle Model and Age
- Estimated Time You Plan to Keep the Vehicle
- Your Monthly Budget
- Your Savings
When it comes to extended warranties, the manufacturer option is a strong one. Still, you should assess third-party providers and obtain quotes from multiple sources before making a decision. Do not only focus on cost, but also consider coverage, term lengths, repair locations, additional benefits, and more.
Ford Extended Warranty vs. Third-Party Extended Warranty
If you determine an extended warranty is for you, Ford is not the only option. Oftentimes, third-party providers offer less expensive and more flexible coverage. Let’s compare Ford vs the top third-party extended warranty providers, like Endurance, CarShield, and CARCHEX:
| Ford | Endurance | CarShield | CARCHEX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start Date | ||||
| Availability | ||||
| Max Coverage Length | ||||
| Plan Options | ||||
| Transferable? | ||||
| Deductible | ||||
| Repair Network | ||||
| Cancellation |
Can I Cancel the Ford Extended Warranty?
Yes, you can cancel your Ford extended warranty at any time. If you cancel within 30 days, then you will receive a full refund (minus a $75 cancellation fee).
If you cancel after the 30 day period, then you receive a pro-rated refund.
Does Ford Have a Secret Warranty?
Secret warranties are not publicly advertised to consumers, but they are policy adjustments or extensions that manufacturers may offer due to defects. Many years ago, several brands were called out by a whistleblower for secret warranties.
As of right now, there are no known secret warranties for Ford.
What To Do When Your Ford Car Warranty Expires
The Ford factory warranty will come to an end. As it approaches an end, you have the following options:
- Ford Extended Warranty
- Third-Party Extended Warranty
- Keep the Car Without a Warranty
- Sell the Vehicle
Keep in mind that you must purchase a Ford extended warranty before your original one expires. That’s why it’s important to start the process as the warranty nears its end. Here’s what you should do as your warranty approaches expiration:
- Start. 3-months or 3,000 miles before your warranty ends, research warranty options.
- Reach Out. Contact your Ford dealership for an extended warranty quote and to discuss the process.
- Get Other Quotes. Obtain third-party provider quotes.
- Evaluate. Examine your monthly budget and savings account and evaluate how long you plan to keep the vehicle.
- Decide. Should you decide to go with the Ford extended warranty, you must purchase it before your factory warranty expires.
Ford Maintenance Guide
To meet the warranty criteria, you must properly maintain your vehicle. On Ford’s website, you can enter your vehicle details for a full maintenance schedule.
Be sure to check out our list of the best car-related subreddits, for Ford-specific forums.
Here are a few general examples:
- Every 5,000 miles
- Change the Oil and Filter
- Rotate the Tires and Adjust Air Pressure
- 15,000 miles
- Engine Inspection and Coolant Strength
- 30,000 miles
- Inspect Engine and Cooling Again
- Full Inspection of Major Components
