What Is Typically Not Covered Under a Car Warranty?

Michael Collado

Michael Collado is a car buying expert and has been a professional automotive writer since 2009.  He’s written about dealership sales, vehicle reviews and comparisons, and service and maintenance for over 100 national automotive dealerships.  Previously, Collado was a copywriter at the ad agency TBWA/Chiat/Day where he worked on brand campaigns for Nissan, ABC Television, Sony PlayStation, and Energizer. His recognition in the ad industry includes awards from Communication Arts and The Clios.

Collado has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Marketing.

A car warranty is an excellent way to ensure you can have any expense for a vehicle repair covered.

However, there are some circumstances where your warranties will not cover repairs or maintenance on your car.

We've combed through the fine print to save you some time.

What is Typically Covered Under a Car Warranty?

The first thing you should know is what is covered under typical car warranties. Now, most new vehicles will have more than one type of warranty. Here we will cover what is typically covered.

Be aware that warranties can vary from manufacturers and warranty providers.

For Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty

As the name implies, a bumper-to-bumper warranty covers just about everything on the vehicle. This will consist of thousands of parts. In a typically bumper-to-bumper warranty, what is not covered will be explicitly listed.

Typical items that are not covered in bumper-to-bumper warranty include the following:

• Oil changes and oil filters
• Tires
• Wiper blades
• Brake pads
• Lenses and headlights/tail lights
• Cosmetic repairs
• Fabric and upholstery
• Repairs due to accidents
• Repairs due to neglect or lack of maintenance
• Regular wear and tear over time
• Repairs on personal modifications not originally included in the vehicle
• Repairs due to inclement weather

For Powertrain Warranty

A powertrain warranty will cover just about everything that makes the vehicle move. Typical items that are covered under a powertrain warranty include the following:

• The engine
• Transmission
• All parts that connect the power to the wheels

For Hybrid Warranty

A hybrid warranty will cover all the components associated with the hybrid drive system. This will typically include the following:

• Hybrid battery
• Battery control module
• Hybrid control module

For Accessory Warranty

An accessory warranty will cover various cabin components and axillary vehicle systems.

For Corrosion Warranty

A corrosion warranty will cover any damage caused by rust or corrosion for a specific amount of time.

What Is Typically Not Covered Under a Car Warranty?

There are a number of situations where you will not be covered under a warranty. Here are some of the most typical exclusions from just about all types of warranties.

Modifications

Any modification that affects the vehicle’s drivability will likely void the warranty. For example, if you get a truck lifted or leveled, this could void the bumper to bumper to powertrain warranty. Also, swapping out engines can void the warranty.

Pre-existing Conditions

If you purchased a used vehicle with conditions that were specified at the time of purchase, then you will not be able to claim warranty coverage.

Normal Wear and Tear

A vehicle will undergo normal wear and tear on various components. This normal wear in tear will not be covered under a warranty. For instance, tread wear on a tire is not covered under a warranty.

Environmental Damage

Sun damage, water damage, smoke damage, or other damage caused by the environment will not be covered under a warranty. However, this type of damage may be covered by your auto insurance.

Natural Disasters

If your vehicle is flooded by a storm or damaged by a wildfire, you will not be able to receive coverage from the warranty. However, you may make a claim through your auto insurance.

Improper Maintenance

If your vehicle has not been properly maintained, then you may not be able to make a claim on your warranty. For instance, if you want coverage for powertrain damage and you have not changed the oil for 20,000 miles, then you may be denied.

Is Routine Maintenance Covered Under Warranty?

Car warranties do not cover routine maintenance. Also, if you do not keep up with the regular maintenance of a vehicle, then it can void the warranty.

What Does Insurance Cover That Warranty Does Not?

Insurance companies will cover the following which are not covered by a warranty:

• Environmental damage
• Accidental damage
• Natural disasters
• Vandalism
• Theft

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a car warranty cover accidental damage?

If your vehicle gets into an accident, then you are not going to receive coverage from a warranty. Instead, you will receive coverage from your insurance. Be sure to review your insurance to make sure that you have the proper amount of coverage for your vehicle. Good auto insurance should be able to cover your vehicle from damage caused by accidents, environmental damage, natural disasters, theft, and vandalism..

Does a warranty cover paint damage?

A warranty will not cover paint damage if it is caused by accidents or normal wear and tear. The only time that a warranty will cover paint damage is in situations where the paint is damaged due to a defect in the production process. You should carefully review your warranty to see what is covered in regards to your vehicle’s paint.

Are brakes covered under a car warranty?

Your vehicle’s brake pads and brake rotors are not covered under warranty. That’s because brake pads fall under the “Wear and tear” clause. That means that your brake pads are expected to wear down over use and then be replaced. However, other brake components such as the brake calipers may be covered under a bumper-to-bumper warranty if the brake rotors are defective.

Are electrical issues covered under a car warranty?

Your vehicle’s electrical components will usually be covered under a vehicle’s bumper-to-bumper warranty. For instance, the vehicle’s lights, dashboard system, and battery will be covered if they are defective. To ensure that you know exactly what is covered in your electrical system, be sure to consult the specifics of your vehicle warranty.

Are aftermarket accessories covered under a car warranty?

Typically aftermarket accessories are not covered under your existing car warranty. However, if you purchase OEM aftermarket accessories, then you will be covered by the part’s guarantee. OEM aftermarket parts are going to be your best option because they are typically designed specifically for your vehicle.