Are Car Shock Absorbers Covered Under the Three Guarantees?
3 Answers
No. Car shock absorbers are considered wear-and-tear parts, which are either covered under separate warranties or not covered at all, depending on the vehicle model. Wear-and-tear parts refer to components that are most prone to damage and require regular inspection and timely replacement by the owner. Some vehicle models do not cover shock absorbers under warranty, while others offer warranties of 12 or 18 months—specific terms vary by case. Generally, the warranty period is two years or 40,000-50,000 kilometers. The Three Guarantees refer to repair, replacement, and refund. Repair: During the "Three Guarantees" period, any malfunction caused by quality issues will be repaired free of charge after technical evaluation by an "Authorized Service Center" or "Designated Maintenance Station." Replacement: During the "Three Guarantees" period, if a quality issue cannot be repaired, a free replacement of qualified parts or assemblies will be provided after evaluation by the "Center" or "Designated Station." Refund: During the "Three Guarantees" period, if a major quality issue persists after repair or replacement and the vehicle still fails to meet key performance standards, the owner may submit a written request for a refund. After confirmation by the "Center" and calculation of depreciation based on usage time and mileage, the dealer may process the vehicle return.
A while ago, my car's shock absorber was making severe abnormal noises. After taking it to the 4S店 for inspection, I found out it was covered under the three-guarantee policy. The technician explained that shock absorbers are part of the suspension system, and according to national three-guarantee regulations, major components are guaranteed for at least two years or 50,000 kilometers. As long as it's a quality issue, such as oil leakage or spring breakage, they can be replaced for free. My car had only been driven for a year and a half, and after the 4S店 confirmed it was a manufacturing defect, they immediately replaced it with a new part. However, they reminded me that if the damage was caused by driving too aggressively over potholes or normal wear and tear beyond the warranty period, I would have to pay for the repairs myself. They advised keeping the purchase receipt and maintenance records and contacting the dealer promptly if any issues arise.
After years in auto repair, I often see car owners struggling with shock absorber warranty issues. The key lies in two factors: purchase date and failure nature. China's Lemon Law classifies shock absorbers as core suspension components, with most brands offering 3-year or 60,000-km coverage. In cases I've handled, brand-new cars with oil leaks at 5,000 km got complete assembly replacements from manufacturers, while 100,000-km vehicles with failed shocks required owner-paid repairs. Always keep repair invoices - if dealerships delay service, escalate to manufacturers or consumer associations. Having technicians inspect shock absorbers during routine maintenance can prevent sudden failures.
