The standard factory warranty, often called the bumper-to-bumper warranty, typically lasts for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is the industry baseline for most mainstream brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, and Honda. However, the length varies significantly by manufacturer, with some brands offering much more extensive coverage to attract buyers. It's crucial to check the specific terms for any car you're considering, as "bumper-to-bumper" doesn't mean every single part is covered.
The factory warranty is usually divided into two main parts:
- Bumper-to-Bumper: This covers repairs for most components outside of wear-and-tear items like tires and brakes. Think of it as coverage for defects in materials or workmanship for thousands of parts, from infotainment systems to power windows.
- Powertrain Warranty: This covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components. It's often longer than the bumper-to-bumper coverage. For many brands, it's 5 years/60,000 miles, but some, like Hyundai, Kia, and Mitsubishi, offer 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.
Beyond these, corrosion perforation (rust holes) warranties are often very long, and some manufacturers include complimentary roadside assistance for the warranty's duration. Here’s a comparison of warranty terms from different automakers to illustrate the variation:
| Manufacturer | Basic Bumper-to-Bumper | Powertrain Coverage | Corrosion Warranty | Roadside Assistance |
|---|
| Hyundai | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 10 years / 100,000 miles | 7 years / Unlimited miles | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
| Kia | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 10 years / 100,000 miles | 5 years / 100,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Toyota | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / Unlimited miles | 2 years / Unlimited miles |
| Ford | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / Unlimited miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| BMW | 4 years / 50,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles | 12 years / Unlimited miles | 4 years / Unlimited miles |
| Genesis | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 10 years / 100,000 miles | 7 years / Unlimited miles | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
Always read the warranty booklet provided with your new vehicle. The coverage ends when the time or mileage limit is reached, and it is generally transferable to the next owner if you sell the car privately, which can help with resale value.
