The standard length for a new car warranty in the U.S. is typically 3 years/36,000 miles, but this can vary significantly by manufacturer and component. The most important factor is understanding the different types of coverage, as powertrain warranties often last much longer, sometimes up to 10 years/100,000 miles. The specific terms are entirely set by the automaker, not by law, so comparing warranties is a critical step in the car-buying process.
These warranties are divided into separate categories. The "bumper-to-bumper" warranty, which covers most repairs for defects, is usually the shorter 3-year/36,000-mile period. The powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain and is often longer. Hyundai, Kia, and Mitsubishi, for example, offer 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. Additionally, all automakers must provide a federally mandated 5-year/60,000-mile emissions system warranty, and hybrid/electric vehicles have separate, lengthy warranties for their high-voltage batteries, often 8 years/100,000 miles.
| Warranty Type | Typical Coverage | Example 1 (Miles/Years) | Example 2 (Miles/Years) | Example 3 (Miles/Years) | Example 4 (Miles/Years) | Example 5 (Miles/Years) |
|---|
| Bumper-to-Bumper | Most non-wear components | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | Engine, transmission, drivetrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 10 years / 100,000 miles | 6 years / 70,000 miles | 10 years / 100,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion/Perforation | Rust holes through the metal | 5 years / Unlimited miles | 7 years / 100,000 miles | 6 years / 100,000 miles | 5 years / 100,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Hybrid/Electric Battery | High-voltage battery pack | 8 years / 100,000 miles | 10 years / 150,000 miles | 8 years / 100,000 miles | 10 years / 100,000 miles | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | Towing, lockout service | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 6 years / 70,000 miles |
Always read the warranty booklet carefully. Coverage excludes normal wear-and-tear items like tires and brake pads. Your warranty remains valid even if you get routine maintenance done at an independent shop, but you must keep detailed records.
