There are several different types of warranties that apply to today's cars. In the following section, you will learn what the car owner must do to maintain warranty coverage as well as some suggestions for resolving a warranty dispute if one should arise.

The days of the 12 month / 12,000 mile (19,000 km) warranty for cars and light trucks appear to be over. The ever-increasing complexities of cars, better materials, high tech electronics, and on-board computers have improved the quality and durability of today's cars. Manufacturer competition for customers has led to longer and more specialized warranty coverage. This is also the case on many smaller cars and trucks, not just expensive luxury models.

Typical warranty coverage may provide:

• Basic or 'Whole Car' Coverage
• Powertrain Coverage
• Anti-Corrosion Coverage
• Safety Restraint System Coverage
• Emission System Warranty Coverage
• Emission Defects Coverage
• Emission Performance Coverage

Related Topics:

• IM 240 Programs
• Obtaining Warranty Information

Basic coverage

Basic warranty, sometimes referred to as "Whole Car Coverage," covers just about everything on the car, except for the items which have their own coverage under some other part of the car's warranty plan. This used to be the 12 month /12,000 mile (19,000km) coverage plan, but is now usually 24, 36 or even 50 months or thousand miles. It often includes the powertrain coverage. When the basic warranty ends, the specific powertrain warranty coverage begins. If your power window stops working, power steering pump fails or the ignition switch breaks, this basic coverage is the warranty that covers you.

The basic warranty is generally the shortest warranty on the car. Parts and labor are usually covered by this plan. This warranty, (and any others that do not start upon the expiration of a preceding warranty), begin on the delivery date of the car to the customer. In the case of cars such as dealer demonstrators, the warranty begins on the car's actual "inservice" date. The buyer of a used car is entitled to any remaining warranty coverage when the car is purchased. Any authorized dealer can perform warranty repairs, but if you have your car outside the country in which you bought it, you may have to pay for the repairs and submit the receipt for reimbursement in your own country. If you need to have warranty work performed by someone other than an authorized dealer, be sure to obtain the failed part(s) and keep all receipts. You will need these things, and possibly a letter that explains the circumstances in order to request reimbursement from an authorized dealer.

Figure 9 Check your warranty and owner's manuals for basic and extended coverage on your model.

Towing to the nearest authorized dealer may be covered if the car cannot be driven due to the failure of a covered part. car owners may be responsible for taxes on warranty work in some states.

Other items to discuss about basic warranty are tires and batteries. Tires that fail are generally replaced by the tire manufacturer, not the car manufacturer. Batteries that fail are most often covered by the car's manufacturer. These items are replaced on a pro-rated basis. During the first part of the warranty period, replacement is often free of charge. As more time passes the items fall into a pro-rated coverage plan, where the car manufacturer and the owner share the replacement costs.

You may also have some implied warranties, such as an implied warranty of merchantability that the car or light truck is reasonably fit for the purpose for which it was sold, or an implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose that the car or light truck is suitable for your special purposes. If the car is to be covered as to whether it is fit for special purposes, these may have to be disclosed to the manufacturer (not merely to the dealer) prior to purchase.

These implied warranties are limited, to the extent allowed by law, to the period covered by the written warranties, or to the applicable period provided by state law, whichever period is shorter. Cars used primarily for business or commercial purposes may not be covered by these implied warranties, and are completely disclaimed to the extent allowed by law.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you.

In order to keep warranties in effect, the car owner may have to meet certain obligations. Some maintenance may need to be performed as specified for the car. If the failure of a warranted part can be attributed to improper maintenance or lack of maintenance, the warranty claim may be denied. Damages caused by using improper or contaminated fuel, oil, or other lubricants are not covered. Any tampering involving the odometer or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) may result in denial of all warranty coverage to the car.

However, it should be stated that the car does not need to be serviced by a dealer or have factory parts installed. An example would be that you do not need to use the car manufacturer's oil filter. You can buy an aftermarket oil filter and change the oil yourself. Quality replacement parts that meet manufacturer's specification must be used. You are strongly advised to keep all service records and parts receipts so that proper maintenance can be verified. The manufacturer cannot deny warranty coverage solely on the lack of service records, but it is much more difficult to obtain any type of warranty work if a lack of maintenance is suspected and the owner has no way to show that the maintenance has actually been performed. If you purchase a used car, try to obtain all service records from the previous owner.

Any damage from modifications, abuse, racing, collisions and other similar misuse or mishaps are not covered by warranties and may void existing warranties. Glass breakage is for the most part not covered, unless a defect can be shown.

Traditionally, maintenance items such as spark plugs, belts, hoses, adjustments, and filters were replaced at the owner's expense. Some cars now have such items included at no charge or a reduced charge during the warranty period. In any case, as mentioned before, these items should be replaced at the proper intervals.

Also, remember these additional points of interest. In general, warranties do not cover consequential damages; such as loss of time, loss of the use of the car, or lost wages. However, some states do not allow the exclusion of consequential damages, so the above exclusions may not apply to you.

Additionally, manufacturers sometimes offer special programs that will cover some or all of the expense of certain repairs beyond the warranty period. Review your own warranty information to see if your car manufacturer has this type of program, or call your dealer to find out if such a program is in effect.

Figure 12 Even tire manufactures offer a warranty on their products.

Extended warranties

An extended warranty is a coverage offered by car manufacturer for purchase on all new models. Extended warranties can be sold to you by the dealership from the manufacturer, or through an aftermarket company for them. Some dealerships may offer an extended warranty on a car that is used, but not normally. The warranty is an overextension of the basic warranty on your car. Most components on the extended warranty are ones that should not break for long periods of time, such as the engine and transmission.

There are many types of extended warranties sold these days. If your car has a normal warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles whichever comes first and you are planning on keeping the car for a long time, then you may want to purchase one. All extended warranties are sold to the customer at a cost over and above the price of the car. The higher the warranty year span, the higher the price. A few manufactures will even reimburse you for the price of the warranty if it was never used.

There are usually several year/mileage span extended warranties offered to you such as:

• 5 years or 60,000 miles
• 6 years or 75,000 miles
• 6 years or 100, 000 miles

So when purchasing an extended warranty, look at your particular situation to decide which one is best for you. Do you plan on owning the car for a long period of time? Will the car be used for extended highway travel? Will you be leasing the car and returning it in a few years? All these questions and more should help decide if an extended warranty is best for you.

Many experts agree that extended warranties should not be necessary on makes or models with excellent reputations for reliability. But you have to look at your own situation. Remember that extended warranties are like insurance policies. You may not ever need them, but if you do you'll be glad to have one (and if you don't have one and find that you need it, you would probably be sorry).

Powertrain coverage

The powertrain warranty generally covers major parts of the engine, transmission, and final drive unit. Examples of covered parts would be engine cylinder head, block and gaskets; any engine mechanical parts like valves and pistons; transmission parts and components that transmit the power from the engine to the wheels. There may be exceptions on some plans, an example is that the clutch and flywheel are usually not covered on a manual transmission.

Anti-corrosion coverage

Anti-corrosion warranties differ quite a bit from manufacturer to manufacturer, but they generally cover rust-through of outer-body sheet metal panels. In a few cases, other sheet metal is covered, but this is not a common practice at this time. Only factory sheet metal is covered. Damage caused to factory sheet metal because non-factory parts were used is not covered. Any collision damage must be properly repaired with factory parts to keep the warranty valid. Non-factory bodies, such as the utility bodies commonly seen on trucks, are not covered by the car manufacturer. In some cases, outer body surface rust is covered if it is the result of a defect in factory-supplied material and workmanship. Surface rust caused by a scratch, for example, is not covered.

Some manufacturers also cover paint damage due to industrial fallout when no defect is involved. This is a type of 'goodwill' policy that typically would last no longer than 12 months or 12 thousand miles (19,000km), whichever comes first.

Also, in regards to anti-corrosion warranties, be aware that having the car rust proofed is NOT advised, until after checking your specific warranty. Rust proofing applied by a trained professional can extend your car's life. However, incorrect procedures can damage the car. For that reason, anything that disturbs the factory integrity of the bodywork and/or paint may void a warranty.

The length of the anti-corrosion warranties will usually vary, with the outer-body coverage being the longest, and any other coverage, if applicable, being shorter in duration.

Safety restraint coverage

This warranty covers items such as seat belts and airbags against defects in factory-supplied materials and workmanship. Some manufacturers offer it, check your own warranty information to see if your car has this type of coverage. This warranty is generally longer in duration than the basic warranty on the entire car; one example would be 3\36 coverage on the basic warranty and 5\50 coverage on the restraint system(s).

Emission system coverage

There are two types of emission system warranties we will discuss. Both are required by U.S. law, and have changed somewhat through the years. In addition to the usual warranty stipulations, you must be sure that leaded fuel is never used in a car designed to run on unleaded fuel, damages resulting from this would not be covered.

Emissions defect coverage

We will discuss this coverage as it applies to passenger cars and light trucks. There are essentially two versions of this warranty, the Federal version and the California version. The Federal version, from 1981 through 1994 covered a period of five years or fifty thousand miles, whichever came first.

The Federal version, beginning in 1995, has a coverage period of 2 years or 24, 000 miles (38,000 km), whichever comes first. Some manufacturers may extend this coverage for a longer period. All parts and labor needed to bring the car into compliance should be covered. In summary, the warranty states that the car:

• Is designed, built, and equipped to conform, at the time of sale, with the emissions regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and;
• Is free from defects in factory-supplied materials and workmanship that could cause it to fail to conform to applicable EPA regulations.

Here is a sample listing of covered parts:

• Air/Fuel Feedback Control System and Sensors
• Altitude Compensation System
• Catalytic Converter
• Intercooler Assembly-Engine Charger
• Cold Start Enrichment System
• Cold Start Fuel Injector (1)
• Deceleration Controls
• Ignition Distributor
• Electronic Ignition System
• Exhaust Pipe (from exhaust manifold to catalyst)
• Electronic Engine Control Sensors and Switches
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve, Spacer, Plate, and related parts
• Exhaust Heat Control Valve
• Exhaust Manifold(s)
• Fuel Filler Cap and Neck Restrictor
• Fuel Injection System
• Fuel Injector Supply Manifold
• Fuel Sensor (1)
• Fuel Tank (gasoline powered cars)
• Fuel Tank Pressure Control Valve (1)
• Fuel Vapor Storage Canister, Liquid Separator, and associated Controls
• Ignition Coil and/or Control Module
• Intake Manifold
• Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• PCV System and Oil Filler Cap
• Secondary Air Injection System and related parts
• Spark Control Components
• Spark Plugs and Ignition Wires
• Supercharger Assembly
• Synchronizer Assembly
• Throttle Air Control Bypass Valve
• Throttle Body Assembly
• Turbocharger Assembly
• Three-Way Catalyst (TWC) Air Control Valve
• Volume Air Flow Sensor

    (1) Flex-fuel car only.

Remember that this list is a sample. Due to differences in car and engine design, the covered components on your car may vary somewhat from those listed. Items such as related hoses, clamps and gaskets are also covered. Items that require periodic replacement, as shown on the car maintenance schedule, are typically covered only until the end of the first maintenance interval for the specific item in question.

Additionally, there are a few other major emissions components that may be covered by the Emissions Defect Warranty for a longer period, such as eight years/80,000 miles (129,000 km) for the 1995 and later Federal version of the warranty. A sample list of these items is as follows:

• Catalytic Converter
• Engine Control Module
• On-Board Diagnostic Device

For California cars and light trucks from 1981 through 1989, the Emissions Defect Warranty provided coverage for five years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km), whichever came first. From 1990 through 1997, Emissions Defect Warranty remains in effect for five years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km), whichever comes first. Car that are equipped with California certified emissions systems in other areas that have adopted California emissions standards AND California warranty regulations are also covered under the California version of the warranty.

The covered parts are essentially the same as those shown in the proceeding sample lists. This is the short-term Emissions Defect Warranty. The California regulations also require a long-term Emissions Defect Warranty. From 1990 and later, the long-term warranty lasts for seven years or 70,000 miles (112,000km), whichever comes first. Here is a sample list of the covered components:

• Catalytic Converter
• Ignition Distributor
• Exhaust Manifold(s)
• Fuel Injection Rail Assembly
• Fuel Injector
• Fuel Injector Supply Manifold
• Fuel Sensor(1)
• Fuel Tank
• Idle Air Control Valve
• Injector Driver Module
• Intake Manifold
• Intercooler
• Powertrain Control Module(PCM)
• Supercharger
• Synchronizer Assembly
• Throttle Body Assembly
• Transducer Assembly
• Turbocharger Assembly
• Three-Way Catalyst (TWC) Air Control Valve
• Volume Air Flow Sensor

    (1) Flex-fuel car only

Again, keep in mind that this is a sample listing. Check the warranty information for your own car to see which specific items are eligible for coverage.

Emissions Performance Coverage

This warranty applies to cars that are registered in areas that require periodic emissions testing. The warranty states that the manufacturer will adjust or repair the car's emission system and/or related parts so that it will pass the emissions test. From 1981 through 1994, Federal cars were covered for five years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km), whichever came first, except for 'primary' emissions parts, which were covered for 2 years or 24,000 miles (38,000 km). Primary emissions parts are defined as those, which were not in general use prior to the 1968 model year, and have been added to cars for the primary purpose of reducing emissions. This stipulation does not really reduce the number of covered parts by too many; keep in mind that cars made before 1968 had very little in the way of emission control devices. Until 1989, California cars had the same coverage period. Beginning in 1995, Federal cars are covered for 2years or 24,000 miles (38,000 km), whichever comes first. California cars, from 1990 through 1995 have a coverage term of three years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km), whichever comes first. All of the usual warranty stipulations apply.

There are two other important points in regard to this warranty. In order to make a claim under this warranty, you must be subject to a real penalty, such as a fine or denial of the use of the car because the car failed the emissions test. Also, a car certified for use at sea level will not qualify under this warranty if it fails an emissions test intended for high altitude certified cars. The reason for this is that the high altitude emissions standards are more stringent.

To actually make a warranty claim under this warranty, take the car to an authorized dealer or other factory-authorized service center. Take the paperwork that shows that the car failed the emissions test, and tell them that you are seeking a repair under the Emissions Performance Warranty. Having the car's warranty information on hand may also be helpful. The manufacturer has thirty days, or the period specified by your Inspection/Maintenance Program, whichever is shorter, to fix the car or deny the claim. Written notification must be given if the claim is denied, and you should have a written record of the date when the car was presented for repair.

If there are problems involved in getting the car evaluated or repaired, you may agree to extend the deadline, and if there are problems beyond the control of the manufacturer or dealer, the deadline may be automatically extended. Should a deadline be missed for reasons other than these, you are entitled to have service center of your choice, at the manufacturer's expense.

IM 240 Programs

The topic of emissions testing must also include a few words about IM 240 programs. The abbreviation stands for Inspection/Maintenance 240 Seconds.

Some states require this type of emissions testing. It was mandated to begin on January 1, 1995, but there have been delays in some cases, and earlier program starting dates in others.

There are two types of IM 240 tests, Basic and Enhanced. Factors such as population and pollution levels in a given area are used to determine which test will be utilized. Major metropolitan areas would be more apt to require the Enhanced test, while lightly populated rural areas may not use any type of 1M240 testing at all.

The Basic test is similar to some current IM programs. The Enhanced test, which takes 240 seconds to perform, is designed to provide a more accurate picture of a car's emissions during an actual operating cycle, not just at idle. This is done by testing the car on a chassis dynamometer. Emissions are constantly monitored as the car idles, accelerates, cruises at two different road speeds, and decelerates.

A car that fails the Enhanced test will not be eligible for a waiver until a minimum of $450 has been spent to bring the car into compliance. Any repairs performed under warranty do not count towards the minimum. The Basic test has much lower minimum repair limits; generally around $75 for pre-1981 cars or about $200 for 1981 and later models. The requirements and cost vary from state to state, and sometimes even county to county.

Warranty disputes

If a warranty issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, there are some steps you can take to try to resolve the problem. The first is always to discuss the complaint with the salespeople or service manager of the dealership where you purchased the car. If no solution is reached, speak with the general manager or the owner of the dealership. In most cases, the general manager or owner does not want an unhappy customer, and should help find a solution or compromise. In cases where coverage is denied, it is a good idea to ask for the reason (in writing) why the claim was denied, and who denied it. Also, find out to whom you can appeal the decision . If the dealership can't help, contact the district or zone office. These are generally listed at the end of the car's warranty information. The zone office may have you try a different dealership repair service center. Remember, the person working on your car may be less knowledgeable about your car's problem than someone at a different location.

If the previous steps weren't satisfactory, you may need to use the customer arbitration board, which serves as an impartial third party in cases of disputes that can't be resolved through the process described above. Always keep all receipts for service, even those performed for no charge. These receipts help prove dates and the number of times you've taken your car for service. Invoking a "lemon law" or taking legal action is usually not necessary. Honest and complete communication of what you feel the problem is and what you expect to be done about it is the best approach. Detailed receipts will help you obtain the best service from the dealership or any other repair service center. In the case of disputes which involve the Federal or California emissions warranties, you may contact the EPA or the California Air Resources Board (CARB) if you follow the manufacturer's claim procedure through, but you feel that their final decision is unfair.

You may write to:

Warranty Complaint
Field Operations and Support Division (6406J)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20460

Or for emission related information you can contact:

California Air Resources Board
9528 Telstar Avenue
El Monte, CA 91731

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