What’s Typically Covered in a Truck Warranty?

When something goes wrong with your vehicle, you want to hear, “It’s covered under warranty.” But it’s also essential to understand your truck’s warranty, including the different types of warranties and what they cover, and what could risk voiding your coverage. We’re focusing on light- and heavy-duty trucks only, as medium-duty and Class 8 trucks can have brand-specific coverage details. 

What does warranty cover?

Warranty covers manufacturing defects for a specified length of time—something that goes wrong due to component failure or incorrect assembly. It can also potentially cover paint defects or rust perforation. It’s strictly for defects, not damage. If your mirror doesn’t adjust because the motor burned out, that’s covered; but not if someone clipped it and broke it. 

What types of new-vehicle warranties are there?

There are several categories of warranty included when you buy a new truck. 

Comprehensive warranty is the so-called “bumper-to-bumper” coverage. For most automakers, it’s three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. It covers almost everything, but with shorter coverage on so-called “wear” or “maintenance” items, such as brake pads or wiper blades, that normally wear down with use. 

Powertrain warranty covers pretty much everything that makes the truck move: the engine, transmission, transfer case, and driveline. Depending on the automaker, this can generally run from five to 10 years, or 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Diesel engines in heavy-duty trucks usually have longer coverage than gasoline engines. 

Emissions warranty covers components that reduce emissions, including the catalytic converter, engine control module, and oxygen sensors. The length of coverage can depend on federal or state regulations. 

Corrosion warranty covers rust perforation for a specified period. However, perforation is the key here, as there must be a hole through the metal, rather than just surface rust. 

Tire warranty is handled by the tire manufacturer, and you will likely have to go to that company directly if there’s an issue. 

Roadside assistance is usually included for at least a portion of the vehicle’s overall warranty. All cover breakdowns, while some also include issues such as lockouts or running out of fuel. 

Electric or hybrid vehicles have warranty specifically on the hybrid or electric components, and on the battery.  

How do I get warranty work done?

Under your new-vehicle warranty, you’re only covered if the work is done by an authorized dealer or repair facility for the brand, although it doesn’t have to be where you bought the truck. 

What can void the warranty?

There are a few issues that can void your truck’s warranty, including misusing it, such as overloading it; environmental damage such as flooding; tampering with the odometer; and some aftermarket add-ons, such as a lift kit. In some cases, only part of the warranty is voided. The lift kit might mean no warranty on your suspension, but almost everything else would still be covered. 

Most warranty denials are for not following the maintenance schedule. For example, an engine issue would likely be refused if you’re way past the recommended oil change. You’re not required to get maintenance done at a dealer, but if you use an independent shop, keep every invoice, and ensure each has the vehicle information number (VIN), date, mileage, and your information. The automaker doesn’t have to honor your warranty if you don’t have proof that you did your part. 

How about recalls and “TSBs”?

Recalls are required through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) when a safety-related defect is identified. Automakers will recall all vehicles that may have the problem, meaning your truck might not necessarily exhibit the issue but is included as a precaution. Dealers must perform a recall at no cost, even if the truck is no longer under warranty. Recall notices must be mailed to owners by law, so if you move or buy a used vehicle, update your information with the automaker. 

Technical service bulletins (TSBs) are internal from an automaker to its dealers. They’re primarily a diagnostic tool: If a specific model exhibits this symptom, then this is most likely the issue, which can help reduce diagnostic time. Even if the TSB applies to your truck model, the dealer won’t proactively do the “most likely” repair under warranty if your vehicle doesn’t have the symptom.

What’s an extended warranty?

Also known as a service contract, you can buy it to kick in after the new-vehicle warranty expires. They can be offered by the automaker or by a third-party warranty company.  

Both have pros and cons. You have to get work done at a dealer to be covered under a factory plan, but all dealers have to accept it. You can go almost anywhere with a third-party plan, but not all shops accept it, and you may have to pay up front and wait for the warranty company to reimburse you. These plans may also have strict requirements, including scheduled maintenance done right on time, or preauthorization on large repairs. 

All plans are essentially insurance against future repairs, and price depends on how much coverage you want, from major powertrain components alone to just about everything. No matter what type you choose, knowing what isn’t covered is just as important as what is, and get everything in writing. Don’t pay extra for a loaner car or roadside assistance if you already have alternate wheels or membership in something like AAA. Cover your truck to your comfort level, and always be sure to read the fine print before you sign.