Buying a new car is a significant investment, and protecting that investment is a smart move. One of the most important aspects of car ownership peace of mind comes from the vehicle’s warranty. A comprehensive car warranty can shield you from unexpected repair costs, ensuring that mechanical breakdowns don’t turn into financial headaches. But with a vast array of automakers and warranty options available, determining “What Car Has The Best Warranty” can feel like navigating a maze.
This guide, brought to you by the automotive experts at cars.edu.vn, dives deep into the world of car warranties. We’ll explore factory warranties for new vehicles, certified pre-owned (CPO) warranties for used cars, and third-party extended warranties for comprehensive long-term protection. Our aim is to provide you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and drive away with confidence, knowing you have the best possible warranty coverage.
Key Takeaways:
- Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Genesis, and Cadillac lead the pack with the most generous factory warranty coverage for new vehicles, offering extended powertrain and bumper-to-bumper protection.
- For used car buyers, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, and Honda offer the best certified pre-owned (CPO) warranties, providing robust coverage and peace of mind on pre-owned models.
- When it comes to third-party extended car warranties, our in-depth research indicates that Endurance, autopom!, Carchex, and Everything Breaks stand out for their comprehensive plans and customer satisfaction.
Whether you’re in the market for a brand-new car, a reliable used vehicle, or simply seeking to extend your current car’s protection, understanding the nuances of car warranties is crucial. Let’s explore the top warranty providers and what makes them stand out.
Best Factory Car Warranties: Long-Term Protection from the Manufacturer
Factory warranties, also known as manufacturer warranties, are included with every new vehicle purchase. They are the automaker’s promise of quality and reliability, covering defects in materials or workmanship for a specified period and mileage. While the industry standard often revolves around a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, several manufacturers go above and beyond, offering superior coverage that truly sets them apart.
Here are our top picks for automakers offering the best factory car warranties in the market:
| Factory Warranty Provider | Powertrain Warranty | Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty | Corrosion Warranty | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hyundai | 10 years / 100,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 7 years / Unlimited miles | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
| 2. Kia | 10 years / 100,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 100,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| 3. Mitsubishi | 10 years / 100,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 7 years / 100,000 miles | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
| 4. Genesis | 10 years / 100,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 7 years / Unlimited miles | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
| 5. Cadillac | 6 years / 70,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles | 6 years / 70,000 miles |
Let’s delve deeper into what makes these factory warranties exceptional:
#1 Hyundai: Leading the Pack in Warranty Coverage
Powertrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
A Hyundai vehicle is shown, representing the brand’s leading factory warranty coverage in the automotive market.
Hyundai has consistently earned accolades for its outstanding new car warranty, frequently cited as the best in the industry. The cornerstone of this reputation is their remarkable 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, demonstrating Hyundai’s confidence in the longevity of their engines and transmissions. Complementing this is a robust 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, ensuring comprehensive coverage from almost the moment you drive off the lot. Beyond these core coverages, Hyundai sweetens the deal with five years of unlimited mileage roadside assistance, providing 24/7 support whenever you need it.
But Hyundai’s commitment to customer protection extends even further, encompassing:
- Anti-Perforation Warranty: 7 years / Unlimited miles, protecting against rust and corrosion damage.
- Replacement Parts and Accessories Warranty: 1 year / 12,000 miles, covering genuine Hyundai parts.
- Federal Emissions Warranty: 8 years / 80,000 miles, meeting federal emissions standards.
- Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Battery Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles, specifically for EV and hybrid battery components.
With such extensive and long-lasting coverage, Hyundai’s warranty provides unparalleled peace of mind for new car owners.
Read more: Hyundai Warranty
#2 Kia: Matching Hyundai’s Generosity with Extensive Protection
Powertrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
A Kia vehicle is presented, symbolizing the brand’s competitive factory warranty which mirrors Hyundai’s extensive coverage.
Sharing a corporate parent with Hyundai, Kia mirrors its sibling brand’s dedication to providing exceptional warranty protection. Kia offers an identical 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, showcasing a similar level of confidence in vehicle quality and durability. Like Hyundai, Kia also includes 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance, ensuring help is available when you need it most. Furthermore, Kia adds trip interruption benefits, reimbursing you for reasonable expenses if a covered breakdown occurs more than 100 miles from your home.
Kia’s comprehensive warranty package also includes:
- Anti-Perforation Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles, protecting against corrosion.
- Electric Vehicle Battery Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles, specifically for electric vehicle battery components.
By essentially matching Hyundai’s impressive warranty terms, Kia offers car buyers a compelling choice for long-term vehicle protection.
Read more: Kia Warranty
#3 Mitsubishi: Rounding Out the Korean Warranty Trio with Robust Coverage
Powertrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
A Mitsubishi vehicle is featured, highlighting the brand’s strong factory warranty, comparable to Hyundai and Kia in powertrain and bumper-to-bumper coverage.
Mitsubishi completes the trio of Asian automakers offering exceptional 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties. Like Hyundai and Kia, Mitsubishi provides a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, demonstrating a commitment to quality across their vehicle lineup. Notably, Mitsubishi goes a step further with roadside assistance, offering 5 years of unlimited mileage coverage, exceeding even Hyundai’s already generous offering.
Mitsubishi’s factory warranty also includes:
- Federal Emissions Warranty: Up to 8 years / 80,000 miles, adhering to federal emission standards.
- Anti-Corrosion and Perforation Warranty: 7 years / 100,000 miles, protecting against rust and corrosion.
- Restraint System Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles, covering safety restraint systems.
- Adjustments Warranty: 1 year / 12,000 miles, for minor adjustments needed early in ownership.
Mitsubishi’s comprehensive warranty package, particularly its unlimited mileage roadside assistance, makes it an attractive option for drivers seeking long-term vehicle protection.
Read more: Mitsubishi Warranty
#4 Genesis: Luxury Warranty Coverage and Premium Ownership Experience
Powertrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
A Genesis luxury vehicle is showcased, representing the brand’s premium factory warranty, including extended powertrain coverage and complimentary maintenance.
As Hyundai’s luxury division, Genesis elevates the warranty game even further, combining the impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty with an added layer of premium ownership benefits. Genesis includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles, covering essential services like oil changes and tire rotations. This not only saves owners money but also enhances the overall luxury ownership experience.
Genesis’s warranty also features:
- Anti-Perforation Coverage: Up to 7 years / Unlimited miles, protecting against corrosion.
- Replacement Parts Warranty: 1 year / 12,000 miles for genuine Genesis parts.
- Accessories Warranty: Up to 1 year / Unlimited miles for Genesis accessories.
Genesis distinguishes itself by seamlessly blending robust warranty coverage with luxury-level perks, making it a top contender in the luxury car market for warranty protection.
#5 Cadillac: American Luxury with Solid Warranty Backing
Powertrain Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
A Cadillac luxury sedan is pictured, illustrating the brand’s factory warranty, which provides a balance of powertrain and bumper-to-bumper coverage for the luxury segment.
Cadillac represents American luxury on our list, offering a solid factory warranty package that balances powertrain and bumper-to-bumper coverage. While not reaching the 10-year powertrain coverage of the Korean brands, Cadillac provides a respectable 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Cadillac also includes roadside assistance for 6 years/70,000 miles, aligning with its powertrain coverage term. Furthermore, Cadillac covers the first scheduled maintenance visit, including an oil change, tire rotation, and multi-point inspection – a valuable perk for new owners.
Cadillac’s warranty also incorporates:
- Corrosion Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles.
- Rust-Through Protection: 6 years / 70,000 miles.
- Federal Emissions Warranty: Up to 8 years / 80,000 miles.
Cadillac’s warranty provides a strong foundation of protection, particularly within the American luxury car segment, offering a blend of coverage and included maintenance.
Best CPO Car Warranties: Warranty Assurance for Used Vehicle Purchases
Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles offer a compelling middle ground for car buyers. These are used vehicles that have undergone rigorous inspections and reconditioning by the manufacturer, and they come with an added layer of warranty protection. CPO warranties aim to bridge the gap between the limited protection of typical used cars and the comprehensive coverage of new vehicles.
Here are our top choices for the best CPO car warranties:
| CPO Warranty Provider | Powertrain Warranty | Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Mitsubishi | Remainder of original 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty | Remainder of original 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty | Remainder of original 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance |
| 2. Hyundai | Remainder of original 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty | Remainder of original 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty | 10 years/unlimited miles from original in-service date |
| 3. Kia | Remainder of original 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty | 1 year or 12,000 miles of Platinum Coverage | 10 years/unlimited miles from CPO purchase date |
| 4. Lexus | Remainder of original 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty | 2 years/unlimited mileage after original basic warranty expires or from CPO purchase date | Continues 2 years from basic warranty expiration or purchase date with unlimited mileage |
| 5. Honda | Up to 7 years/100,000 miles from in-service date | Up to 5 years/86,000 miles from original in-service date | Throughout any remaining time on new vehicle limited warranty |
Let’s examine why these CPO warranties are considered the best:
#1 Mitsubishi: Unmatched CPO Powertrain Coverage
Mitsubishi’s CPO warranty stands out for its exceptional powertrain coverage. It extends the original 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the vehicle’s original in-service date. This means that if you purchase a relatively young Mitsubishi CPO vehicle, you could potentially enjoy powertrain warranty coverage for many years to come. Notably, there’s no deductible for covered repairs, and all work must be performed at Mitsubishi dealerships, ensuring quality service. Roadside assistance also extends for the remainder of the original new vehicle limited warranty, and continues during the powertrain warranty term if the issue is powertrain-related.
#2 Hyundai: Extensive CPO Coverage with Added Perks
Hyundai mirrors Mitsubishi in offering the remainder of its impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for CPO vehicles. This provides substantial long-term engine and transmission protection. While there is a $50 deductible for covered repairs, Hyundai compensates with additional CPO benefits. A unique perk is the 10-year/100,000-mile hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) battery warranty, starting from the original in-service date – a significant advantage for CPO EV or hybrid buyers. Hyundai’s CPO warranty also includes rental car coverage, travel interruption reimbursement, and 24-hour roadside assistance, adding further value and convenience.
#3 Kia: CPO Platinum Coverage and Long Roadside Assistance
Kia’s CPO warranty also leverages its long 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, offering the remainder of this coverage from the original in-service date. In addition, Kia provides 1 year or 12,000 miles of “Platinum Coverage,” which represents Kia’s highest level of exclusionary bumper-to-bumper protection. This combination of powertrain and comprehensive coverage makes Kia CPO warranties highly attractive. Kia further enhances its CPO program with 24-hour roadside assistance for a generous 10 years and unlimited miles from the CPO purchase date, covering common roadside needs like flat tires, jump-starts, and towing. A $50 deductible applies to covered repairs.
#4 Lexus: Luxury CPO Warranty with Premium Benefits
Lexus, Toyota’s luxury brand, offers a standout CPO warranty program known as the L/Certified Limited Warranty. This warranty provides coverage for a minimum of two years after the expiration of the original 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, or from the CPO purchase date, whichever is later. This effectively extends the bumper-to-bumper style coverage for CPO Lexus vehicles. Lexus CPO owners also benefit from a roadside assistance package, trip protection benefits, and loaner car services, aligning with the luxury brand experience. Notably, Lexus includes the first four factory-recommended maintenance services for 2 years or 20,000 miles, adding significant value and convenience.
#5 Honda: Reliable CPO Coverage with Options
Honda’s CPO program offers powertrain coverage for up to 7 years/100,000 miles from the vehicle’s original in-service date. Honda also provides two tiers of non-powertrain coverage options for CPO vehicles that are six years old or newer. These non-powertrain options can extend for one to five years, covering components like the alternator, air conditioning, and electric motors, offering flexibility based on your needs and budget. Honda CPO warranties include roadside assistance, concierge services, and trip interruption benefits, adding practical support. Two complimentary oil changes within the first year of CPO ownership are also included, a welcome perk for new CPO buyers.
Best Third-Party Car Warranties: Extended Protection Beyond the Factory
Third-party car warranties, also known as extended car warranties or vehicle service contracts, provide coverage beyond the factory warranty period. These warranties are offered by independent companies and can be purchased at any time, even after your factory warranty has expired. They offer flexibility in coverage levels, terms, and repair shop choices, making them a popular option for extending vehicle protection.
Based on our extensive research and analysis, these third-party warranty providers stand out as the best in the industry:
| Extended Warranty Provider | Our Award | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Endurance | Best Comprehensive Coverage | 9.3 |
| Autopom! | Best Customer Service | 9.2 |
| Carchex | Best Industry Reputation | 9.1 |
| Everything Breaks | Best Contract Term Selection | 8.7 |
Let’s explore what makes these third-party warranty companies top-rated:
#1 Endurance: Best Comprehensive Coverage
Endurance distinguishes itself as a direct warranty provider, meaning they handle all aspects of their warranties in-house, without relying on intermediaries. This can lead to more streamlined service and potentially fewer administrative hurdles. Endurance offers a wide range of six coverage plans, catering to diverse needs and budgets. Their plans can extend up to 8 years or unlimited miles, providing long-term protection, especially for high-mileage vehicles. A significant perk is the inclusion of Endurance Elite Benefits for a year with every plan, adding value through tire repairs or replacement, towing, and key fob replacement.
Endurance has earned an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), indicating a strong track record in customer service and business practices. While they have a high volume of complaints due to their large customer base, their BBB profile shows a commendable 3.7 out of 5-star customer review score. On Trustpilot, Endurance holds a 3.7-star rating with over 8,600 reviews, both scores considered high within the extended warranty industry.
The Endurance Warranty logo is displayed, representing the company’s top ranking for comprehensive coverage in third-party car warranties.
Endurance Scoring Breakdown:
| Review Category | Ratings Score |
|---|---|
| Reputation | 9.2 |
| Coverage | 9.7 |
| Cost | 9.1 |
| Transparency | 9.8 |
| Customer Experience | 7.8 |
| Overall Rating | 9.3 |
Read more: Endurance Warranty Review
#2 Autopom!: Best Customer Service
Autopom!, short for “automotive peace of mind,” prioritizes customer satisfaction. They have earned our “Best Customer Service” award due to consistently positive customer reviews and high ratings across various online platforms. Autopom! boasts a 4.2 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot and a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from customers on the BBB, reflecting strong customer experiences.
Autopom! offers three coverage levels, ranging from basic powertrain protection to comprehensive bumper-to-bumper-like coverage. While their plan terms are not as long as some competitors, reaching a maximum of seven years or 150,000 miles, their focus on customer service and solid coverage options makes them a top choice.
The Autopom! logo is shown, signifying the company’s award for best customer service in the third-party car warranty sector.
Autopom! Scoring Breakdown:
| Review Category | Ratings Score |
|---|---|
| Reputation | 8.6 |
| Coverage | 8.9 |
| Cost | 9.7 |
| Transparency | 9.2 |
| Customer Experience | 9.3 |
| Overall Rating | 9.2 |
Read more: Autopom! Reviews
#3 Carchex: Best Industry Reputation
Carchex has been a prominent player in the extended warranty industry for over two decades, building a strong reputation and earning endorsements from trusted automotive authorities like Kelley Blue Book, Carfax, and RepairPal. Carchex offers service contracts with terms extending up to 250,000 miles, making them well-suited for used and high-mileage vehicles.
Carchex provides five car warranty plans, administered by established companies like American Auto Shield. Their plans include valuable perks such as 24-hour roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, and rental car reimbursement, enhancing the overall value proposition.
The Carchex logo is presented, representing the company’s strong industry reputation as a leading third-party car warranty provider.
Carchex Scoring Breakdown:
| Review Category | Ratings Score |
|---|---|
| Reputation | 9.3 |
| Coverage | 9.6 |
| Cost | 8.8 |
| Transparency | 9.7 |
| Customer Experience | 6.8 |
| Overall Rating | 9.1 |
Read more: Carchex Review
#4 Everything Breaks: Best Contract Term Selection
Everything Breaks, while a newer company founded in 2014, offers compelling features, particularly in contract term flexibility. They provide five coverage levels, ranging from basic powertrain to comprehensive exclusionary bumper-to-bumper coverage, allowing customers to tailor coverage to their specific needs and budget.
Everything Breaks stands out for its flexible contract and payment terms. Their annual plan is unique, including maintenance benefits such as oil changes, brake pad and battery replacement, alignment, and diagnostic services – coverage rarely found with third-party warranty providers. Everything Breaks plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and waiting periods for coverage ranging from 30 to 60 days.
The Everything Breaks logo is featured, highlighting the company’s strength in contract term selection within the third-party car warranty market.
Everything Breaks Scoring Breakdown:
| Review Category | Ratings Score |
|---|---|
| Reputation | 7.8 |
| Coverage | 9.1 |
| Cost | 8.2 |
| Transparency | 9.2 |
| Customer Experience | 8.4 |
| Overall Rating | 8.7 |
Read more: Everything Breaks Review
Types of Car Warranty Plans: Understanding Your Options
Navigating the car warranty landscape becomes easier when you understand the three primary categories: factory warranties, CPO warranties, and extended warranties. While there is some overlap, key differences exist between these protection plans.
Factory warranties, as discussed earlier, are included with new vehicles, providing both bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage. Bumper-to-bumper warranties cover a wide range of components, while powertrain warranties focus specifically on the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Terms vary by automaker, typically ranging from three to four years for new cars.
CPO warranties, also discussed, are offered by dealerships on certified pre-owned vehicles, providing comprehensive coverage for used cars with specific exclusions.
How Do Extended Warranties Work?
Extended warranties offer a broader spectrum of options, available from both dealerships and third-party providers. Here’s a comparison of extended warranty purchase options:
| Extended Warranty Provider | Purchase Period | Maximum Length of Coverage | Repair Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dealership | Typically upon vehicle purchase or before factory warranty expiration | Varies, often up to 150,000 miles | Authorized dealers and service centers |
| Third-Party | Any time, even after factory warranty expiration | Varies, often up to 300,000 miles | Repair shops certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®) |
While these parameters can vary, third-party extended warranties generally offer greater flexibility. You are not limited to purchasing at the time of vehicle purchase and often have access to a wider network of repair shops. It’s crucial to remember that even the best car warranties are designed to protect against mechanical breakdowns due to manufacturing defects, not wear and tear, neglect, or routine maintenance items. Always carefully review the fine print of any warranty contract before signing.
Best Auto Warranty: FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding car warranties:
What is the best extended car warranty plan overall?
The “best” extended car warranty plan is subjective and depends on individual needs, vehicle type, budget, and coverage priorities. However, for comprehensive coverage, we recommend the Endurance Supreme plan. It functions like a bumper-to-bumper warranty, covering a wide range of vehicle components and systems. Endurance plans also include Elite Benefits, adding roadside assistance, tire services, towing, and rental car reimbursement.
Which car brands have the longest powertrain warranty?
Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Genesis offer the longest powertrain warranties, all providing 10 years or 100,000 miles of coverage. This extensive coverage protects the most critical components of the engine, transmission, and drivetrain against defects in materials or workmanship.
Is buying an extended car warranty worth it?
Whether an extended car warranty is “worth it” depends on your risk tolerance and the potential for unexpected repair costs. If you plan to keep your vehicle beyond the factory warranty period and want to protect yourself from potentially expensive repairs, an extended warranty can be a worthwhile investment. This is especially true for vehicles known for higher repair costs or those with complex technology.
What are the top-rated third-party extended car warranty companies?
Based on our research, the top five third-party extended car warranty providers are Endurance, autopom!, Carchex, Everything Breaks, and Omega Auto Care. These companies consistently rank high due to their comprehensive coverage options, competitive pricing, transparent services, and positive customer reviews.
Our Methodology: How We Rated the Best Car Warranty Plans
Our rankings of the best car warranty companies are based on a comprehensive and objective rating system. We analyzed data from numerous auto warranty providers, evaluating them across a wide range of factors to determine overall ratings.
Key factors in our ratings include:
- Coverage (30%): We assessed the variety of coverage options, contract terms, and added benefits offered by each company, favoring those providing greater choice and comprehensive protection.
- Cost (30%): We considered the affordability of plans and the availability of multiple deductible options, recognizing the importance of budget-friendly choices.
- Transparency (20%): We evaluated contract transparency and the presence of money-back guarantees, prioritizing companies with clear and consumer-friendly practices.
- Reputation (10%): We factored in company availability, industry expert ratings, and years in business, recognizing the value of established and reputable providers.
- Customer Experience (10%): We analyzed customer satisfaction ratings and conducted shopper analysis to assess the responsiveness, friendliness, and helpfulness of each company’s customer service.
Our Credentials:
- 500+ hours of dedicated research
- 40+ companies thoroughly reviewed
- 2,000+ consumers surveyed to gather real-world insights
* Data accurate as of the time of writing.
For feedback or questions regarding this article, please contact our team at [email protected].
