Tuesday, February 07, 2012
The Basic Limited Warranty is often referred to as "bumper-to-bumper" coverage for the entire car. These warranties are described as "limited" because they are not intended to cover everything that might go wrong with the vehicle. Most basic limited warranties exclude:
  • Normal wear and maintenance items (oil, filters, brake linings).
  • Damage from the environment (hail, floods, 'acts of God').
  • Damage from improper maintenance, such as use of incorrect fuel.
  • Damage caused by the owner or vehicle occupants.
  • Batteries and tires because they are usually warranted by their manufacturers.

There is also an  Extended Powertrain Limited Warranty that extends beyond the basic limited warranty and is offered by most manufacturers. This applies to major components such as the engine, transmission, and drive train.

Currently, the warranties being offered by Ford and Chrysler are as follows:

      Basic Limited Warranty

  • Ford and Mercury                             3 years or 36,000 miles
  • Lincoln                                            4 years or 50,000 miles
  • Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep                 3 years or 36,000 miles

      Powertrain Limited Warranty

  • Ford and Mercury                            5 years or 60,000 miles
  • Lincoln                                           6 years or 70,000 miles
  • Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep                5 years or 100,000 miles

 In addition, there are other warranties offered by all which include;

  • Exhaust Emission Warranty for 2 years or 24,000 miles on corrosion-related parts plus 8 years or 80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device
  • Passenger Restraint Warranty for 5 years or 50,000 miles on seat belts and airbags.

Several manufacturers also offer Roadside Assistance for a certain time period following purchase.

If the original factory warranty has not expired when the vehicle is sold or traded, the warranty may be transferred to the new owner, either at no charge or for a fee.  Specific second-owner exclusions may apply especially in the case of leased or fleet vehicles.