Ford Warranty
The Ford warranty offers 3 years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage.
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An extended car warranty refers to mechanical breakdown coverage offered by a vehicle manufacturer. However, this term is often mistakenly used to describe coverage from third-party companies. Independent providers offer similar protection through vehicle service contracts, but we’ve used the terms interchangeably in this article for convenience.
One of the biggest names in the auto industry, Ford has been in business for almost 120 years. Its cars continue to top bestseller lists, but does the Ford warranty top our list of the best new car coverage?
If you’re a Ford owner, especially a new Ford owner, you should know how comprehensive your factory coverage truly is. In this article, we explore the Ford factory warranty, including coverage details, term lengths and whether you could benefit from an extended Ford warranty.
Ford Factory Warranty
A Ford factory warranty will cover many repairs and part replacements if a vehicle breaks down due to a manufacturer’s defect. That can protect Ford owners from large out-of-pocket costs for unexpected repairs. A manufacturer’s warranty will only provide coverage for a limited number of years or miles driven, and it won’t pay for repairs if a driver doesn’t properly maintain a vehicle. Below are the most important things to know about Ford’s factory warranty:
- You won’t have to pay out of pocket for repairs covered under warranty, unless the warranty guide specifically says otherwise. In some cases, however, you may be required to pay state or local taxes for repairs covered by your manufacturer’s warranty. Your Ford warranty coverage may apply outside the U.S. and Canada.
- If you have questions about what your Ford factory warranty does and does not cover, you can find information on your warranty online.
- If you decide to sell your Ford vehicle before the factory warranty has expired, you will be able to transfer the warranty to the new owner.
- Ford’s factory warranty is comparable to new-car protection from Honda, Nissan, Toyota and other brands. Unlike some of its competitors, Ford offers warranty coverage for diesel vehicles. Ford’s diesel coverage lasts longer than its standard powertrain warranty coverage.
Ford Warranty Coverage
The Ford warranty offers 3 years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. These are standard warranty lengths, but some manufacturers offer warranties for much longer.
Here’s a breakdown of all Ford factory warranty coverage:
| Ford Warranty | Term Length | What’s Covered |
|---|---|---|
| New Vehicle Limited Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | This is a bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers most Ford-installed parts that fail due to defects in workmanship or materials. |
| Powertrain Limited Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | This plan protects your engine, transmission and drive axle, as well as your wheels. |
| Diesel Engine Coverage | 5 years/100,000 miles | This coverage protects direct-injection diesel engines, focusing on powertrain parts like your engine, fuel system and turbocharger. |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5 years/unlimited miles | If any rust perforation occurs on body panels, this warranty has you covered. |
| Safety Restraint Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | This Ford warranty covers your seat belts and supplemental restraint system (SRS), which consists of air bags and sensors. |
| Emissions Defect Warranty | Up to 8 years/80,000 miles | A comprehensive, federal coverage, the emissions warranty covers systems like your catalytic converter, electronic emissions control unit and onboard emissions diagnostic tools |
| Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Unique Component Coverage | 8 years/100,000 miles | This protects the electric drivetrain in any hybrid or electric Ford vehicles. |
These Ford warranties protect nearly all defective factory parts that are in need of repair, replacement or adjustment. Under the Ford factory warranty, parts and labor costs are covered, so there’s no need to stress about deductibles or payment plans.
If you sell your car before your Ford warranty expires, the remainder of your coverage will be transferred to the subsequent owner.
Ford Factory Tire Warranty
Unlike most factory warranties, Ford provides prorated coverage for tires. The Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty covers up to 100% of labor costs and a pro rata adjustment for parts, based on the number of miles driven. This warranty only applies if the tires are defective.
Tires also come with a separate manufacturer’s warranty that may provide additional coverage.
Ford Emissions Warranties
Ford complies with Federal standards by including two emissions control warranties. The Emissions Defects Warranty will pay to diagnose a problem and to repair, replace or adjust a part that has an emissions-related defect.
The Emissions Performance Warranty will cover the repair, replacement or adjustment of an emissions control device or system (including diagnosis, labor and parts), if the following are true:
- The owner has properly maintained and operated the vehicle.
- The vehicle does not meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.
- The owner is subject to a penalty or sanction because the vehicle does not meet emissions standards.
- The vehicle has not been tampered with, misused or abused.
How long the coverage lasts depends on the type of vehicle or the emissions part.
| Ford Vehicle Type | Coverage Length |
|---|---|
| Passenger cars and light-duty trucks | 2 years/24,000 miles |
| Heavy-duty vehicles | 5 years/50,000 miles |
| Certain emissions parts | 8 years/80,000 miles |
Ford also offers emissions warranties for California-certified vehicles. Protection lasts 3 years/50,000 miles, 5 years/50,000 miles or 7 years/70,000 miles, depending on the type of coverage.
Ford Roadside Assistance
The Ford factory warranty includes complimentary emergency roadside service through the Ford Roadside Assistance Program. It includes:
- Towing to the nearest Ford dealership or to the selling dealership if within 35 miles
- Fuel delivery
- Flat tire change
- Lockout assistance
- Battery jump-starts
- Winch-out services
Ford Roadside Assistance Program coverage begins at the warranty start date and lasts for 5 years/60,000 miles.
Ford CPO Warranty
If you purchase a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, it will also come with Ford warranty protection. Along with any remaining Ford factory warranty coverage, you’ll receive a comprehensive 1-year/12,000-mile limited warranty and a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Below, we break down what parts are covered by each CPO Ford warranty.
| Vehicle Part or System | CPO Limited Warranty | CPO Powertrain Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear-wheel drive | ✓ | |
| Front-wheel drive | ✓ | |
| Steering components | ✓ | |
| Brakes | ✓ | |
| Front and rear suspension | ✓ | |
| Electrical system | ✓ | |
| Air conditioning and heating | ✓ | |
| Technology components | ✓ | |
| Emissions components | ✓ | |
| Factory audio system | ✓ | |
| Safety systems | ✓ |
CPO Ford Warranty Perks
With the CPO Ford warranty, you’ll receive a few extra benefits, including:
- Roadside assistance
- Fuel delivery
- Lockout services up to $50
- Towing assistance up to $100
- Travel reimbursement up to $500 for a maximum of three days
- Destination expense assistance up to $75
- Rental car reimbursement up to $30 for a maximum of five days
What’s Not Covered Under the Ford Warranty?
All car warranties, despite how comprehensive they are, have some exclusions. The Ford manufacturer’s warranty will only pay to repair, replace or adjust parts that malfunction or fail due to a manufacturing defect related to factory materials or workmanship. Here are examples of circumstances that are not covered under the Ford warranty:
- Damage from improper maintenance
- Accident or collision damage
- Modifications
- Theft or vandalism
- Damage from driving through deep water or flooding
- Improper part or software installation
- Environmental damages
- Routine maintenance services
- Wear-and-tear parts like brake pads and wiper blades
- Lack of maintenance
These Ford factory warranty exclusions are not uncommon.
What Voids A Ford Warranty?
Each Ford vehicle comes with an owner’s manual that includes a list of scheduled maintenance tasks required for that particular make and model and how often they should be completed. Adhering to that maintenance schedule will help you avoid expensive repair bills and help your vehicle retain its value.
If you fail to perform routine maintenance as recommended, your Ford factory warranty may become invalid, and you may have to pay for repairs out of pocket, even if they would have otherwise been covered by the warranty. Keep receipts for any routine maintenance you have performed on your Ford vehicle.
How to Get Repairs Covered Under the Ford Factory Warranty
If your car or light truck needs repairs, you may take it to the selling dealership or to another Ford dealership authorized to complete repairs covered by warranty. Some dealerships may not be authorized to perform specific repairs if the dealership’s employees have not received specialized training. In those circumstances, you may call the Customer Relationship Center to find a local dealership that can assist you.
If you take your vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealership or Ford or Lincoln Auto Care Service Center, factory-trained technicians will perform repairs covered under the Ford factory warranty using genuine Ford or Motorcraft parts or other parts authorized by Ford.
If your vehicle needs emergency repairs, or if a Ford dealership is unable to perform non-emergency repairs within 30 days, Ford may reimburse you for repairs performed at a facility other than a Ford dealership.
Do You Need An Extended Warranty For Your Ford?
When deciding whether to purchase an extended Ford warranty, it helps to consider the overall reliability of the Ford brand. If you have a car that is highly reliable and isn’t prone to major breakdowns, an extended warranty may not be the most cost-effective decision, unless you’re interested in adding resale value to your car.
Is an Extended Warranty Worth It?
The Ford warranty is comprehensive, but it isn’t exceptionally long. An extended warranty provides additional peace of mind if you intend on keeping your Ford after the factory warranty expires.
Are Fords Reliable?
When assessing Ford’s reliability, we turn to RepairPal, a trusted cost estimation site that releases an annual reliability score for 32 car brands. The rating is based on three main factors: annual average repair costs, the frequency at which Ford owners visit repair shops for unscheduled services and the probability that repairs will be considered severe.
Ford Maintenance Cost
According to RepairPal, the average annual cost for routine maintenance and repairs for a Ford vehicle is $775. Here’s how RepairPal scored Ford in its most recent Reliability Rating:
| Reliability Factor | Ford Average | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Reliability | 3.5 out of 5.0 | -- |
| Average Annual Repair Cost | $775 | $652 |
| Average Annual Visits to Repair Shop | 0.3 | 0.4 |
| Probability of a Severe Repair | 15% | 12% |
As you can see, Fords incur above-average repair costs and have a higher likelihood of needing major repairs. These are signs that an extended Ford warranty may be worth the investment.
To get an even clearer picture of whether you’d benefit from long-term coverage, research your specific model. For example, a Ford Focus receives a 4.0 reliability rating from RepairPal while a Ford Edge only receives a 3.5 rating.
Is Your Car Covered By A Ford Factory Warranty?
Ford offers four Ford Protect Extended Service Plans (ESPs) that go beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty and cover the costs of repairs. Ford’s extended warranties can provide coverage for up to 8 years/150,000 miles. You can choose from plans with a variety of time, distance and deductible combinations, and can purchase one from any Ford dealership. Benefits include rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance. Below are the extended warranties offered through Fords ESP plan:
- PremiumCARE: Covers parts and labor for over 1,000 items, including the engine, transmission, front- and rear-wheel drive, steering, suspension, brakes, air conditioning, heating, electrical, audio and more.
- ExtraCARE: Covers components in most major systems but fewer items than included in PremiumCARE (113 total).
- BaseCARE: Covers the engine, transmission, steering, front suspension, brakes, front- and rear-wheel drive, air conditioning, heating and some electrical components.
- PowertrainCARE: Covers 29 engine, transmission, and front- and rear-wheel drive components.
If you sell your Ford vehicle before the extended warranty has expired, you will be able to pay a fee and transfer it to the new owner. Offering an extended warranty may help you appeal to prospective buyers and sell your vehicle for more than you might have without a service contract included in the transaction.
How Can I Check My Ford Warranty?
The manufacturer has an efficient internal process to check existing Ford warranty coverage. Using the FordPass™ App or Ford online portal, you can log in to check the status of your factory coverage.
However, if you didn’t set up these accounts at a dealership, you can also find information on your Ford warranty using your vehicle identification number (VIN). With VIN in hand, call your local Ford dealership and request your warranty details. It’s best if you call the dealership from which the car was purchased, but any dealership will work. If all else fails, you can also check your CARFAX Vehicle History Report for Ford warranty details.
Comparing Extended Warranty Options
Often, one company offers numerous plans with different levels of coverage and prices. Costs for vehicle service contracts are based on a vehicle’s make, model, age, mileage and other factors. Before you purchase an extended warranty, we encourage you to compare plans from a few companies and prices. You might find a plan with broader coverage or more affordable premiums by shopping around. To find protection for your Ford, collect several quotes and compare costs.
Benefits of a Third-Party Ford Warranty
Depending on your needs and budget, third-party providers can be an excellent alternative to manufacturers’ warranties. Although the Ford extended warranty may give you a more specialized repair contract, it can be costly depending on the deductible you choose. Reputable extended car warranty companies offer more generalized coverage plans, but at a lower price point.
Here are a few other benefits of third-party providers:
- More repair shop options
- Additional coverage plans to choose from
- Extended warranties for cars over 100,000 miles
- Flexible start dates
- Flexible payment plan options
- In some cases, month-to-month contract options
Check out our review of the industry’s best extended car warranty companies if you need a starting point for your provider research. You can also receive free, personalized Ford warranty quotes from our top-rated providers by clicking below.
Best Ford Aftermarket Extended Warranties
Endurance: Best Provider
Endurance provides vehicle extended warranties with six tiers of coverage. Plans include roadside assistance and one year of Endurance Elite Benefits, which comes with total loss protection, identity theft services and a collision discount. All Endurance plans can be canceled or transferred to the new owner.
Endurance stands out in part because it directly administers its own plans, unlike many of its competitors, which sell plans issued by other companies and act as a middleman. Endurance’s approach makes the claims process simpler for its customers. You can choose to have covered repairs completed at a dealership or at any licensed repair shop.
CARCHEX: Best for High-Mileage Cars
CARCHEX has sold vehicle extended warranties for over 20 years and prides itself on providing excellent customer service and competitive rates. It touts its No-Haggle, Low-Price, Everyday Guarantee™ as evidence of its commitment to being transparent and making the buying process as stress-free as possible. Industry leaders, such as CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.com, have endorsed CARCHEX.
The company offers several plans with a variety of coverage options and term lengths. Plans from CARCHEX can cover both new and used vehicles, including ones with high mileage, but options are limited when it comes to luxury vehicles. CARCHEX offers extended warranties with a range of deductibles, and some require no out-of-pocket payment for covered repairs.