What is included in a Ford manufacturer warranty?
Ford’s manufacturer warranty generally covers three core areas for new vehicles: bumper-to-bumper coverage, powertrain protection, and several ancillary protections such as corrosion, roadside assistance, and emissions-related coverage. Exact terms vary by model year and market, so always verify with your window sticker or Ford’s official warranty page.
Bumper-to-Bumper (New-Vehicle) Coverage
Below is what is commonly included under Ford’s basic new-vehicle warranty and how long it typically lasts. The list also notes items that are usually excluded from this plan.
- Covers most components installed in the vehicle that suffer defects in materials or workmanship (not wear items).
- Common exclusions include wear-and-tear items (brake pads, tires, wiper blades), routine maintenance services, and damage from misuse or accidents.
- Duration: typically 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
In summary, the bumper-to-bumper warranty protects most non-wear items for the early years of ownership, with specific exclusions to routine maintenance and consumables.
Powertrain Limited Warranty
The powertrain warranty covers the essential mechanical systems that move the vehicle. This section explains what is included, what isn’t, and the typical duration.
- Covers major powertrain components such as the engine, transmission, drivetrain, and related parts.
- Common exclusions include parts outside the powertrain, routine maintenance items, and damage from misuse.
- Duration: typically 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
In short, the powertrain warranty provides longer-term protection specifically for the core propulsion system and closely related components.
Corrosion Warranty
Ford’s corrosion protection focuses on body corrosion and rust-through issues that occur due to manufacturing defects. The coverage and any limitations are outlined below.
- Covers corrosion that results in perforation of the sheet metal (rust-through) caused by defects in materials or workmanship.
- Typical scope is corrosion protection with a multi-year term and often unlimited mileage for perforation coverage, subject to terms and exclusions.
- Exclusions usually include surface rust not resulting from a defect, damage from road hazards, or cosmetic issues.
Corrosion coverage is designed to address structural rust issues rather than cosmetic rust or damage from accidents.
Roadside Assistance
Ford also offers roadside assistance as part of the manufacturer warranty package. The following points summarize what you can expect.
- Provides services such as towing, jump-starts, lockout assistance, fuel delivery, and flat-tire changes.
- Duration is typically aligned with the new-vehicle warranty period (often 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, though terms can vary by model year and region).
Roadside assistance helps owners manage unexpected non-accident-related incidents during the warranty period.
Emissions Warranty
Emissions coverage is required by federal and state law and is separate from the standard bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties. The exact terms vary by jurisdiction and component. Here is the general framework you should know.
- Covers defects in materials or workmanship of emissions-control components, as mandated by law.
- Term lengths and qualifying components vary by state and federal regulations; some major-emission components may have longer coverage, and California or other states with stricter standards may have different durations.
- For precise details, consult Ford’s warranty booklet, your vehicle’s owner’s manual, or Ford’s official warranty website for your specific model and location.
In practice, emissions warranty adds protection for emissions-control systems beyond the basic vehicle warranties, with terms tailored to regulatory requirements for your region.
Where to Find Exact Terms
Because warranty terms can differ by model year, trim level, and jurisdiction, always verify the exact provisions for your vehicle. Check the window sticker at the time of purchase, the owner’s manual, or Ford’s official warranty page for your country and state. Your dealer can also provide the precise terms that apply to your specific Ford model.
Summary
Ford’s manufacturer warranty typically bundles three core protections—bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, and corrosion—along with roadside assistance and emissions coverage as required by law. While the bumper-to-bumper warranty is commonly 3 years/36,000 miles and the powertrain warranty 5 years/60,000 miles, exact terms depend on model year and location. Always confirm the current terms on Ford’s official materials or with your dealer to understand which components are covered, what isn’t, and how long the coverage lasts.
Note: Warranty details can change over time and vary by market. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult Ford’s official warranty documentation or the dealership where you purchase the vehicle.
What does a Ford manufacturer warranty cover?
Ford's standard new vehicle warranty includes a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Certified pre-owned vehicles also come with warranties, which can include a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty and a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. For extended coverage, Ford offers the Ford Protect extended service plans (BaseCARE, ExtraCARE, and PremiumCARE).
New vehicle warranty
- Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty: Covers most components for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Powertrain Limited Warranty: Covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Corrosion Warranty: Covers rust perforation on body panels for 5 years with unlimited miles, and corrosion without perforation for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle warranty
- Gold Certified: Includes a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty and a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.
- EV Certified: Includes a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile BaseCARE EV limited warranty.
- Blue Certified: Comes with a 4-month/3,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty.
Extended service plans (Ford Protect)
- These plans are optional and extend coverage beyond the new vehicle warranty.
- They include various tiers:
- PowertrainCARE: Covers engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
- BaseCARE: Covers powertrain plus other systems like steering and brakes.
- ExtraCARE: Adds more coverage, including heating and anti-lock brakes.
- PremiumCARE: Provides the most comprehensive coverage, including over 1,000 parts.
What is typically not covered
- Routine maintenance, such as oil changes.
- Wear-and-tear items like brake pads, rotors, and tires.
- Damage from accidents, misuse, or aftermarket modifications.
What is not covered by a Ford warranty?
Aftermarket parts or components, sometimes installed by Ford Motor Company or an authorized Ford dealership, may not be covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Any damage caused to Ford components due to the failure of aftermarket parts (other than a certified emissions part) is not covered.
What are two items typically not covered in a car warranty?
While a bumper-to-bumper warranty covers many things, it doesn't include coverage for components that wear out or break down over time, such as your car's brakes, brake pads or tires. These are things you are expected to take care of as part of the normal maintenance of the car.
What is covered under a manufacturer's warranty?
A manufacturer's warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship that cause a product to malfunction, often including the main components like the engine, transmission, and electronics. It usually excludes damage from accidents, misuse, and normal wear and tear, as well as routine maintenance and consumable items.
What a manufacturer's warranty generally covers
- Defects in materials and workmanship: This is the core of a warranty, covering flaws in how a product was made.
- Specific components: This can vary by product but often includes key parts like the engine, transmission, and electrical systems for vehicles.
- Repair or replacement: If a product is defective, the manufacturer will typically repair it or provide a replacement at no cost.
- Emissions systems: In vehicles, federal regulations often require specific coverage for emissions system components, as detailed in U.S. News & World Report.
What a manufacturer's warranty typically does not cover
- Accidental damage: Damage from accidents, drops, or other external events is generally excluded.
- Misuse or negligence: Damage caused by using the product incorrectly or without proper care is not covered.
- Normal wear and tear: The natural deterioration of a product through regular use is not covered, such as a seat cushion wearing out over time.
- Routine maintenance: Consumables like filters, oil changes, or tires are usually the owner's responsibility.
- Unauthorized modifications or repairs: If you have modified the product or had it repaired by an unauthorized service, it can void the warranty.
How to get coverage
- Check your warranty: Read the specific terms and conditions that came with your product to understand the exact coverage and any exclusions.
- Follow maintenance schedules: Many warranties require you to follow a schedule of recommended maintenance to remain valid.
- Contact the manufacturer: If you have an issue, contact the manufacturer to start the claim process.
- Understand the difference: A manufacturer's warranty is different from an extended warranty or service contract, which is an optional, separate purchase.
