What is the warranty on car parts?
Car parts warranties vary widely by part, maker, and seller. In general, new parts commonly come with warranties ranging from about 12 months or 12,000 miles up to several years, with some specialty or lifetime guarantees on select items. Always check the terms on the product page, receipt, or installation contract.
Types of car parts warranties
Warranties fall into several categories, and understanding the differences helps you compare offers and know what to expect if a part fails.
- Manufacturer's warranty on new parts (often issued by the OEM or aftermarket part maker). Coverage is typically 1–3 years or 12,000–36,000 miles, depending on the part.
- Retailer or distributor warranty (store warranties). These can range from 90 days to a lifetime, but often are 1–2 years for many parts.
- Labor warranty (installation warranty). When a shop installs a part, it may guarantee the labor for a certain period, commonly 90 days to 2 years, sometimes longer if the shop offers a "parts and labor" warranty.
- Implied warranties (state law). If a part is sold, some states imply a basic level of merchantability and fitness for ordinary use, unless explicitly disclaimed. The duration varies by state.
Note: The exact terms depend on the seller and the part; always read the warranty document carefully.
Common durations you’ll see
Here are typical coverage windows you’ll encounter when buying car parts, though actual terms vary by product and retailer:
- 1 year / 12,000 miles: Very common for many OEM and aftermarket replacement parts (non-critical components).
- 2 years / 24,000 miles: A common target for higher-demand parts or retailer warranties.
- 3 years / 36,000 miles: Some parts and premium warranties offer longer coverage.
- Lifetime or limited lifetime: Some parts (such as certain suspension components, or specific brands) offer a lifetime warranty, often limited to the original purchaser and subject to conditions.
- Powertrain or driveline warranties for replacement parts are less common but may appear with some products or service plans.
Durations vary, and some warranties are measured in time only, others in mileage, or both. Always verify the exact terms at purchase.
What affects warranty coverage
Several factors determine whether a warranty will apply when a part fails. Here are common issues that can void coverage or limit it:
- Installation and maintenance: Improper installation, missing torque specs, or lack of maintenance can void coverage.
- Warranty exclusions: Car parts warranties often exclude wear and tear items or parts damaged by misuse, accidents, or corrosion.
- Use conditions: Racing, off-road use, or commercial/industrial use may void coverage.
- Part quality and compatibility: Using incorrect or counterfeit parts can void warranty.
- Documentation: Keeping receipts, serial numbers, and installation records helps support warranty claims.
Being aware of these factors helps you avoid surprises if a part fails.
How to claim a warranty
Filing a warranty claim typically involves a few steps. Here's a guide to smooth the process:
- Locate the warranty documents, receipt, and installation notes.
- Contact the seller or manufacturer to report the failure and obtain a claim form or authorization.
- Provide evidence: part number, date of purchase, mileage at failure, and photos of the defect if applicable.
- Have the failed part inspected by the seller, manufacturer, or a qualified technician if required.
- Follow return or repair instructions: shipping the part, taking the vehicle to an authorized service center, or agreeing to a replacement or refund.
Claims timelines and required documentation vary, so check the terms for specifics and respond promptly to avoid denial.
OEM vs aftermarket warranties
Warranty coverage can differ between original equipment manufacturers (OEM) parts and third-party aftermarket parts. Some points to keep in mind:
- OEM parts often carry warranties aligned with the vehicle's manufacturer expectations; they may be longer for critical systems but can be similar in scope to aftermarket options for common items.
- Aftermarket parts may come with manufacturer warranties of their own, which can be 1–3 years or more, and sometimes offer longer terms for specific product lines.
- Retailer and installation warranties may apply regardless of whether the part is OEM or aftermarket, but terms can differ; read the warranty sheet carefully.
Choosing between OEM and aftermarket should consider cost, performance, compatibility, and warranty terms.
What to look for before buying
Before purchasing car parts, check these details to understand warranty coverage and protect your investment:
- Part type and coverage: Confirm what is covered (defect in materials, workmanship) and what is excluded (wear, damage from misuse).
- Duration and mileage limits: Note the time frame and/or miles before the warranty expires.
- Claim process: How to file a claim, required documentation, and whether installation must be performed by a professional.
- Transferability: Whether the warranty can be transferred if you sell the vehicle.
- Geographic coverage: Some warranties are limited to the country or region where the part was purchased.
Clear terms help you avoid surprises and plan for potential maintenance costs.
Summary
Car parts warranties are not universal and will vary by part, supplier, and jurisdiction. Typical ranges include 12 months to 3 years or 12,000 to 36,000 miles, with some parts offering lifetime guarantees or market-specific terms. Always review the warranty documents, understand exclusions, and keep receipts and installation records to ensure you can file a claim if needed. If in doubt, ask the retailer or mechanic to explain coverage before purchase or service.
