What parts are covered under Ford warranty?
Ford warranty terms typically include a New Vehicle Limited Warranty (bumper-to-bumper) for 3 years or 36,000 miles, a Powertrain Limited Warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles, and a separate corrosion (rust-through) warranty for 5 years with unlimited miles. Emissions warranties follow federal and state requirements. Terms can vary by model year and market, so verify with Ford for your vehicle.
Overview of Ford warranty structure
To understand what Ford covers, it helps to break down the main warranty categories. Each category protects different parts and systems, with some items excluded as routine wear, maintenance, or external damage. The following sections outline the typical scope for new Ford vehicles in the United States, while noting that regional variations can apply.
Below is a look at the core areas of coverage. The list highlights the kinds of components generally included within each warranty tier.
- Bumper-to-bumper coverage typically protects most components outside of the powertrain, wear items, and routine maintenance.
- Powertrain coverage focuses on the propulsion system, including the engine and drivetrain components.
- Corrosion (rust-through) coverage addresses body panel perforation due to corrosion.
- Emissions warranty covers emissions-control components required by federal and state laws.
These categories form the backbone of Ford’s protection plan, though exact inclusions can differ by model year, trim, and regional regulations. Always consult your owner’s manual or Ford’s official warranty documentation for the specifics on your vehicle.
Bumper-to-bumper coverage
The bumper-to-bumper (New Vehicle Limited) warranty covers most parts of the vehicle against defect in materials or workmanship during the term of the coverage. It excludes wear items, routine maintenance, and certain components that are typically user-replaceable or subject to normal wear.
Examples of areas commonly encompassed by bumper-to-bumper coverage include the following. The list is intended to illustrate broad categories rather than an itemized manifest for every model.
- Electrical systems and wiring
- Electronic control modules and sensors
- Climate control and heating/air conditioning components
- Steering and non-wear suspension components
- Body and interior components (doors, seats, instrumentation, interior trim)
- Lighting, lamps, and exterior electronics
- Infotainment systems and related components
- Safety systems (where not covered separately by other warranties)
Note that wear items (such as tires, brake pads, wiper blades) and certain safety or cosmetic elements may not be covered under bumper-to-bumper warranty. Always review the coverage language for your specific vehicle.
Key caveats about bumper-to-bumper coverage
While generous, bumper-to-bumper protection has important limits. It does not typically cover routine maintenance, wear-and-tear items, damage from misuse or accidents, or modifications made outside of Ford’s approved service network. In addition, some components may be partially covered or excluded depending on the issue and the vehicle’s history.
Powertrain coverage
The powertrain warranty protects the engine, transmission, and related drivetrain components. This coverage is separate from bumper-to-bumper protection and tends to last longer in terms of miles and years.
Typical powertrain coverage includes, in broad terms, the following major propulsion components and their essential sub-systems:
- Engine and internal components
- Transmission and transaxle
- Drivetrain components (driveshafts, differentials, transfer case where applicable)
- Related seals, gaskets, and mounting components that pertain to the powertrain
Wear items or maintenance tasks tied to the engine and drivetrain (such as fluids, filters, belts, or routine service) generally fall outside powertrain coverage. As with bumper-to-bumper, exact inclusions can vary by model and year, so confirm for your vehicle.
Powertrain coverage nuances
Because powertrain protection centers on propulsion elements, coverage emphasis is on preventing defects that would prevent the vehicle from moving or performing as designed due to component failure. Issues arising from improper maintenance, abuse, or aftermarket modifications may be excluded.
Corrosion (rust-through) warranty
The corrosion warranty addresses body panel corrosion that results in perforation (rust-through). It is intended to protect against through-paint or through-metal failures in the sheet metal that compromise structural integrity or function.
- The warranty typically lasts for 5 years with unlimited miles in the United States.
- It covers perforation from corrosion on applicable body panels and structural parts.
Surface corrosion, chroming, or cosmetic rust that does not perforate is generally not covered. Always verify which body components are included for your specific model year and market.
Emissions warranty
Emissions warranty coverage is designed to ensure that vehicle emission-control systems operate as required by federal and state law. The parts covered are those integral to controlling exhaust emissions and maintaining regulatory compliance.
- Catalytic converters and other catalytic systems
- Oxygen sensors and related sensors
- Evaporative emission control components
- Fuel delivery and control components tied to emissions management
- Wiring harnesses and related electronics connected to the emissions system
Emissions warranty durations and exact component scope vary by component and by state or region. In the U.S., major emission-control components generally receive extended protection, with some coverage extending well beyond basic bumper-to-bumper terms. Always check the specific emissions warranty terms for your state and model year.
How to claim warranty coverage
When you believe a covered defect is present, follow a structured process to pursue a warranty repair. This generally involves working with an authorized Ford dealer and documenting the issue.
Steps typically used to initiate a claim are as follows:
- Prepare the vehicle identification number (VIN) and a record of maintenance or service history.
- Visit an authorized Ford dealership or contact Ford customer service for guidance on the claim.
- Present a clear description of the issue and any relevant symptoms or diagnostic results.
- Allow the dealer to diagnose the problem and determine whether it falls under the warranty terms.
Having complete documentation and abiding by the recommended service schedule can speed the process and help ensure that the claim is processed correctly.
Regional variations and model-year differences
Warranty terms can differ by country, region, and vehicle model year. Some markets may offer extended coverage or different caps on mileage and time. Variations may also exist for special editions, commercial vehicles, or vehicles under different ownership programs. Always consult Ford’s official warranty documentation for your specific vehicle’s terms.
What isn’t covered
Understanding exclusions helps prevent surprises. Common non-covered areas include routine maintenance, wear items, cosmetic damage, misuse or abuse, aftermarket modifications, improper installation, and damage from accidents not attributed to a manufacturing defect.
Summary
Ford’s warranty framework centers on three core protections: bumper-to-bumper coverage for most components, a separate powertrain warranty for engine and drivetrain parts, and dedicated corrosion and emissions warranties. While these categories cover the bulk of systems in a Ford vehicle, exact inclusions, durations, and exclusions vary by model year, trim, and region. For the most precise and up-to-date information, refer to your owner’s manual and Ford’s official warranty documentation or contact an authorized Ford dealer.
What is covered under the Ford warranty?
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.
How long is the warranty on Ford parts?
Ford Parts Warranty: Two years. Unlimited mileage. Includes labor.
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 parts are not covered in the warranty?
As mentioned earlier, wear-and-tear items such as brake pads, tires, wiper blades, and oil filters are generally not included. Additionally, damage caused by accidents, misuse, neglect, or improper maintenance won't be covered under most warranties.
