What You Can Expect with an Audi Warranty | Autance

What IS Included

At first glance, it appears that Audi has a smaller manufacturer’s warranty compared to other automakers in terms of the overall coverage. Nearly every part and system is still covered under the factory warranty, but the company has a slightly different way of structuring its coverage. 

Bumper-to-Bumper

The bulk of Audi’s warranty coverage comes from the comprehensive warranty, also known as the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Like the name suggests, this warranty covers almost everything between the front and rear ends of a vehicle. As a result, this is the warranty that will kick in when major problems develop.

The comprehensive coverage lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first as the vehicle ages. Focused on factory defects, the comprehensive warranty helps Audi owners save money by reducing or eliminating the costs of expensive replacements and repairs.

Other

In addition to the primary comprehensive warranty, Audi has a few extra inclusions that cover the vehicle in different ways. For example, there is an emissions warranty that lasts for five years or 50,000 miles. For rust, there is also a 12-year/unlimited-mile corrosion warranty that deals with major structural damage (as opposed to typical surface rust) for the entire duration of the coverage. 

Beyond the warranty coverage, some of the extra perks include the Audi Advantage Program. This program offers free maintenance services for one-year and 5,000 miles after a new Audi is purchased. There is also roadside assistance that lasts for four years and unlimited miles.

What’s NOT Included

Given Audi’s way of structuring its factory warranty, there are a couple of glaring exclusions that affect the overall money-saving value of the coverage. 

Powertrain

The most obvious omission from the company is the lack of a traditional powertrain warranty. Normally, most automakers include a separate powertrain warranty that lasts longer than the comprehensive coverage. Focused on the critical components of a vehicle like the engine, drivetrain, and transmission, this type of warranty can keep the car running longer.

The absence of a powertrain warranty isn’t a major limitation in coverage. Everything the powertrain warranty covers tends to be covered by the comprehensive warranty as well. The Audi bumper-to-bumper warranty is no exception. The major downside is just the length of the overall coverage. Instead of a couple years and a few thousand miles, you just get the length of the bumper-to-bumper coverage.

Incidental Issues

The only type of issue that the factory warranty covers is factory defects. Damage from the environment like bad weather, accidents, or vandalism fall outside the scope of this type of warranty. As a result, you may have to buy additional automotive insurance to be covered for the incidentals.

Wear and Tear Issues

Vehicles naturally develop more problems as they age. Certain parts go faster than others, but almost all of them will need maintenance or be replaced. Like other forms of issues and damage, the Audi factory warranty doesn’t offer much help here outside of the one-year maintenance service program. 

The Good

Audi’s unique approach with its factory warranty doesn’t limit the coverage too much. In fact, it simplifies it in certain ways to make it easier to understand for first-time Audi owners. With a single comprehensive coverage, you know exactly what is included and how long the coverage will actually last. 

The other benefit we see with the warranty is the Audi Advantage Program. Unlike some automakers that limit maintenance to a free trip or simple alignments and adjustments, the Audi maintenance program can save you some money during that first year and 5,000 miles of vehicle service. 

The Bad

The main thing we dislike about the Audi warranty is the short length of the overall coverage. While there isn’t any shortage of parts coverage, the lack of a powertrain warranty does shrink the length of the coverage by a few years and thousands of miles compared to a typical powertrain warranty. If you want all the coverage you can get for your vehicle, this is an issue.

The limitations of the issue causes it covers is also a drawback; one that is shared by most factory warranties, unfortunately. Since you won’t be able to take advantage of the warranty when the issue is due to an accident or wear and tear, you’ll likely need to find another way to save money for these costs.

Takeaway Value

While the Audi warranty seems different on the surface, its basic length and scope of coverage matches most automakers today. As a result, you will get decent coverage if you want to try out an Audi vehicle or are loyal to the brand. Combined with the maintenance plan, you’ll definitely be able to save a little bit on out-of-pocket costs.