The Luxury Coverage of the Cadillac Warranty | Autance

What IS Included

The main bulk of the Cadillac warranty comes in the form of the bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverages. Between the two, almost all parts are covered on a Cadillac vehicle.

Bumper-to-Bumper

The comprehensive or bumper-to-bumper limited warranty covers the greatest number of parts on a vehicle. Interior and exterior components (literally from one bumper to the other) are covered for basic factory defects that can arise when a new vehicle is running for its first few years. 

Lasting for four years or 50,000 miles, the comprehensive warranty offers a lot of peace of mind in terms of saving some money if such factory defects come up in a new Cadillac. Since the warranty includes many drivetrain components, there is also some overlap between this and the powertrain warranty.

Powertrain

While overlap does exist within the component coverage between the comprehensive and powertrain warranties, this coverage lasts longer at six years or 70,000 miles. As a result, this is the warranty you should expect to stay in effect long after the comprehensive coverage expires.

Even though it doesn’t cover everything on a new vehicle, this warranty does cover the most important drive systems and components that keep the vehicle running. Common on long-lasting models like the Cadillac Escalade, the warranty coverage is virtually the same on all Cadillac models. Basic systems included are the engine, drivetrain, transmission, and more. 

Extras

Cadillac follows suit with other luxury manufacturers like Mercedes Benz by offering a bit more on the additional perks than regular automakers. For example, there are a number of additional warranties, like perforation coverage, to address specific issues (in this case rust) not covered by the main warranties.

In terms of services, Cadillac throws in a six-year/70,000-mile roadside assistance program that provides 24-hour emergency services like battery jump starts, free towing, vehicle locking services, and a courtesy transportation program. Finally, accessories are covered for one year or 12,000 miles.

What’s NOT Included

Despite offering a few extra perks here and there, Cadillac still has a few limitations you need to know to understand the full scope of the factory warranty coverage. 

Maintenance Coverage

Like most factory warranties, Cadillac doesn’t offer much in terms of maintenance help. In other words, the expenses you can incur just by keeping your vehicle up on the factory-recommended vehicle service schedule won’t be covered by the warranty. 

Outside of necessary vehicle inspections and warranty repairs, you’ll most likely have to pay for these services out-of-pocket or doing the work yourself, if possible.

Incidental Damage

Many people are surprised to find out that a factory warranty won’t cover repair costs in all circumstances. In fact, nearly all factory coverages only apply when issues arise due to factory defects. If a mistake is made at the factory, the warranty coverage will kick in.

This leaves out almost all other forms of damage, including accidental and bad weather issues. Even normal wear and tear is left out, so you’ll likely need to consider a third-party vehicle service contract, a maintenance protection plan, or some other additional coverage. The Drive has an insightful extended warranty review for your consideration if you want extra coverage for your new Cadillac.

The Good

The main thing we like about the Cadillac warranty is the extended terms it offers compared to other automakers. Since the industry standard hangs around three years and 36,000 miles for a typical bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, the extra year and 12,000 miles you get with the Cadillac coverage makes a difference. In fact, this is the major perk most Cadillac owners will enjoy the most: the simple peace of mind knowing they have a little more coverage than usual.

Beyond the extended terms, the few perks included in the Cadillac factory warranty are also good in certain circumstances. The extra coverage, like the extra perforation coverage for sheet metal, and services, like free towing to a nearby Cadillac dealership, means you’ll be spending less on repairs or alternative transportation if a factory defect strands you on the road.

The Bad

The main issue with the Cadillac warranty is the same one we have with any factory warranty you’ll find on almost any new car: the maintenance limitations. On one hand, the fact that such warranties are limited to factory defects is understandable. After all, why cover something you can’t control?

On the other hand, Cadillac has the opportunity to offer some more money-saving value with minor coverages or an in-depth maintenance plan you’ll sometimes find with luxury brands. This way, owners are more likely to use the company’s services and potentially continue with a Cadillac extended warranty once the factory coverage has expired. 

Takeaway Value

The extra term lengths combined with the extra perks (i.e. the roadside assistance program) make the factory warranty a good form of basic coverage. If you find yourself fancying the most recent Cadillac models, these strengths mean you won’t have to worry about the factory warranty.