Hyundai’s Bumper To Bumper Warranty Is a Step Above the Competition | Autance

What IS Included

If a manufacturer-approved component on your car or SUV needs repair or replacement parts, a bumper-to-bumper warranty will cover it. This basic, comprehensive coverage is common among most automakers.

Hyundai vehicles are covered up to five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, and it is superior to the industry standard, which is three years and 36,000 miles. The bumper-to-bumper warranty covers nearly everything, from the body to the electrical system, should it fail within the lifespan of the coverage.

Limitations

Hyundai’s bumper-to-bumper coverage is comprehensive, but there are some limitations. The battery, for example, is covered 100 percent for just two years/unlimited miles. Between two and three years, only 25 percent of the battery cost is covered, while labor is covered 100 percent.

The air conditioner refrigerant charge is covered for just one year/unlimited miles, while wear items (i.e., belts, brake pads and linings, wiper blades, etc.), adjustments, and accessories are only covered for one year and 12,000 miles. 

In addition, the vehicle’s paint, radio, and audio systems are only covered for three years or 36,000 miles.

Other Coverage and Benefits

If the body sheet metal on your Hyundai rusts through and causes a rust hole, the body panel will be repaired by the automaker for seven years/unlimited mileage. Surface corrosion, however, is not included in the manufacturer’s anti-perforation warranty coverage.

There is a lifetime hybrid battery warranty on all new hybrid models that applies to the original owner only. Those who buy a used Hyundai hybrid receive a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty based on the vehicle’s original sale date.

Hyundai Assurance also includes 24-hour roadside assistance for five years regardless of mileage. This is beneficial if you need towing assistance or help with a dead battery, flat tire, vehicle lockout, or refueling. This perk is transferable to a new owner. 

What’s NOT Included

While Hyundai’s bumper-to-bumper warranty is nearly all-inclusive, it doesn’t cover everything. Routine maintenance (tune-ups, oil changes, wheel alignment, etc.) is not covered unless it’s related to a warrantable repair, and neither is normal wear and tear of items such as brake pads, spark plugs, wiper blades, and fuses.

Vehicles that have been flooded, modified/altered, or improperly maintained are not covered by Hyundai’s factory warranty. Vehicles damaged by winter storms, rodents, or other environmental factors are also excluded.

Tires are not covered by the automaker; instead, they’re under a separate warranty provided by the tire manufacturer.

The Good

Hyundai’s 60,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty stands out among its competitors because it’s 24,000 miles/two years longer than the industry standard of three years/36,000 miles. A typical bumper-to-bumper warranty should be sufficient when it comes to covering factory defects, but a lengthy one like Hyundai’s provides even greater peace of mind.

The inclusion of 24-hour roadside assistance is also advantageous. If you are not mechanically inclined and need help when your vehicle is disabled, it can be very helpful. Also, Hyundai owners can pass the bumper-to-bumper warranty on to a subsequent owner should they elect to sell the vehicle within the lifespan of the coverage. This can increase the resale value.

The Bad

Hyundai’s bumper-to-bumper warranty is good but not all-encompassing. Like most factory warranties, it doesn’t cover all Hyundai parts in all circumstances. For example, if your vehicle is damaged by inclement weather, you’re out of luck. Also, maintenance costs and general wear and tear are excluded.

Takeaway Value

Compared to many other automakers, Hyundai’s bumper-to-bumper warranty is top-notch, largely due to its coverage duration. Even though its vehicle warranty has restrictions, this is a standard industry practice, so it’s not a deal-breaker.

If you elect to purchase a new Hyundai, the bumper-to-bumper warranty should provide adequate protection should something happen to the vehicle within the first few years you own it.