Mitsubishi’s Warranty Is a Step Above Its Competition | Autance

What IS Included

Mitsubishi’s new vehicle limited warranty, which is commonly called a bumper-to-bumper warranty, is longer in length and mileage than the industry standard of three years and 36,000 miles. This makes it stand out against many of its competitors, including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Mazda. 

Mitsubishi also provides a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, which is nearly double what many automakers offer. 

Bumper-to-Bumper

The bumper-to-bumper warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship that arise during the first five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. Nearly all components on the vehicle are covered, from the body to the electrical systems, although some are covered for a shorter time.

For example, a defective original equipment battery will be replaced free of charge only during the first two years. Adjustments required as a result of a  manufacturing defect as well as air conditioner refrigerant charges are covered for one year or 12,000 miles.

Audio units, amplifiers, navigation systems, CD changers, DVD video players, other entertainment systems, as well as all filament bulbs are covered for three years or 36,000 miles.

If you purchase a pre-owned Mitsubishi that it still under warranty, you will receive the balance of time and mileage provided by the new vehicle limited warranty. 

Powertrain

The powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission, transaxle, and other powertrain components, including the following:

• Cylinder block and internal parts
• Engine mount
• Flywheel
• Fuel pumps 
• Intake manifold
• Turbocharger
• Torque converter
• Transfer case
• Transmission case
• Axle housing
• Drive shaft
• Propeller shaft

The powertrain warranty is reduced to five years or 60,000 miles for the Lancer Evolution, Lancer Ralliart, and i-MiEV models.

Additional Coverage

If the body of a Mitsubishi vehicle’s sheet metal panel is perforated or rusts through due to corrosion (creating an actual hole), the warranty will cover it for five years and unlimited miles. Outer panel rust-through protection coverage lasts for seven years or 100,000 miles.

The federal emission control system defect warranty takes effect for a period of five years or 60,000 miles. The automaker also warrants the engine control module, transmission control module, catalytic converter, and onboard emissions diagnostic device for eight years or 80,000 miles.

New car owners also have access to 24-hour roadside assistance for five years and unlimited miles. This includes towing, jump starts, flat tire service, lockout assistance, and fuel delivery, as well as mechanical “first aid” for minor repairs and adjustments. Vehicles are towed to the nearest Mitsubishi dealership or other authorized facility for service.

What’s NOT Included

Mitsubishi’s new vehicle limited warranty does not cover vehicles that have been altered, misused, or involved in an accident. This includes fire, theft, vandalism, improper use of fluids, and damage from customer-applied chemicals, such as waxes and polishes.

If your vehicle is damaged by environmental conditions such as acid rain, hail, tree sap, or flooding, the warranty will not cover it. The following actions are also not included in the warranty:

• Failure to use genuine Mitsubishi parts or proper fuel and fluid
• Modification of the intake, exhaust, suspension, etc.
• Modification of the computer/control module
• Unapproved or incompatible repairs and upgrades

In addition, Mitsubishi will not cover wear and tear or normal use of components such as brake pads and shoes, engine tune-ups, wiper blades, cleaning and polishing, lubrication, and replacing filters, coolers, fuses, and spark plugs.

The powertrain warranty is not transferable to a subsequent owner. However, a subsequent owner will receive the balance of the powertrain components coverage provided under the bumper-to-bumper warranty, which is five years or 60,000 miles. The powertrain warranty does not cover vehicles that are used commercially, such as taxis, rentals, etc. 

Tires are not covered under Mitsubishi’s limited warranty, but they are covered by the individual tire manufacturer.

The automaker’s warranty will not cover corrosion caused by an accident, damage, abuse, or vehicle alteration. It will also not guard against surface corrosion from sand, salt, hail, stones, chemicals, acid, and fertilizer.

The Good

The best parts about Mitsubishi’s limited warranty are that its coverage is nearly comprehensive and it’s much longer than the industry standard. Given the extra time that the automaker provides, it’s not very likely that a defect will arise outside of the duration of the warranty. This gives owners some peace of mind when it comes to the reliability of their new vehicles.

Also, the length of the powertrain warranty is particularly appealing. It protects you for a long period of time should a manufacturing malfunction surface.  

We also like the fact that the bumper-to-bumper warranty is transferable for the lifespan of the warranty. This is great if you want to sell your vehicle only a short time after you purchase it because it can increase the resale value.

In addition, Mitsubishi’s roadside assistance plan stays in effect for five years and unlimited miles. This is convenient if you drive frequently, aren’t comfortable changing your own tire, or get stuck with a dead battery. This, combined with complimentary towing to a Mitsubishi dealer, is a benefit during a road trip.

The Bad

There’s a common thread with Mitsubishi’s and most other manufacturer factory warranties—it has a lot of exclusions. Even though the automaker’s limited warranty covers a lot of components, it doesn’t cover them in all situations. The warranty will not cover wear and tear, environmental damage, collisions, major modifications, or maintenance costs.

Also, while the bumper-to-bumper warranty is transferable, the powertrain warranty is not. So, only original owners can take advantage of that level of protection. In addition, if you have a defective tire, you must contact the tire manufacturer directly because Mitsubishi does not include tires in its warranty.

Finally, Mitsubishi will not cover non-factory parts, so you are limited in modifications or upgrades you may want to do to your vehicle. 

Takeaway Value

If you’re in the market for a new car and warranty coverage is a top factor in your decision, then Mitsubishi is an excellent option. The automaker provides robust bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties that will help you avoid expensive repairs should your vehicle experience a manufacturing defect.

The automaker’s lengthy warranty period makes it a compelling option, particularly in comparison to several of its competitors, which provide shorter time and mileage terms.