The Basics of a Tesla Warranty | Autance

What IS Included

Tesla offers a new vehicle limited warranty that covers almost all of the parts in a car in one way or another. The factory warranty itself breaks down into a few different coverages. 

Bumper-to-Bumper

The main portion of the factory warranty comes in the form of a bumper-to-bumper warranty that lasts four years or 50,000 miles. This term length, which is longer than the industry average, lasts long enough to cover most vehicles through the time factory defects are likely to surface in a new vehicle. 

This is an exclusionary warranty, meaning parts that are listed in the warranty terms aren’t included. Basic parts like wear items (parts that are expected to degrade over time through use) are left out. Beyond these exceptions, all of the important drivetrain, engine, interior, safety, and electronic systems are covered by the warranty. 

Powertrain

The main powertrain warranty matches the length of the bumper-to-bumper coverage at four years or 50,000 miles. The focus of this warranty is on the powertrain components like the engine, transmission, axles, bearings, etc. that keep the vehicle running and operational on a daily basis. 

Unlike the comprehensive warranty, the powertrain coverage is more inclusionary in its part list. Unless the specific powertrain component is on the list, you won’t likely get much assistance when it comes time to pay for the repair or replacement of the item.

Other

Tesla Motors includes a few extra coverages and perks beyond the basic comprehensive and powertrain warranties to meet the unique needs of an electric vehicle. The most obvious and important addition to the basic coverage is the battery warranty. Averaging eight years or 120,000 miles (even unlimited miles warranty in the past), whichever comes first, the battery warranty varies between different models.

The main focus of this warranty is on the large array of batteries in the chassis of all Tesla vehicles that keeps the motors running. Since batteries start to degrade over time, replacements and repairs are covered under this warranty during the term limits. The warranty will maintain at least 70 percent of the battery array’s overall energy capacity. 

What’s NOT Included

The Tesla warranty functions like most other factory warranties in that it’s limited to certain specific issues. Unlike third-party warranties, you won’t get as much use out of the warranty coverage under most circumstances. 

Incidental Issues

The main limitation of the factory warranty is the fact that it only applies to factory defects. Issues may result from mistakes made at the factory (i.e. faulty materials, workmanship, etc), in which case the factory warranty will pay for the repairs. 

Unfortunately, there is no coverage for issues caused by other incidents like accidents or bad weather. Even regular wear and tear isn’t covered; neither is the routine maintenance required to keep the degradation of certain components limited in the first place. 

The Good

Tesla does a good job of offering a little peace of mind to drivers who haven’t ever dealt with the operation and upkeep of an electric vehicle. The factory warranty is tailored to both the components its electric vehicles share and the ones that are unique to an electric drivetrain.

The battery coverage, for example, is the perfect addition to the standard powertrain and comprehensive warranties. Without it, the electric vehicle owner would be left with the cost of faulty or degraded batteries. This warranty effectively eliminates the potential of expensive repairs for as long as the coverage lasts.

There’s also a slight bump in coverage length over normal factory warranties. At four years, the extra year of coverage may not seem like much, but it can make a difference on the wallet when expenses start to mount for unexpected repairs. 

The Bad

The major downside to the Tesla factory warranty is the lack of extensive powertrain coverage. While the powertrain warranty does exist, its term length limits its usefulness. Traditionally, the powertrain lasts longer than the regular bumper-to-bumper warranty, meaning used vehicles likely still have some of the powertrain warranty left, even when the comprehensive coverage has expired.

This doesn’t apply to the Tesla factory warranty. Once the comprehensive coverage goes away, the powertrain warranty will also expire, leaving the owner without warranty coverage except for the battery warranty. At this point, you will need to find an extended warranty plan or just go without coverage altogether. 

Takeaway Value

If you are wanting to check out what a Tesla or an electric vehicle is like as a daily driver, the company’s factory warranty should offer you enough peace of mind if something goes wrong because of the manufacturing or design of the vehicle. In other words, Tesla won’t leave you hanging if the unexpected comes up. Just don’t expect too much help when it comes to accidental damage or routine maintenance.