Tesla Warranty Protection

Disclosure: This content was produced by an independent editorial party for the purposes of educating our customers, and is not influenced by the other business operations of CARCHEX.

An extended car warranty is protection from the vehicle manufacturer against mechanical breakdowns. This term is sometimes incorrectly used to describe coverage from third-party providers, which offer similar protection plans called vehicle service contracts. CARCHEX is a vehicle service contract provider.

Whether you opted for the Tesla Model 3 or a pricier model, it makes sense that you’d want to spend as little as possible on repairs on your new Tesla. The original Tesla warranty protects you for the first few years, but what happens when it expires?

Below, you can brush up on Tesla’s current warranty protections and decide whether you want coverage once that warranty expires. We’ll also provide information on factory extended warranty coverage and flexible CARCHEX vehicle service plans so you can get the right vehicle protection for your budget.

When you purchase a new Model S, Model X, Model Y, or Model 3 Tesla, it comes with a New Vehicle Limited Warranty. This Tesla warranty is transferable to a subsequent owner at no cost. The following protection is included under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty

Lasting four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, the Tesla Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty covers repairs or replacements to correct defective materials or workmanship of parts provided by Tesla. This is known as bumper-to-bumper coverage, meaning that most parts of the vehicle are included, with just a few exceptions.

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Limited Warranty

This warranty covers repairs or replacements for your Tesla vehicle’s seat belts and air bag systems for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty

These powertrain components will be repaired or replaced at Tesla’s discretion. The warranty period varies based on your Tesla model.

• Model S and Model X: 8 years or 150,000 miles
• Model Y and Model 3 with standard battery: 8 years or 100,000 miles
• Model Y and Model 3 with long-range or performance battery: 8 years or 120,000 miles

Tesla also guarantees a minimum battery capacity retention of 70% over the warranty period. There are some restrictions and differences based on your battery type and model, so make sure to read your specific Tesla warranty.

Body Rust Limited Warranty

Tesla covers rust perforation—actual holes in the vehicle’s body panels—for 12 years or unlimited miles. This corrosion limited warranty is only for rust caused by defective materials or workmanship. For example, if you’re in an accident that chips the paint, and rust develops in those areas, your warranty doesn’t cover this.

Parts, Body, and Paint Repair Limited Warranty

This warranty covers repairs and replacements for genuine Tesla parts that fail under normal use. The warranty period is based on the part, but there is a limited lifetime Tesla paint warranty if your vehicle’s paint peels or cracks. Labor is also included. However, not all aspects of this warranty are transferable.

While Tesla owners have decent protection through the original warranty, there are many exceptions and limitations, as well as situations that can void your warranty.

According to RepairPal, Tesla vehicles cost an average of $832 per year to repair and maintain. That’s well above RepairPal’s study-wide average of $652 per year.

In part, these high maintenance costs may be because Tesla provides specific maintenance recommendations for your model in each vehicle’s owner’s manual. It also recommends you perform the following maintenance:

• Replace air cabin filter every two years
• Replace High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter every three years
• Air conditioning service every two, four, or six years, depending on the model
• Brake fluid testing every two to four years, depending on the model
• Tire rotation, balance, and wheel alignment every 6,250 miles
• Clean and lubricate calipers every 12 months or 12,500 miles (cold-weather regions)

Oil changes, fuel filters, spark plug replacements, brake pads, and emissions checks are standard maintenance items that aren’t required for Tesla vehicles.

In addition to regular Tesla maintenance costs, you must account for surprise repairs and replacements. Once your Tesla warranty expires, or if the repair isn’t covered, it’s up to you to foot the bill.

That’s where an extended warranty or third-party vehicle service plan comes in. These auto service contracts may offset the costs of repairs or replacements, so you can have peace of mind on the road.

When considering whether to budget for repairs or extra vehicle coverage, repair costs matter. Take a look at these average Tesla repair costs.

Provided by the manufacturer, Tesla’s version of an extended warranty is called an Extended Service Agreement (ESA). These plans are transferable—however, the protection isn’t as extensive as you think. You may experience these extended Tesla warranty issues:

• Only faulty workmanship and defective parts are covered, meaning breakdowns from normal wear and tear aren’t included.
• There’s a separate warranty from the car’s lithium-ion battery and drive unit.
• You can only purchase a 2-year/25,000-mile ESA.
• Extended Tesla warranty costs range from $1,800 to $3,500 depending on your Tesla model. 
• Each plan comes with a $100 deductible.
• You can cancel your plan at any time and receive a prorated refund. However, the refund is based on your claims history.

With over 20 years of experience, CARCHEX is known throughout the vehicle service contract industry as a trusted provider. In fact, we have endorsements and partnerships from Kelley Blue Book, Royal Administration Services, Edmunds.com, the Vehicle Protection Association, The Motoring Club, and more.

As you’re shopping for coverage, consider the benefits a CARCHEX vehicle service plan offers:

• Choose from thousands of mechanics—You select a mechanic from over 30,000+ certified auto repair shops.
• Low deductible—With CARCHEX, deductibles can be as low as $0, so you’re not spending more on top of your monthly payment each time you file a claim.
• Excellent customer service—Our experts work by the motto “Customer Experience Above All” and will gladly answer your questions. We maintain an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and have been BBB accredited since 2009.
• Affordability—CARCHEX has both monthly and annual payment options. In addition, we promise a No-Haggle, Low-Price, Everyday Guarantee™ and provide an affordable, fair price upfront when you call us for a quote.
• 30-Day Money–Back Guarantee—We’re confident in the services and products we offer, so we back them with a satisfaction guarantee.
• Direct payments—CARCHEX pays your selected auto shop for repairs upfront.
• Roadside assistance—All CARCHEX plans come with 24/7 roadside assistance, gas delivery, trip interruption services, rental car reimbursement, towing, and other perks.
• Flexible plan options—Choose from five levels of alternative coverage and several plan options under each level at CARCHEX.

Exclusions and restrictions apply. See your CARCHEX contract for more information or reach out to our team with your questions today.

At CARCHEX, our plans are backed by industry leaders all competing for your business. Through these partnerships, we’re able to offer you competitive prices for plans that are designed to meet the specific needs of your vehicle.

• If you want thorough coverage, one of our Titanium-level coverage plans is your best fit.
• If you just want essential, basic protection from the most expensive repairs, our Powertrain Plus or Powertrain plans are ideal.
• Looking for something in the middle? Try the Platinum coverage option.

CARCHEX plans can last up to seven or 10 years. You can keep driving and not worry about repair costs for years to come. We also give you the freedom to purchase vehicle protection at any time.

If you decide to sell your car, having a CARCHEX Extended Vehicle Protection Plan could increase the resale value, as our plans are transferable to the new owner.

Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
SRS Limited Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty: Up to 8 years/150,000 miles (varies)
Body Rust Limited Warranty: 12 years or unlimited miles
Parts, Body, and Paint Repair Limited Warranty: Varies based on part
Transferable: Yes, with some exceptions in the Parts, Body, and Pant Repair Limited Warranty
Used Tesla warranty: Similar coverage to new car warranty with some exceptions

Sources:

Tesla: 
https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/downloads/tesla-new-vehicle-limited-warranty-en-us.pdf

Tesla: 
https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/downloads/tesla-parts-accessories-body-repair-limited-warranty-en-us.pdf

Tesla: 
https://www.tesla.com/support/car-maintenance

Tesla: 
https://www.tesla.com/support/extended-service-agreement

Green Car Reports: 
https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1111921_life-with-tesla-model-s-beware-extended-service-agreement-fine-print

BBB: 
https://www.bbb.org/us/md/hunt-valley/profile/extended-warranty-contract-service-companies/carchex-0011-23015869

AAA: 
https://exchange.aaa.com/automotive/car-buying-and-selling/car-resale-value/#.XSdL7ZNKhTZ

Inside EVs:
https://insideevs.com/news/396389/tesla-warranty-terms-change/