One of the benefits of leasing a new car with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is the reassurance if anything went wrong with your new vehicle, it’s likely to be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. But what exactly is a manufacturer’s car warranty? How can you find out what is covered? And what is the length of your warranty period?
To help answer any questions you might have about the manufacturer’s warranty for your new lease vehicle, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has put together a helpful guide.
What is a vehicle manufacturer’s warranty?
A manufacturer warranty, also known as a manufacturer’s guarantee, is provided by the vehicle manufacturer. It is a promise from the manufacturer that the product you have purchased is free from defect. It acts as a customer reassurance that the product or service delivered meets all expected standards and is fault free, and if not, you will be entitled to a repair or replacement of the faulty part cost free.
What does a manufacturer warranty cover?
The exact details of a vehicle warranty differ between manufacturers, so always check the terms and conditions in your policy to understand what is and isn’t covered.
Typically, a manufacturer warranty will cover major mechanical components, such as:
- Engine
- Transmission system
- Fuel and ignition systems
- Cooling systems
- Electrics
- Gearbox
- Steering
- Suspension
- Non-frictional clutch
- Brake system parts
What is not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty?
Again, what exactly is or isn’t covered under your warranty varies between manufacturers but most warranties exclude:
- Wear and tear to tyres and wheels
- Exhausts
- Catalytic converters
- Brakes
- Clutch
- Damage to the bodywork, paintwork, glass, headlights, audio equipment, and satellite navigation systems
- Wiper blades
It is important to note, if your vehicle has air conditioning some warranties may not cover this system.
Other things to consider regarding the warranty include:
- Wear and tear – there may be a clause where you are liable to pay for a percentage of labour or parts charges
- Upgrading – if the new part replaced under warranty is better than the old one, you may be liable to pay a contribution to parts and labour
- Oil leaks – check if you are covered from oil leak damage caused by a part that is under warranty, but the damage affects other parts
- Consequential loss – check if your policy covers damages to covered parts caused by a failure of non-covered parts
Your responsibilities
Some warranty providers may try to avoid paying out for repairs under warranty, so it is important you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Some of the common queries used to avoid paying out include:
- Missing scheduled car services
- Use of ‘unauthorised garages’ when repairing non-warranty parts
- Modifications to the vehicle
- Signs of neglect to the vehicle, or repairs made due to this
- Repairs needed from using unapproved fuel, lubricant, or parts.
How long is the manufacturer’s warranty on a new vehicle?
The length and mileage limit of the manufacturer warranty depends on the actual manufacturer, but the basics of car warranties are the same.
Most manufacturer warranties cover a new car or van for a period of 3-years or 60,000-miles (whichever comes first), but there are a few manufacturers who offer longer warranty periods such as Hyundai and Kia.
When your warranty period ends you can buy another warranty to protect yourself against the failure of mechanical parts, or extend the one you already have.
If your lease deal is longer than 3-years, most manufacturers will allow you to purchase an extended warranty, also called 'Mechanical Breakdown Insurance' (MBI). MBI is a vehicle warranty designed to protect you against paying for unexpected breakdowns after your original warranty has expired.
When does the manufacturer warranty period start?
Your manufacturer warranty period starts from the vehicle registration date. This is the date your vehicle is first registered with the DVLA. This is NOT the delivery date of your vehicle.
You can find out the registration date for your vehicle by checking the DVLA website.
How can I find out the warranty period for my lease vehicle?
The specifics of manufacturer warranties can even vary between different models within the same range, so it is important you check the specific terms and conditions for your vehicle. Click on the manufacturer below to find out your warranty terms:
Alfa Romeo
All new Alfa Romeo cars come with a 3-year vehicle warranty which comprises of a manufacturer’s 24-month warranty and a further 12-months dealer warranty from the date of delivery and without mileage restrictions.
Audi
Audi offer a standard 2-year unlimited-mileage warranty. In the UK, this is increased to a 3-year warranty (with a 60,000-mile limit in the 3rd year). It is also possible to upgrade to a 4 or 5-year warranty, covering a whole range of mechanical and electrical components.
BMW
All new BMWs come with a 3-year unlimited mileage retailer warranty in the first 3-years and includes BMW Emergency Service. Any repair work required during this time will be completed by a trained BMW Technician at a BMW Authorised Workshop.
Bentley
New Bentley car drivers can take advantage of a 3-year warranty period with no mileage limitation and this starts from date of delivery.
Citroën
Citroën offer a 3-year warranty for vehicles, this includes a 2-year, unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty and a 3rd year, 60,000-mile limit, Authorised Network warranty. This warranty is only available for new vehicle orders and terminates on the 3rd year from the date of the original registration, or at 60,0000-miles (whichever comes first).
Dacia
Every new Dacia is covered by a standard 3-year or 60,000-mile (whichever comes first) warranty package. All new Dacia’s also come with a 2-year paintwork warranty, as well as a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty for ultimate piece of mind.
Fiat
Fiat offer a 24-month warranty period. This includes the repair or replacement of the defective part, its labour time and the supply of the necessary consumables for 24-months. There is also an option for a further 12-months Retailer Warranty, starting from the date your car was delivered. Fiat also protect your car from manufacturing defects that concern the paint for 36-months, starting from the date your car was delivered.
Ford
All new Ford cars, Ranger and Fiesta Vans come with a 3-year/60,000-miles Ford Warranty.
Honda
Your Honda is covered for a 3-year period (and for some vehicle parts longer) from the start date on your Warranty Certificate. That means, Honda will repair or replace any material or manufacturing defects free of charge, subject to the terms and conditions that you’ll find in your Service Book.
Hyundai
Hyundai are so confident in the quality and reliability of their cars that they offer a 5-year, fully transferable, Unlimited Mileage Warranty* to their customers for all new Hyundai vehicles.
INFINITI
For your peace of mind, INFINITI’s comprehensive warranty policy covers the first 3-years of INFINITI ownership or 60,000-miles. Among many highlights, the warranty includes full coverage for any paint defects and body perforation by corrosion – so you can rest assured your INFINITI will always look its best.
Jaguar
Enjoy the reassurance of Jaguar’s 3-year manufacturer’s warranty. If any part needs repairing or replacing due to a manufacturing fault, the work will be carried out by a Jaguar Authorised Repairer, using genuine Jaguar parts, all free of charge.
Kia
Every one of Kia’s models is covered with a 7-year or 100,000-mile manufacturer’s car warranty – with no hidden small print or nasty surprises.
Lexus
3-years or 60,000-mile cover for any mechanical fault – including those caused by a manufacturing defect. 12-year anti-corrosion and perforation warranty and 3-year paintwork and surface rust warranty. For hybrid vehicles, 5-years or 60,000-mile cover for both the hybrid components and the hybrid battery.
Mazda
You get a comprehensive Manufacturer’s Warranty. It includes, New Vehicle Warranty for 3-years or 60,000-miles whichever comes first, Paint and Surface Corrosion Warranty on body sheet metal panels against surface corrosion for 3-years regardless of mileage, and Anti-Perforation Warranty on body sheet metal panels against perforation due to corrosion for 12-years regardless of mileage.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz vehicles are known for their exceptional reliability and quality. But just to give you even greater peace of mind, every new Mercedes-Benz vehicle also comes with a comprehensive 3-year warranty. So, if you encounter any problems during this period caused by a manufacturing fault, Mercedes-Benz sort it out free of charge.
MG
MG3 18MY models covered for 7-years or up to 80,000-miles (whichever comes first), no mileage restriction during the first 12-months (some restrictions apply). Guarantees paintwork repairs to defects occurring as a result of manufacturing or material defect for the first 3-years (conditions apply).
MINI
New vehicles come with a 3-year warranty.
Mitsubishi
New vehicles and vehicles registered from January 1st 2015 have a 5-year/ 62,500-mile warranty (whichever comes first).
Nissan
Nissan supply a Nissan pan-European Warranty for each new vehicle in European countries where authorised Nissan dealers are located. Within the period of time or mileage specified, an authorised dealer will repair or replace, free of charge, those parts or components which are covered and which may prove defective.
Peugeot
Every new Peugeot comes with a 3-year/ 60,000-mileage (100,000-miles for commercial vehicles), fully transferable warranty.
For the first 12-years of your car’s life (5-years for commercial vehicles), your vehicle is protected for corrosion (rust) by our anti-perforation warranty no matter how many miles you cover. The anti-perforation warranty covers the repair or replacement of components acknowledged to be faulty by Peugeot. Terms and Conditions apply.
Renault
Your vehicle is covered by a warranty package for up to 3-years from the date of the first registration with unlimited mileage during the first 24-months. This is followed by a further 1-year, limited to a total 60,000-mileage (for KOLEOS, ZOE and LCV vehicles the 3rd year is limited to a total mileage of 100,000).
Rolls-Royce
Every new Rolls-Royce is protected by a 4-year, unlimited mileage, regional warranty* from the date of first retail or registration whichever is earlier.
SEAT
You’ll get a 3-year vehicle warranty. It includes a 2-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty and a 3-year warranty up to 60,000-miles. Plus, you’ll be covered with a 3-year paintwork warranty and a 12-year anti-perforation warranty.
ŠKODA
ŠKODA are confident in the build quality of their cars. So, not only can they give you a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty, but also a 3rd year warranty up to 60,000-miles, plus, a 12-year body protection warranty on all new ŠKODAs. And you can now extend up to 5-years/100,000-miles.
Smart
In the unlikely event that your Smart develops a fault, there’s no need to lose any sleep over it. New generation Smarts registered from January 1st 2015 are covered by a 36-month warranty – without mileage limitation.
Subaru
Every vehicle (excluding WRX STI) is covered by a 5-year / 100,000-mile (whichever is sooner) Limited Warranty.
Suzuki
Every new Suzuki comes with a 3-year or 60,000-miles warranty, whichever comes first. You also get a 12-year anti-perforation warranty as standard.
Tesla
Your car is protected by a New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 4-years or 50,000-miles, whichever comes first. The Battery and Drive Unit in your car are covered for a period of:
- Model S and Model X – 8-years (with the exception of the original 60 kWh battery manufactured before 2015, which is covered for a period of 8-years or 125,000-miles, whichever comes first).
These warranties cover the repair or replacement necessary to correct defects in the materials or workmanship of any parts manufactured or supplied by Tesla, which occur under normal use.
Toyota
5-years or 100,000-miles mechanical warranty from new (whichever comes first) with no mileage limitations for the first year. This warranty also covers any mechanical fault caused by a manufacturing defect. 12-year anti-corrosion and perforation warranty. 12-year unlimited mileage cover that protects against rust perforation affecting sheet metal body panels as a result of a manufacturing fault. This warranty can also be transferred to any future owner throughout the 12-year period.
Vauxhall
Vauxhall’s new vehicle warranty ensures your peace of mind against material or manufacturing defects for 3-years (unlimited mileage for the first 12-months and subject to a total 60,000-miles from first registration). This applies to all cars and vans except Vivaro and New Movano, the additional warranty for which carries a limit of 100,000-miles from first registration.
Volkswagen
New passenger cars will receive a comprehensive warranty to cover you against defects and repairs for the first 3-years. This is made up of:
- A 2-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty.
- A further 1-year / 60,000-miles (whichever is soonest) warranty.
This means you're covered for a total of 3-years or up to 60,000-miles, whichever comes first.
Volvo
For 3-years from the date the vehicle is delivered to the first owner or 60,000-miles, whichever comes first, any component failure attributable to faulty materials or workmanship during manufacture will be rectified free of charge by an authorised Volvo dealer.
For 3-years from the date the vehicle is delivered to the first owner, any paintwork defects and surface rust attributable to faulty materials or workmanship during manufacture will be rectified free of charge by an authorised Volvo dealer.
For 8-years from the date the vehicle is delivered to the first owner or 100,000-miles, whichever comes first, any material defect of the hybrid Lithium battery pack will be rectified free of charge by an authorised Volvo dealer.
Most manufacturers will also offer roadside assistance and breakdown recovery for the duration of the warranty. You can check out our lease vehicle break down guide and find the contact number you need to call in the event of a breakdown in the UK.
If you have any further questions about manufacture warranties, please call us on 0345 811 9595 to speak to one of our leasing specialists. Did you find this guide helpful or have another question? Let us know in the comments section below.