If you’re wondering how to check whether your car is still under warranty, you’re not alone. It can be difficult to determine what repairs are covered. Warranty coverage protects consumers from costly repairs due to manufacturer defects. And, knowing your warranty terms can help you determine your next steps.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to check your car’s warranty status, the different types of warranties available, and what to do if you face a recurring issue. If you suspect your car’s defects make it a lemon, contact Krohn & Moss, Ltd. for a free case review.
Types of Car Warranties
Before checking your warranty coverage, first understand the types of warranties your vehicle may have:
Manufacturer’s warranty
This is the original factory warranty provided by the automaker when you purchase a new vehicle. It typically covers repairs due to manufacturing defects for a set period or mileage limit.
Powertrain warranty
Covers major components like the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Powertrain warranties often last longer than basic warranties, sometimes up to 10 years or 100,000 miles.
Bumper-to-Bumper warranty
A comprehensive warranty that covers most vehicle components, excluding routine maintenance and wear-and-tear items like brakes and tires.
Extended warranty
Purchased separately, either from the original manufacturer or a third-party provider, extended warranties provide additional coverage after the original warranty expires. Extended warranties vary widely in coverage and may require pre-approval for repairs. Some automakers only allow extended warranties to be purchased before the original warranty expires.
Emissions warranty
Covers emissions-related components, often required by federal regulations for a specific period. However, its coverage will depend on the regulations in your state.
It’s common to have multiple warranties on the same vehicle. Lemon laws typically only apply to manufacturers’ warranties. However, other laws, like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, allow consumers to protect their rights for all warranty types.
How To Check the Warranty on Your Car
Here’s how to check if your car is still under warranty:
Check Your Owner’s Manual and Warranty Booklet
Most vehicles come with a warranty terms booklet detailing the coverage period and mileage limits. Review this document to determine if your warranty is still active.
Look at Your Purchase Date and Mileage
Warranties are often measured in years or miles, whichever comes first. Compare your current mileage and the purchase date to see if your car is still within the warranty coverage period.
Use Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Your car’s VIN is a unique 17-character code that can help you look up warranty terms. You can find your VIN on the driver’s side dashboard, inside the driver’s door, or on your insurance documents. Once you have your VIN, you can use it to confirm your warranty status online.
Contact the Dealership
The dealership where you purchased your car can verify your warranty coverage by looking up your vehicle’s service history and manufacturer records.
Check Online Resources
Many automakers offer online portals where you can enter your VIN to check warranty coverage. Manufacturer websites often provide warranty terms specific to your vehicle.
Call the Manufacturer
If you can’t find warranty coverage information elsewhere, contact the automaker’s customer service. Provide your VIN, and they can tell you whether your warranty is still valid.
Even if your warranty has expired, the manufacturer may still need to cover the cost of repairs. If you brought the vehicle in for repairs during the warranty period, the car company is usually responsible for any issues you reported at the time. And if they fail to fix that issue more than once, reach out to our team to learn how you should proceed.
Understanding Extended Warranties
If your original manufacturer warranty has expired, you may still have coverage under an extended warranty. These warranties can be purchased from the original manufacturer or a third-party provider.
However, extended warranties vary widely in terms of warranty coverage and cost. To make an informed decision, carefully review the warranty terms to determine if the warranty is backed by the original manufacturer or a third party. And be aware of any deductibles, exclusions, or warranty claim limitations that may apply.
What To Do If Your Car Has a Defect
If your car has a recurring, warrantied issue(s) take the following steps:
Schedule a service appointment: Bring your car to an authorized dealership or service center for diagnosis and repair under warranty.
Keep records: Maintain copies of service receipts, repair invoices, and communications with the dealer or original manufacturer.
Know your lemon law rights: If the manufacturer fails to fix a substantial defect after multiple repair attempts, you may be entitled to compensation. Find out if you have a lemon now with our free Lemon Test.
Contacting a Lemon Law Lawyer
Checking your car’s warranty coverage is essential in determining your legal rights when you’re dealing with vehicle defects. If your car’s defects persist despite repeated repair attempts, you may qualify for a refund or replacement..
Krohn & Moss, Ltd. has helped over 60,000 clients nationwide obtain compensation for defective vehicles. Our experienced lemon law attorneys handle all aspects of the lemon law process, making it simple and stress-free. Plus, we offer a free case review to help you understand your legal options. Contact us today to find out if you qualify for compensation!