If you’re thinking about buying a Tesla or already own one, understanding the warranty coverage is really important. Tesla offers a solid warranty on all their vehicles, covering different aspects of the car to give you peace of mind.
Let’s break down Tesla’s warranty coverage in simple terms, so you know exactly what to expect.
Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty
Tesla’s Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty, often called the “bumper-to-bumper” warranty, covers most parts of the car for 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first).
This includes repairs or replacements if something goes wrong with the car due to a manufacturing defect. Things like the touchscreen, the electrical system, and other key components are included. However, wear-and-tear items like tires and brake pads aren’t covered under this warranty.
Battery and Drive Unit Warranty
One of the biggest selling points of Tesla vehicles is their electric battery and drive unit. Tesla offers a much longer warranty on these parts, as they are essential to the car’s performance. Depending on the model, the battery and drive unit are covered for 8 years and a certain number of miles:
- Model 3 Standard Range: 8 years or 100,000 miles
- Model 3 Long Range/Performance: 8 years or 120,000 miles
- Model S and Model X: 8 years or 150,000 miles
During this time, Tesla will repair or replace the battery and drive unit if there’s a defect. They also guarantee that the battery will retain at least 70% of its capacity during the warranty period.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Warranty
Tesla also covers the car’s airbag system under the Supplemental Restraint System Warranty. This lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first). It ensures that any issues with the airbags or the components involved in their deployment will be taken care of during the warranty period.
Corrosion Warranty
The Corrosion Warranty covers any rust perforation (holes) in the body panels caused by defects in material or workmanship. It lasts for 12 years with unlimited miles, which is a nice bonus if you live in an area where cars are more prone to rust due to harsh weather conditions.
What’s Not Covered?
While Tesla’s warranty is fairly comprehensive, there are a few things it doesn’t cover:
- Wear-and-tear items: Parts like tires, brake pads, and windshield wipers aren’t included in the warranty.
- Damage from accidents: If your car is damaged due to an accident, vandalism, or natural disasters, the warranty won’t cover it. You’ll need your insurance for that.
- Regular maintenance: Things like tire rotations, wheel alignments, and replacing wiper blades are your responsibility as part of regular upkeep.
Extended Service Agreements
Tesla doesn’t offer traditional extended warranties like some other automakers, but they do provide Extended Service Agreements for certain models like the Model S and Model X. These agreements extend the coverage of certain parts of the car beyond the original warranty period, giving you more protection as your car ages.
How to Make a Warranty Claim
If something goes wrong with your Tesla, and you believe it’s covered under the warranty, you can schedule a service appointment through the Tesla app. Tesla’s service centers or mobile service technicians will assess the issue and determine whether it falls under the warranty. If it does, they’ll repair or replace the part at no cost to you.
Why Tesla’s Warranty is Important
Tesla vehicles are packed with cutting-edge technology, which can make repairs expensive if something goes wrong. Having a strong warranty in place helps protect you from unexpected repair costs, especially for major components like the battery and drive unit. Plus, Tesla’s warranty reflects their confidence in the longevity and reliability of their electric vehicles.
Conclusion
Tesla’s warranty is quite comprehensive, especially when it comes to the battery and drive unit. With coverage for up to 8 years, Tesla owners can feel secure that they’re protected if major issues arise. Just be sure to understand what’s covered and what’s not, so you’re prepared for any potential maintenance or repair costs down the line.
Owning a Tesla is an exciting experience, and knowing the details of your warranty makes the journey a little smoother.
Frequently Ask Questions
What warranties do Teslas come with?
Teslas come with several warranties to give you peace of mind. There’s a Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty that lasts for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This covers most of the car. Then there’s the Battery and Drive Unit Warranty, which covers those essential components for 8 years, but the mileage limit depends on your model. For example, a Tesla Model 3 has different mileage limits based on its range. There’s also a Corrosion Warranty that lasts for 12 years with unlimited miles, and a Supplemental Restraint System Warranty that covers airbags for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
What is covered by warranty?
Tesla’s warranty covers a wide range of things. The Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty covers most parts of the car, including things like the touchscreen, electrical system, and motor. The Battery and Drive Unit Warranty ensures that these components stay functional for 8 years, and Tesla guarantees that the battery will retain at least 70% of its capacity. There’s also coverage for rust under the Corrosion Warranty and protection for the airbag system under the Supplemental Restraint System Warranty.
How do I check my Tesla warranty?
To check your Tesla warranty, you can simply log into the Tesla app or website with your account. The app will show you details about your car, including the status of your warranty. You can also find this information in the car’s settings menu on the touchscreen. If you’re unsure or need specific details, Tesla customer support can assist you as well.
Does Tesla warranty cover brakes?
No, Tesla’s warranty doesn’t cover brakes, as they are considered wear-and-tear items. This means things like brake pads, tires, and windshield wipers aren’t included in the warranty since they naturally wear out with use. However, Tesla’s regenerative braking system means the brakes might last longer than in traditional cars, so you might not have to replace them as often.
What voids a Tesla warranty?
Several things can void your Tesla warranty. Modifying your car with non-Tesla parts or making unauthorized repairs can void parts of the warranty. Also, any misuse or negligence, such as racing the car or not following the recommended maintenance schedule, can affect your warranty. Always check with Tesla before making changes or repairs to keep your warranty intact.
Does Tesla repair damage?
Tesla does repair damage, but it depends on the type of damage. Tesla’s warranty doesn’t cover things like accidents, vandalism, or damage caused by natural disasters. For these, you would need to use your car insurance. However, if a defect in the car causes damage or a malfunction, Tesla will usually cover it under the warranty.
Are Teslas expensive to fix?
Repairing a Tesla can be more expensive than fixing a regular gas-powered car, mainly because Tesla parts and repairs are highly specialized. Tesla vehicles are packed with advanced technology, so fixing things like the battery, drive unit, or sensors can cost more. However, routine maintenance and repairs tend to happen less frequently compared to traditional cars, so that can balance out the costs.
Do Teslas have a lot of maintenance problems?
Overall, Teslas have fewer maintenance problems compared to gas-powered cars. Since they’re fully electric, you don’t have to worry about things like oil changes or transmission problems. The most common issues tend to be related to software updates or minor electrical issues, which Tesla can often fix remotely. That said, as with any car, problems can happen, so regular maintenance is still important.
How long do Tesla batteries last?
Tesla batteries are designed to last a long time. Most Tesla batteries are expected to last between 300,000 to 500,000 miles, which is equivalent to around 20 to 25 years of driving for the average person. Tesla guarantees that their batteries will retain at least 70% of their original capacity for 8 years, but many users report their batteries perform well beyond that.