When embarking on the journey of purchasing a new vehicle, the assurance of a comprehensive warranty is often as crucial as the car’s performance or features. A robust warranty package offers a vital layer of peace of mind, shielding your investment from unexpected manufacturing defects, unforeseen maintenance needs, and the real-world challenges that even the most rigorous automaker testing might not fully replicate. It’s the ultimate safeguard against the potential financial headaches that can accompany car ownership, ensuring that your automotive experience remains as smooth as possible. For many savvy consumers, understanding the intricacies of a warranty can make all the difference in their long-term satisfaction.
At a minimum, every new car sold in the United States comes with at least three years or 36,000 miles of basic coverage. This foundational level, often referred to as a limited or bumper-to-bumper warranty, typically addresses major vehicle systems, including air conditioning and infotainment. It is important to note, however, that these basic warranties generally do not extend to regular maintenance items such as wiper blades, tires, brake pads, or filters. Beyond this, powertrain warranty coverage usually offers an extended period of protection, specifically for critical propulsion components like the engine, transmission, differential, and axles, a crucial consideration for any vehicle owner.
However, the truly outstanding warranty programs go well beyond these industry standards. The best offerings extend basic new car coverage past the conventional three years or 36,000 miles and provide significantly longer powertrain protection. For electrified vehicles, this includes essential battery components and motors, with some manufacturers even guaranteeing a certain percentage of battery capacity retention. Moreover, leading automakers often sweeten their deals with additional perks designed to enhance the ownership experience, such as comprehensive roadside assistance, complimentary scheduled maintenance for a limited duration, or even luxurious concierge services. These added benefits transform a standard warranty into a comprehensive protection package that truly prioritizes the consumer.
1. **Hyundai: Pioneering Protection and EV Battery Assurance**Hyundai has remarkably transformed its brand perception, moving beyond its past as a budget-friendly automaker with occasional reliability concerns. Today, it stands as an industry leader, largely due to its pioneering warranty program, which has set new benchmarks for consumer protection. The brand’s basic coverage offers an impressive five years or 60,000 miles, a significant upgrade from the industry average. This bumper-to-bumper protection provides extensive reassurance for new Hyundai owners.
Beyond the basic warranty, Hyundai truly distinguishes itself with its powertrain coverage. New Hyundais come with an industry-leading ten years or 100,000 miles of powertrain warranty. This robust coverage extends to its diverse portfolio of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles, specifically covering battery components and system components. For electric vehicles, Hyundai takes consumer confidence a step further by ensuring that the battery will retain at least 70% of its capacity within this warranty timeframe, addressing a common concern for EV buyers.
Adding to the appeal, Hyundai’s comprehensive package includes roadside assistance with no mileage limit, providing critical support wherever you travel. This basic coverage is also transferable to second owners, a valuable asset for future resale. Furthermore, the brand offers a generous seven-year, unlimited mileage perforation warranty, safeguarding against rust and corrosion. To top it off, new Hyundai vehicles receive complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or up to 36,000 miles, making it an exceptionally well-rounded and consumer-centric warranty program that minimizes unexpected ownership costs.
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2. **Genesis: Luxury Coverage with Premium Service**As the luxury marque of Hyundai, Genesis inherently benefits from its parent company’s commitment to industry-leading warranty provisions. This strategic alignment ensures that Genesis owners receive a premium level of protection that matches the brand’s sophisticated vehicles and elevated customer experience. The foundational warranty mirrors Hyundai’s exceptional offerings, providing a solid framework for luxury vehicle ownership.
Genesis vehicles are covered by a basic warranty of five years or 60,000 miles, which is a testament to the brand’s confidence in its engineering and build quality. This bumper-to-bumper coverage ensures that major vehicle systems are protected, allowing owners to enjoy their luxury ride with greater peace of mind. Crucially, this basic coverage also includes roadside assistance, offering immediate support in the event of any unforeseen issues, reinforcing the premium service experience.
In line with its parent company, Genesis offers an impressive 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This extensive coverage also applies to the crucial electric vehicle battery components in its electrified models, ensuring long-term reliability for advanced powertrains. A standout feature of the Genesis ownership experience is the “Service Valet” program. This exclusive benefit provides complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles, with the added convenience of vehicle pickup and drop-off, seamlessly integrating maintenance into the busy lifestyles of luxury car owners.
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3. **Kia: Sister Brand’s Strong Showing with Nuances**Kia, as a sister brand to Hyundai, largely shares the same robust and pioneering warranty program that has redefined industry standards. This close relationship means that Kia owners often benefit from highly competitive coverage, offering substantial protection for their vehicles. The shared platform for warranty benefits underscores a collective commitment to consumer confidence and long-term vehicle reliability across both brands.
New Kia vehicles come with a basic warranty of five years or 60,000 miles, providing extensive bumper-to-bumper coverage for a wide range of components and systems. This aligns directly with Hyundai’s excellent offering, giving Kia owners a strong foundation of protection. This comprehensive basic coverage helps to alleviate concerns about unexpected repair costs during the crucial initial years of ownership, promoting a worry-free experience for drivers.
Furthermore, Kia provides a powertrain warranty of ten years or 100,000 miles, mirroring Hyundai’s industry-leading commitment to protecting the most vital components of the vehicle. While largely identical, there are a couple of specific tweaks in Kia’s offering. Its roadside assistance is provided for five years, but it is capped at 60,000 miles, differing slightly from Hyundai’s unlimited mileage provision. Additionally, Kia’s perforation warranty is set at five years or 100,000 miles, which is less than Hyundai’s seven-year unlimited mileage coverage, reflecting minor distinctions within an otherwise exceptional warranty package.
4. **Mitsubishi: Revamped Coverage for Enhanced Peace of Mind**For the 2024 model year, Mitsubishi has made a significant move to enhance its warranty coverage, strategically updating and expanding it to match some of the best programs available in the automotive industry. This commitment to improved consumer protection reflects a focused effort by Mitsubishi to build trust and confidence in its vehicles, particularly for its compact lineup. The revamped warranty positions Mitsubishi as a competitive player in terms of ownership peace of mind.
Mitsubishi now covers its small lineup of three core vehicles with an impressive five years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage. This extensive basic warranty is also fully transferable to subsequent owners, adding significant value to the vehicle’s resale potential. A notable benefit included in this duration is roadside assistance, which offers unlimited mileage within those five years, ensuring help is available whenever and wherever it’s needed, regardless of how many miles are logged.
Crucially, Mitsubishi’s powertrains are now covered for an exceptional ten years or 100,000 miles. This robust powertrain warranty specifically includes the high-voltage battery pack and electric components for models like the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid, addressing key concerns for owners of electrified vehicles. Additionally, Mitsubishi provides a seven-year or 100,000-mile anti-corrosion and perforation warranty, further safeguarding the vehicle’s structural integrity against rust and corrosion. This comprehensive overhaul makes Mitsubishi’s warranty package incredibly appealing for new car buyers.
5. **Ineos: Rugged Warranty for Off-Roaders**Ineos, a British startup automaker specializing in off-roading SUVs and trucks, has carved out a niche with its rugged vehicles designed for demanding conditions. Reflecting this robust character, Ineos offers a straightforward yet substantial warranty package tailored to the expectations of adventurous drivers. The warranty emphasizes durability and long-term protection, aligning with the brand’s core identity.
All Ineos vehicles come with a basic five-year or 60,000-mile warranty. Uniquely, this same coverage also applies to its powertrains, providing consistent protection across essential vehicle components. While the powertrain coverage matches the basic warranty period, it is still a solid offering for a newer manufacturer, demonstrating confidence in their engineering for tough environments.
Perhaps most notably, and truly reflective of its rugged character, Ineos guarantees its body will stay intact for an extended period. The brand offers an impressive 12-year perforation warranty with unlimited mileage. This exceptional anti-corrosion coverage specifically addresses rust and corrosion that could create a hole in the original metal body panels and chassis frame. For vehicles destined for challenging off-road conditions, this long-term structural guarantee offers unparalleled peace of mind to owners.
6. **Jaguar: Addressing Reliability Concerns with Solid Coverage**Jaguar, a brand often associated with luxury and performance, has, in some instances, contended with a reputation for questionable reliability. To counteract these perceptions and instill greater confidence in its discerning clientele, Jaguar has implemented a solid bumper-to-bumper warranty. This strategic move aims to assure buyers that their investment is well-protected against potential manufacturing issues, aligning the ownership experience with the brand’s premium image.
The basic new car warranty for Jaguar vehicles is set at a respectable five years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage. This comprehensive protection extends to a wide array of vehicle systems, ensuring that owners are covered for most defects that might arise during the initial years of ownership. This commitment to extensive basic coverage is a significant factor in bolstering consumer trust in the brand’s long-term dependability.
However, in contrast to some of the industry leaders on this list, Jaguar’s powertrain warranty offers the same coverage period as its basic warranty: five years or 60,000 miles. While this is still a substantial offering, it is less extensive than the ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties provided by several rivals mentioned here. To further enhance the ownership experience, Jaguar includes several valuable perks during the warranty period, such as complimentary scheduled maintenance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and an allowance for trip interruption, providing a holistic support system for drivers.
7. **Rivian: Tailored Protection for Electric Innovation**Rivian, an innovative American electric vehicle manufacturer, offers a distinct warranty structure that differentiates between its Gen 1 and the updated Gen 2 models, which were introduced for the 2025 model year. This tailored approach reflects the rapid evolution of EV technology and ensures that coverage is precisely matched to the specific generation and configuration of its cutting-edge electric trucks and SUVs.
For the newly updated R1T and R1S Gen 2 models, Rivian provides a four-year or 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. This standard coverage also applies to most Gen 1 models. However, the high-powered Quad-Motor configuration in Gen 1 models receives slightly extended protection, benefiting from five years or 60,000 miles of comprehensive coverage, acknowledging the advanced nature of these specific powertrains. This thoughtful differentiation ensures appropriate safeguards for all models.
One of the most critical aspects for electric vehicle owners is battery pack coverage, and Rivian addresses this with an impressive eight-year warranty for both generations. The mileage limit, however, varies depending on the size of the three battery packs offered. Standard pack models in both generations are covered for 120,000 miles, while vehicles with the Large or Max pack receive 150,000 miles of coverage. The Gen 1 Quad-Motor model stands out with an even greater 175,000 miles for its battery pack, underscoring Rivian’s confidence in its most powerful electric systems. Notably, accessories, including the Rivian Wall Charger, can also qualify for warranty coverage, providing a holistic approach to protecting the entire EV ecosystem.
Continuing our exploration into automotive protection, we now turn our attention to additional manufacturers whose warranty programs stand out for their comprehensive coverage and consumer-centric features. These brands consistently aim to provide peace of mind, understanding that a robust warranty is a cornerstone of vehicle ownership satisfaction. From established luxury players to innovative electric vehicle startups, each offers unique benefits designed to protect your investment and enhance your driving experience.
Beyond just the years and miles, the depth of coverage for critical components like electric vehicle batteries and the inclusion of convenient services like maintenance and roadside assistance are increasingly important factors. This next segment delves into these specific strengths, providing you with the detailed insights needed to make informed decisions about your next vehicle purchase.
Car Model Information: 2023 Honda Accord LX
Name: Rivian Automotive, Inc.
Logo: Rivian logo and wordmark.svg
FormerName: Unbulleted list
Type: Public company
TradedAs: Unbulleted list
Isin: ISIN
Founded: Rockledge, Florida
Founder: R. J. Scaringe
HqLocationCity: Irvine, California
HqLocationCountry: U.S.
Locations: 63 service centers (2025)
AreaServed: North America
KeyPeople: Unbulleted list
Industry: Unbulleted list
Products: Unbulleted list
Production: decrease 49,476 vehicles (2024)
Services: Unbulleted list
Revenue: increase}} {{US$
OperatingIncome: [object Object]
NetIncome: [object Object]
Assets: decrease}} {{US$
Equity: decrease {{US$
Owner: class=nowrap,Amazon (company),Abdul Latif Jameel,Volkswagen Group,Ford Motor Company
NumEmployees: 14,861
NumEmployeesYear: 2024
Website: url
Categories: 2009 establishments in Michigan, 2021 initial public offerings, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles containing potentially dated statements, American companies established in 2009
Summary: Rivian Automotive, Inc., is an American electric vehicle manufacturer and automotive technology company founded in 2009. Rivian produces an electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), a pickup truck on a “skateboard” platform that can support future vehicles or be adopted by other companies, and an electric delivery van, the Rivian EDV. Rivian started deliveries of its R1T pickup truck in late 2021. The company planned to build an exclusive charging network in the United States and Canada by the end of 2023.
Rivian is based in Irvine, California, with its manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois, and other facilities in Palo Alto, California; Carson, California; Plymouth, Michigan; Burnaby, British Columbia; Wittmann, Arizona; Woking, England; and Belgrade, Serbia. Rivian has plans to build another US$5 billion factory in Social Circle, Georgia. The company raised over US$13.5 billion in financing following its initial public offering in November 2021.
Get more information about: Rivian
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Brand: Rivian Model: Gen 1 and Gen 2
Price: $25,677 Mileage: 15,933 mi.
8. **Lucid: Premium EV Coverage with At-Home Service**Lucid, a prominent American electric vehicle manufacturer, offers a reassuring warranty package for its two distinct vehicles, underscoring its commitment to quality and customer support. This forward-thinking automaker understands the unique needs of EV owners and structures its protection accordingly, blending traditional coverage with modern service solutions.
Lucid’s basic warranty provides four years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage, giving owners a solid foundation of protection for their cutting-edge electric vehicles. This comprehensive coverage ensures that many potential issues arising during the initial years of ownership are addressed, allowing drivers to fully enjoy their innovative vehicles.
Moreover, the powertrain warranty extends significantly longer, offering eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage for critical propulsion components. Crucially, Lucid stands behind its battery technology, guaranteeing that the battery pack will retain at least 70% of its capacity throughout this extended powertrain warranty period, a vital assurance for electric vehicle longevity.
Adding to the ownership experience, Lucid also covers the first two years of scheduled maintenance, minimizing initial running costs for new owners. While dedicated Lucid service centers are available, the company further enhances convenience by offering to dispatch technicians directly to customers for maintenance and repair needs, providing a seamless and premium service experience.
9. **Infiniti: High-Mileage Protection with Concierge Benefits**Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury brand, offers a warranty package that, while not dramatically different in duration from some competitors, truly shines for drivers who log significant miles. Its thoughtful inclusions go a long way in providing comprehensive support and convenience, reinforcing the premium feel of the brand.
Infiniti’s basic warranty provides four years or 60,000 miles of coverage. What makes this particularly noteworthy is the higher mileage cap compared to most automakers offering a four-year basic warranty, which typically limit coverage to 50,000 miles. This extra 10,000 miles can be a significant advantage for those with longer commutes or frequent travel.
The powertrain coverage from Infiniti is set at a standard six years or 70,000 miles, protecting essential components like the engine and transmission. While this aligns with many competitors, the overall package is enhanced by a suite of additional benefits designed to support owners throughout their warranty period.
Infiniti provides four years of roadside assistance, notably with no mileage limit, ensuring help is always available, regardless of how far you’ve traveled. Should a covered breakdown occur more than 100 miles from home, Infiniti also offers an allowance for trip interruption expenses, further alleviating travel worries.
To complete its luxury offering, Infiniti dealers provide three years of scheduled maintenance, ensuring your vehicle stays in top condition. Additionally, many dealers offer concierge services such as complimentary vehicle pickup and drop-off, and some even provide alternate transportation while your vehicle is being serviced, making maintenance hassle-free.
10. **Lincoln: American Luxury with Personalized Service**Lincoln, renowned for its luxurious crossover SUV lineup, offers a warranty program that mirrors its commitment to a refined ownership experience. The brand understands that luxury extends beyond the vehicle itself to encompass comprehensive and convenient support services for its discerning clientele.
All Lincoln crossover SUVs come with a basic warranty of four years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage. This foundational protection ensures that a wide array of vehicle systems are covered, providing a solid reassurance for new owners of these premium vehicles.
This basic warranty package also includes roadside assistance, offering timely support in the event of unforeseen issues. This integrated service reinforces Lincoln’s dedication to providing a seamless and worry-free ownership journey, ensuring help is just a call away.
Regarding powertrain protection, Lincoln offers coverage for six years or 70,000 miles, a competitive offering that safeguards the vehicle’s core propulsion components. For its electrified models, Lincoln extends specific protection for the high-voltage battery and related hybrid components, covering them for an impressive eight years or 100,000 miles.
Stepping up its luxury game, Lincoln provides an exclusive concierge service for warranty work. This premium benefit means that a dealership representative will pick up and drop off your vehicle from your home or office, and even provide a loaner vehicle while yours is being serviced, epitomizing convenience and personalized attention.
11. **Lexus: Reliability Backed by Strong Hybrid/EV Assurances**As Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus leverages its parent company’s reputation for reliability, complementing it with a strong warranty package that aligns with other premium automakers. Lexus particularly stands out with its robust assurances for hybrid and electric vehicle components, reflecting its pioneering role in electrification.
Lexus vehicles come with a comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranty of four years or 50,000 miles, matching the better offerings among premium brands. This coverage ensures a broad range of vehicle systems are protected, providing confidence to new Lexus owners in the initial phase of their vehicle’s life.
The powertrain warranty extends for six years or 70,000 miles, covering the essential components that keep your Lexus moving smoothly. This standard yet reliable powertrain protection is a testament to the brand’s engineering quality and commitment to long-term performance.
For its advanced hybrid and electric vehicles, Lexus provides additional, impressive assurances. Hybrid components, including the hybrid battery, are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. The larger battery pack for the Lexus RZ electric vehicle also receives this same extensive eight-year or 100,000-mile coverage, addressing a key concern for EV buyers.
Further enhancing the ownership experience, Lexus includes roadside assistance for four years with no mileage limits. This comprehensive package also covers the first two scheduled maintenance appointments, promoting proper vehicle care. For extended service appointments, temporary loaner vehicles may be provided, ensuring minimal disruption to the owner’s routine.
12. **Acura: Solid Luxury Warranty Outperforming Rivals**Acura, Honda’s luxury arm, delivers a warranty package that offers solid protection and, in some key aspects, surpasses the offerings from other prominent luxury automakers. This commitment to robust coverage helps Acura differentiate itself in a competitive premium segment, instilling greater confidence in its vehicle owners.
New Acura vehicles are backed by a bumper-to-bumper warranty that spans four years or 50,000 miles, providing comprehensive coverage for a wide range of components and systems. This foundational protection ensures that many potential issues are addressed during the initial period of ownership.
The powertrain warranty extends to six years or 70,000 miles, safeguarding critical components such as the engine and transmission. This competitive powertrain coverage is a testament to Acura’s engineering quality and commitment to the long-term reliability of its vehicles.
Acura further enhances its offering with its Total Luxury Care roadside assistance, provided for four years or 50,000 miles. This valuable service ensures that help is readily available to owners in case of unexpected breakdowns or issues on the road, providing an important layer of security.
For the Acura ZDX, an electric SUV, the high-voltage battery receives an impressive eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty, reflecting the brand’s confidence in its electrified technology. Notably, Acura’s overall warranty package is considered superior to those offered by several other luxury automakers, including Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, offering a compelling value proposition.
13. **Vehicle Recalls and Reliability Trends: Scrutinizing Tesla, Ford, and General Motors**While strong warranties offer invaluable peace of mind, it’s equally critical for consumers to understand the landscape of vehicle recalls, which often highlight underlying reliability concerns and the need for manufacturer intervention. Recalls occur when automakers discover defects that could pose risks to drivers, and they are legally obligated to fix these issues at no cost to the owner, underscoring the importance of staying informed.
Looking at the broader financial picture, the three largest U.S.-based auto manufacturers—Ford, General Motors, and Tesla—collectively spent a staggering $10 billion on warranty claims in 2023 alone, a figure that exceeded the previous year’s total by nearly a billion dollars. This substantial expenditure, coupled with an additional $10 billion accrued for future warranty costs and $4.65 billion in adjustments, signals significant ongoing challenges in product quality and reliability across these major players.
Tesla, in particular, has faced a “costliest year in history” regarding warranty provisions, with 2023 being notably murky and 2024 not looking bright. In February, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a massive recall of 2.2 million Tesla vehicles—nearly every car the company has ever sold in the United States. This recall addressed an incorrect font size displayed on the instrument panel for critical warning lights, including Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS), affecting models from the 2012 Model S to the 2024 Cybertruck, with the remedy being a software update.
This incident followed closely on the heels of another significant recall in December 2023, where over 2 million Tesla vehicles were recalled due to issues with the Autopilot system. Titled “Autopilot Controls Insufficient to Prevent Misuse,” NHTSA’s investigation, which spanned two years, highlighted an increased risk of crashes when drivers failed to maintain responsibility or intervene as necessary. This recall affected many of the same models as the font size issue, and the solution again involved a software update designed to detect hands on the steering wheel and alert drivers.
Concerns extend beyond these software fixes. Investigations by NHTSA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have shown that merely measuring torque on the steering wheel is insufficient to ensure driver attention. In 37 out of 43 crashes examined, drivers had their hands on the wheel in the final second before impact, suggesting that current metrics for driver engagement may not be adequate. This raises the possibility that current software remedies might only be the “tip of the iceberg” for ongoing Tesla recalls, further complicated by a mandated recall of 1.6 million vehicles in China for similar assisted steering issues.
Regarding more traditional automakers, Ford Motor Company has consistently been a significant player in recall activity. From 2015 to 2024, Ford had 458 recalls, placing it second only to Forest River, Inc. in the total number of recalls. More recently, in 2025, Ford has led the industry with 107 recalls as of September 4th, underscoring a long history of recurrent vehicle issues ranging from brake problems to airbag defects and electrical faults.
General Motors, another automotive giant, also contributes significantly to the recall landscape. Between 2015 and 2024, GM issued 297 recalls. While its 2025 recall count of 16 (as of September 4th) is lower than Ford’s, these figures demonstrate that even long-established manufacturers face ongoing challenges in ensuring the faultless operation of their vast fleets, necessitating regular safety interventions.
While a strong warranty is a vital component of new car ownership, the recurring theme of vehicle recalls across major manufacturers like Tesla, Ford, and General Motors underscores a broader truth: no vehicle is immune to potential defects. The consistent high volume of recalls from 2015 to 2025—peaking in 2021 with 987 and remaining high with 950 in 2024—highlights persistent safety concerns throughout the industry. For consumers, staying diligently informed about recalls and understanding the full scope of their vehicle’s protection is not just about financial security, but critically, about ensuring their safety and the reliability of their investment on the road.
