Should You Buy a Kia Extended Warranty?
Auto manufacturers offer protection against mechanical breakdowns through extended car warranties. While similar coverage from third parties is available, this coverage is technically considered a vehicle service contract–not an extended warranty. However, we've used both terms interchangeably in this article for simplicity.
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As some of the most loyal car owners in the country, Kia drivers often keep their vehicles for many years. Unfortunately, even the best cars run into problems over time, leading customers toward Kia extended warranty options.
We’ve reviewed the United States’ best extended auto warranty providers and will dive into the details of Kia’s plan in this review. Keep reading to learn more about the Kia extended warranty and how it compares to options from third-party providers.
It’s always best to check out multiple options before landing on your ideal Kia extended warranty. Use our free tool above to get personalized quotes from the country’s top third-party providers.
Table of contents
Kia Extended Warranty Overview
Kia Extended Warranty Plans |
Platinum |
Gold |
Powertrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Transmission |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Transaxle |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Transfer Case |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Drive Axle |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Additional Hybrid/Plug-In Electric Components |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Steering |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Brakes |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Air Conditioning |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Front Suspension and Rear Suspension |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Electrical |
✓ |
✓ |
|
| Cooling | ✓ |
✓ |
|
Exclusionary Coverage |
✓ |
While the Platinum plan seems nearly the same as the lower-tier Gold plan, there is a key difference. The Platinum Kia extended warranty provides exclusionary coverage, meaning that everything is covered apart from specifically listed exceptions. The Gold plan instead covers only the parts mentioned in the plan.
What’s Not Included
As with any plan, the Kia extended warranty comes with some exclusions. Examples of these exceptions include the parts listed below. In addition, extended vehicle warranties don’t cover damage caused by collisions, theft, natural disasters, or negligence.
Kia extended warranty exclusions include:
- Brake drums and rotors
- Disc brake pads
- Safety restraint systems
- Lightbulbs
- Upholstery
Additional Perks
Every Kia extended warranty comes with benefits, including the following:
- Rental car coverage: Reimbursement up to $40 per day for up to 10 days per covered mechanical breakdown
- Towing coverage: Payment of up to $100 in towing charges per covered mechanical breakdown
- Travel coverage: If you’re more than 100 miles from home when you experience a covered breakdown, payment of up to $100 per day and up to $500 per occurrence for food and lodging
- Fluids coverage: Replacement of necessary fluids needed in conjunction with a covered repair
Kia’s added benefits are pretty standard for the extended warranty industry. We like the company’s fluids coverage and generous travel allotment. However, Kia’s plan doesn’t come close to the benefits offered by third-party providers, which usually include concierge services, tire replacements, identity theft protection, and other perks.
Do You Need Extended Warranty Coverage?
Also known as vehicle service contracts, extended warranties allow you to pay a relatively small monthly payment and deductible in place of large, unexpected repair bills.
A Kia extended warranty might help protect your budget, bring a sense of financial stability, and provide peace of mind. In addition to covering your vehicle from costly repair bills, extended warranty companies also typically provide perks such as roadside assistance, lockout services, and trip interruption benefits.
If you’re in a position to pay for sizable and unexpected repair bills out of pocket, you may want to pass on buying an extended warranty. For most, though, the benefits and protection that come with a Kia extended warranty more than make up for the cost. The table below lists some repairs that Kia drivers are likely to run into, according to RepairPal. These repairs would most likely be taken care of for you under an extended warranty, depending on your coverage plan.
Common Kia Problems |
Average Cost to Repair |
|---|---|
Power Steering Pressure Hose Replacement |
$512 to $537 |
Radiator Hose Replacement |
$92 to $107 |
Ignition Timing Adjust |
$53 to $67 |
Knock Sensor Replacement |
$263 to $311 |
Kia Reliability
Kia’s reliability as a brand varies according to industry experts. RepairPal ranks Kia as the third most reliable car manufacturer in the U.S., while J.D. Power ranks Kia models as being barely above the industry average. Kia finishes as the 19th most reliable brand in Consumer Reports’ latest study, which is below the industry average.
Considering these rankings, Kias such as the Optima, Sorento, and Forte are far from immune to expensive and unexpected repairs. It could be wise to purchase an extended warranty if you cannot afford expensive repairs out of pocket.
Kia Factory and Certified Pre-Owned Warranties
If you still have a new Kia factory warranty or certified pre-owned (CPO) warranty coverage on your used Kia, you might not need to look for an extended warranty right now. A new vehicle manufacturer warranty protects almost all components of your vehicle, except for a few exclusions. As your initial new car bumper-to-bumper warranty runs out, it is a good time to find an appropriate extended warranty plan. Below, we have listed the factory and CPO warranty coverage provided by Kia.
| Kia Warranty Plans | Coverage Term |
|---|---|
Kia Limited Basic Warranty |
5 years or 60,000 miles |
| Kia CPO Warranty | 1 year or 12,000 miles |
Benefits of a Third-Party Extended Warranty
There are some definite upsides to getting a Kia extended warranty from the automaker itself, but third-party providers often make for better options. We’d recommend checking out Endurance, CARCHEX and CarShield
These third-party extended warranty companies often offer coverage at more affordable prices and with similar or better levels of protection and benefits. Take a look at the head-to-head comparison below between Endurance and the Kia extended warranty.
Kia Extended Warranty |
Endurance Extended Warranty |
|
|---|---|---|
Levels of Coverage |
3 |
6 |
Coverage Limit |
120,000 miles |
200,000+ miles |
Deductible |
Varies |
$0, $50, $100, or $200 |
Where to Get Repairs |
Kia dealers or authorized service plan provider |
US or Canadian ASE-certified® repair facilities |
Transferable |
✔ |
✔ |
Cancellation |
Refund available within 30 days |
Refund available within 30 days |
Emergency Roadside Assistance |
✔ |
✔ |
Rental Car Reimbursement |
✔ |
✔ |
How to Get a Quote |
Call your Kia dealership |
Get a free quote online or over the phone |
Kia Extended Warranty Cost
Our review team has found that extended warranties for non-luxury brands typically cost around $3,000, but prices vary widely depending on your particular model.
Conclusion
If you cannot afford expensive repairs, purchasing a Kia extended warranty can be a smart decision. It will likely provide you with peace of mind and a number of helpful benefits when unexpected repair bills come up.
Whenever you shop for an extended warranty, we recommend that you get quotes from a few top-rated providers. By obtaining multiple quotes, you can compare providers against each other in terms of their coverage options, cost, and benefits.
Methodology
- Price: Comparing providers can be difficult due to the many factors that influence cost. To determine this score, we employ a secret shopper analysis using different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations.
- Coverage: A wide variety of coverage is essential to support the differing needs of customers. We take into account the number of extended car warranty plans available, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Customer Service: The level of customer service and care provided by an extended warranty company is an important consideration. Our review team sifts through customer reviews and complaints from reputable sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. We also consider the responsiveness of each company’s customer service team based on our secret shopper analysis.
- Reputation: Good extended warranty providers consistently provide quality experiences. Our team takes into account BBB ratings and the company’s history of reliable service when giving this score.
- Transparency: Customers value a commitment to open and honest communication when it comes to vehicle service contracts. Our team of experts takes into account the availability of money-back guarantees and sample contracts.
Q & A
Is a Kia extended warranty worth it?
Purchasing a Kia extended warranty is a smart decision for many drivers because it can provide them with both peace of mind and financial stability. Extended warranties also typically come with benefits, such as free tire replacements or concierge services.
What does the Kia extended warranty not cover?
Every extended warranty comes with some exclusions. The Kia extended warranty does not cover mechanical damage due to collisions, natural disasters, or negligence. It also does not cover some parts such as brake drums and rotors, lightbulbs, and upholstery.
What is covered under a Kia 100,000-mile warranty program?
Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty as powertrain coverage for essential components, such as the engine and transmission. The more extensive Limited Basic Warranty, which provides bumper-to-bumper coverage, instead lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Kia also adds in a 5-year/100,000-mile Limited Anti-Perforation Warranty.
Stephen Kenney is a writer and editor who focuses on car insurance, auto financing, and vehicle shipping services. He's a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and has experience covering categories ranging from travel to sports to environmental sustainability. In his free time, Stephen enjoys going on long-distance runs, trying out new recipes, and exploring his adopted hometown of Cincinnati.
More by Stephen Kenney
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Thank you