Should You Buy a Nissan 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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When you purchase your new or certified pre-owned Nissan, chances are the dealer will try to sell you a Nissan extended warranty. This warranty will cover your car after the original manufacturer warranty expires, but is it a good deal?
This article will review the ins and outs of a Nissan extended warranty and compare it with one of the best extended car warranty companies in the industry. You can get free quotes from some of the industry’s highest-rated providers above.
Table of contents
Nissan Extended Warranty Overview
Nissan Extended Warranty |
Coverage Term |
|---|---|
Security+ Powertrain |
8 years/120,000 miles |
Security+ Gold |
8 years/120,000 miles |
Security+ Silver |
8 years/120,000 miles |
Nissan offers extended warranties for new and pre-owned vehicles that can be purchased from the dealership when you buy your Nissan. There are three Nissan extended warranty options with coverage up to 8 years/120,000 miles: Gold, Silver, and Powertrain.
Powertrain |
Silver |
Gold |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Engine |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Transmission |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Transfer Case |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Catalytic Converter |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Front-Wheel Drive |
✓ |
||
Rear-Wheel Drive |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Suspension |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Steering |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Air Conditioning |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Electrical Components |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Timing Chain |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Fuel System |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Brake Cylinders and Valves |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Turbocharger |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Oil Cooler |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Rear Axle Beam |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Anti-Lock Braking System |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Thermostat |
✓ |
||
Resonator |
✓ |
||
Clutch |
✓ |
The chart above details the major components that Nissan warranties cover. For a full explanation of parts covered by Nissan’s extended warranty, examine your contract carefully.
The Powertrain extended warranty is comprehensive for a warranty of this type and covers components often excluded from powertrain coverage such as suspension, steering, and brake systems. Note that the Powertrain warranty is only offered for pre-owned Nissan vehicles.
The term length of a Nissan extended warranty contract is variable, but can be as high as 8 years/120,000 miles.
Additional Perks
The following perks are Included with all Nissan extended warranty plans:
- Emergency roadside assistance
- Trip interruption reimbursement
- Rental car reimbursement for $35/day for up to five days
- Towing reimbursement up to $100 per claim
Do You Need Extended Warranty Coverage?
Extended car warranties are intended to shield you from the cost of unexpected repairs due to mechanical breakdowns. The potential value of your extended warranty partially depends on the reliability of your vehicle.
A car that rarely needs repairs may not need extended warranty coverage. According to RepairPal, Nissans are fairly reliable vehicles. Most Nissan models have a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0 with RepairPal. The average annual repair costs for a Nissan are around $500 and range from $450 (Nissan Versa) to $748 (Nissan Leaf), depending on the model.
The most common problems with Nissan vehicles according to RepairPal are:
- Crankshaft and camshaft sensor breakdown
- Catalytic converter failure
Be sure to research repair costs and reliability for your Nissan model and year before deciding if a Nissan extended warranty is right for you. It’s important to note that most extended warranty contracts exclude catalytic converters.
Factory Warranty
Another thing to keep in mind when considering an extended warranty is that your vehicle may already be protected under the factory warranty. The standard factory warranty for a new Nissan includes:
- 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty
- 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
Certified pre-owned (CPO) Nissan vehicles come with an even more extensive 7-year/100,000-mile limited warranty.
Factory warranties tend to be fairly comprehensive, and it is not usually worthwhile to purchase an additional warranty until the factory or CPO warranty has expired.
Nissan Extended Warranty Cost
- Vehicle model and year
- Vehicle mileage
- Location
- Deductible
Nissan offers $0 and $100 deductible options. Contracts are financed at 0 percent for 12- or 18-month terms. To find out the price of a Nissan extended warranty for your vehicle, contact your dealer. These contracts are often negotiable.
Benefits of a Third-Party Extended Warranty
You generally need to purchase a manufacturer extended warranty at the same time you buy your vehicle. However, this may not be the best time to purchase an extended auto warranty. If you are considering extending the warranty on your car, compare the manufacturer extended warranty with third-party coverage options.
A third-party vehicle protection plan is often cheaper and offers higher coverage limits. They can be especially valuable for older cars and tend to have more service locations.
Nissan Extended Warranty |
Endurance Extended Warranty |
|
|---|---|---|
Coverage Start Date |
When factory warranty expires |
Anytime |
Longest Term |
120,000 miles |
200,000+ miles |
Levels of Coverage |
3 |
6 |
Deductible |
$0 or $100 |
$0, $50, $100, or $200 |
Where to Get Repairs |
Nissan dealership |
Any US or Canadian repair facility certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
Transferability |
✓ |
✓ |
Cancellation |
Refund available within 30 days |
Refund available within 30 days |
Roadside Assistance |
✓ |
✓ |
Rental Car Reimbursement |
✓ |
✓ |
Availability |
Purchase from dealerships |
Get Quote |
Final Thoughts on the Nissan Extended Warranty
A Nissan extended warranty offers expansive coverage for a reasonably long term. The Nissan extended powertrain warranty is especially good for a warranty of that kind. Coverage is likely to be better with a Nissan warranty than with any third-party provider.
According to RepairPal, one of the most common issues with a Nissan is a failure of the catalytic converter. All levels of Nissan extended warranty coverage cover this part, while very few third-party contracts do.
However, a Nissan extended warranty is also likely to be more expensive than third-party options. You may be paying extra for coverage you won’t need. Additionally, you may want to wait until your factory warranty has expired before you decide on extended coverage. With a third-party provider, you can start coverage anytime, rather than purchasing it upfront.
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
Does Nissan offer an extended warranty?
Nissan offers three extended warranty options: Gold, Silver, and Powertrain. Nissan extended warranties for new and pre-owned vehicles can be purchased from the dealership when you buy your Nissan for coverage up to 8 years/120,000 miles.
What does the Nissan extended warranty cover?
The Nissan Gold extended warranty covers many major system components with some exclusions. For a full list of covered components, check the Nissan website or ask a Nissan dealer for a sample contract.
Should I buy a Nissan extended warranty?
Nissans are reliable vehicles, and an extended warranty may not be worth the cost for some drivers. However, many drivers prefer the peace of mind of a Nissan extended warranty over unexpected, potentially expensive repairs. Check the average annual repair bills for your model and compare with quotes.
How do I extend my Nissan warranty?
You can extend your Nissan warranty either by purchasing a Nissan extended warranty when you buy your vehicle, or buying an extended warranty from a third-party provider at any time. Depending on the provider, you can extended Nissan warranty coverage for many years.
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.
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