Tesla Warranty Review
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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If you’re already a proud Tesla owner or are considering purchasing a new vehicle, it’s smart to learn more about the Tesla warranty that comes with your vehicle.
In this article, we’ll review what’s covered under the Tesla warranty and how long coverage lasts. We’ll also explain your options for a Tesla extended warranty.
Unfortunately, many of the best extended car warranty companies do not cover Tesla vehicles because of their complexities and high repair costs, but you do have some options including an extended service plan from the manufacturer.
Table of contents
Tesla Warranty Overview
The Tesla warranty covers your vehicle after mechanical breakdowns for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Here is an overview of coverage lengths:
Tesla Warranty |
Coverage Length |
|---|---|
Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty |
4 years/50,000 miles |
Supplemental Restraint System |
5 years/60,000 miles |
Battery and Drive Unit |
Varies |
1 year/12,500 miles |
New Teslas also come with a battery and drive unit warranty. Battery and drive unit coverage terms depend on your Tesla model:
Tesla Model |
Battery and Drive Unit Tesla Warranty Length |
|---|---|
Model S |
8 years/150,000 miles |
Model X |
8 years/150,000 miles |
Model 3 and Model Y Standard or Standard Range Plus |
8 years/100,000 miles |
Model 3 and Model Y Long Range or Performance |
8 years/120,000 miles |
Tesla also introduced a new policy in 2020 where they will replace your battery if your battery retention drops below 70% during your coverage period.
Parts, Body and Paint Repair Limited Tesla Warranty
Repairs or replacements of Tesla genuine parts may be covered by the Tesla Parts, Body and Paint Repair Limited Warranty for at least 12 months or 12,500 miles. This limited Tesla warranty covers any failures in the materials or workmanship of manufacturer-installed parts.
Although general parts are covered for 12 months or 12,500 miles, certain components have longer coverage lengths:
- Sheet metal: Limited lifetime coverage
- Drive unit: 4 years/50,000 miles
- High-voltage battery: 4 years/50,000 miles
- Wall connectors: 4 years/unlimited miles
- Touchscreen and media control unit: 2 years/25,000 miles
What is Not Covered Under the Tesla Warranty?
There are some exclusions in Tesla's warranty including:
- Normal wear and tear items such as brake pads, tires, etc.
- Car Accidents
- Improper maintenance
- Paint corrosion
- Failure to make repairs or service your vehicle
- Theft or vandalism
- Overloading the car
- Improper Towing
- Environmental causes
- Driving off-road (only applies to Model S and Model 3)
Like other luxury vehicle warranty terms, there are some actions that could void your warranty coverage. These include:
- Not complying with recall advisories
- Not installing vehicle updates
- Not making necessary repairs
- Carrying cargo or passengers above load limits
Used Tesla Warranty Coverage
Used cars also come with Tesla warranty coverage. Plan details vary depending on the age and mileage of your vehicle at the time of purchase.
Used Model 3 vehicles only come with the remainder of both their New Vehicle Limited Warranty and their original battery and drive unit limited warranty. There is no additional coverage offered for Model 3s.
If you purchase a used Model S or Model X that’s less than four years old and has fewer than 50,000 miles, it will come with a Used Vehicle Limited Warranty that lasts for 4 years/50,000 miles, essentially re-setting the car’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty. These models also come with the remainder of their original battery and drive unit limited warranty.
If you purchase a used Model S or Model X that is over 4 years/50,000 miles but under 6 years/100,000 miles, it will come with a Used Vehicle Extended Limited Warranty. This Tesla warranty provides coverage for up to 2 years after the point of sale or up to 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. These models also come with the remainder of their original battery and drive unit limited warranty.
Should You Get Tesla Extended Warranty Coverage?
To determine if a Tesla Extended Warranty is worth it for you, it is important to evaluate Tesla's reliability and potential repair and maintenance costs.
Tesla cars have had problems with reliability in the past. In 2017, the company recalled more than 50,000 cars because of braking issues. Other issues with suspension and electronics have also affected Tesla's reliability over the years.
Parts and repairs for luxury cars and electric vehicles like Tesla can be expensive. Buying an extended warranty could be worth it to give you peace of mind even after your factory warranty runs out. Under most circumstances, the extended warranty coverage will allow you to only have to pay the deductible and a monthly premium out of pocket.
Tesla Extended Warranty Overview
If you want to lengthen the Tesla warranty on your Model S or Model X, you can purchase an Extended Service Agreement. This Tesla extended warranty can extend your New Vehicle Limited Warranty by either 2 years/25,000 miles or 4 years/50,000 miles.
The Tesla Extended Service Agreement covers virtually all vehicle parts, except for the battery and drive unit, as they are covered under their own separate warranty.
You can purchase an Extended Service Agreement up to 30 days or 1,000 miles after your New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires, but you’ll get a better coverage rate if you purchase sooner rather than later.
Can You Get a Third-Party Extended Tesla Warranty?
Many third-party warranty providers do not offer coverage plans for Tesla vehicles, however you can get coverage from CarShield. The most popular third-party warranty company in the industry, CarShield has been in business for more than 15 years and offers coverage for vehicles up to 300,000 miles in every state except California.
Third-party Tesla warranty coverage can be a great investment, as independent plans are often cheaper than manufacturer plans, offer more comprehensive coverage, and can be purchased at any time. However, it’s important to note that many warranty companies will only cover certain models of Teslas.
Learn more about CarShield coverage in our complete CarShield review, and get a free quote personalized to your vehicle below. We recommend comparing CarShield’s plan side-by-side with Tesla extended warranty coverage from the dealer.
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 Tesla have a good warranty?
Tesla's New Vehicle Limited Warranty does give new Tesla owners 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper coverage that covers the majority of repairs during your warranty period.
How much does a Tesla warranty cost?
The manufacturer's New Vehicle Limited Warranty comes with the purchase of a new Tesla. Extended warranties are available for an additional cost through the manufacturer or a third party. These costs vary based on model.
If I don't service my Tesla, will that void my warranty?
No, if you don’t service your Tesla, it will not void your factory warranty. However, if you receive a specific service alert and do not make an appointment with a Tesla Service Center to have your vehicle checked to prevent further damage, it may affect your 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.
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