Key Takeaways:
- Ford extended warranties are sold by the Ford Motor Company and provide protection for up to eight years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Ford extended warranties are available in four coverage levels: PowertrainCare, BaseCare, ExtraCare, and PremiumCare
- The average cost of a Ford extended warranty is $2590, with deductible options ranging from $0 to $200
In this article, we’ll dig into the coverage and costs of a Ford extended warranty. We’ll help you decide whether an extended warranty from Ford Motor Company is right for you and show you how the manufacturer’s coverage compares with third-party competitors.
Our review team has spent hundreds of hours researching car warranty companies to help consumers choose the best coverage for their vehicles. Writers and editors evaluate each brand based on industry data and real customers’ experiences, meeting high editorial standards to keep readers informed.
Ford Protect Extended Service Plan
What used to be known as Ford ESP is now Ford Protect. A Ford Protect Extended Service Plan (ESP) is available for all Ford vehicles still protected under factory coverage. Ford’s extended service plan helps customers save on expensive vehicle repair costs.
A Ford Protect ESP protects Ford owners from unexpected vehicle repair costs after their New Vehicle Limited warranty expires. Ford Protect ESP plans are available in several coverage levels and deductible options.
Ford Extended Warranty Coverage
Ford offers four extended warranty plans, PremiumCARE, ExtraCARE, BaseCARE, and PowertrainCARE. Each plan lasts for up to 8 years/150,000 miles. Unlike car insurance policies covering vehicle damage after a collision or other event, Ford’s extended warranty plans are designed to protect specific car components if a mechanical failure happens. Extended vehicle service contracts are never legally required.
Ford Extended Warranty Plans
Ford offers four extended warranties that vary in coverage and term length. Each plan protects against mechanical breakdowns for specific vehicle parts. Below we will review each plan’s part coverage and term lengths.
Plan |
Coverage |
Coverage Terms |
Description |
---|---|---|---|
PowertrainCare |
29 component parts covered |
8 years/150,000 miles |
This plan is Ford’s most basic extended warranty contract covering the bare essentials for running a vehicle (engine, transmission, driveline) |
BaseCare |
84 component parts covered |
3 years/36,000 miles up to 8 years/150,000 miles |
PowertrainCare is a powertrain plus plan covering your vehicle’s components that specifically impact drivability, like the steering system. |
ExtraCare |
113 component parts covered |
3 years/36,000 miles up to 8 years/150,000 miles |
ExtraCare plans are more comprehensive and include high-tech coverage like navigation and audio systems. |
PremiumCare |
Over 1,000 component parts covered |
8 years/150,000 miles |
This plan is similar to a bumper-to-bumper warranty and is Ford’s most comprehensive extended warranty plan with few exclusions. |
Ford Premium Care
The Ford PremiumCare extended warranty covers over 1,000 Ford components for up to 8 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Covered components include:
- The engine
- Transmission
- Brakes
- Steering
- Electrical
- Front suspension
- And more
The plan acts as an extension of the Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty and includes coverage for select components that failed due to normal wear and tear, workmanship, and material defects.
Ford Extra Care Warranty
The Ford Protect ExtraCARE covers vehicle systems that affect your vehicle’s overall performance, including its drivability. The plan covers 113 Ford components, including partial coverage for:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Front-wheel drive
- Front suspension
- Air conditioning
- Electrical
- High-tech components
Plus full coverage for steering and braking components.
Ford Base Care
The Ford Protect BaseCARE plan covers systems related to driveability and performance overall. The plan covers 84 Ford components, including partial coverage for:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Front-wheel drive
- Front suspension
- Air conditioning
Plus full coverage for the steering system.
Ford Powertrain Care
A vehicle’s powertrain is the most important component system and one of the most costly to repair. The plan covers 29 Ford components, including partial coverage for the engine and transmission as well as rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
Ford Protect ESP Warranty Benefits
All Ford ESP warranty contracts are transferable and include the following additional benefits:
- 24-hour roadside assistance
- Towing reimbursement (up to $100 per occurrence)
- Travel expense reimbursement (up to $1,000 total)
- Tire changes
- Lockout assistance
- Fluid delivery
- Rental vehicle benefits
Ford ESP Exclusions
Only some components are covered under the Ford extended warranty, even at the highest level of coverage. Examples of excluded parts include wear-and-tear items like shock absorbers, wiper blades, and brake pads.
Customers must also maintain their vehicles according to factory recommendations, but scheduled maintenance services are not covered under the Ford extended warranty.
Can I Extend My Ford Warranty After It Expires?
No. Ford extended service plans are only available for vehicles that are still covered by Ford’s New Vehicle Warranty which lasts for 3 years/36,000 miles. Coverage can only last up to 8 years/150,000 miles. If you’re looking for more flexible, longer coverage terms, consider getting free quotes from a few of the most reputable extended car warranty companies.
Does A Ford Extended Warranty Transfer?
Yes. Ford extended warranties are transferable. You must pay a small transfer fee – fees vary by state. You should talk about the transferability of your Ford ESP with your dealer before you purchase any Ford Protect extended warranty plans. Vehicle service contracts must be paid in full before you can transfer the contract to a new owner.
Ford Maintenance Plans
In addition to Ford’s extended warranty plans, Ford owners can add additional dealership-backed maintenance and protection plans to their new or used cars. These plans offer various coverage options allowing Ford owners to maintain and protect their vehicles better. In the sections below, we’ll look at the specific coverage available from the different Ford Protect offerings.
Ford Premium Maintenance Plan
In addition to its extended warranties, Ford also offers owners the ability to purchase pre-paid maintenance plans under its Ford Protect Premium Maintenance Plan. These protection plans cover:
- Multi-point inspections
- Preventative care
- Routine inspections
- Oil filter changes
- Wear and tear items like wiper blades, brake pads, and struts
- All factory-required maintenance
Ford Protection Plans
Ford Protect plans cover components that are normally excluded from extended warranties. Typically, these components are considered wear and tear items or cosmetic damage and are not covered by most extended warranties.
Ford Tire Warranty
Ford Protect TireCare protects your Ford’s tire and wheels from damage caused by most road hazards such as glass, nails, metal, debris, potholes, and blowouts. This plan covers wheels made of alloy, aluminum, and steel. For all tires that are damaged beyond repair with more than 3/32” of tread depth remaining, Ford will reimburse you for replacement tires of like kind, quality, and cost.
Ford Ding And Dent Coverage
The Ford DentCare plan protects your vehicle’s body from accidental dent and ding damage. For any dent or ding less than four inches that are located on an accessible area of the body panel, Ford will use its patented Ford Paitnles Dent Repair to permanently remove dents and dings without sanding, body fillers, or painting. Vehicles that have body panels made of plastic, fiberglass, or non-composite body panels are excluded from this plan.
Ford Windshield Warranty
The Ford Windshield Protection plan protects your vehicle’s windshield from damage caused by road hazards if the damage to your windshield is less than six inches in diameter for up to eight years/unlimited miles.
Ford TripleCare
Ford TrippleCare offers Ford owners the option to combine the dent and ding, tire, and windshield protection plans into one service contract. Contact your local Ford dealership for coverage terms and pricing.
Ford SurfaceCare
Ford SurfaceCare covers your vehicle’s interior and exterior for 2-7 years/unlimited miles. Ford’s SurfaceCare plan uses Motocraft protect products to prevent:
- Exterior fading
- Loss of exterior gloss
- Hard water etching
- Acid rain
- Accidental paint overspray
- Tree sap
- Oxidation
- Insect damage
- Road salt and de-icing agent damage
Ford’s SurfaceCare warranty also provides protection for your vehicles interior against food or drink stains, oil-based stains, bodily fluids, inks, dyes, cosmetic makeup, crayons, and pet stains.
Ford Theft Protection
The Ford Protect TheftCare is a limited warranty that pays up to $5,000 for purchasing a replacement vehicle in case your Ford is stolen. Typically, insurance companies only cover the market value of your vehicle at the time of theft.
Ford Extended Warranty Cost
On average, a Ford extended warranty costs $2,590. Based on quotes our research team received online through a licensed Ford dealer, the Ford Protects website, and in-person quotes, drivers typically pay between $2,100 and $4,300 for extended warranty coverage.
Ford Extended Warranty Quotes
The table below contains specific prices for various levels of Ford Extended Warranty coverage that were quoted to our research team:
Plan Terms |
Warranty Quote Source |
Ford ESP Warranty Cost |
---|---|---|
8 years/150,000 miles |
Dealership website |
$3,365 |
8 years/150,000 miles |
Ford Protect website |
$4,285 |
8 years/150,000 miles |
Dealership website |
$2,949 |
8 years/125,000 miles |
Dealership website |
$2,165 |
7 years/60,000 miles |
Dealership in person |
$2,800 |
Ford Extended Warranty Deductible
Deductibles for the Ford Protect Extended Service plan range from $0 to $200. Ford offers what is known as a disappearing deductible, which means the deductible is waived if the driver visits the local ford dealership that sold them the plan for mechanical repairs covered by the driver’s Ford Protect plan. The $0 deductible is only available for new vehicles. Typically, lower deductibles increase the total cost of an extended warranty. Below is a table showing how deductibles affect the cost of an extended warranty for a 2019 Ford Explorer and Ford Focus:
Vehicle |
Deductible |
Cost |
---|---|---|
2019 Ford Explorer |
$0 |
$1,645 |
2019 Ford Explorer |
$50 |
$1,340 |
2019 Ford Explorer |
$100 |
$1,190 |
2019 Ford Focus |
$0 |
$1,355 |
2019 Ford Focus |
$50 |
$1,050 |
2019 Ford Focus |
$100 |
$900 |
Ford Extended Warranty Price
These prices are within industry averages for extended warranty contracts. However, the final cost of your Ford extended warranty will vary depending on your particular vehicle and location. For your quotes, contact your local Ford dealership.
You can buy a Ford extended warranty from the Ford Protect website, a Ford dealership, or from a dealership that sells extended warranty plans online. As the above prices show, the cost of a Ford Protect ESP varies depending on where you purchase the plan even though the plans are identical.
Some online dealers provide more affordable coverage than in-person dealerships or the Ford Protect website. Some drivers prefer to purchase an extended warranty at a local dealership where they are able to actively ask questions. However, we recommend getting quotes from online dealers beforehand and bringing them with you to the dealership. In this case, you will be able to negotiate the cost of your Ford extended warranty when you have proof of lower prices offered for the same plans. Some Ford dealerships will match the price-match any quotes you bring from another dealership.
Ford Extended Warranty Payment
You can finance a Ford extended warranty or maintenance plan interest-free for up to thirty months. While this option allows you to pay less upfront, it’s important to remember that financing your extended warranty can mean you’ll likely pay more overall because you will pay interest on the extended warranty during your auto loan.
What Affects Ford Extended Warranty Costs?
Multiple factors affect the cost of a Ford extended warranty. There is no set cost for every Ford vehicle. Your Extended Service Plan will depend on your Ford model, year, mileage, and the level of coverage you choose.
Here’s how these and other factors can affect the pricing of an extended auto warranty:
- Coverage Length: If you drive less than the average person, a shorter contract is often cheaper than a plan with long coverage terms.
- Coverage level: More comprehensive plans, like a bumper-to-bumper extended warranty, cost the most, while a simple powertrain warranty costs the least.
- Make And Model: Extended warranty plans for Ford vehicles with a higher average cost of repairs cost more. For example, a Ford F-250 extended warranty is more expensive than a Ford Edge extended warranty.
- Mileage And Vehicle Age: Higher mileage and older vehicles are more prone to mechanical breakdowns, which increases the cost of extended warranty coverage.
- Deductible: Ford gives drivers a choice between a $0, $50, $100, or $200 deductible. Choosing a lower deductible often leads to a higher overall coverage cost. A higher deductible will lower the overall cost of the plan.
- Existing Coverage Status: you’ll often get a cheaper contract if the original factory warranty covers your vehicle at the time of purchase.
Is Ford ESP Refundable?
Yes. Ford Extended Service Plans could be canceled for a full refund minus a $75 processing fee if you did not make a warranty claim. Cancellations can take place within 30 to 60 days of purchase, depending on what state you live in
Is A Ford Extended Warranty Worth It?
Before purchasing an extended warranty, consider Ford’s reliability and factory coverage. If you think the cost of your Ford extended warranty will exceed the cost of future repair bills, this coverage may not be the right choice. The reliability of your vehicle is crucial when determining if an extended warranty is worth it for you and your Ford vehicle.
Another thing to consider before purchasing a Ford extended warranty is your vehicle’s current coverage. If you plan to sell or trade your Ford before or shortly after factory coverage expires, there is little reason to purchase an extended warranty.
Are Fords Reliable?
According to RepairPal, Ford has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, placing it 21st out of 32 ranked automakers. With a high probability of experiencing mechanical failure, drivers should also consider the average cost of repairs for Ford vehicles.
Ford Maintenance Cost
According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for Ford vehicles is $775, which is high compared to the industry-wide average of $652. Repair cost numbers are based on customer reports. The chart below outlines some common Ford repairs and estimated costs according to Repair Pal.
Model |
Repair |
Estimated Cost |
---|---|---|
Ford Taurus |
Fuel pump replacement |
$611 to $2,757 |
Ford Ranger |
Head gasket replacement |
$1,463 to $1,847 |
Ford F-150 |
Radiator replacement |
$637 to $1,143 |
Ford Explorer |
Starter replacement |
$335 to $563 |
Is My Ford Still Under Warranty?
Ford’s factory warranty includes a bumper-to-bumper warranty lasting for 3 years/36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty for 5 years/60,000 miles.
Factory Coverage
All new Ford vehicles come with the following factory warranty coverage:
- Bumper-to-bumper warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
- Safety restraint system warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
- Corrosion perforation warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
- Diesel engine warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles
CPO Coverage
Certified pre-owned (CPO) Ford vehicles are protected by the following Ford warranties:
- Bumper-to-bumper warranty: 1 year/12,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: 7 years/100,000 miles
How To Check Ford Warranty
If you need to check to see if your Ford is still under factory warranty, you can check its status online by entering your VIN on Ford’s owner’s website. You can check the status of your Ford Protect ESP extended warranty by calling customer service and giving the representative your VIN.
Ford Extended Warranty Reviews
The Ford extended service plan is a good choice if you want to purchase an extended warranty for your Ford. PremiumCARE, the top-tier Ford extended warranty, provides more comprehensive coverage than you will likely find elsewhere, and plan costs are fair.
Customers paying for repairs out of pocket may not need an extended warranty. It’s usually less expensive in the long run to save for the cost of repairs yourself.
An extended warranty can increase the resale value of your Ford on the open market, but it will not increase your trade-in value at the dealership. However, extended a Ford extended warranty can be one way to finance repairs and provide peace of mind.
Best Ford Extended Warranty
Before purchasing a Ford Protect Extended Warranty, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of an extended warranty. You can only purchase a Ford Protect ESP from Ford or a certified dealer, but there are comparable coverage options offered by multiple third-party vehicle service contract providers.
Our review team analysed the top third-party extended warranty companies and found Endurance offers the best overall coverage.
A comparison between Ford’s extended warranty and Endurance is outlined in the chart below.
Ford Extended Warranty |
Endurance Extended Warranty |
|
---|---|---|
Start Date |
Original in-service date |
Anytime |
Longest Term |
150,000 miles |
200,000+ miles |
Number of Plans |
4 |
6 |
Deductible |
$0, $50, $100, $200 |
$0, $50, $100, $200 |
Repair Facilities |
Ford dealerships |
Repair shops certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®) |
Extra Benefits |
|
1 year free of Elite Benefits, which includes:
|
How to Purchase |
Purchase from dealerships |
If you’re looking to lengthen your factory warranty coverage, you can purchase a vehicle service contract from Ford or a third-party provider.
Third-party contracts generally offer a more comprehensive selection of repair shops, longer coverage terms, and coverage for older vehicles. However, a third-party warranty does not guarantee using genuine Ford parts or factory-trained technicians, so you’ll have to decide what’s most important to you.
-
- Better Coverage: Third-party plans provide better coverage than the Ford extended warranty. For example, Endurance plans cover wheel bearings, while only Ford’s PremiumCARE plan covers wheel bearings. Additionally, third-party contracts offer better coverage for older and high-mileage vehicles (see #5).
- More Plan Options Third-party extended warranty companies offer more coverage options and plans. Unlike Ford, third-party providers provide drivers with more customization and pricing than Ford Protect ESP. Ford requires owners to purchase an extended warranty before the factory warranty expires, but third-party vehicle service contracts can be purchased long after your Ford warranty expires.
- Lower price: Third-party providers offer similar coverage to a Ford ESP plan but are often cheaper than the ones offered by Ford. Our research shows that the average Ford extended warranty costs $3,173, while the automaker says its average is $2,590.
- Choice of Repair Location: Ford ESP plans require owners to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln-certified dealership for repairs. This means factory-trained technicians only use genuine Ford parts to work on your vehicle. Drivers not living near a certified dealership must travel to an authorized repair shop making repairs more costly when travel expenses are accounted for. Aftermarket warranties allow you to take your vehicle to any repair shop certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®)
- Longer Terms: Ford’s extended warranty coverage terms are short compared to Third-party options. The best extended warranty companies have plans to extend coverage up to 250,000 miles for vehicles 20 model years or older. Ford only covers vehicle models up to 10 years old.
- Unique benefits: Ford’s extended warranty benefits are normal by industry standards. Third-party providers offer superior perks in comparison. Endurance Elite Membership provides up to two tire replacements, identity theft protection, concierge service, and more.
- Purchase At Any Time: Unlike Ford, third-party providers allow all drivers to purchase an aftermarket extended warranty after their Ford factory warranty expires.
- Transparent Sample Contracts: Aftermarket extended warranty providers have clear sample contracts online. This means you can see precisely what is and isn’t covered under each plan before requesting a quote. Ford does not offer sample contracts online, and you will not know the contract terms and conditions until it is time to sign on the dotted line.
Buy Ford Extended Warranty
When shopping for a Ford vehicle at a dealership, you should contact a few of the industry’s top this-party extended warranty providers for free quotes to see how they compare. Comparing coverage options allows you to understand the market rate better and will also help ensure you get the most coverage at the lowest price.
Ford Extended Warranty Companies
Our review team has also examined the best-extended warranty companies in the industry, evaluating plan options, pricing, customer reviews, and more. Third-party extended warranty providers often offer more affordable coverage and longer coverage terms.
Purchasing a Ford aftermarket warranty from a reputable third-party extended warranty company allows you to buy an extended warranty after your factory warranty expires. Unlike Ford, third-party extended warranty companies can extend coverage for vehicles up to 20 years old for 250,000 miles. We recommend getting free no-obligation quotes from third-party providers such as Endurance and CarShield for your Ford vehicle.
Endurance: Best Overall
Our review team ranked Endurance 4.6 out of 5 stars and gave it the award of Best Overall. The company has been a this-party extended warranty provider since 2005.
The company has mostly positive reviews with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has a 4 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot. If you had to choose only one extended warranty provider, we recommend Endurance.
Endurance offers a variety of plans, deductibles, and payment options. Endurance plans provide coverage up to 200,000 miles and provide plans for older vehicles.
When you purchase an extended warranty from Endurance, you get additional benefits such as 24-hour roadside assistance, trip interruption benefits, and rental car coverage.
CarShield: Most Affordable
Our Review team ranked CarShield 4.5 out of 5 stars. CarShield has been in business since 2005 and offers the most affordable extended warranty plans. The company has a 4-star rating from over 33,000 customer reviews on Trustpilot.
When our research team got quotes from extended warranty companies across the country, CarShield offered the lowest quotes overall. CarShield offers six plans ranging from basic powertrain coverage to exclusionary bumper-to-bumper coverage. CarShield plans include 24-hour roadside assistance, car coverage, and towing reimbursement.
Ford Extended Warranties: Conclusion
This article looks at the price and coverage provided by the Ford Protect Extended Service Plan. We’ve also examined Ford maintenance cost and reliability and discussed third-party extended warranty options.
Extended Ford Warranty: FAQ
Below are some common frequently asked questions about Ford’s extended warranties:
Yes. You can extend your Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty by choosing one of many Ford Protect Extended Service Plan extended warranties, which protect you from unexpected repairs resulting from mechanical failure.
If you have a Ford with aluminum body panels that have rust or corrosion damage that is not the result of vehicle accident, abnormal usage, extreme environmental usage, or customer action, the rust or corrosion damage is cover for 5 years/unlimited miles.
You can contact the Ford Protect sales department at 1-800-367-3377 to speak to a Ford rep.
You can purchase a Ford extended warranty (or Extended Service Plan) at any point during the vehicle’s original factory warranty period. Ford extended warranty plans can last up to 8 years/150,000 miles.
The Ford extended service plan is worth it for customers who want to finance the cost of repairs over a period of time. Ford’s ESP provides coverage for up to 8 years/150,000 miles.
The longest coverage term for a Ford ESP warranty is 8 years/150,000 miles. Ford ESP contracts can not be extended beyond this term.
A Ford extended warranty can cost between $900 and $1,700. The final cost of Ford’s extended warranty depends on your Ford model and mileage.
The most comprehensive Ford extended service plan covers thousands of vehicle components. Items that are not covered by the Ford extended service plan include wear-and-tear parts.
Ford’s manufacturer bumper-to-bumper warranty lasts for 3 years/36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain warranty from Ford is for 5 years/60,000 miles.
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