Tesla Warranty Review

In 2019, Tesla sold approximately 367,500 vehicles, a 50 percent increase compared to the year prior. If you’re the proud owner of a new Tesla, you may wonder how you’re protected under the Tesla warranty.

This article will take an in-depth look at the Tesla factory warranty for new and certified pre-owned vehicles. We’ll discuss what’s included and excluded and how long coverage lasts. We’ll also help you decide whether to purchase extra coverage and compare your Tesla extended warranty options.

The main elements of the Tesla warranty are a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a battery warranty that lasts 8 years and either 100,000, 120,000, or 150,000 miles, depending on your Tesla model. These warranties cover repairs or replacements of any factory defects that might affect your vehicle.

Here’s a full breakdown of the Tesla warranty coverage that comes with all new vehicles:

Considered bumper-to-bumper coverage, Tesla’s Basic Limited Warranty covers most parts and systems, aside from a few exclusions.

Because Teslas are not gas-fueled vehicles, there is no need for standard powertrain coverage. Instead, Tesla offers a battery-specific warranty. While Tesla used to provide an unlimited-mile warranty for its batteries, the manufacturer updated its term limits for 2020 and newer models. These are the current limits for the Battery and Drive Unit Tesla Warranty:

• Model S and Model X: 8 years or 150,000 miles
• Model 3 and Model Y Standard Range or Standard Range Plus: 8 years or 100,000 miles
• Model 3 and Model Y Long Range or Performance: 8 years or 120,000 miles

In 2020, Tesla also announced that its warranty would cover battery deterioration and capacity retention. During the warranty period, Tesla batteries are guaranteed to work at a minimum of 70% capacity. If they dip below these levels, the repairs or replacements are covered.

Along with its battery and bumper-to-bumper coverage, Tesla provides two additional warranties: the SRS Limited Warranty and the Body Rust Limited Warranty. For 5 years or 60,000 miles, Tesla protects any manufacturer-produced seat belts or airbags in your vehicle. And repairs to rusted-through body panels are on the manufacturer’s dime for 12 years without any mileage restrictions.

Does the Tesla Warranty Transfer?

Yes, the Tesla warranty transfers to any subsequent owners at the original owner’s request. Based on our research, no fees are associated with coverage transfers, but you may ask a dealership to confirm this.

What’s Excluded?

As with any factory warranty, Tesla’s factory coverage has a few exclusions. For example, the Tesla warranty does not cover damage caused by:

• Normal wear and tear
• Abuse or misuse
• Accidents
• Improper maintenance
• Failing to service your vehicle properly
• Improper modifications or alterations
• Environmental causes
• Improper towing
• Theft or vandalism
• Off-road driving (Model S and Model 3, specifically)
• Overloading the car
• Paint defects
• Non-Tesla parts

In addition to the above warranty exclusions, Tesla notes what could void your warranty coverage. We often see these stipulations with luxury vehicle protection plans such as the Porsche warranty.

Here are a few actions that could nullify your Tesla warranty:

• Not installing software updates after being notified
• Not complying with Tesla recalls
• Not respecting the vehicle’s load limits
• Not making necessary repairs
• Improper service or repairs
• Altering or damaging the vehicle identification number (VIN) or odometer

While the manufacturer doesn’t mandate drivers to have repairs done at a Tesla Service Center or authorized repair facility, it highly recommends it. Taking your car to an unauthorized repair shop could result in poor maintenance, and further damage to the vehicle is not covered under the Tesla warranty.

All certified pre-owned (CPO) Teslas fall under the manufacturer’s Used Vehicle Limited Warranty. Like its Battery and Drive Unit Warranty, different Tesla models come with additional CPO warranties.

Model S and Model X

CPO Model S and Model X vehicles under four years old and with fewer than 50,000 miles on the odometer are covered for 4 years/50,000 miles from their delivery date. If you purchase a three-year-old CPO Tesla with 35,000 miles on it, the Used Vehicle Limited Warranty will offer protection for up to 7 years/85,000 miles.

CPO Teslas also come with the remaining balance of the vehicle’s original Battery and Drive Unit Warranty. So, no matter the age or mileage of your CPO vehicle, your battery will be protected for a total of 8 years/150,000 miles.

Tesla models that are between four and six years of age and have between 50,000 and 100,000 miles on the odometer are protected under the Used Vehicle Limited Warranty for 2 years/unlimited miles from their delivery date. The remaining Battery and Drive Unit Warranty from the original owner also protects the car.

Model 3

These used models are only covered by whatever New Vehicle Limited Warranty and Battery and Drive Unit Warranty remain from the original owner.

Based on Tesla’s used warranty stipulations, only Model 3 owners need to worry about transferred warranties. Otherwise, Tesla should inform you about your warranty upon purchase.

However, since Tesla doesn’t honor any car warranties when the vehicle is sold through a private party, even Model 3 owners should be informed about their warranty terms at the time of purchase.

An extended warranty for a Tesla is worth it if you don’t want to pay for repair costs outright and intend on keeping your Tesla for longer than the factory warranty term limit. For a luxury car like a Tesla, parts and repairs will inevitably be expensive. Tesla has also had its fair share of reliability issues as the manufacturer worked out software kinks.

An extended warranty can grant you peace of mind long after your factory warranty no longer covers your car. In most cases, you’re only responsible for a deductible and a monthly premium.

Tesla offers Extended Service Agreements (EAS) to drivers interested in protecting their vehicles beyond the original four-year Tesla warranty term. However, the manufacturer only offers these extended coverage plans for Model S and Model X vehicles.

Only one Tesla extended warranty plan covers most vehicle parts, excluding the car’s battery and drive unit. It can be purchased until 30 days/1,000 miles after your New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires, and drivers can choose a 2-year/25,000-mile or 4-year/50,000-mile term limit.

For the full rundown on the Tesla Extended Service Agreement, read our Tesla extended warranty review.

This article reviewed the coverages and plans that come with a Tesla warranty. While we think it could be good for you, it is always a good idea to check out some other providers.

Benefits of a Third-Party Extended Warranty

The manufacturer’s extended warranty could be a good option for many Tesla owners, but you may also want to consider a third-party provider. Third-party providers often offer more flexibility than manufacturers. Here are a few reasons to consider reputable extended car warranty companies:

• More repair shops nationwide
• More coverage plans are available
• Monthly payment plans
• Additional deductible options
• Coverage can be purchased at any time

Unfortunately, because they’re such high-tech, complex vehicles, a limited number of extended warranty companies service Teslas. However, CarShield, a provider ranked highly in our industry-wide review of the best extended car warranty companies, offers Tesla warranty coverage for multiple models.

You can read more about this provider in our comprehensive CarShield review. Get a free, personalized quote below to see how much a CarShield warranty would cost for your Tesla.

How We Rate Warranty Providers

Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of extended auto warranty providers. While there are multiple qualities that make a warranty company successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:

• Cost: Cost can be difficult to compare between providers because so many factors impact vehicle service contract pricing. To determine our cost score, we perform a secret shopper analysis for a variety of vehicles and plans and consider available deductibles.
• Coverage: Our team of experts looks at the number of extended warranty plans available, as well as term limits, exclusions, and added benefits like roadside assistance. Ratings also take into account the availability of maintenance coverage.
• Reputation: It’s important that an extended car warranty company is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong rating from the BBB score well in this category. Established providers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
• Customer Experience: We listen to real customer sales calls and comb through reviews on sites like the BBB to learn about customer experiences. Warranty companies with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the availability of mobile apps and chat features.

*Data accurate at time of publication.