At face value, auto warranties may seem relatively straightforward, but there are many misconceptions about the terms, conditions, and coverage periods offered with each type of warranty. And if you purchased a defective vehicle, understanding the intricacies of your auto warranty is the first step to getting the manufacturer to take responsibility.
The information below will help you make sense of your auto warranty and how it applies to California’s Lemon Law.
Types of Auto Warranties
The most common auto warranty offerings include:
Manufacturer’s Warranty
A car manufacturer or factory warranty covers parts, labor, and defects for a limited period, typically 3 years/36,000 miles or 4 years/48,000 miles depending on the car manufacturer.
However, there are coverage limitations. Most manufacturers’ auto warranties do not cover parts that wear out over time, such as maintenance items, like wiper blades, tires, and brakes. Additionally, this type of vehicle warranty does not cover parts damaged during a collision or negligent use.
Powertrain Warranty
A powertrain vehicle warranty covers components that make your vehicle move—typically the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Most manufacturers offer this coverage. However, the duration of coverage often varies, as do the specific components covered by the policy.
Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty
This comprehensive vehicle warranty covers virtually every component of your car. If one of them fails, the manufacturer will repair the vehicle at no additional cost. Most vehicles come with at least a three-year bumper-to-bumper auto warranty. However, some extend coverage as long as five years or 60,000 miles.
While this warranty is comprehensive, there’s a common misconception that “bumper-to-bumper” means it covers every component of the vehicle. In fact, most policies have a list of exclusions and rarely cover:
- Components that need replacement due to regular wear and tear
- Routine maintenance tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid changes
- Cosmetic items like upholstery, paint, or bodywork
- Damage caused by theft or an accident
- Components that break due to improper use or neglect
The terms and conditions often vary between manufacturers, so be sure to review the fine print included with your vehicle warranty.
Emission Warranty
Certain components are covered by the emissions warranty for components related to emission functions. These warranties are typically longer but only cover specific components set forth in the warranty.
Lemon Law Protection & Your Vehicle Warranty
While a manufacturer’s auto warranty may only cover specific components, California Lemon Law may offer supplemental coverage in the following scenarios:
Expired Warranty
Even if your warranty expires, your vehicle may still be protected under California Lemon Law if attempted repairs were made while the vehicle was still under warranty.
2025 Lemon Law Updates
While California’s Lemon Law still offers the same core protections, you should be aware of three key changes that went into effect in 2025.
- Time limits: Beginning January 1, 2025, consumers have one year to file a legal claim after the applicable warranty expires.
- Notices: Beginning April 1, 2025, consumers are required to submit a formal notice to the manufacturer before filing a legal claim. Additionally, they must give the manufacturer 30 days to respond to the complaint.
When to Contact a Lemon Law Vehicle Warranty Attorney
We recommend contacting a Lemon Law attorney if:
- The authorized dealer or manufacturer has made two or more unsuccessful repair attempts
- Your vehicle has been in the shop for 30 consecutive days
- Your vehicle is still under warranty
- Your warranty expired, but you attempted multiple unsuccessful repair attempts while the auto warranty was still active
- The manufacturer is hostile, noncommunicative, or does not take responsibility for a legitimate defect
Don’t Let a Defective Vehicle Sour Your Day
If you purchased a defective new or certified pre-owned vehicle, don’t wait to contact an experienced Lemon Law vehicle warranty attorney. At CA Consumer Law, APC, we hold manufacturers accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation.
