What Do You Get with a Factory Ford Warranty?

Ever wonder what “Built Ford Tough” really means when it comes to Ford’s warranty coverage? Here’s a basic view of the factory warranty

byAustin Fracchia, Linsay Thomas|
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Ford has a reputation for creating some solid vehicles (particularly trucks) that tend to last quite a while. With that said, a good factory warranty never hurts even the best manufacturers to increase customer satisfaction and confidence in the product.

While it’s not the longest or most comprehensive factory warranty, Ford does include some standard coverage with all new vehicles straight from the dealership. The new vehicle limited warranty is the same all across the board, even from dealerships in different locations.

Here are the important details you need to know.

Ford Warranty At-A-Glance

3

Years

or 36,000 miles

Bumper-to-Bumper

5

Years

or 60,000 miles

Powertrain

<br>

Years

<br>

<br>

<br>

Years

<br>

<br>

Pros

  • Standard length and inclusion list make the warranty comparable to most other automakers.
  • Diesel engine coverage is unique for most automakers and helpful for truck owners.

cons

  • No extra perks.
  • Safety restraint system coverage is not unlimited for the life of the car.

Uproar.car —  Around the Clock Coverage for Your Car

Uproar.car will cover your car for less, protecting you against expensive repairs from bumper to bumper. With a focus on customer care and no middleman to complicate repairs and claims, you’ll get easy coverage you can actually use. The plan even pays for itself — Uproar.car’s warranty coverage gives you exclusive access to discounts, auto concierge service, and a 100 percent online claims process. And with clear, upfront price quotes, you’ll know exactly what to expect when it comes to the cost. It should also be noted, however, that this coverage does not extend to some luxury vehicles, cars over 120,000 miles, and cars more than 10 years old.

EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE MORE … FOR LESS

Save $350 on an Endurance warranty plan with coupon code: DRIVE350

Save $350 on an Endurance warranty plan with coupon code: DRIVE350

Going with a factory extended warranty is a good option for basic protection, but you can get more and save more with Endurance, ranked the top extended warranty provider by Consumer Advocates, Consumer Affairs, and Retirement Living.

Get a Free Quote

Save $350 with coupon code: DRIVE350

CarShield — USA’s #1 Auto Protection Provider

CarShield — USA’s #1 Auto Protection Provider

CarShield pays claims directly to a US or Canadian ASE-Certified® repair facility of your choice. Our contracts have low or no deductibles to prevent stress to your wallet at a critical time. Never worry about being stranded somewhere after a breakdown. All of our vehicle repair contracts include towing services to transport you and your vehicle to a safe repair facility.

Nationwide coverage for cars new and old

Nationwide coverage for cars new and old

CARCHEX has something for everyone. Have an old car? No problem. Live in California? Not an issue. CARCHEX 's plethora of warranty plans includes options for cars up to twenty years old with up to 250,000 miles, regardless of any existing or expired warranties. Click below or call 1-877-207-3304 for a free quote.

Warranty In-Depth

Ford takes a similar approach to its factory warranty options in terms of coverage and length. Over time, for example, factory warranties have become shorter and shorter, with only a few companies offering the long warranties that were more common years ago. 

The scope of Ford’s factory warranty is also limited to defects that are created from issues with materials or workmanship in the factory, which are defects that are likely to come up within the first few years of a vehicle’s life.

Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty

Lasting three years or 36,000 miles, the limited warranty is both the shortest and most comprehensive warranty Ford offers. This cover is essentially the catch-all coverage for nearly anything that can go wrong with a vehicle due to a defect. 

Essentially, if something breaks between the bumpers of a Ford vehicle and it’s the company’s fault, the bumper-to-bumper warranty will likely kick in. The scope of the warranty is where it earns the “limited” part. While it covers nearly everything on a vehicle, the fact that only defects are covered eliminates some pretty significant sources of vehicular issues. 

For example, accidents, user-created enhancements, wear and tear, and routine automotive services aren’t covered under the limited warranty. Work must also be done by a Ford-authorized mechanic using only original Ford replacement parts.

Powertrain Warranty

The powertrain warranty covers the most vital systems of a Ford vehicle for a longer time than the limited coverage stays in effect. Specifically, the warranty lasts for five years or 60,000 miles

Unlike the limited warranty that covers virtually anything that happens to the interior or exterior due to a defect, the powertrain warranty is meant solely for components that allow the vehicle to run. Once again, however, the scope is limited to manufacturing and material defects.

The coverage specifically applies to the engine (lubricated parts, cylinder block and heads, electrical fuel pump, oil pump, valve covers, water pump, powertrain control module, mounts, flywheel, etc.), the transmission (clutch, seals, torque converter, transfer case, mounts, etc.), and the drivetrain (axle shafts, bearings, drive axle housing, driveshaft, wheel joints, etc.). 

Additional Coverage

Ford doesn’t offer much in terms of extra perks like roadside assistance, towing, or travel coverage, but there are few additional coverages on different components or issues with a vehicle the limited and powertrain warranties don’t cover as much. 

For example, the company’s corrosion warranty lasts for five years, unlimited miles, and protects the vehicle from major rust that perforates through body panels or the frame. Surface and paint rust, however, are not covered.

The safety restraint system coverage applies to the seat belts of a vehicle and kicks in if defects arise with the locking mechanisms or the belts themselves. This lasts for five years or 60,000 miles, which is the same length as the powertrain warranty. 

Absent with most manufacturers, Ford also has included a five-year, 100,000-mile diesel engine coverage for the company’s few diesel engine vehicles.

Once a factory warranty expires, you may decide to get an extended warranty before repair costs add up., GETTYIMAGES
Feeling Overwhelmed?

What We Like

Ford manages to offer a comprehensive, although short, factory coverage that is competitive with other manufacturers. In effect, this eliminates the warranty aspect from the decision making process if you aren’t loyal to a specific automaker brand. 

Since most major manufacturers offer the same terms, Ford is on an equal playing field that ultimately relies on the characteristics and reliability of the car itself. 

While the factory warranty doesn’t have anything that truly stands out in terms of coverage, inclusions, or perks, it does have a couple of highlights other manufacturers actually lack most of the time. 

The diesel engine coverage, which lasts 100,000 miles, is a unique addition that is very applicable to anyone driving a diesel Ford truck. Since the coverage lasts longer than the powertrain warranty itself (in terms of mileage), it adds a little extra layer of protection from defects if necessary.

What We Don’t Like

Unfortunately, the similarities Ford’s factory warranty has with its competitors is ultimately a major drawback, even if it simplifies the decision-making process. Unless your vehicle actually experiences some kind of factory defect within the first few years of its life, you will likely have no use for the factory warranty. 

The fact it doesn’t cover other sources of issues like accidents or common maintenance also limits its usefulness. This standard limitation aside, there are also a couple of limitations within Ford’s specific factory warranty that are worth noting. 

The corrosion coverage, for example, is unlimited mileage-wise, but this is only valuable if you plan on driving a lot within the five-year limit of the warranty. 

The safety restraint system coverage, too, is limited. Whereas most automakers offer unlimited coverage on safety systems (for obvious reasons), Ford has matched the powertrain’s limit of five years or 60,000 miles. This can cause an issue for used vehicles that may have aging problems with the safety system. 

Common Repair Costs

Some of the most common issues and repair costs with Ford vehicles:

  • Ford Explorer: Oil Pan Gasket Replacement ($875 to $1,068)
  • Ford F-250: AC Condenser Replacement ($538 to $698)
  • Ford Focus: Radiator Hose Replacement ($283 to $321)
  • Ford Edge: Power Seat Motor Replacement ($579 to $614)

FAQs

Q. What is covered with a Ford factory warranty?

A. The major components of a Ford vehicle are covered from manufacturing defects. In general, this means the interior, exterior panels, drivetrain components (front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive), and safety systems.

Q. Does Ford offer a paint warranty?

A. No. The paint may be covered from rust if it eats through the body or frame, but the paint itself is not covered. Some independent dealers, however, may offer their own paint warranty.

Q. How can I see if my vehicle is still under warranty after a prior sale?

A. You can check the Ford website or visit a local Ford dealer to access that information. They will likely need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to look up the information for you.

Is Ford’s Factory Warranty Worth It?

The factory warranty all-new Ford vehicles have is worth it in the sense of the basic coverage from defects it provides. Considering that most new vehicles are more likely to encounter material and workmanship defects than issues due to aging, this can actually make a difference in the long run. 

Unfortunately, the short but standard limitations the factory warranty has will likely mean you’ll be needing extended or third-party coverage after the standard warranty has expired. If you are looking for a bulletproof extended warranty from a reputable provider you can easily get yourself covered by choosing one of CarShield's Warranty plans.

More Information

Here are a few more resources you can use:

Uproar.car —  Around the Clock Coverage for Your Car

Uproar.car will cover your car for less, protecting you against expensive repairs from bumper to bumper. With a focus on customer care and no middleman to complicate repairs and claims, you’ll get easy coverage you can actually use. The plan even pays for itself — Uproar.car’s warranty coverage gives you exclusive access to discounts, auto concierge service, and a 100 percent online claims process. And with clear, upfront price quotes, you’ll know exactly what to expect when it comes to the cost. It should also be noted, however, that this coverage does not extend to some luxury vehicles, cars over 120,000 miles, and cars more than 10 years old.

EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE MORE … FOR LESS

Save $350 on an Endurance warranty plan with coupon code: DRIVE350

Save $350 on an Endurance warranty plan with coupon code: DRIVE350

Going with a factory extended warranty is a good option for basic protection, but you can get more and save more with Endurance, ranked the top extended warranty provider by Consumer Advocates, Consumer Affairs, and Retirement Living.

Get a Free Quote

Save $350 with coupon code: DRIVE350

CarShield — USA’s #1 Auto Protection Provider

CarShield — USA’s #1 Auto Protection Provider

CarShield pays claims directly to a US or Canadian ASE-Certified® repair facility of your choice. Our contracts have low or no deductibles to prevent stress to your wallet at a critical time. Never worry about being stranded somewhere after a breakdown. All of our vehicle repair contracts include towing services to transport you and your vehicle to a safe repair facility.

Nationwide coverage for cars new and old

Nationwide coverage for cars new and old

CARCHEX has something for everyone. Have an old car? No problem. Live in California? Not an issue. CARCHEX 's plethora of warranty plans includes options for cars up to twenty years old with up to 250,000 miles, regardless of any existing or expired warranties. Click below or call 1-877-207-3304 for a free quote.

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