Powertrain Warranty Explained: What It Covers and What It Doesn't

A powertrain warranty pays to repair the parts that make your car move: the engine, the transmission and the drive axle. It does not cover maintenance, wear items, air conditioning, the alternator or starter, suspension or brakes. Factory powertrain warranties usually last 4 to 10 years and 50,000 to 100,000 miles, and below you will find exactly which parts are covered, what repairs cost and when extra coverage is worth paying for.

What Is a Powertrain Warranty?

A powertrain warranty is a promise to pay for repairs when a covered part of the engine, transmission or drive axle fails. These parts create power and send it to the wheels, and they are the most expensive parts of a car to fix.

• Engine: the block, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing chain and the parts inside them
• Transmission: the case, gears, torque converter, valve body and internal clutches, on automatic, manual and CVT gearboxes
• Drive axle: the differential, axle shafts and CV joints, plus the transfer case on 4WD and AWD vehicles

Every new car comes with a factory powertrain warranty. When it ends, you can keep similar protection with an extended warranty, legally called a vehicle service contract. Neither one is car insurance: they do not pay for accidents, theft or weather damage.

What Does a Powertrain Warranty Cover?

The checklist below shows the parts a powertrain warranty typically covers. Covered-parts lists differ by manufacturer and contract, so check your own contract before a repair. Most contracts pay only when a part fails on its own, not when it wears out or is damaged by something outside the powertrain.

Engine Parts

Internal Engine Parts:

• Engine block
• Cylinder heads
• Head gaskets (when failed due to covered component)
• Pistons
• Piston rings
• Piston pins
• Connecting rods
• Rod bearings
• Crankshaft
• Main bearings
• Camshaft
• Cam bearings
• Cam followers
• Push rods
• Rocker arms
• Rocker arm shafts
• Valve springs
• Valve guides
• Valve seats
• Intake valves
• Exhaust valves
• Valve lifters
• Timing chain
• Timing gears
• Timing belt (replacement due to failure only)
• Timing chain guides
• Timing chain tensioner

Engine Management:

• Oil pump
• Oil pump pickup
• Oil pan (if damaged by internal component)
• Water pump
• Fuel injection pump
• Fuel injectors (mechanical failure)
• Intake manifold
• Exhaust manifolds
• Flywheel
• Flex plate
• Harmonic balancer
• Engine mounts

Forced Induction (if equipped):

• Turbocharger assembly
• Turbo wastegate
• Intercooler
• Supercharger assembly
• Supercharger bearings
• Boost controller

Engine Electronics:

• Engine Control Module (ECM)
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
• Throttle body (drive-by-wire)
• Mass air flow sensor
• Crankshaft position sensor
• Camshaft position sensor
• Knock sensor

Transmission Parts

Automatic Transmission:

• Transmission case
• Internal gears
• Bands
• Drums
• Clutches (internal)
• Clutch plates
• Pressure plates
• Torque converter
• Torque converter bolts
• Valve body
• Valves
• Springs
• Solenoids
• Servos
• Pump assembly
• Governor
• Vacuum modulator
• Transmission cooler
• Cooler lines (metal)
• Transmission mounts
• Dipstick and tube
• Park lock mechanism
• Shift linkage (internal)
• Input shaft
• Output shaft
• Intermediate shaft

Manual Transmission:

• Transmission case
• Internal gears
• Synchronizers
• Shift forks
• Shift rails
• Bearings
• Counter shaft
• Input shaft
• Output shaft
• Clutch master cylinder
• Clutch slave cylinder
• Clutch release bearing
• Clutch fork
• Pilot bearing

CVT Specific:

• Belt or chain
• Pulleys
• Variators
• CVT control module
• Step motor
• Pressure control valves

Transmission Electronics:

• Transmission Control Module (TCM)
• Speed sensors

Drive Axle, Differential and 4WD/AWD Parts

Front/Rear Differential:

• Differential case
• Ring gear
• Pinion gear
• Side gears
• Spider gears
• Pinion bearings
• Carrier bearings
• Differential cover (if damaged internally)
• Limited slip clutches
• Positraction unit

Axle Components:

• Axle shafts
• Axle bearings
• Axle seals (if damaged by covered component)
• Axle housings
• Axle tubes

Drive Shaft and Joints:

• Drive shaft
• Universal joints (U-joints)
• Constant velocity joints (CV joints)
• CV joint boots (if damaged with joint)
• Center support bearing
• Slip yoke

4WD/AWD Specific Components:

• Transfer case
• Transfer case chain
• Transfer case gears
• Transfer case bearings
• Transfer case encoder motor
• Shift motor
• Viscous coupling
• Locking hubs (internal parts)
• Front differential
• Center differential
• Torque vectoring unit

Electronic 4WD/AWD:

• 4WD control module
• AWD control module
• Wheel speed sensors
• Transfer case control module

Additional Drive Components:

• Half shafts
• Prop shaft
• Flex disc
• Carrier bearing
• Drive flanges
• Hub bearings (when integral)
• Spindles
• Steering knuckles (if damaged by CV failure)
• Transaxle (FWD vehicles)
• PTU (Power Transfer Unit)
• RDU (Rear Drive Unit)

What Is Not Covered by a Powertrain Warranty?

A powertrain warranty leaves out maintenance, parts that wear out, and every system that does not drive the car. Know these exclusions before you file a claim.

Maintenance Items Never Covered:

• Oil and filter changes
• Transmission fluid changes
• Differential fluid changes
• Spark plugs and wires
• Air filters
• Fuel filters
• Belts (except timing belt failure)
• Hoses
• Brake pads, rotors, drums
• Tires
• Battery
• Wiper blades

Systems Outside Powertrain:

• Air conditioning components
• Heating system
• Cooling system (radiator, hoses, thermostat; the water pump is often covered as an engine part)
• Electrical system (alternator, starter, wiring; engine and transmission control modules are covered as listed above)
• Suspension components
• Steering components (except steering knuckles damaged by a covered CV joint failure)
• Exhaust system (except manifolds)
• Fuel system (tank, lines, in-tank fuel pump)
• Body and interior
• Glass
• Paint
• Trim

Damage Exclusions:

• Accident damage
• Flooding or water damage
• Fire damage
• Vandalism
• Modifications or racing
• Lack of maintenance
• Wrong fluids used
• Overheating damage (if caused by neglect)
• Pre-existing conditions

Common Parts: Covered or Not?

These are the parts drivers ask about most. The answers apply to a typical powertrain warranty.

To cover the alternator, starter, air conditioning or suspension too, you need a broader plan. CoverageX Signature adds electrical systems, air conditioning and suspension to engine, transmission and drivetrain coverage. Compare CoverageX plans.

Powertrain vs Drivetrain vs Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty

These three names describe how much of the car a warranty covers. Powertrain sits in the middle.

Engine failures are the gap that matters most: a drivetrain-only plan will not pay for one. Plans that list only what is excluded, like bumper-to-bumper coverage, are called exclusionary plans. For the details, see drivetrain vs powertrain warranty, bumper-to-bumper warranty explained and our bumper-to-bumper vs powertrain comparison.

How Much Powertrain Repairs Cost in 2026

Powertrain failures are less common than brake or battery jobs, but they are the repairs that cost thousands. These are typical 2026 price ranges for parts and labor at an independent shop or dealer.

Engine Repair Costs

• Engine replacement: $3,000 to $7,000 or more
• Engine rebuild: $2,500 to $6,000
• Head gasket repair: $1,500 to $3,500
• Timing chain replacement: $800 to $3,000 or more
• Turbocharger replacement: $1,500 to $4,000 or more
• Camshaft replacement: $1,000 to $2,500
• Oil pump replacement: $700 to $1,800

Transmission Repair Costs

• Transmission replacement: $1,500 to $8,000 or more
• Transmission rebuild: $2,000 to $5,000
• CVT belt or chain: $2,500 to $5,000
• Clutch replacement (manual): $1,200 to $2,500
• Torque converter: $800 to $2,200
• Valve body replacement: $500 to $1,500
• Solenoid pack: $400 to $1,200

Drive Axle Repair Costs

• AWD system repair: $1,800 to $4,000
• Transfer case repair: $1,500 to $3,500
• Differential rebuild: $1,200 to $3,000
• Axle shaft replacement: $500 to $1,200
• CV joint replacement: $300 to $750
• U-joint replacement: $200 to $600

Protect these repairs before they happen. CoverageX Essential covers the engine, transmission and drivetrain, including seals, gaskets and turbocharger parts where applicable. After approval, CoverageX pays the repair shop directly, and diagnostics are covered with any approved claim. Get a quote in about two minutes with your car's year, make, model and mileage, or call 1-800-258-3413.

Common Powertrain Problems by Vehicle Type

Some designs fail more often than others. If your vehicle has one of these, powertrain coverage deserves a closer look. For your exact model, check the problems-by-year guides in our Vehicle Reliability Hub.

Sedans and hatchbacks

• CVT problems
• Turbocharger failures
• Timing chain stretch after 100,000 miles

SUVs and crossovers

• AWD system problems
• Transfer case leaks on 4WD models
• Differential wear at high mileage

Pickup trucks

• Transmission overheating from towing
• Differential problems on work trucks
• Transfer case chain stretch on 4WD models

Luxury vehicles

• Turbocharger failures on twin-turbo engines
• Transmission electronics on 8-speed and higher gearboxes
• AWD system faults

Hybrids and electric vehicles

• Transaxle problems on hybrids
• Reduction gear problems on EVs
• Battery cooling system problems after 100,000 miles

How Long a Factory Powertrain Warranty Lasts

Factory powertrain warranties run 4 to 10 years and 50,000 to 100,000 miles, and they end at whichever limit you reach first. A 10-year/100,000-mile warranty ends at 10 years even if you drove only 70,000 miles, or at 100,000 miles even if the car is 6 years old. Some brands cut the term for the next owner: on Hyundai and Kia, a second owner gets 5 years/60,000 miles.

2026 Factory Powertrain Warranty Terms by Brand

• Hyundai/Genesis: 10yr/100,000mi, Yes (reduced) transferable, 5yr/60k for second owner
• Kia: 10yr/100,000mi, Yes (reduced) transferable, 5yr/60k for second owner
• Mitsubishi: 10yr/100,000mi, Yes transferable, Full coverage transfers
• Toyota/Lexus: 5yr/60,000mi, Yes transferable, Hybrid battery 10yr/150k
• Honda/Acura: 5yr/60,000mi, Yes transferable, No deductible
• Mazda: 5yr/60,000mi, Yes transferable, Unlimited mileage available
• Nissan/Infiniti: 5yr/60,000mi, Yes transferable, CVT coverage same as powertrain
• Ford/Lincoln: 5yr/60,000mi, Yes transferable, Diesel 5yr/100k
• GM Brands: 5yr/60,000mi, Yes transferable, Voltec 8yr/100k
• Stellantis: 5yr/60,000mi, Yes transferable, Lifetime available at dealers
• VW/Audi: 4yr/50,000mi, Yes transferable, Transferable once
• BMW: 4yr/50,000mi, Yes transferable, Maintenance included
• Mercedes-Benz: 4yr/50,000mi, Yes transferable, Unlimited for first owner
• Subaru: 5yr/60,000mi, Yes transferable, CVT 10yr/100k extension
• Tesla: 4yr/50,000mi, Yes transferable, Battery 8yr/100k to 150k

What About a Lifetime Powertrain Warranty?

Some dealers advertise a lifetime powertrain warranty. These are dealer programs, not factory warranties, and they come with conditions. Before you count on one, ask:

• Do I have to service the car at this dealer, and on what schedule?
• Does coverage end if I miss a service?
• Is there a deductible or a limit per claim?
• Does it transfer if I sell the car?
• Who pays claims if the dealership is sold or closes?

If the answers are vague, treat it as a sales feature, not real protection.

Extended Powertrain Coverage After the Factory Warranty Ends

When the factory warranty ends, you can buy extended coverage from a dealer or a third-party provider. Typical prices for a prepaid extended powertrain plan:

• 2 years/24,000 miles: $800 to $1,200
• 3 years/36,000 miles: $1,000 to $1,500
• 4 years/48,000 miles: $1,200 to $1,800
• 5 years/60,000 miles: $1,400 to $2,200
• 7 years/100,000 miles: $1,800 to $2,800

CoverageX month-to-month plans: instead of one prepaid contract, you pay monthly with no set end date, your rate is locked for the life of the contract, and you can cancel anytime. Choose the level of coverage you need:

• Essential: engine, transmission and drivetrain, including seals, gaskets and turbocharger parts where applicable
• Signature: adds electrical systems, air conditioning and suspension
• Premium: near-complete mechanical coverage, including advanced technology parts
• Executive: exclusionary coverage, where every part is covered unless the contract lists it as excluded

Prices depend on your vehicle and mileage. Get a quote to see yours, or compare all CoverageX plans.

Is a Powertrain Warranty Worth It?

A powertrain warranty is worth it when one big repair would strain your budget. It is not worth it when you could pay for an engine or transmission repair from savings without stress.

When Powertrain-Only Coverage Makes Sense

• Reliable vehicle owners (Toyota, Honda, Mazda)
• Low-mileage drivers (<10,000 miles/year)
• DIY mechanics who can handle minor repairs
• Budget-conscious buyers needing catastrophic protection only
• Newer vehicles still under partial factory warranty

When You Need More Than Powertrain Coverage

Consider Comprehensive Coverage If:

• High-mileage driver (>15,000 miles/year)
• Luxury/European vehicle owner
• Complex vehicle with turbo, AWD, or hybrid
• Cannot afford $1,000+ surprise repairs
• Keeping vehicle 5+ years

Additional Systems Worth Covering:

• Air conditioning ($1,500 average repair)
• Electrical systems ($980 average repair)
• Suspension ($1,200 average repair)
• High-tech features ($2,100 average repair)
• Hybrid components ($3,500 average repair)

When a Powertrain Warranty Is Not Worth It

Skip extended powertrain coverage, or wait, if any of these fit you:

• Your car is still under its factory powertrain warranty
• You drive under 10,000 miles a year
• Your model has an excellent reliability record
• You have an emergency fund that could cover a $3,000 repair
• You plan to sell the car within 2 years

Do the math with your own numbers. Add up what coverage would cost for the years you plan to keep the car, then compare it with the repair you could not pay for today. If a $3,000 to $7,000 engine repair would not change your plans, you may be better off saving the money.

How to Keep Your Powertrain Warranty Valid

A powertrain claim can be denied if the failure was caused by something the contract excludes. These steps protect your coverage:

• Follow the maintenance schedule. Change the oil and transmission fluid on time and use the fluid types in your owner's manual. Lack of maintenance and wrong fluids are standard exclusions.
• Keep every receipt. Log the date and mileage of each service. Your records are your proof if a claim is questioned.
• Stop driving when a warning light comes on. Driving on can turn a small repair into a large one and can void coverage for the extra damage.
• Call before any repair starts. Most contracts require approval before work begins. Ask the shop to record the diagnostic codes.
• Skip performance mods and racing. Modifications, racing and abuse are standard exclusions.
• Read your contract. Know your deductible, your claims phone number and which shops you can use.

What voids a powertrain warranty? Skipped maintenance, the wrong fluids, modifications or racing, and overheating caused by neglect. Damage from accidents, floods or fire is excluded, and so is any problem that existed before coverage started.

How CoverageX Compares to a Factory Powertrain Warranty

A factory powertrain warranty comes free with the car but ends at a fixed age or mileage. A CoverageX vehicle service contract picks up after that, with these differences:

• Your choice of coverage: powertrain only with Essential, or add electrical, air conditioning, suspension and high-tech parts with Signature, Premium or Executive
• No set end date: a month-to-month contract with your rate locked for the life of the contract, and you can cancel anytime
• Any licensed repair facility nationwide, not only a dealer
• Direct payment: CoverageX pays the shop after approval, and you pay only your deductible
• Diagnostics covered with any approved claim
• Extras on every plan: 24/7 roadside assistance (towing, flat tire, lockout, jump start) and rental car reimbursement with approved claims
• Transferable to a new owner for a $75 fee, subject to approval

How a CoverageX Claim Works

• Call the claims team at 1-888-984-6493 before any repair starts.
• Take the car to any licensed repair facility. The shop sends its diagnosis and CoverageX confirms what is covered.
• CoverageX issues an authorization number and pays the shop directly. You pay your deductible at the shop.

Claims can be filed once coverage is active: 30 days after purchase and 1,000 miles past your starting odometer reading. Problems that exist before coverage starts are not covered. See the full steps in how to file a claim, everything included in member benefits, and how CoverageX stacks up in CoverageX vs competitors.

Get a Quote for Your Vehicle

A powertrain warranty protects the parts that cost the most to fix, but it stops at the engine, transmission and drive axle. If your factory coverage is ending, decide how much risk you want to keep: powertrain only, or broader coverage that adds electrical, air conditioning and high-tech parts. If the end date is close, use our checklist of what to do before your factory warranty runs out.

Get your CoverageX quote in about two minutes, with no obligation, or call 1-800-258-3413 to talk through the plans. CoverageX vehicle service contracts are not sold in California.

Powertrain Warranty FAQs

What does a powertrain warranty cover?

A powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission and drive axle, the parts that make the car move. That includes internal engine parts such as pistons, the crankshaft and the timing chain; the transmission case, gears and torque converter; and the differential, axle shafts and CV joints. On 4WD and AWD vehicles it usually includes the transfer case too.

What is not covered under a powertrain warranty?

Maintenance, wear items and every system outside the engine, transmission and drive axle are not covered. That means oil changes, brakes, tires, the battery, spark plugs, air conditioning, the alternator and starter, suspension, steering, the radiator and the exhaust beyond the manifolds. Damage from accidents, floods, neglect or modifications is excluded as well.

Does a powertrain warranty cover the transmission?

Yes. The transmission is one of the three core parts of every powertrain warranty, whether it is an automatic, manual or CVT. Internal gears, the torque converter, the valve body, solenoids and the transmission control module are typically covered; fluid changes and damage from the wrong fluid are not. A transmission replacement costs $1,500 to $8,000 or more.

Is the starter covered under a powertrain warranty?

No. The alternator, starter, battery and most wiring belong to the electrical system, which powertrain warranties exclude. The engine and transmission control modules and some engine sensors are the usual exceptions. To cover electrical parts you need a broader plan, such as CoverageX Signature, which adds electrical systems, air conditioning and suspension.

What does a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty mean?

It means the powertrain is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles from the original sale, whichever comes first. Hyundai, Kia and Mitsubishi offer this term on 2026 models. On Hyundai and Kia, a second owner gets a shorter term of 5 years or 60,000 miles.

What will void a powertrain warranty?

Skipped maintenance, the wrong fluids, modifications or racing, and driving on after a warning light can void coverage for the damage that follows. Accident, flood and fire damage are excluded too. Keep every service receipt so you can prove the car was maintained.

Is a powertrain warranty worth it?

It is worth it if one major repair, such as a $3,000 to $7,000 engine replacement, would strain your budget. It is usually not worth it if your car is still under its factory warranty, you drive under 10,000 miles a year, or you could pay for that repair from savings.

How much does a powertrain warranty cost?

A prepaid extended powertrain plan typically costs $800 to $2,800, depending on the term: about $800 to $1,200 for 2 years/24,000 miles and $1,800 to $2,800 for 7 years/100,000 miles. CoverageX plans are paid monthly instead, with the rate locked for the life of the contract. Your price depends on your vehicle and mileage, so get a quote to see it.

Is a lifetime powertrain warranty a good deal?

It can be, but only if you can meet its conditions. Lifetime powertrain warranties are dealer programs, and many require regular service on a set schedule, sometimes only at that dealer. Before you rely on one, ask whether it transfers, what the deductible is and who pays claims if the dealership is sold.

Can I get powertrain coverage on a used or high-mileage car?

Yes. Extended powertrain coverage is sold for used cars once the factory warranty ends. Price and eligibility depend on the car's age and mileage, and problems that exist before coverage starts are excluded. See our guide to extended warranties for high-mileage cars.

What's the difference between a powertrain warranty and a bumper-to-bumper warranty?

A powertrain warranty covers only the engine, transmission and drive axle. A bumper-to-bumper warranty covers almost every part of the car except a short list of exclusions, such as maintenance and wear items. The factory bumper-to-bumper warranty usually ends first, while the factory powertrain warranty lasts 4 to 10 years. See our bumper-to-bumper vs powertrain comparison.

Is the fuel pump covered under a powertrain warranty?

No, not the fuel pump in the tank. It belongs to the fuel system, which powertrain warranties exclude along with the tank and fuel lines. The fuel injection pump is different: a typical powertrain warranty lists it with the engine parts. Covered parts differ by contract, so check your contract's parts list before a repair.

Does a powertrain warranty cover the engine?

Yes. The engine is one of the three core parts of every powertrain warranty, including the block, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing chain and the parts inside them. Oil changes, spark plugs and damage from skipped maintenance or overheating caused by neglect are not covered. CoverageX Essential covers the engine, transmission and drivetrain. An engine replacement costs $3,000 to $7,000 or more.

Is a turbo covered under a powertrain warranty?

Yes, if your car has one. A typical powertrain warranty lists the turbocharger with the engine's forced induction parts, along with the wastegate and intercooler, and CoverageX Essential covers turbocharger parts where applicable. Damage from skipped maintenance, the wrong fluids or modifications is excluded. A turbocharger replacement costs $1,500 to $4,000 or more.

Is a torque converter covered under a powertrain warranty?

Yes. The torque converter links the engine to an automatic transmission, and a typical powertrain warranty lists it with the transmission parts, along with the gears and valve body. Damage from the wrong fluid or skipped fluid changes is excluded. A torque converter repair costs $800 to $2,200, and CoverageX Essential covers the transmission. Get a quote for your car.

Are CV axles covered under a powertrain warranty?

Yes. CV axles are part of the drive axle, and a typical powertrain warranty covers the axle shafts and CV joints. The rubber CV boot is covered only when it is damaged along with the joint, so a torn boot on its own is not. A CV joint replacement costs $300 to $750, and an axle shaft costs $500 to $1,200.

Is the rear differential covered under a powertrain warranty?

Yes. The differential is part of the drive axle, so a typical powertrain warranty covers the rear differential's internal parts, such as the ring and pinion gears, side gears and bearings. Fluid changes are maintenance and are not covered. A differential rebuild costs $1,200 to $3,000, and CoverageX Essential covers the engine, transmission and drivetrain.

Is the alternator part of the powertrain?

No. The alternator charges the battery and powers the car's electrical parts, but it does not help move the car, so it belongs to the electrical system. Powertrain warranties exclude it, along with the starter and battery. To cover the alternator, you need a broader plan, such as CoverageX Signature, which adds electrical systems. Compare CoverageX plans.

Is a head gasket covered under a powertrain warranty?

Yes, when a covered part caused the failure. A typical powertrain warranty lists the head gasket with the internal engine parts. If the gasket failed because of overheating from neglect, or from a failed radiator, which is not a powertrain part, the claim can be denied. A head gasket repair costs $1,500 to $3,500.

Is the mass air flow sensor covered by a powertrain warranty?

Often yes, but it depends on your contract's parts list. A typical powertrain warranty lists the mass air flow sensor with the engine electronics, along with the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. Most other electrical parts are excluded, and covered parts differ by contract, so check yours and get approval before any repair starts.