Understanding Your Subaru Warranty: What's Covered and For How Long

So, you've got a Subaru, nice! They're pretty reliable cars, but like anything with wheels and an engine, things can happen. Knowing what your Subaru warranty covers and for how long is super important. It can save you a ton of cash if something goes wrong. We're going to break down the different types of Subaru warranty coverage so you know exactly what to expect.

Key Takeaways

• The standard Subaru New Vehicle Limited Warranty covers most things for 36 months or 60,000 km, whichever comes first.

• There's also a Major Component Warranty that extends coverage on key parts for up to 60 months or 100,000 km.

• Subaru Certified Pre-Owned vehicles come with their own warranty, which varies based on the vehicle's age and mileage.

• Genuine Subaru parts and accessories have their own warranty, with different terms depending on when and where they were installed.

• Subaru offers extended service agreements, like Subaru Added Security®, to provide extra protection beyond the factory warranty periods.

Understanding Your Subaru New Vehicle Limited Warranty

When you drive off the lot in a brand-new Subaru, you're not just getting a car; you're getting a promise. That promise comes in the form of the Subaru New Vehicle Limited Warranty. This warranty is designed to cover defects in materials or workmanship for most parts of your car. It’s Subaru’s way of saying they stand behind their engineering and build quality. Think of it as your first line of defense against unexpected issues that might pop up shortly after you become a Subaru owner.

Coverage Duration and Mileage

The standard Subaru New Vehicle Limited Warranty typically lasts for 36 months or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This coverage period starts from the day your Subaru is delivered to you as the first retail buyer. If your car was used as a demonstrator model before you bought it, the warranty clock starts ticking from when it first entered demonstrator service. It’s important to keep track of your mileage and the date of purchase to know exactly where you stand with your warranty coverage.

What the New Vehicle Limited Warranty Covers

This warranty is pretty broad, covering a wide range of components. It generally includes:

• Powertrain Components: This covers major engine parts, transmission, and drivetrain components. Basically, the stuff that makes your Subaru go.

• Basic Components: This includes many other parts like steering systems, brakes, fuel systems, electrical systems, and climate control.

• Rust Perforation: Subaru also covers rust that goes all the way through the metal panels of your car.

It’s good to know that genuine Subaru parts and accessories installed by a dealer before you take delivery are also covered under this warranty for the same duration. You can find more details about what's covered on the Subaru website.

Exclusions from New Vehicle Coverage

Now, like most warranties, the Subaru New Vehicle Limited Warranty has its limits. It doesn't cover everything. Here are some common exclusions:

• Tires: Your original tires are covered by the tire manufacturer’s warranty, not Subaru’s.

• Normal Wear and Tear: Items that wear out over time, like brake pads, wiper blades, and clutch discs, aren't typically covered unless there's a defect.

• Damage from Accidents or Misuse: If your car is damaged in a collision, from road hazards, or due to improper maintenance or modifications, that damage won't be covered.

• Routine Maintenance: Things like oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements are your responsibility.

It's always a good idea to read through the official Subaru warranty booklet that came with your car. That document has all the specific details, limitations, and what you need to do to keep your warranty valid.

Exploring the Subaru Major Component Warranty

So, after your basic Subaru New Vehicle Limited Warranty runs out, what happens to the important stuff? That’s where the Subaru Major Component Warranty comes in. It’s designed to keep your car running smoothly by covering key parts for a longer period. Think of it as a second layer of protection for the big-ticket items.

This warranty extends the coverage for major components up to 60 months or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the original date the car was first registered. It’s a nice perk that comes standard with your new Subaru and it’s even transferable if you sell your car to someone else. If a covered major component needs fixing or replacing due to a defect in materials or how it was made, Subaru picks up the tab for parts and labor.

Here’s a look at what’s generally included:

• Engine: This covers the engine block, all internal parts, cylinder heads, valve train, oil pump, oil pan, timing components, water pump, flywheel, manifolds, mounts, seals, gaskets, and the turbocharger.

• Transmission & Differential: This includes the transaxle and differential cases, all internal parts, torque converter, electronic control units, and associated seals and gaskets.

• Suspension & Axle: You’ll find coverage for control arms, bushings, hubs, bearings, spindles, ball joints, stabilizer bars, torsion bars, axle shafts, and CV joints (including the boots).

• Brakes: This covers ABS components like wheel speed sensors, magnetic encoders, hydraulic control units, and the electronic control unit, as well as VDC components.

• Restraint Systems: Seatbelts and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components are included.

• Fuel System: The fuel pump is covered.

• Steering: This includes the rack and pinion housing, internal parts, power steering pump, steering column assembly, and electric power steering systems.

It's always a good idea to double-check your specific warranty documents or talk to your Subaru dealer. Sometimes, what's covered can vary slightly based on the model year or specific package you purchased. Getting clarity upfront saves a lot of headaches later on.

This extended coverage is a big reason why many people stick with the Subaru brand. It shows they stand behind their vehicles beyond the initial bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Subaru Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Warranty Details

When you're looking at a pre-owned Subaru, the Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program offers a bit of extra reassurance. These vehicles have gone through a rigorous inspection, and they come with their own warranty coverage, which can vary depending on the specific vehicle's age and mileage when it enters the CPO program. It's a good way to get a reliable used car with some protection.

Warranty for Newer Certified Pre-Owned Subarus

If a CPO Subaru still has some of its original New Vehicle Limited Warranty left – meaning it's less than 36 months old or has fewer than 60,000 miles – it gets a bit of a boost. Subaru extends this coverage to a total of 42 months or 70,000 miles from the original sale date, whichever comes first. This means you get the remainder of the factory warranty plus an extra bit of time and mileage. It's a solid deal for a newer used car.

Coverage for Slightly Older Certified Pre-Owned Subarus

For CPO Subarus that have passed their original New Vehicle Limited Warranty but are still relatively new – typically up to five model years old and under 100,000 miles – the coverage is a bit different. These vehicles usually come with a 6-month or 10,000-mile Subaru Certified Limited Warranty. This covers most mechanical parts, giving you peace of mind on a car that's a few years down the road. You can often extend this coverage with a Subaru Protection Plan if you want more.

Warranty for Older Certified Pre-Owned Subarus

Even Subarus that are a bit older, up to eight model years old and with mileage between 100,000 and 160,000 miles, can be part of the CPO program. For these vehicles, the CPO warranty is typically shorter, usually around 3 months or 5,000 miles. While it's less extensive than the coverage for newer CPO models, it still provides a basic safety net for major mechanical issues. Again, looking into Subaru Protection Plans is a good idea here if you want more comprehensive coverage.

Types of Certified Pre-Owned Coverage

Subaru's CPO warranties generally fall into two main categories: Comprehensive and Major Component. The Comprehensive coverage is pretty broad, aiming to cover almost every mechanical part of the vehicle. The Major Component coverage, as the name suggests, focuses on the big-ticket items like the engine and powertrain, plus some other key parts like steering and brakes. The exact type of coverage you get depends on the age and mileage of the specific CPO Subaru you're looking at. It's always best to check the details for the car you're interested in.

It's important to remember that CPO warranties are designed to provide coverage for defects in materials or workmanship. They don't typically cover routine maintenance items or damage caused by accidents, misuse, or lack of proper care. Always read the warranty documentation carefully to understand what is and isn't included.

Subaru Parts and Accessories Warranty Information

When you buy genuine Subaru parts or accessories, you get a warranty to back them up. It’s good to know that if something goes wrong with a part you bought for your car, there’s some protection. Subaru offers a warranty on these items, but the specifics depend on how and when they were installed.

Coverage for Dealer-Installed Parts and Accessories

If you have genuine Subaru parts or accessories installed by an authorized Subaru dealer before you even take delivery of your new car, they’re covered for a pretty good stretch. You get coverage for 36 months or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This also includes the cost of labor if a part needs to be replaced. That’s a solid deal.

Now, if you have parts or accessories installed by the dealer after you’ve already driven your Subaru off the lot, the warranty is a bit different. It’s good for 12 months or 20,000 miles, whichever happens first. Again, this covers the labor needed for replacement, which is a nice bonus.

Warranty for Owner-Installed Parts and Accessories

Things change a bit if you or someone other than an authorized dealer installs the genuine Subaru parts or accessories. In this case, the warranty lasts for the first 180 days from the date you purchased the item. However, this warranty only covers the cost of the part or accessory itself. You won’t get labor costs covered if it needs to be swapped out. It’s still better than nothing, but definitely something to keep in mind if you’re doing the work yourself or having a non-Subaru shop handle it. You can find more details about the Subaru parts warranty in your owner's manual or by asking your local dealer.

It’s always a good idea to check the specific warranty details for any parts or accessories you purchase, as terms can sometimes vary. Referring to the official Subaru Warranty Booklet will give you the most accurate and complete information, including any limitations or restrictions that might apply.

Subaru Extended Emissions System Warranty

So, after your initial Subaru Emission Control System Limited Warranty runs out, there's still some protection for your car's emissions system. It's called the Subaru Extended Emissions System Warranty, and it's good for a total of 96 months or 130,000 kilometers, whichever comes first, from when you first registered the car.

Emissions Component Coverage Duration

This extended warranty kicks in after the standard 36-month/60,000 km emissions warranty finishes. It keeps major emissions components covered for a much longer period. Think of it as a safety net for some of your car's most important pollution-control parts.

Specific Emissions System Components Protected

What exactly does this extended warranty cover? It focuses on the big players in your car's emissions control setup. This includes:

• Catalytic converter(s)

• Electronic Emissions Control Unit (ECU) or Electronic Control Module (ECM)

• On-board emissions diagnostic devices

It's important to remember that this warranty is there to help if these specific parts fail and cause your Subaru to not meet emissions standards. You'll want to make sure your car has been maintained according to the recommended schedule, and that any emissions tests were done at an approved facility. If your car fails an emissions test and it results in a penalty or loss of use, this warranty could be a lifesaver. For more details on what emissions warranties cover, you can check out this guide.

This extended coverage is specifically for defects in the listed components that affect your vehicle's ability to meet emissions regulations. It's not a blanket warranty for all emissions-related issues.

Electric Vehicle Component Warranty

Subaru's commitment to innovation extends to their electric vehicles, and they back these advanced machines with a specific warranty to cover their unique components. This warranty focuses on the high-voltage systems that power your EV, giving you peace of mind about these critical parts.

High-Voltage Battery and Drive Unit Coverage

The heart of any electric vehicle is its battery and the systems that manage power delivery. Subaru covers the high-voltage battery pack, the AC/DC inverter, the DC/DC converter, and the electric motor/transmission assemblies. These are the parts that make your EV go, and they're protected for a significant period. You're looking at coverage for 96 months or 160,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. This means you can drive with confidence, knowing these major electrical components are shielded against defects in materials or workmanship.

Battery Capacity Retention Guarantee

Beyond just covering failures, Subaru also provides a guarantee regarding the battery's performance over time. For the same 96-month or 160,000-kilometer period, the high-voltage battery is warranted to retain 70% or more of its original capacity. This is important because, like all batteries, EV batteries can degrade over time. This guarantee helps ensure your vehicle continues to offer a usable range throughout its warranty period. It’s a good idea to keep up with recommended maintenance, as issues like exceeding mileage limits at lease end could lead to charges, similar to what you might see with excess mileage.

It's always a good idea to check your specific warranty booklet for the most precise details, as this is a general overview. Things like how you maintain the vehicle can sometimes affect warranty coverage, so following the recommended service schedule is usually a smart move.

Subaru Added Security® and Protection Plans

So, you've got your Subaru, and you're probably wondering about what happens after the factory warranty runs out. That's where Subaru Added Security® and other protection plans come into play. Think of these as ways to keep that peace of mind going long after the initial coverage expires. Subaru actually offers a couple of different levels of these extended service agreements, and they're designed to be pretty straightforward.

Benefits of Subaru-Backed Extended Service Agreements

Subaru's own plans, like the Added Security® program, are a bit different from third-party options. Subaru stands behind these plans, aiming for customer satisfaction so you'll want to buy another Subaru down the road. If a covered part breaks, Subaru-trained technicians will fix it using genuine Subaru parts. This is a big deal because it means they're not cutting corners on repairs. Plus, you can often include the cost of these plans in your monthly financing or lease payments, which can make budgeting easier. They can also offer benefits beyond the basic factory warranty, like car rental reimbursement, lodging, and meal expenses if a covered repair happens while you're traveling. It's like having a safety net for your car.

Customizing Your Protection Plan

When you look into these plans, you'll find you can pick the level of coverage that fits your needs and budget. There are typically different tiers, like a "Classic" plan that covers major components such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, and a "Gold Plus" plan that offers more extensive, almost bumper-to-bumper coverage, similar to the original factory warranty. You can also choose your deductible amount – options like $0, $100, or $250 are common. Picking a higher deductible usually means a lower upfront cost for the plan itself, but you'll pay more out-of-pocket if you need a repair. It’s all about finding that balance that works for you.

Transferable Coverage and Resale Value

Another neat aspect is that these plans are often transferable. If you decide to sell your Subaru before the extended coverage runs out, you can transfer the remaining protection to the new owner for a small fee. This can definitely make your car more attractive to potential buyers and potentially boost its resale value. It’s a nice little perk that shows Subaru is thinking about the whole ownership experience, not just the initial sale. If you're interested in getting a quote or more specific details, your local Subaru retailer is the best place to start; they can help you figure out exactly what plan makes the most sense for your Subaru vehicle.

These plans are designed to give you confidence on the road, knowing that major repairs down the line are already accounted for. It's a way to budget for the unexpected and keep your Subaru running smoothly for years to come.

Wrapping It Up: Your Subaru Warranty

So, that's the rundown on Subaru warranties. Whether you're looking at a brand-new ride or a certified pre-owned gem, knowing what's covered and for how long can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Remember, the basic new car warranty covers most things for the first 3 years or 60,000 km, with major components getting extra time. For used cars, it varies, but Subaru offers certified warranties that give you a good amount of protection too. And if you want even more peace of mind, there are those extended plans, like Subaru Added Security, that can cover you for years to come. It’s always a good idea to check your specific warranty booklet or chat with your dealer to get all the exact details for your particular Subaru. Happy driving!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the basic Subaru warranty last?

Your new Subaru comes with a New Vehicle Limited Warranty that covers most things for 3 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. After that, a Major Component Warranty keeps covering important parts for up to 5 years or 100,000 miles.

What kind of warranty do used Subarus get?

Subaru Certified Pre-Owned vehicles have their own warranty. Depending on how old and how many miles the car has, it could have the rest of the original warranty, a special Certified warranty for up to 42 months or 70,000 miles, or a shorter 6-month/10,000-mile or 3-month/5,000-mile warranty. You can often buy an extra plan to make the coverage longer.

Can I transfer my Subaru warranty to someone else?

Yes, the Major Component Warranty can be passed on to the next owner if they register the car with Subaru Canada. This can make your car more valuable when you sell it.

What's covered if I buy Subaru parts or accessories?

Genuine Subaru parts and accessories installed by a Subaru dealer before you get your new car are covered for 3 years or 60,000 miles. If they're installed after you buy the car, they're covered for 1 year or 20,000 miles. If you install them yourself, they're only covered for 180 days, and only the part itself, not the labor.

Can I get extra warranty coverage after the original one runs out?

Subaru offers an extended warranty called Subaru Added Security. It can cover your car for up to 7 years or 160,000 miles. You can pick different levels of coverage and choose how much you want to pay if something breaks (like $0, $100, or $250). It can even include things like rental car costs if your car is being fixed under warranty.

How long is the warranty for electric Subaru parts?

The electric components, like the battery and electric motor, have a special long warranty. They are covered for 96 months or 160,000 miles, whichever comes first. Plus, Subaru guarantees the battery will keep at least 70% of its original power during that time.