Subaru Warranty: A Guide to Protecting Your Vehicle

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Whatever it is, part of the new car buying experience is the dozens of pages detailing the factory warranty. If you're a new Subaru owner, our Subaru warranty guide will help you understand what's covered and what to do when that coverage expires.

An extended warranty from a third-party provider can give you peace of mind when you're thinking about how you can cover costly repairs. We'll explain why CARCHEX is our recommended supplier, as well as how Subaru's extended warranty differs.

What is the Subaru factory warranty?

Different manufacturers offer different types of warranties, but you'll likely get two at no additional cost when you purchase your vehicle: a basic and a powertrain warranty. All Subaru of America customers receive a new car limited warranty for three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty for five years or 60,000 miles. This applies to Subaru vehicles from 2000 through 2020.

Let's take a closer look at Subaru's warranties.

Subaru Powertrain Warranty

Your engine and transmission will likely outlive other parts of your car, but that doesn't mean you should go without protection. Subaru includes the following parts (and more) under its drivetrain:

• Half-axles
• Pump
• Wheel bearings
• Torque converter
• Oil pan and pump
• Glands and gaskets
• Cylinder heads and valve system
• Transmission seals and gaskets
• Electronic transmission control unit
• Gearbox / transmission and internal parts
• Engine, engine block and all internal parts

Subaru Basic Warranty

As part of your Subaru Limited Warranty on new vehicles, you get full coverage for all parts and accessories. (See your Warranty and Service Booklet for exclusions).

One particular benefit Subaru offers is coverage for wear items such as brake pads and wiper blades, as well as tire alignment. Unfortunately, this is covered once per 36 months or 36,000 miles, but it's a benefit not all manufacturers offer.

Hybrid vehicle coverage

More and more brands are releasing electric and hybrid vehicles. Subaru has hit the headlines with its announcement of its first hybrid vehicle, the Subaru 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid. The coverage and contract terms for the Subaru Hybrid are the same as the base and limited powertrain warranty for all other models.

Subaru Rust Perforation Limited Warranty

In addition to basic warranties and powertrain warranties, Subaru offers coverage for body sheet metal that is completely corroded (perforated). However, scratches and cosmetic damage are not covered. The coverage lasts for five years, no matter how many miles you put on the car.

Lifetime limited seat belt warranty

Subaru's warranty also covers seat belts and related components for the life of the vehicle. Other lifetime warranties may be exclusive to your local Subaru dealer.

Limited warranty on apparel items

Brake pads/pad linings, clutch linings and wiper blades are covered for three years or 36,000 miles.

Subaru Extraordinary Benefits

A good manufacturer's warranty should cover more than just repairs. It will also help you when your car breaks down and needs to be towed.

All Subaru warranties come with additional extraordinary benefits:

• Reimbursement of towing costs.
• Guaranteed OEM Subaru Parts.
• Emergency repairs within 75 miles of an authorized Subaru dealer.
• 24/7 roadside assistance (starting, gas delivery, etc.) For Subarus 2000 model year and up.

Warranty exclusions and canceling your contract

Unlike recent Subaru recalls that are guaranteed to be fixed, not all mechanical repairs are covered under your Subaru factory warranty. Many repairs may actually void your warranty. You may pay for your own repairs if you fall under these contract exclusions:

• Cosmetic damage.
• Parts are covered by separate warranties.
• Routine maintenance such as oil changes.
• Damage caused by accident or weather.
• Repairs performed by an unauthorized Subaru dealer.
• Damage caused by parts not covered by warranty.
• Damage due to failure to perform scheduled maintenance.

It's all about common sense. If you follow your owner's manual, properly maintain your Subaru vehicle, and avoid racing or abusing the car, you are already in a much better position to get free repairs under warranty.

Is the Subaru manufacturer's warranty transferable?

If you're thinking about selling your vehicle, you won't have to deal with a confusing process or high transfer fees. Your Subaru warranty is automatically transferred to the new owner.

Expand your vehicle's protection plan: Subaru Extended Warranties

Experts like to argue whether an extended warranty is worth it after the manufacturer's warranty expires. While it's ultimately up to you and whether you need the extra assurance, we think the potential savings are worth it.

Extended warranty can:

• Extend the life of your vehicle.
• Provides financial security and peace of mind.
• Set your car repairs into your monthly or yearly budget.
• Increase the value of your car, especially if you are transferring ownership.

General Subaru Repair

The most important feature of an extended warranty is saving money on costly repairs.

You'll often find that each car brand has its own pattern of individual part failures. For example, piston rings have been known to cause excessive oil consumption in 2013 and 2014 Subaru models. Vehicle failures can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year.

We found some examples of common Subaru repairs and their average cost.

Whether you own a problematic Subaru Impreza or a Subaru sports car, you can expect to pay around $600 a year or more if multiple repairs are needed. In this case, an extended warranty can make all the difference.

Subaru Extended Service Agreements

The extended warranty, unlike the factory warranty, is not included in the price of the vehicle. It is an additional fee that you pay upfront or on a monthly basis. This type of agreement is more accurately called a service contract.

Subaru offers two levels of coverage under its Supplemental Safety Program with terms of up to eight years / 120,000 miles or 10 years / 100,000 miles.

1. Classic coverage: this is a less expensive option, covering nearly 1,000 items.2. Gold Plus: this premium option covers everything in the Classic plan, plus hundreds more parts.

Third-party warranty: alternative extended protection

What are third-party warranty companies? They offer extended warranties, but are not directly related to the car manufacturer...

Third-party warranty myth

Myth: Extended third-party warranties are always a scam.