A Subaru warranty can help you protect your new car purchase. A limited warranty often comes with the purchase of a new car, but you may also decide to buy an extended warranty once your initial warranty is up. Find out what each Subaru warranty includes to help you decide if it’s worth the investment.
What Is a Subaru Warranty?
A Subaru warranty is a service contract that covers you in the event your vehicle needs repairs due to defects. The Subaru new car limited warranty offers basic coverage for up to three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This bumper-to-bumper policy covers the cost of repairs for any issues related to defective parts or workmanship.
The new car limited warranty also provides you with replacement parts when your Subaru parts are deemed defective. This includes the cost of labor and materials. It may also cover the cost of towing or a rental.
What Is the Subaru Powertrain Limited Warranty?
The Subaru powertrain limited warranty is a policy that covers major powertrain components. This policy includes repairing and replacing the engine, cylinder heads, oil pump or pan, timing belts, water pump, flywheel, or intake and exhaust manifolds. It may also cover transaxle and differential parts like the torque converter or electronic transmission control unit.
Repairs and replacements to the powertrain are some of the most expensive costs when it comes to fixing a vehicle. The average cost of replacing an engine is between $4,000-$7,000. The high cost of powertrain components can make a powertrain warranty worth the cost.
Subaru Warranty Extended Service Agreements
Once your Subaru limited warranty is up, you can extend it through an extended service agreement. Subaru has an added security program that adds another layer of protection to your vehicle. The added security program is available in two plans.
The Subaru Classic Plan offers major component coverage, including the all-wheel-drive system and transmission. The Gold Plus Plan is a higher level of coverage that also includes air conditioning, electrical, brakes, and the suspension system.
The added security program has two length options: an eight-year/120,000 miles or a 10-year/100,000 miles. It also offers towing and rental benefits and guarantees all repairs, including authentic Subaru parts.
The added security program warranty also transfers with the sale of the vehicle. The Subaru limited warranty that comes with your new car purchase is shorter than some other manufacturers’ warranties. This means that it may be a good idea to consider adding on an extended warranty.
Subaru Warranty Exclusions
Subaru has certain requirements drivers must follow to avoid voiding their warranty. Failing to keep up with preventative maintenance according to the owner’s manual schedule can void your warranty. Subaru also expects drivers to check their fluid levels and tire pressure regularly. Additional things that may not be included with your Subaru warranty include:
- Services or parts that are already covered under a different warranty
- Maintenance needs due to normal wear and tear
- Repair needs due to improper repairs or unauthorized parts
- Repairs due to vandalism or fire
- Damage from racing
- Damage caused by the environment, like airborne elements or water damage
- Repairs made by a non-authorized Subaru dealership
- Vehicles that are used for commercial purposes
- Damages due to an accident
None of the Subaru warranties cover routine maintenance or damages due to wear and tear. This means it won’t typically cover brakes, brake pads, hoses, or belts. It also won’t cover the cost of new tires due to normal wear and tear.
Additional Subaru Warranties to Consider
If you want even more protection, you may consider adding on any of the following Subaru warranties:
- Seat belt lifetime limited warranty: This warranty covers the seat belt and all related components for the lifetime of the vehicle. It doesn’t cover cosmetic changes to the seat belt.
- Wear item limited warranty: This warranty covers the brake pads, shoe lining, and windshield wipers within the vehicle’s initial three-year/30,000-mile limited warranty.
- Rust perforation limited warranty: This warranty is good for up to five years, with no mileage limit. It covers panels that are completely rusted through. However, there are exclusions, including the underbody of the vehicle or rust caused by a lack of maintenance.
- Roadside assistance: This warranty covers the cost of roadside services for up to three years and 36,000 miles. Eligible services include towing, jump starts, fuel delivery, and spare tire installation.
- Hybrid system warranty: This warranty is exclusive to hybrid vehicles. It covers hybrid components of the vehicle for up to eight years or 100,000 miles.
- Single adjustment service: The Subaru single adjustment warranty allows you to receive one wheel alignment and minor adjustment without replacement parts during the three-year/36,000-mile period.
If you want to buy a Subaru warranty to protect your purchase, you can find them at different price points and with different deductibles. The cost of the warranty depends on where you buy it and the level of coverage you choose.
How to Use Your Subaru Warranty
Subaru requires that you file a warranty claim as soon as you identify a defective part. You must also submit your claim within your warranty period. Subaru suggests that you take your vehicle to the same authorized Subaru dealership where you bought your vehicle. However, your warranty will cover the cost if you take it to any authorized Subaru dealership.
Should You Buy an Extended Warranty?
Many newer Subaru vehicles come with a limited warranty, meaning you won’t have to decide if you need a warranty until that one runs out. A Subaru extended warranty may be a good choice for people who want peace of mind and access to a reliable vehicle.
Certain Subaru repairs, including engine or transmission replacement, can be expensive. If you don’t have access to a lot of funds, a warranty can protect you if your vehicle has defects. Extended warranties also make sense for people who plan on driving their vehicle for a long time.
Routine maintenance is crucial in maintaining the value of your Subaru and ensuring your warranty stays valid. The FIXD sensor and app can help you track necessary maintenance and repair needs to keep your vehicle in good working condition.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
