The Tesla Model 3 is a popular vehicle among electric vehicle enthusiasts, but with Tesla not having a dealership sales model that many car buyers are used to, there are many questions that exist regarding the Model 3 warranty coverages. Like any new vehicle, Tesla offers different warranties to protect against any defects or problems within certain time and mileage limits, so keep reading to learn more about the Model 3 warranty.
What Does a Tesla Model 3 Warranty Cover?
Also referred to as the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, the Model 3 warranty from Tesla includes the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty that covers up to four years or 50,000 miles. The warranty also comprises the following:
- The Safety Restraint System Limited Warranty that can cover you for five years or 60,000 miles
- The Battery and Drive Unit Warranty that goes up to eight years or 100,000 miles for the Standard Range Model 3
- The Long Range and Performance Model 3 warranty that lasts for eight years or 120,000 miles
For the Model 3, the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty essentially provides bumper-to-bumper protection for four years or 50,000 miles. The warranty covers manufacturing flaws, including delivery-related cosmetic faults and material failure under typical driving circumstances. It does not include collisions and ordinary wear and tear. The Model covers the airbag and seatbelt systems that may have been designed, built, or installed initially by Tesla 3’s Safety Restraint System Limited Warranty.
The battery pack and its components are covered under Tesla’s battery warranty for the Model 3 for up to eight years or 100,000 miles for the Standard Range model or 120,000 miles for the Long Range or Performance model. Also included is coverage for a minimum battery charge retention of 70%.
The Model 3 battery warranty has provisions for covering the cost of labor, parts, and repairs. It mostly covers damage brought on by a battery fire and manufacturing flaws (with exceptions). Failure to use the best charging procedures, attempts at servicing by untrained people, or flooding of the battery compartment can void your Model 3 battery warranty.
Tesla Model 3 warranty covers the cost of repairs and replacements resulting from manufacturing defects from items that Tesla either manufactures or provides as a component of the vehicle. Wear-and-tear components like brake pads, seat covers, and tires are excluded from this. Damage from a battery fire is included, but with situational limitations.
What Doesn’t a Tesla Model 3 Warranty Cover?
Tesla’s warranty has a few exclusions. Specifically, the Tesla warranty does not cover damage caused by:
- Normal wear and tear
- Abuse or misuse
- Accidents
- Improper maintenance
- Failing to service your vehicle properly
- Improper modifications or alterations
- Environmental causes
- Improper towing
- Theft or vandalism
- Off-road driving (Model S and Model 3, specifically)
- Overloading the car
- Paint defects
- Non-Tesla parts
Is a Tesla Model 3 Warranty Transferrable?
Each new owner of a Model 3 is eligible to receive the remaining time under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. It comes as no surprise that purchasers of a used Model 3 ought to be mindful of the terms of the warranty, although the Model 3 doesn’t appear to have seen many significant warranty problems after 2017. The Model 3’s most frequent issues are paint fading, misaligned panels, condensation in the headlight and taillight, and heat pump breakdown that may cause discomfort in extreme climates.
If you buy a used Tesla, the remaining warranty on a used Tesla is transferred directly between owners, subject to the original warranty agreement. This is not the case for purchases made from third-party dealers, in which case the Extended Service Agreement or Used Vehicle Limited Warranty may not be passed on to the purchaser.
Extended Service Agreement for Tesla Vehicles
The Model 3 does not currently come with an extended service agreement from Tesla. From one owner to the next, the remaining New Vehicle Limited Warranty is still in effect. Tesla does not offer a mechanism to extend these warranties. Tesla adds the Used Vehicle Limited Warranty if you acquire the Model 3 from Tesla’s used inventory. Tesla does not provide an extended warranty on these vehicles, but you can get third-party warranty coverage for your Model 3.
If you don’t want to pay for repairs upfront, and you plan to retain your Tesla for a period longer than the factory warranty term limit, an extended warranty for a Tesla is worthwhile.
What Can Void a Tesla Warranty?
Here are a few issues that can void Tesla’s Model 3 warranty:
- Battery: Unauthorized attempts to service the battery area, disregard for battery charging instructions, and use of the vehicle as a stationary power source can void a Tesla warranty. Flood or fire damage, collision damage that has been purposefully neglected and general damage that results in future battery failure can also void your warranty.
- Drive unit: Failing to make maintenance, adding aftermarket modifications, over-loading the vehicle with people or freight over its authorized capacity can void your Tesla warranty.
- Skipping vehicle service: This includes aftermarket modification, neglecting routine maintenance, ignoring service notices, and failing to update software when required.
- Corrosion and rust: Damage caused by perforation from aftermarket modifications, undercoating, or rust-proofing can void your Tesla warranty.
Checking Your Model 3 Warranty
You can call a Tesla service center and ask a Tesla representative to go over the details of your existing warranty coverage and renewal dates. Typically, all that is needed to confirm Model 3 warranty coverage is the Tesla’s VIN and current mileage. Tesla doesn’t honor vehicle warranties if the car is sold via a private party. This means Model 3 owners should be informed on their warranty status at the time of purchase.
Although Tesla’s service agreement offers several years of coverage, it is not the longest option available. Tesla owners only have one option, and it doesn’t apply to Model 3 or Model Y cars. It may be helpful to look into third-party providers if you’re considering an extended warranty for your Tesla.
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