Subaru vehicles are well-known for their safety and reliability, and they are popular choices for drivers in the United States. If you own a Subaru or you’re thinking about buying one, it’s a good idea to learn more about Subaru warranties, especially the drivetrain warranty. Here’s some more information about the warranties that come with a Subaru, what they cover, and the extended warranties you can choose.
Subaru Factory Warranties
Subarus have a reputation for being safe to drive and reliable, and they include a wide range of safety and antitheft features. These features let the company include excellent warranties with new vehicles. The bumper-to-bumper factory warranty covers most mechanical defects, and it covers three years or 36,000 miles. “Wear items” like brake pads, tires, and windshield wipers aren’t usually covered, but Subaru will pay for them as long as the factory warranty is in effect.
The only things it doesn’t cover are routine maintenance tasks such as tire rotations and oil changes. It’s similar to an insurance policy for mechanical problems with your Subaru. The Seat Belt Lifetime Limited Warranty includes seat belts and related components that fail to function properly, but it doesn’t cover color fading or other cosmetic problems, electrical components, or body anchor points. The powertrain warranty includes the drivetrain, and it lasts for five years or 60,000 miles. It covers the:
- Engine block and all internal parts
- Valve trains and cylinder heads
- Oil pan
- Oil pump
- Water pump
- Intake manifold
- Exhaust manifold
- Timing gears or belts and cover
- Oil seals and gaskets
- Flywheel
- Transaxle case and internal parts
- Torque converter
- Electronic transmission control unit
- Propeller shaft
- Axle shafts
- Wheel bearings
Rust perforation coverage protects the body panels of all Subaru models for five years, regardless of the amount of mileage. It doesn’t cover the outside of the underbody or any damage from road hazards like rocks. Subaru’s hybrids get eight-year, 100,000-mile limited warranties for their batteries and other electrical components.
Extended Warranties
The Subaru factory warranty will help you pay for unexpected repairs when you’re a new car owner, but it will eventually expire. With an extended warranty, you can get near-lifetime protection from mechanical problems for your Subaru. You can choose a dealership extended service contract, or you can get a protection plan offered by a third-party warranty company. Subaru also offers an added security program. It’s the only mechanical breakdown coverage that’s backed by Subaru of America, and it covers wear and tear as well.
The Classic Plan covers most major components, and the Gold Plus Plan covers almost every other part of your vehicle. Gold Plus also includes 24-hour emergency roadside assistance that covers gas delivery, jump starts, locksmith service, and more. It also pays for meals and lodging if a breakdown interrupts your travel plans. The Classic and Gold Plus plans both have a towing allowance if you need a tow for a covered mechanical problem. They also include up to five days of rental car fees in case your car needs to be kept overnight.
Subaru’s added security program has transferable coverage, so it can increase the resale value of your vehicle. You can get a plan with up to eight years or 120,000 miles or up to 10 years or 100,000 miles of coverage. This includes onboard computers and many other components that aren’t usually covered by warranties. You can choose a plan with no deductible or a $100 deductible. All repairs are made with genuine Subaru parts by factory-trained Subaru technicians. With an extended warranty from an independent company, only replacement parts not made by Subaru are often covered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Subaru Drivetrain Warranties
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about warranties for Subarus:
What Are the Benefits of An Extended Warranty?
Despite its name, an extended warranty is a vehicle service contract, not technically a warranty. An extended warranty can give you peace of mind by keeping you from needing to pay large amounts for major repairs. It's especially useful if you plan to keep your Subaru for a long time or you've had issues with other vehicles in the past and you want to avoid unexpected expenses. To learn exactly what is and isn't covered, it's a good idea to read the service contract carefully.
When Do Subaru Warranties Apply?
The Subaru factory warranties apply if the vehicle was imported and sold by Subaru of America and then sold to the first retail purchaser by an authorized Subaru dealer. You can purchase an extended warranty at any time, as long as your vehicle hasn't exceeded the mileage or age limits, even if your Subaru has several thousand miles on it already.
Do Subaru Warranties Cover Emergency Repairs?
If you have an emergency covered by a warranty and there are no authorized Subaru dealers within 75 miles of your location, you can get the repairs needed to operate your vehicle safely at any service facility available. Subaru of America will reimburse you for up to $500.00 for emergency repairs. However, the company won't pay more than Subaru's suggested retail price and labor charges. That means you could need to pay for some repair costs yourself along with your deductible.
To make a claim for an emergency repair, show all replaced parts, a copy of the receipt, and a written description of the emergency to an authorized Subaru dealer within 15 days of the repair. If your claim is approved, you'll get reimbursement from Subaru of America within 60 days. Subaru doesn't assume any liability for the repair facility's work or for any non-genuine Subaru accessories or parts used in the repair.
These are the basic warranty options available with Subaru. You can also choose an extended warranty from another company, but it is important to note that the Subaru warranties have more extensive coverage than most warranties from independent businesses. No matter which warranty you choose for your drivetrain, it can reduce your repair costs and help you keep your Subaru running reliably.
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.
