Nissan Factory Warranty Explained

If you own a Nissan or are shopping for one, it helps to know exactly what the factory warranty covers and when it ends. Nissan's coverage follows a structure common among mainstream brands, with a shorter basic warranty and a longer powertrain warranty. Here's what that means in practice.

The two main coverages

Nissan's new vehicle warranty is built around two parts. Terms can vary by model year, so always confirm with your warranty booklet.

• Basic coverage: 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Powertrain coverage: 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Both clocks typically start on the date the car was first sold or put into service, not the date you bought it. If you buy a used Nissan, the remaining factory coverage usually carries over to you.

What basic coverage includes

Basic coverage, sometimes called bumper-to-bumper, covers repairs needed because of defects in materials or workmanship on most parts of the vehicle. That generally includes:

• Electrical systems and power accessories.
• Air conditioning and heating.
• Infotainment and navigation.
• Steering and suspension components.
• Sensors and control modules.

It doesn't mean everything is covered. It means that if a part fails due to a factory defect, Nissan pays to fix it during the coverage period.

What powertrain coverage includes

Powertrain coverage protects the parts that make the car move. On most vehicles, that includes:

1. Engine: internal lubricated parts, the block, cylinder heads and related components.
2. Transmission or CVT: the case and internal parts, plus the torque converter on automatics.
3. Drive system: axle shafts, differentials, driveshafts and, on AWD models, transfer components.

Many Nissan models use a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Check your warranty booklet and any service notices for your specific model, since coverage details can differ. Our transmission coverage page explains how these parts are typically treated by extended plans.

What isn't covered

Like most factory warranties, Nissan's coverage excludes:

• Routine maintenance such as oil changes, filters and tire rotations.
• Wear items like brake pads, wiper blades and clutch linings.
• Tires, which are usually covered by the tire maker.
• Damage from accidents, misuse, environmental causes or lack of maintenance.
• Problems caused by aftermarket parts or modifications.

Nissan also provides separate coverages, such as emissions and corrosion protection, and electrified models may have separate coverage for high-voltage components. Check your booklet for those terms.

How to file a factory warranty claim

If something goes wrong while you're still covered, take the car to an authorized Nissan dealer. Factory warranty repairs are handled through the dealer network, not independent shops. A few tips:

• Describe the symptom clearly, including when it happens and any warning lights.
• Ask for a copy of the repair order, even if the work is free.
• Keep records of repeat visits for the same problem. They matter if an issue keeps coming back.

If a dealer says a repair isn't covered, ask them to show you the warranty language they're relying on.

Keep your maintenance records. To protect your warranty, follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual and keep proof. You don't have to service your car at a dealer to keep the warranty, but you do need records showing the work was done. Dated receipts with mileage are ideal.

If a claim comes up, especially on the engine or transmission, records help show the failure wasn't caused by neglect.

What happens when coverage ends

Once basic coverage expires, you'll pay for repairs on things like electronics, A/C and suspension yourself. After powertrain coverage expires, engine and transmission repairs are your responsibility too.

Options at that point include:

• Building a repair savings fund.
• Buying a Nissan-backed extended plan through a dealer, if you're still eligible.
• Comparing third-party vehicle service contracts.

Our Nissan warranty page covers common questions for Nissan owners, and you can compare plan types on our plans page.

How Warranty Wizards can help

We help Nissan owners compare service contracts from third-party providers and explain what each plan covers before you buy. You can review options as your factory coverage nears its end. Get a free quote.