Tesla Factory Warranty Explained

Tesla's factory warranty is split into two main parts: a basic vehicle warranty and a longer warranty on the battery and drive unit. Knowing where one ends and the other begins helps you understand what's protected as your car ages and what isn't.

The two main warranties

Tesla lists:

• Basic vehicle limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first
• Battery and drive unit limited warranty: 8 years, with a mileage limit that depends on the model

Terms can vary by model and model year, so check the warranty documents for your specific car. You can find your coverage dates in your Tesla account or by asking Tesla service.

What the basic warranty covers

The basic warranty is broad. It generally covers defects in materials or workmanship for most parts of the vehicle, such as:

• Touchscreens and onboard computers
• Door handles, windows, and locks
• Climate control, including the heat pump on models that have one
• Suspension and steering components
• Sensors and cameras
• Charging port and related hardware

Wear items like tires, brake pads, and wiper blades are typically excluded, as is damage from accidents, misuse, or environmental factors.

What the battery and drive unit warranty covers

This longer warranty focuses on the high-voltage battery and the drive unit, which is the motor and gearing that turns the wheels. It typically covers:

• Defects in the battery or drive unit
• Battery capacity loss below a stated threshold during the warranty period

Read the exact capacity language for your car. Gradual capacity loss within the stated limit is considered normal and isn't a warranty failure.

The gap after year four

The basic warranty usually ends well before the battery and drive unit warranty. Once you pass 4 years or 50,000 miles, the battery and drive unit may still be covered, but many other parts aren't.

On a Tesla, that matters because so much of the car runs through electronics. Common post-warranty concerns include:

• Touchscreen and computer issues
• Door handles and window components
• Climate system parts, such as the heat pump or AC compressor
• Suspension parts and wheel bearings
• Cameras and sensors used for driver-assist features
• 12-volt or low-voltage battery issues

Repair costs on these parts vary, and some can be significant because they involve specialized components.

Things that can affect coverage

Like any manufacturer, Tesla's warranty has conditions. Common issues to be aware of:

1. Accident repairs. Repairs done with improper parts or methods may affect coverage on related systems.
2. Modifications. Aftermarket changes can affect coverage for parts they impact.
3. Salvage or total-loss titles. These can void or limit warranty coverage.
4. Ignoring alerts. Continuing to drive after warnings appear may lead to denial of related damage.

When in doubt, contact Tesla service before making changes.

Buying a used Tesla

When you buy a used Tesla, remaining warranty coverage generally transfers with the car. Tesla's own used-vehicle program may add coverage on cars it sells. Check:

• The original in-service date
• Current mileage against each warranty's limit
• Any repair history or open service items
• Whether the car has a clean title

Planning beyond the factory warranty

If you plan to keep your Tesla after the basic warranty ends, options include:

• Setting aside a repair fund for electronics and suspension
• Buying a vehicle service contract that covers non-battery components
• Choosing a plan that includes EV-specific parts like onboard chargers and thermal systems

Learn more on our Tesla page and see what EV-focused plans can include on our hybrid and EV components page. Infotainment coverage details are on our infotainment page.

How Warranty Wizards can help

We help you compare plans from third-party providers and explain what each covers on a Tesla, from screens to suspension, before you buy. When you're ready, get a free quote at /get-a-quote/.