Tesla vehicles are the embodiment of the future of mobility on four wheels. But with all this technological wizardry and seamless integration on board, even a minor fault can quickly turn into a catastrophic money pit. So in this article, we shall take an in-depth look at Tesla's factory warranty and we will try to walk you through the kind of coverage that one can expect with a Tesla EV.

We shall also look at options for extended protection and even explore some of the best third-party extended warranty options to safeguard your Tesla's electric drivetrain.

Tesla Warranty: What Comes Standard?

The mainstream EV segment is in its infancy and Tesla is the flagbearer for electric mobility they have done a good job by providing 4-year/50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper warranty under its new vehicles Limited Warranty. This will cover most repairs in that timeframe with a very limited list of inclusions.

Tesla sticks to traditional norms and covers their powertrain which is comprised of electric motors and batteries under separate, more extensive warranties. The flagship Model S sedan and Model X SUV enjoy a higher warranty coverage while the more affordable Model 3 and Model Y are covered under shorter warranties.

Initially, Tesla used to offer unlimited-mileage warranties for the battery and drive unit. Now, however, their modern vehicles are subject to mileage limits.

- Model S/Model X Warranty: These models are covered by an 8-year/150,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first.

- Model Y/Model 3 Short Range Warranty: The short-range variants of these models are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles.

- Model Y/Model 3 Long Range Warranty: The long-range variants are covered for 8 years/120,000 miles.

All batteries are victims of depleting capacity and that might just be manageable in the case of your phones but it's not the desired quality when it comes to your expensive EV. This is why Tesla guarantees 70 percent battery retention during the covered period. If battery retention drops below this level, Tesla will replace your battery.

Tesla provides separate warranty coverage terms for certain other parts and conditions:

- Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Warranty: This covers repairs or replacements to correct defects in seatbelts and airbags for up to 5 years/60,000 miles.

- Body Rust Limited Warranty: This covers rust perforation, which occurs when a hole is formed inside outwards due to rusting for up to 12 years/unlimited miles.

The above warranties cover costs associated with the repairs to correct defects in any parts that were manufactured or supplied by Tesla, which occur under normal use. Craftsmanship defects are also covered. These warranties are transferable at no additional cost. A Certified Preowned Tesla also comes with an additional warranty.

Learn all about mechanical breakdown coverage and whether or not you should get an extended warranty.

Things That Could Void Your Tesla Warranty

But without an engine, there is no scope for tampering or modifications. So can your Tesla's warranty be voided? The short answer is yes. According to Tesla, your warranty may be voided if you don't follow specific recommendations and instructions, including but not limited to:

- Adhering to a recall advisory

- Exceeding load limits

- Failing to properly install vehicle updates

- Failing to make repairs

- Vehicles that have a damaged VIN (potentially indicating theft)

- Vehicles designated as rebuilt or salvage

Take the time to learn all about vehicle service contracts and what they mean to you

Tesla Warranty For Used Models

Tesla's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program is setting new standards for all-new EVs. When you buy a CPO Tesla, it retains the original Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty. If you buy a used Model 3, you’ll also be covered by any remaining miles in the 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

The flagship Model X or Model S offers the best CPO protection out of the lot with the most vehicles being eligible for the Used Vehicle Limited Warranty. This warranty will provide bumper-to-bumper coverage for the remainder of 4 years or 50,000 miles left on the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty. After expiration, the Used Vehicle Limited Warranty provides additional coverage of 1 year or 10,000 miles. If the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty has already expired, the Used Vehicle Limited Warranty will provide coverage of 1 year or 10,000 miles, starting from your delivery date. However, this does not cover vehicles bought from third-party sellers.

There are a few requirements for your used Tesla to be eligible:

- Must have less than 50,000 miles on it

- Must be less than four years old

- Must be purchased directly from Tesla

Did you know that a car warranty doesn't cover some regular service costs?

Tesla Reliability

The American manufacturer has been in the news for a lot of difference, mostly thanks to its eccentric billionaire owner Elon Musk, but also for the reliability issue that has plagued many Tesla models over the years. The EV drivetrain, known as the drive unit has been reliable for the most part except for a couple of examples that caught fire. But the issues that plague most Tesla's especially with time include:

- Suspension

- Electronics

- Dashboard quality

- Glass cracking

- Touchscreen cracking

Incidents like these have brought a lot of legal trouble for Tesla which even lead to the recall of over 50,000 vehicles back in 2013 for braking-related issues. Consumer Reports even removed the Tesla Model 3 from their recommendation due to these quality issues. With most Tesla models using the seamless glass windshield and roof design, replacements for that and other fairly technical parts can be quite expensive.

- Window Motor Regulator Replacement: $592.00 to $851.25

- Brake Caliper Replacement: $357.83 to $593.82

- Tesla Mode S battery pack replacement: $10,000 to $20,000

Tesla Extended Service Agreement Explained

Though Tesla's have stepped up their game in the quality department over the years, we still recommend purchasing added protection after the factory warranty expires. Luckily Tesla does offer an Extended Service Agreement (ESA) for all models. If your Tesla is still under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, or within 30 days of expiration, you can purchase the Extended Service Agreement at the prices listed below.

However, Tesla's ESA isn't as bulletproof and falls short in key areas which include:

- Only faulty craftsmanship, not wear and tear, is covered.

- There’s a separate warranty for the lithium-ion battery and drive unit.

- The deductible is up to $200 per visit.

Should You Consider A Third-Party Extended Warranty?

Arguably Tesla's Extended Service Agreement isn't up to industry standards, which is why we recommend shopping for a good third-party extended warranty for your Tesla. But with EV drivetrains comes another issue. Not all third-party extended warranty providers offer extended warranty plans that cover Tesla models. Based on leading industry experts, CarShield offers the best protection for Teslas. Here is a brief review of CarShield's extended warranty:

CarShield Overview:

With a 4.1 out of 5 rating on google, CarShield is a highly reputed extended warranty provider, they have built a reputation for having some of the best agents in the business, who ensure hassle-free settlement. Available in all states except California, their plans are also some of the cheapest in the business. They are also the only warranty provider to offer coverage for motorcycles and ATVs, and even offer a specialized plan specifically for high-tech vehicles.

They cover used vehicles with up to 300,000 miles and offer added benefits like 24/7 roadside assistance, flexible payment options, and the ability to choose a garage of your choice, they have built a reputation for their excellent customer service which makes them one of our top picks.

CarShield Cost:

One of the key reasons for CarShield's success over the years is its highly competitive pricing. It boasts of some of the lowest monthly payment rates which range between $89 and $139. This means based on the plan and vehicle condition, you can expect to spend between $1,700 and $2,000 for a CarShield Extended Warranty.

CarShield Coverage:

Backed by American Auto Shield, CarShield is one of the most reputed brands in the extended warranty space. With class-leading ratings from industry professionals, CarShield offers a range of six plans that offer everything from all-inclusive coverage to basic plans for your two-wheelers. Here's a list of plans offered by them:

- Diamond: Bumper-to-bumper warranty offering comprehensive coverage

- Platinum: Stated-component plan that covers the engine, transmission, electrical system, air conditioning, and more

- Gold: Mid-level plan covering a variety of essential systems including powertrain, water pump, alternator, etc.

- Silver: Basic powertrain coverage for your engine, transmission, and drivetrain

- Aluminum: Coverage for high-tech electronics such as ECMs, Navigation Modules, and other expensive electrical components.

- Motorcycle & ATV: Multi-tire coverage for two-wheelers and other non-standard vehicles.