Five things that will invalidate your car warranty—and that you must avoid!

Press release
Published on June 9, 2020

One of the reasons people love buying new cars is the peace of mind that comes from having a manufacturer’s warranty. But many don’t know there are also obligations they must meet to keep the warranty in effect. CAA-Quebec’s auto experts poured over the 2020 warranty booklets and came across some surprising requirements!

Everybody knows they have to have their car’s scheduled maintenance performed if they want the warranty to apply when a breakdown occurs. But some carmakers require much more than just an oil change. And driving an electric vehicle doesn’t let you off the hook—the requirements depend more on the hood ornament on your car than whether it’s gas or electric. Here are five reasons carmakers give for denying coverage. A word to the wise, as we say!

1. Ignoring dash alerts

When an alert comes on or a message pops up on the dash, you may think there’s no rush because the car is running fine. But be forewarned: some carmakers spell out in black and white that they can refuse to pick up the repair tab if you fail to have the problem promptly checked by a dealer. All the dealer has to do is query the onboard computer to know whether, for instance, a red alert came on and went off without the driver immobilizing the vehicle and reporting the problem—the recommended procedure in such cases.

2. Driving through water

Think you can make it through that 15 cm pool of spring runoff flooding the road ahead? Don’t even try! Not only can water cause damage, it can invalidate the warranty on some makes if it’s high enough to reach the undercarriage and causes your car to start backfiring.

“Automobile warranties protect us, but consumers have responsibilities. It can all get quite complicated, so CAA-Quebec members are welcome to call our Automotive Advisory Services to find out what terms apply to their own vehicle.”

- Pierre-Serge Labbé, Vice-President, Automotive Services, CAA-Quebec

Forgetting to have the body checked

BMW and Mini are two of the rare makes that still cover perforations due to corrosion for 12 years and unlimited mileage. But how many owners know that this advantageous coverage can vanish if they can’t prove that the dealer examined the car body every two years? It’s spelled right out in the anticorrosion warranty of the two related automakers.

4. Storing an EV without the right precautions

If you’re not planning on driving your electric vehicle (EV) for a while, don’t just leave it sitting out on the driveway or “sleeping” in the garage. Many carmakers have special requirements for high-voltage battery maintenance, battery charge retention when the vehicle is not being driven or vehicle storage in very hot or cold weather.

5. Failing to inspect the battery

How many people know they have to have their EV battery inspected very year? Yet that’s what it clearly states in the Nissan LEAF owner’s manual. The battery has to be checked by the dealer every year for the first six years. Forget once, and you could be saying goodbye to your 8 year/160,000 km battery warranty. There is a consolation though: the first two inspections are free.

Compare warranties before you start shopping

Car shopping has started back up in Quebec, but with COVID-19 restrictions in effect, you need to arrive at the dealer’s better prepared than ever. The CAA-Quebec 2020 Automobile Warranty Study can be a great help. This exclusive tool lets you compare warranty coverage at a glance for all automakers. Here are some highlights:

  • Mitsubishi offers the longest powertrain warranty: 10 years/160,000 km.
  • Hyundai and its recently launched Genesis luxury division, Kia and Mitsubishi are still the only manufacturers that cover the entire vehicle for 5 years/100,000 km (except audio system components, which are warrantied for 3 years/60,000 km).
  • If you’re a big driver, Mazda’s unlimited mileage warranty could be a boon. It’s offered exclusively in Canada.
  • Audi, BMW, FiatChrysler, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mini, Mitsubishi, and Porsche have all quietly dropped their surface rust warranty in 2020, taking their (unfortunate) cue from Alfa Romeo and Volkswagen, which did it last year. Good thing perforations are still covered, but CAA-Quebec nevertheless recommends you have a rustproofing treatment applied if you think you’ll be keeping your vehicle a long time.

CAA-Quebec members can take advantage of all the research our Automotive Advisory Services experts have done—just call and we’ll be glad to explain the fine print on any vehicle warranty.

EV batteries: a real mix of coverage

We highlighted the many differences between EV battery warranties in 2019. Unfortunately things are just as confusing in 2020. For many automakers, replacement battery capacity is not clear. Our special EV Warranty Guide summarizes all the coverage in one place—that is to say, all the information vehicle makers have made available.

About CAA-Quebec

CAA-Quebec is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1904 that assists each of its members by providing mobility, travel, insurance, and residential benefits, products, and services. CAA-Quebec’s Automotive Advisory Services responds to nearly 53,000 inquiries a year on everything from vehicle prices and gas consumption to advice on preventive maintenance.

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