Written by: Trevor Mahoney
Last updated: March 1, 2025
Ford Motor Company is one of the largest and oldest automotive manufacturers in the world. From its early days under Henry Ford to its current lineup of cutting-edge vehicles, the company has built an impressively strong reputation for innovation and quality. However, even the most well-equipped cars are not immune to occasional recalls or the failure of parts.
To help protect vehicle owners from unexpected repair costs, Ford offers several factory warranties that cover various defects in workmanship and materials. Among these coverage options for Ford vehicles, the powertrain warranty stands out as a popular choice due to its affordability and the breadth of what a powertrain warranty covers. Learn everything you need to know about what a Ford Powertrain Warranty includes, what it covers, and how it can help you save on repairs so that you can make an educated warranty choice the next time you enter a Ford dealer.
What Is the Ford Powertrain Warranty?
Ford’s Powertrain Warranty is a comprehensive coverage plan that protects some of your vehicle’s most essential components. Lasting for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, this warranty is designed to offer you long-term peace of mind by covering the major mechanical systems under the hood that keep your car running. Most notably, this coverage period aligns with Ford’s New Vehicle Roadside Assistance programs, which ensures that owners have support for unexpected issues throughout the first several years of ownership.
While the specifics of what is covered under this warranty will be covered below, the high-level overview is that it focuses on critical driveline components, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. All of these systems are responsible for delivering power to your wheels. Since these components are among the most complex and expensive to repair, especially in a new Ford, having them covered under warranty can save you thousands of dollars.
What Is Covered by the Ford Powertrain Warranty?
For 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, your engine, transmission, axle, and wheels will be covered. This coverage pays for parts and labor on repairs due to defects in workmanship or materials. This warranty does cover just about every part inside these components as well, meaning parts such as the axle shafts, cylinder heads, cylinder block, driveshaft, and general internal lubricated parts may all be covered.
Below is a full listing of the Ford extended coverage that you can expect:
- Engine: all internal lubricated parts, cylinder block, cylinder heads, electrical fuel pump, powertrain control module, engine mounts, flywheel, injection pump, manifold (exhaust and intake), manifold bolts, oil pan, oil pump, seals and gaskets, engine thermostat, engine thermostat housing, timing chain cover, timing chain (gears or belt), turbocharger/supercharger unit, valve covers, water pump.
- Transmission: all internal parts, clutch cover, seals and gaskets, torque converter, transfer case (including all internal parts), transmission case, transmission mounts.
- Front-Wheel Drive: axle shafts, front bearings, seals and gaskets, universal and constant velocity joints.
- Rear-Wheel Drive: axle shafts, rear bearings, center support bearing, drive axle housing (including all internal parts), drive shaft, retainers, supports, seals and gaskets, universal and constant velocity joints.
- Four-Wheel/All-Wheel Drive: axle shafts, bearings (front and rear), center support bearing, drive shafts, final drive housing (including all internal parts), hubs-automatic front locking (four-wheel drive), locking rings (four-wheel drive), seals and gaskets, universal and constant velocity joints.
Average Ford Powertrain Repair Costs
Having to pay the cost of having your engine, transmission, or axles repaired can set you back thousands without the proper protection. This is not always feasible, depending on how your finances look. The Ford Powertrain warranty is designed to give you coverage on these components to get you back on the road without having to pay for expensive repairs.
To give you a better idea of how much this warranty coverage could save you, here are some common powertrain repair bill costs:
- A/C Compressor Replacement: $916 – $1,186
- Transmission Replacement: $5,584 – $5,789
- CV Axle Replacement: $1,086 and $1,234
More About Ford Powertrain Warranties:
Knowing what kind of problems to expect on your Ford can help you determine whether or not you want to continue coverage after your Ford factory warranty expires.
Ford Powertrain Coverage After Your Factory Warranty Expires
Most powertrain issues either happen as soon as you purchase a new vehicle or after the factory warranty expires. As vehicles grow older, so do the list of problems that you encounter. If your Ford factory Powertrain warranty is about to expire, you will need to decide if you want to continue coverage for these vital components.
If so, you should consider getting a Ford Powertrain extended warranty. An extended car warranty for your powertrain can give you additional years of protection for your engine, transmission, and axles, keeping you from having to pay expensive bills.
Ford vs Third-Party Powertrain Extended Warranties
When considering an extended powertrain warranty option for your Ford vehicle, you will have two primary options: a Ford-backed warranty or a third-party provider offering. Each choice comes with its own unique advantages and potential drawbacks, which will vary in weight depending on your needs, location, and warranty preferences.
A Ford-offered extended powertrain warranty will mean that all repairs must be performed at an authorized Ford dealership. This ensures that your vehicle is serviced by a Ford-certified technician who is specifically trained to work on Ford models. Therefore, all parts used will be genuine original equipment manufacturer parts which is a benefit for owners who want to maintain the vehicle’s integrity and resale value by ensuring that all replacements and repairs meet Ford’s strict standards.
However, one major limitation of this warranty type is dealership availability. If you live near a Ford dealership, it can be great, but if you live in a rural area, getting to a dealership can be a hassle.
On the other hand, a third-party warranty company offers more flexibility when it comes to choosing where repairs are performed so long as it’s an approved repair shop. Most third-party providers allow you to have repairs done at any certified mechanic or repair shop. They will also provide access to accredited technicians, but the parts may not be OEM. You may also need to submit pre-authorizations before work is performed.
Choosing between a Ford-backed or third-party powertrain extended warranty provider will depend on your personal preferences and circumstances. If you prioritize brand-specific and OEM parts, Ford’s warranty may be better. However, if you like having plenty of repair shop options with accredited technicians, an extended warranty offering may be better.
Ford Dealership Extended Warranty Benefits
One of the main reasons that people choose dealership-backed extended warranties is due to convenience and expertise. With a Ford extended powertrain warranty, only Ford-certified technicians will be making the repairs. This is something you need to heavily consider due to these repairs being so technical. Here are a few other benefits you will see with a Ford warranty.
- Easy Financing Options: Most dealerships will allow you to roll your warranty payments into your current payments.
- Ford-Trained Technicians: Since replacing core parts of your vehicle are pretty technical, it is a good peace of mind knowing a Ford technician is on the job.
- Rental Car Services: Most dealerships are going to offer great rental car services to assist you while your car is being repaired.
Third-Party Ford Extended Warranty Benefits
One of the main reasons people choose third-party powertrain warranties is the cost. Third-party policies are usually lower in price as they do not use dealership amenities. They also often provide access to accredited service centers in your area, where your service plan will automatically be accepted, simplifying the entire claims process.
Let’s take a look at some other benefits third-party companies have that make their coverages more enticing.
- Roadside Assistance: 24/7 roadside assistance is a great benefit, especially if you have powertrain problems. Many powertrain issues result in the car not running properly, so you will most likely need roadside assistance if this happens.
- Substitute Transportation: Powertrain repairs don’t normally happen in a day. This is why substitute transportation will cover rental cars, rental car reimbursement, and alternate transportation fees.
- Trip Interruption: If your vehicle breaks down more than 100 miles from your home, you may be reimbursed for lodging, food, and other items, depending on your policy.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ford Powertrain Warranty
How Long Does a Standard Ford Powertrain Factory Warranty Last?
Ford Powertrain’s factory warranty covers your vehicle for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Is My Engine Covered Under a Ford Powertrain Factory Warranty?
Yes. Your Ford Powertrain’s engine is covered under the powertrain warranty offered on all new vehicles.
Is My Ford Powertrain Warranty Transferable?
Yes, a factory warranty is transferable to as many owners as the vehicle has during the warranty period.
How Can I Purchase a Ford Powertrain Extended Warranty?
There are many extended car warranty companies to choose from. Each offers varying levels of protection for different Ford models, including four-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and hybrid systems. Review our provider recommendations or warranty buying guide for assistance in finding the right protection for your vehicle.
