Should You Buy a Dodge Extended Warranty?

Dodge says its vehicles are built tough, but let’s see how well that statement is backed by its warranty. Learn more about how your Charger, Ram, Durango, Grand Caravan, or other model will be covered in the standard Dodge Basic Limited Warranty or extended warranty.

What Does the Dodge Warranty Cover?

Dodge offers a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty that covers every Dodge vehicle. The protection includes the cost of labor and parts to repair the powertrain components. It also includes towing to the nearest Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram vehicle dealer, if needed.

The powertrain warranty includes these systems:

• Gas engine: The cylinder block, as well as all internal parts of the engine, the intake and exhaust manifolds, the oil and water pump, and the supercharger, are covered.

• Transmission: The transmission case, along with all the internal parts, including the torque converter, pressure and speed sensors, and the transmission range switch, are covered.

• Drive systems: Whichever drive system you have on your Dodge, whether front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive, the drive and their internal parts are all covered.

What Is in the Dodge Basic Limited Warranty?

Bumper-to-bumper coverage for your vehicle, from the body to the electrical system, is covered for three years/36,000 miles in the Dodge basic limited warranty. However, these items are only covered for 12 months/12,000 miles, whichever occurs first:

• Brakes (rotors, pads, linings, and drums).

• Wiper blades.

• Clutch discs or modular clutch assembly (as equipped).

• Windshield and rear window.

• Wheel alignment and wheel balancing.

While that may not sound great, keep in mind many warranties don’t include wiper blades and windshields at all, so that’s a little added perk you can appreciate.

The Basic Limited Warranty also covers the cost of towing your vehicle to the nearest Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep dealer when a failed part makes your vehicle undrivable. If you decide to take your vehicle to a different location, you’re covered up to 10 miles. Anything further, and you’ll be responsible for the cost.

If your new vehicle should receive damage to the mechanical, electrical, sheet metal, paint, trim, or other component while being shipped from the manufacturing plant to the dealer, don’t worry — it’s covered.

Does the Dodge Warranty Include Roadside Assistance?

Most Dodge vehicles include a five-year/100,000-mile roadside assistance service. This emergency helping hand can assist with a battery jumpstart, roadside fuel delivery, flat tire service, or towing to your nearest Dodge dealer. Help and peace of mind is just a phone call away.

What Is the Mopar Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty?

Dodge is built with Mopar parts, which have their own time and mileage limitations. Parts not sold or installed by an authorized dealer or installer are not protected, but covered parts include:

• Battery.

• Collision parts.

• Converter.

• Gaskets and seals.

• Powertrain.

• Diesel parts.

• Performance parts.

• Brake pads/shoes.

• Shocks/struts.

• Muffler.

• Starter.

• Alternator.

• Water pump.

What Emissions Parts Does the Dodge Warranty Cover?

Federal law requires manufacturers to cover emissions parts for two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, Chrysler covers goes a step further and covers these parts under its Basic Limited Warranty for three years/36,000 miles. Here’s a list of parts included under the emissions section of the warranty:

• Air system controls.

• Distributor and its components.

• Electronic fuel injection system, including injector.

• Evaporative-emission canister and controls.

• Exhaust manifold.

• Exhaust gas recirculation valve and control system.

• Exhaust pipes (between exhaust manifold and catalyst).

• Fuel cap and tank assembly, pump, and fuel lines.

• Ignition coil and ignition module.

• Intake manifold.

• On-board diagnostic-system components.

• Oxygen sensors.

• Positive crankcase-ventilation (PCV) valve.

• Secondary ignition wires.

• Spark plugs.

• Throttle body.

• Transmission-control module.

• Vacuum hoses, clamps, and fittings, plus tubing for these components.

• Vacuum, temperature, altitude, speed, time-sensitive valves, sensors, and switches used in these components and systems.

If your vehicle includes a catalytic converter and powertrain control module, those parts are covered for eight years or 80,000 miles. During the warranty coverage, if your vehicle fails a federally approved state or local emissions test and your vehicle has been maintained and operated properly up until then, and you face a penalty (a fine or the loss of the use of your vehicle) due to the failure, the part in question will be repaired or replaced by Dodge/Chrysler.

Does the Dodge Warranty Cover Corrosion?

Luckily, Dodge takes corrosion into consideration in its warranty. The warranty covers the cost of parts and labor to repair or replace any sheet metal panels that become damaged by rust or other corrosion.

What Does a Dodge Warranty Cost?

Your Dodge warranty is free of charge. It’s your assurance from Dodge that your vehicle is built to get you to your destination for many miles and years. All the parts of your vehicle have to work together to keep your car rolling along, so Dodge guarantees your parts are protected from defects in material or workmanship.

What Doesn’t the Dodge Warranty Cover?

Dodge’s warranty doesn’t cover anything called incidental or consequential damages. What does that mean exactly? It includes any costs you incur because of a vehicle failure besides the actual part or labor. For example:

• Lost time.

• Inconvenience.

• The loss of the use of your vehicle.

• The cost of rental vehicles.

• Gas.

• Phone.

• Travel.

• Lodging.

• Loss of personal or commercial property.

• Loss of revenue.

Some states don’t allow incidental or consequential damages to be excluded or limited, but you’ll have to see where your state stands on this issue.

Other situations not covered include:

• Fire.

• Abuse or negligence.

• Misuse (like driving over curbs or overloading).

• Tampering with the emission systems or with a part that could affect the emission systems.

• Using used parts, even if they were originally supplied by Chrysler (except authorized Chrysler/MOPAR remanufactured parts which are covered).

• Windshield or rear window damage from external objects.

• Any changes made to your vehicle that don’t comply with Chrysler/Dodge.

• Using any fluid that doesn’t meet the minimum recommendations in the owner’s manual.

Tires are also not covered. They’ll be covered on their own, separate warranty. Anything you added to your vehicle after purchasing it won’t be covered, either.

If a hole occurs because of something other than corrosion (which is covered), the warranty doesn’t apply. Cosmetic or surface corrosion resulting from stone chips or scratches in the paint isn’t covered.

Does the Dodge Warranty Cover Racing Damage?

Are you a racing enthusiast? Some Dodge models were born with a need for speed. However, your warranty won’t cover the costs of repairing damage caused by racing, nor does it cover the repair of any defects that are found as a result of participating in a racing event. Proceed to the finish line at your own risk.

Does the Dodge Warranty Cover Storm or Environmental Damage?

Mother Nature has a nasty temperament. Your warranty won’t cover damage caused by:

• Hailstorms.

• Windstorms.

• Tornadoes.

• Sandstorms.

• Lightning.

• Floods.

• Earthquakes.

The Dodge warranty also doesn’t cover environmental factors like:

• Airborne fallout.

• Bird droppings.

• Chemicals.

• Tree sap.

• Salt.

• Ocean spray.

• Acid rain.

• Road hazards.

Does the Dodge Warranty Cover Maintenance Labor Costs?

As with every other vehicle manufacturer’s warranty, the costs of product and labor to maintain your vehicle isn’t covered. This includes:

• Lubrication.

• Engine tune-ups.

• Replacing filters, coolant, spark plugs, bulbs, or fuses (unless those costs result from a covered repair).

• Cleaning and polishing.

• Replacing worn wiper blades, worn brake pads and linings, or clutch linings.

What Vehicle Years Are Covered?

The warranty information listed here covers new Dodge vehicles and original owners, except when transferred to a new owner (when applicable).

What Extra Options Does a Dodge Warranty Have?

You can enhance your warranty coverage with Mopar Vehicle Protection honored by Dodge dealers across the continent. It’s a little added confidence in knowing your services will be performed by certified technicians who only use genuine Mopar parts.

What Do You Do After Your Dodge Warranty Expires?

Dodge offers an official extended warranty plan, and it guarantees superior service at the lowest prices. You can call them for a free price quote — just have your VIN number handy. Your cost will depend on which vehicle you own, its age, and the level of protection you’re looking for.

Dodge believes each of its vehicles is special and should be treated like it. The company does its best to offer customers the best bang for their buck and take concerns about the cost of coverage into consideration. It recommends making an extended warranty purchase within the first few years of owning the vehicle. As they say, the sooner the better to guarantee the best protection at the lowest price. This process also allows you to transition from a factory warranty to an extended one without any hassle or extra costs. Shopping around for the best price isn’t a bad idea.

Is Your Dodge Warranty Transferable?

If you sell your vehicle while it’s still covered by the warranty, the new owner will also be covered. This includes the powertrain warranty and the basic limited warranty.

What Will Void Your Warranty?

Be careful. These actions will invalidate your warranties:

• Disconnecting, tampering with, or altering the odometer (unless your repair technician follows the legal requirements for repairing or replacing odometers).

• Attaching a device that disconnects the odometer.

• Having the vehicle declared a total loss by an insurance company

• Rebuilding the vehicle after being declared a total loss by an insurance company.

• Being issued a certificate of title indicating that it’s designated as “salvage,” “junk,” “rebuilt,” or “scrap.”

Your warranty is only good in these circumstances. Your vehicle must be:

• Built for sale in the US.

• Registered in the US.

• Driven mainly in the US (or Canada).

• Operated and maintained in the manner described in the owner’s manual.

Do Special Modifications Void My Dodge Warranty?

Some things won’t necessarily void your warranty, but they might not be covered. Making changes to your vehicle doesn’t void your warranty by default. Situations that aren’t covered include:

• Installing non-Chrysler parts, components, or equipment (like a radio or speed control).

• Using special non-Chrysler materials or additives.

But keep in mind, if your vehicle didn’t leave the manufacturing plant with those added parts, or they aren’t certified for use on your vehicle, they’re not covered by your warranty. The costs of any repairs or adjustments that might be needed because of the installation or use of non-Chrysler parts, components, equipment, materials, or additives are also not covered. Are you a fan of racing or enhancing your vehicle’s performance? Repairs or adjustments caused by these additions or added parts aren’t covered.

How Do You Get Service or Repairs With a Dodge Warranty?

In the US (including US possessions and territories), warranty service must be done by an authorized Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep dealer. They know your vehicle inside and out and are the most reliable resource for prompt, high-quality service.

If you happen to be traveling through Canada or Mexico, as long as your vehicle remains registered in the US, your warranty still applies. Seek service at any authorized Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep dealership in North America without penalty. If you’re traveling temporarily outside of North America, (and you’re still registered in the US), take your vehicle to an authorized Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep dealer. You’ll get the same warranty service you receive in the states.

It’s possible the authorized dealership could charge you for repairs which should be covered under your warranty. Just be sure to get a detailed receipt and make sure it lists all warranty repairs and parts involved. When you’re back in the US, contact the Chrysler Customer Assistance Center for consideration of reimbursement.

How Does a Dodge Warranty Compare to a Policy From Protect My Car?

Dodge endorses Mopar warranties, but you can easily find an extended warranty from a third-party provider that’s just as good. Protect My Car warranties are ranked by Consumer Affairs as one of the top five extended warranty plans. They offer plans suited to your budget, and every one comes with 24/7 roadside assistance.

If your Dodge warranty is due to expire, don’t wait to shop around for an extended warranty. A lapse in coverage could be a costly mistake. A Protect My Car Extended Warranty policy pays 100% toward the most common repairs with a mere $100 deductible. Plus, each policy comes with rental car insurance, so your out of pocket expenses will be minimal.

The worst time for unexpected repairs is when you can least afford them. And according to Murphy’s Law, that’s exactly when your car will decide to break down. While an extended warranty isn’t worth it on a new car, it’s definitely a smart investment once you’ve exceeded your manufacturer’s basic warranty time and mileage limits. Protect your budget and protect your car with services from Protect My Car.