In the 1980s, Honda decided to launch a luxury brand specifically tailored for the US marketplace. The Japanese automaker planned to capitalize on the company’s legendary reputation for reliability and launched several sports and executive cars to great acclaim.
This is why Acura is now well known for its entry-level luxury models, as well as some iconic cars, like the NSX. Can you believe that it’s been 30 years since that beauty first turned heads at the Chicago Auto Show?
You may have bought one of these vehicles to combine reliability, comfort, and value and may have been spurred on by the fact that Acura has won some key awards, such as the “best luxury brand for five-year cost of ownership,” given by Kelley Blue Book in 2017.
Still, the passage of time always takes its toll, and when it comes to unexpected repair or replacement cost, every vehicle is vulnerable. In this case, it’s a good idea to get an extended warranty for your Acura, but what do you need to think about before you decide?
What Does the Acura Warranty Cover?
In common with most major manufacturers, Acura (which is part of the American Honda organization) offers a comprehensive warranty with each new vehicle. This is broken down into several areas.
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Each vehicle will be covered for 50,000 miles or four years, whichever comes first. During that time, the company will replace or repair any defective parts, so long as the failure is under normal use. Any repaired or replaced parts are then covered until the warranty expires.
The company will provide some additional coverage as follows:
• Wiper blade inserts for the first six months.
• Key fob/remote batteries for the first six months.
• Wheel balancing and wheel alignment for the first 12,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first.
• A/C refrigerant for the first 24,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first.
Powertrain Limited Warranty
The good news is that the major powertrain components are covered for 70,000 miles or six years, whichever comes first. This will vary based on the configuration of the vehicle, but will generally include:
• Engine, including the cylinder head, block and internal parts, timing gaskets and gears, timing belt/chain cover, flywheel, oil pump and pan, valve covers, exhaust and intake manifolds, control module, engine mountings, water and fuel pumps, and gaskets and seals.
• Transmission/transaxle, including the casing and internal parts, transfer case and parts, torque converter, control module, and gaskets and seals.
• Rear-wheel-drive system, including the housing and internal parts, universal joints, prop shaft, driveshafts, CV joints, rear bearings and hubs, and gaskets and seals.
• Front-wheel-drive system, including the housing and internal parts, CV joints, front hubs and bearings, driveshafts, and gaskets and seals.
Federal Emissions Warranty
For states other than those that follow the California protocol, the vehicle will be covered for federal emissions-related defects and emissions performance. The owner must, however, ensure that they maintain the vehicle in accordance with the maintenance schedule to qualify.
Should the vehicle fail an emission short test approved by the EPA during the first four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, the company will conduct any repairs or replace any parts to bring the vehicle into compliance.
Parts covered under this warranty include:
• Crankcase control.
• Exhaust gas recirculation.
• Evaporative and refueling emissions control.
• Fuel injection.
• Ignition.
• OBD.
• Transmission control.
• Valve control.
• Intake air.
• Hybrid powertrain.
• Air conditioning.
• Active grille shutter.
• High-efficiency LED light.
• Active seat ventilation.
California Emissions Warranty
Several states, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, follow the rules set down by the California Air Resources Board. If the vehicle fails a smog check inspection in one of these states, then Acura will make all adjustments or repairs necessary, or replace or repair the part as needed. This coverage will last for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, unless the part is typically covered for seven years or 70,000 miles (powertrain), in which case it will be covered under the long-term emissions control defect warranty.
Hybrid Powertrain Warranty
If the vehicle is fitted with a hybrid powertrain, these components will be covered in addition to the new vehicle limited warranty and the previously mentioned emissions warranties.
What Are the Other Parts of an Acura Warranty?
There are a few more things Acura will cover:
• The tires fitted to the new vehicle will be warranted by the relevant manufacturer.
• Seat belts are covered for 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Panels that have rusted through from the inside out due to corrosion will be covered separately, and the company may repair or replace them. However, only the original owner of the vehicle can make a claim here.
What Is Acura Plus Extended Warranty Coverage?
Acura Plus Is the brand name given to the extended warranty coverage offered by Acura across Canada.
What Does an Acura Warranty Cost?
The cost of your initial warranty from Acura is included in the purchase price of the vehicle. The company will repair or replace component parts if they are found to be defective for the stated amount of time, or the stipulated mileage, whichever comes first. This will be four years or 50,000 miles for the main warranty and seven years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain.
What Is Acura’s Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty?
When this warranty expires, you have the option of buying the Acura Care Vehicle Service Contract. This will provide coverage for all the major components in the vehicle, including the drivetrain, electronics, chassis, heating/cooling, and genuine accessories. The price of this coverage will vary and can be obtained from individual dealerships. Typically, you will get a quote based on the number of years of coverage, the existing mileage, and any deductible.
What Is Acura’s Care Maintenance Plan Price for Certified Preowned?
Acura also offers a separate full-coverage plan for certified preowned (CPO) vehicles or an individual powertrain coverage plan for preowned vehicles. The company has recently increased the level of coverage for CPOs from one year to two years, while the powertrain coverage for these vehicles remains at seven years or 100,000 miles. To qualify as a CPO, the vehicle must be six model years or newer or have up to 80,000 miles on the clock. Full details and individual quotations can be sourced from a dealer.
What Is the Cost of Coverage for Acura MDX Owners?
As an example, one driver reported (on an Acura forum) a quote of $2,165 per year for eight years or 100,000 miles coverage on a seven-year-old Acura MDX.
Is the Acura Extended Warranty Worth It?
As cars age, individual components will start to wear out. Once the original factory warranty expires, there is an increased risk that a major component will fail and that the owner will need to find the money to repair or replace. These costs can quickly add up. According to one website, it may cost up to $747 to replace an axle shaft on an SLX, for example.
What Doesn’t the Acura Warranty Cover?
In general, Acura will not warrant any parts or accessories that may fail due to:
• Improper maintenance or installation.
• Accident damage, misuse, abuse, or acts of nature.
• Low fluid levels or non-specified fluid.
• The use of inferior parts (not equal to the originals in terms of workmanship or material quality).
• Using the vehicle in racing or competition.
• Improper fueling.
• An installed accessory or part that failed, if it was not designed to fit that model.
• An altered odometer that makes it impossible to determine the proper mileage.
• Failure due to modifications or unauthorized accessories.
In addition, if the vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurer or financial institution, then it will not be covered. And for those who may cross the border into Canada, it’s important to note that the vehicle warranty will not be valid while it is there.
More specifically, there are several exclusions attached to the various warranty products.
New Vehicle Limited Warranty Exclusions
• Normal wear or tear or deterioration.
• Polishing and cleaning.
• Fluids, unless they are part of a warranty repair.
• Chipped, scratched, or broken windows, unless due to a defect.
• Maintenance items, like brake pads, filters, and linings.
Emissions Warranties Exclusions
• Malfunction or failure of the emissions control system caused by misuse, accident, alteration, abuse, or leaded or non-approved gas.
• Replacement of maintenance parts, such as filters, belts, hoses, spark plugs, coolant, or lubricants beyond the first scheduled maintenance.
Seatbelt Limited Warranty Exclusions
• Replacement for comfort or cosmetic reasons.
• Failure due to alteration, abuse, misuse, accidental damage, or malfunction following a collision.
• Components of the supplemental restraint system that interact with the seat belts.
Rust Perforation Warranty Exclusions
• Surface rust on any other part except body panels.
• Rusting of body panels that were replaced, repaired, or refinished after the vehicle was first supplied, unless repaired or replaced under the warranty.
• Abuse, lack of maintenance, or misuse.
• Rusting due to damage from stones, debris, or other road hazards.
• Rust caused by immersion in mud, water, or sand or exposure to industrial fallout or corrosive gas.
What Vehicle Years Are Covered?
Acura supplies a comprehensive warranty with each new car. They also offer Acura Care, which is a vehicle service contract that can be purchased independently and is available for cars that are 2015 model year or newer and that have less than 50,000 miles.
What Extra Options Does an Acura Warranty Have?
In addition to coverage for most major parts, the Acura Care Vehicle Service Contract can offer roadside assistance. This has 24/7 coverage and offers a lockout service, fuel delivery, battery jumpstart, and comprehensive towing. As part of the company’s “Car Club” offering, you may also be able to get advice or assistance in relation to weather, emergency airline ticketing, message relay, emergency cash advance, or insurance claim support.
If the car is covered and eligible for repair, the Acura Care Vehicle Service Contract will provide up to $45 per day for up to six days for rental car reimbursement. You may also get up to $100 per day for lodging and meals for up to three days (or a $300 maximum) if the vehicle needs a repair when you are more than 100 miles from your home.
What Do You Do After Your Acura Warranty Expires?
When your initial limited warranty runs out, you will be at risk should you suffer from a major component failure, as you may need to find the funds to pay for expensive parts and labor. In this case, you will need to consider your options and whether you should buy an extended warranty from Acura or purchase a product from Protect My Car. Remember, you could save thousands in repair costs if you were unlucky to suffer a key failure.
Is Your Acura Warranty Transferable?
The good news is that an Acura warranty is transferable, so if you decide to replace your vehicle, this would surely be a good selling point. Acura will provide the warranty, no matter how many owners are involved during the covered period. To take advantage, you will simply notify Acura using the ownership notification form attached to the warranty information booklet.
What Will Void My Acura Warranty?
Many people think adding an aftermarket part to their car will automatically void the warranty. However, this is not the case, although the aftermarket parts themselves are not covered, and if they cause a failure elsewhere, then this will not be covered either.
The warranty will also be void if the vehicle is used in races, rallies, or other competitions, or if the odometer is altered in such a way that it is impossible to determine the real mileage.
Does Changing Your Own Oil Void Warranty Coverage?
No, your original warranty will not be voided if you change your own oil or if a service is performed at another facility.
How Does an Acura Warranty Compare to a Policy from Protect My Car?
Protect My Car has several different products that are designed to provide protection for vehicles as they age.
Driveline, Select, and Supreme
• The Driveline policy is designed to cover vehicles that are between four and 10 years old with more than 80,000 miles. This will provide five years and/or 125,000 miles of warranty coverage.
• The Select policy is an option for vehicles with more than 50,000 miles on the clock.
• The Supreme policy is most similar to the new car warranty provided by Acura.
In each case, Protect My Car offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for those who may not be completely happy with the terms and conditions of the plan. They also offer flexible payment terms ranging between 36 and 60 months to make these extended warranty plans fit in with any budget.
Like the Acura Care plan, Protect My Car offers 24/7 roadside assistance and will also provide rental car reimbursement when a car is towed to a licensed repair shop. These benefits are provided at no additional cost.
In Summary
When your original factory warranty runs out, you will want to look for an alternative. You could consider the Acura Care extended warranty (vehicle service contract), but you should also look at the solutions offered by Protect My Car. Get in touch with Protect My Car today for more information so you can continue to enjoy your Acura with more peace of mind.
Protect My Car is a vehicle service contract provider, also referred to as extended car warranty provider, with multiple coverage plans for new and used vehicles with low to higher mileage to help meet your needs and budget. Protect My Car customers work directly with the company for customer service, claims administration and contract financing. No middleman or the need for third-party approval. All Protect My Car Plans include best-in-class claims and customer support, 24/7 roadside assistance, free oil changes and tire rotations and the exclusive PMC Rewards Plan, providing daily deals, giveaways, coupons, and thousands of ways to save money every day. Protect My Car has a 30-day money-back guarantee.