Honda Extended Warranty Overview
The Honda Care extended warranty lasts up to 8 years or 120,000 miles after your factory warranty expires and covers your car’s powertrain and drivetrain.
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Motor1 Reviews Team Take:
- Honda offers six levels of extended warranty coverage including new, pre-owned, certified additional, certified used additional, certified used powertrain, and powertrain coverage.
- All Honda Care service contracts include the following benefits: rental car reimbursement, transferability, roadside assistance, trip interruption benefit, and 24/7 emergency concierge service.
- Most customers report paying between $1,000 and $2,500 for Honda extended warranties, however prices may differ between dealerships and can be negotiated.
While Honda models are generally known for reliability, a Honda extended warranty can provide great peace of mind if you’re worried about mechanical breakdowns. Honda Care® vehicle service contracts provide coverage for car repairs when the factory warranty expires, and they’re sold exclusively by dealers. However, Honda Care isn’t your only option for extended coverage.
To give you the whole picture, we researched exactly what the Honda warranty covers and why an extended warranty may be worth the investment. Below, we’ll also compare Honda Care to some of the industry’s best extended auto warranty providers.
Honda Extended Warranty Coverage
When you purchase a new Honda from the dealership, the representative will likely offer you Honda Care on top of your factory warranty. Honda Care vehicle service contracts are administered by the American Honda Finance Corporation and are available for both new and used vehicles. For new vehicles, a plan can be purchased before the Honda warranty expires at 3 years/36,000 miles and can provide exclusionary coverage for up to 8 years or 120,000 miles from your vehicle’s in-service date.
If you buy a pre-owned vehicle with more than 3 years or 36,000 miles on it and want Honda Care pre-owned vehicle coverage, you’ll have to pick up the plan from the dealer at the time of vehicle purchase.
Honda Extended Warranty Plans
There are six extended warranty plans under Honda Care based on your vehicle. However, there are really only two types of coverage: Component and Powertrain. Below are the six plans along with which type of coverage they get.
Honda Care Plan | Honda Care Coverage Type |
---|---|
New Vehicle Coverage | Component |
Pre-Owned Vehicle Coverage | Component |
Certified Additional Coverage | Component |
Certified Used Additional Coverage | Component |
Certified Used Powertrain Coverage | Powertrain |
Powertrain Coverage (pre-owned vehicles only) | Powertrain |
The type of contract available to you depends on your vehicle. For example, if you bought a new Honda, you can’t get a Certified Additional Coverage plan as that only applies to certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. In most cases, you’ll have just one or two options available for your vehicle.
Honda Care Component Coverage
New, Pre-Owned, Certified Additional, and Certified Used Additional contracts provide warranty protection for the following parts:
- Drivetrain: Includes the engine, transmission, differentials, and axles
- Electronics: Includes computers, electronic components, and electrical systems
- Chassis: Includes the suspension, steering, and brake systems
- Heating and cooling: Includes the air conditioning, heating, and engine cooling systems
- Honda genuine accessories: Includes audio and communication devices along with accessories, the navigational system, and the security system
According to Honda, this contract covers virtually every component of the vehicle.
Honda Care Powertrain Coverage
Both the Certified Used Powertrain Coverage and Powertrain Coverage Honda Care Plans include the engine, transmission, and drive axle. They also cover seals, gaskets, and fluids. These components are expensive to fix if they break down, so a Powertrain plan is a good option if you want a basic level of coverage.
Honda Extended Warranty Exclusions
Not everything is protected under the Honda extended warranty. While most breakdowns are covered, the following items are not:
- Vehicle frame
- Interior upholstery, latches, and hinges
- Exhaust system
- Fuses
- Wiper blades
- Hoses
- Spark plugs
- Air bags
- Tires
- Wheels
- Alignments
- Regular maintenance services
- Covered parts damaged by uncovered parts
- Improper use, including racing and drifting
- Vermin damage
- Environmental or collision damage
- Pre-existing conditions
Honda Care Warranty Benefits
Honda Care vehicle service contracts come with the following additional benefits:
- Rental car reimbursement: Covers up to $35 per day for a maximum of six days while your car is in the shop for a covered repair
- Transferability: If you sell your car, coverage can be transferred to the next vehicle owner
- Roadside assistance: Includes battery jump-starts, towing, fuel delivery services, lockout assistance, tire changes, and emergency fuel deliveries
- Trip interruption benefit: Pays up to $300 for food and lodging if a covered breakdown occurs over 100 miles away from home ($100 per day maximum)
- 24/7 emergency concierge service: Helps you with emergency airline ticket assistance, hotel reservations, securing alternate transportation, directory information, and message relay
Other Honda Service Plans
Honda offers a variety of service plans and protection products beyond extended warranties. Here are some examples:
- Sentinel Services: Provides oil changes, roadside assistance, trip interruption, and concierge services (add tire rotations with Sentinel Wrap)
- Sentinel Plus: Covers oil changes, roadside assistance, rental car, concierge, and trip interruption plus repairs on many non-powertrain components
- Maintenance Program: Covers routine maintenance like oil changes, air filters, fluids, and multi-point inspections
- Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP): Covers the difference between your car’s value and what you owe on a loan in the case of a total loss
Honda Extended Warranty Terms and Conditions
If you purchase a Honda extended warranty directly from the dealership, you’ll run into a few stipulations. Honda requires that factory technicians perform all repairs and use genuine Honda parts, so you must take your car to a dealership for any covered services.
Honda may also require that you show proof of routine maintenance to qualify for certain covered repairs. This can include everything from oil changes to mileage-based tuneups.
When you purchase from a third-party extended warranty provider rather than from a dealer, you may find the terms of your plan to be more flexible.
Honda Warranty Transfers and Cancellation
Like most manufacturer extended warranties, Honda Care comes with terms for transfer and cancellation. Transferring to a secondary buyer may require a fee, so check with the terms of your agreement. Similarly, it’s common to get a full refund before 30 or 60 days depending on the terms.
Honda Care Cost
We received online quotes from an authorized dealer to cover a 2024 Honda Civic with 5,000 miles. The longest plan would cover 8 years/120,000 miles and was priced at $1,127 with a $100 deductible or $1,245 with no deductible.
The shortest plans were for 5 years/60,000 miles, priced at $621 ($100 deductible) and 5 years/80,000 miles, priced at $677 ($0 deductible). Overall, these Honda Care prices are affordable compared to other options on the market.
Warranty costs vary for each driver and depend on your vehicle and coverage term. Offers may also differ from dealership to dealership and can be negotiable.
What Honda Customers Paid
In 2023, our team surveyed 1,000 people who had purchased an extended warranty from their car’s manufacturer. The respondents came from across the country and had varied backgrounds. Out of 1,000 respondents, 108 owned Honda vehicles.
We asked respondents how much they paid for their warranty. Here’s what Honda owners said:
- 17% paid under $1,000
- 35% paid between $1,000 and $2,000
- 19% paid between $2,000 and $3,000
- 19% paid above $3,000
- 9% weren’t sure
Getting a Honda Care Quote
A Honda Care service plan runs for up to 8 years or 120,000 miles. You’ll need to contact Honda to receive a customized quote based on your vehicle’s model, year, and mileage. You can either combine your Honda extended warranty payment with the car loan or take advantage of Honda’s available payment plans.
Honda Extended Warranty Cost Factors
Here are a few factors that affect the cost of a Honda extended car warranty:
- Deductible: A higher deductible will lead to your monthly premiums being lower.
- Vehicle make, mileage, and age: Typically older cars with more mileage will cost more to cover with an extended warranty plan.
- Coverage level: A higher coverage level like an exclusionary plan will come with a higher cost than a lower coverage level or powertrain warranty.
- Contract length: If you choose a longer contract, you’ll more than likely pay less per month although the overall cost may not change.
- Existing factory coverage: If you have an existing factory coverage on your vehicle, it may cost less to cover it with an extended warranty policy.
Is a Honda Extended Warranty Worth It?
No matter which route you take, investing in a Honda extended warranty is often worth it for peace of mind and the potential savings on future repairs. While dealerships may push you toward branded vehicle service contracts, always do your homework before signing on the dotted line.
When determining the value of an extended service contract, compare the cost of coverage against the amount you’d otherwise pay for covered repairs. It’s also smart to be aware of the warranty coverage that already applies to your vehicle. If you plan to sell your Honda before the factory warranty expires, it’s not worth purchasing a Honda extended warranty.
Honda Reliability
In general, Hondas receive high reliability ratings from RepairPal. Honda has a 4.0 out of 5.0 rating for reliability and a low average annual repair cost. Additional RepairPal reliability details for two of Honda’s most popular models are shown below.
*RepairPal defines a “severe” repair as a repair that costs three times the average annual repair cost across all models.
Based on the information in the chart above, a Honda extended warranty may not be worth the cost unless it is particularly inexpensive. You shouldn’t expect to pay too much in repair costs for a Honda, even as it begins to age.
Honda Factory Warranty Coverage
Another major factor that’s important to consider when thinking about purchasing a Honda Care extended warranty is whether or not your vehicle is still protected by factory coverage. Therefore, when considering a Honda extended warranty, it’s best to take your existing coverage into account.
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Honda’s bumper-to-bumper warranty covers most parts and components for 3 years or 36,000 miles, with a short list of exclusions. During this time, Honda will take care of any defects or needed repairs caused by poor workmanship or faulty materials. Additionally, vehicle owners receive 24/7 roadside assistance.
Powertrain Warranty
The engine, transmission, transaxle, drivetrain, and restraint system all receive coverage under the powertrain warranty. Honda’s powertrain warranty lasts 5 years/60,000 miles and covers all replacement parts and repairs associated with these essential components.
Coverage for Hybrid Vehicles
For hybrid models like the Insight, Honda provides coverage for greater-than-normal battery capacity loss for 8 years or 100,000 miles.
Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Coverage
Honda’s certified pre-owned (CPO) program is called HondaTrue. HondaTrue Certified vehicles get 4 years/48,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage, while HondaTrue Certified+ vehicles get 5 years/86,000 miles. Both get 7 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage.
What Survey Respondents Say
We also asked respondents about their experiences with manufacturer extended warranty plans in our survey. Here are a few things the 108 respondents with Honda extended warranties said:
- “I was fairly satisfied. I havent had to use it yet, and hopefully I don’t have to.”
- “It was worth it just to have peace of mind in case something happened that would have cost me out of pocket rather than the warranty covering it.”
- “The extended warranty worked well. I only needed it a couple of times, but it was paid for and then some after those two repairs.”
Some also had some regrets with the policy:
- “We haven’t had to use it but looking back at the cost, I regret getting it.”
- “It was fine. The bigger problems came later.”
Honda Aftermarket Warranty Options
Leading third-party extended warranty companies often offer more flexibility and coverage choices than Honda Care. For example, you can typically head to any certified repair shop. Many providers also offer five or six different levels of coverage, and some companies can cover vehicles for up to 200,000 miles.
Third-party plans also allow for customization, meaning you can choose a plan that fits your budget and provides the coverage you need. Some extended warranty plans even include additional coverage, such as towing and rental car reimbursement, so read the fine print when comparing policies.
Benefits of an Aftermarket Car Warranty
While a third-party provider may not guarantee the use of original manufacturer parts or certified technicians, these contracts still have several advantages, including:
- Coverage for older vehicles
- Larger repair shop network
- Convenience
- Vehicle eligibility
- Typically less expensive
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits that come with aftermarket car warranties, and why customers choose to purchase them.
Coverage Length
While Honda Care has multiple coverage levels to suit vehicles at different ages, its options are still pretty limited when compared to those of third-party extended warranties.
For example, Carchex has five coverage tiers with multiple plans available in each tier. Also, some Carchex plans provide protection for up to 10 years, while the maximum term length for Honda Care is eight years.
Repair Facilities
Honda Care contracts require you to take your vehicle to Honda dealerships for repairs. Repairs can only be done at other licensed repair centers if you don’t have a Honda dealership located in your area. These rules can limit your choices if you wish to have fixes done by your local, trusted mechanic.
On the other hand, a provider like Endurance is accepted at any repair facility certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®).
Convenience
Since Honda Care vehicle service contracts are sold exclusively through dealers, buying a plan might not be convenient for everyone. In comparison, third-party warranty companies like Endurance and Carchex offer free quotes and extended auto warranty purchases over the phone and online.
Third-party warranties also have the ability to make the claims process much more convenient. Endurance is a company that acts as a direct provider, meaning they work with the repair shop directly, and it makes the claims process even easier.
Vehicle Eligibility
You can only buy a Honda Care contract while the original new car warranty (3 years/36,000 miles) is still in effect for your Honda car. In comparison, Endurance has vehicle protection plans for cars with more than 200,000 miles on the odometer.
Cost
If you buy a Honda Care plan at the time of the vehicle purchase, the warranty cost will likely be rolled into your Honda Financial Services auto loan. While this may be convenient, you’ll end up paying interest on it every month, and this will increase your final cost.
In comparison, buying a third-party warranty can be far more affordable. Many warranty companies like Endurance and Carchex offer monthly payment options that can fit into nearly any budget. Also, unlike dealer warranties, third-party warranties will not include interest or added financing costs.
Our research team secret shopped with more than 40 third-party extended warranty companies and found average monthly rates to be between $120 and $135 across the industry’s most popular makes and models. The total price of a warranty depends on many factors but averages around $3,000, according to our research.
Best Honda Extended Warranty
There are a number of third-party providers that offer extended service plans for Hondas. After carefully researching the best extended car warranty companies, we named Endurance as the option for Best Coverage. Our decision was based on factors like coverage choices, average costs, trustworthiness, customer service, and additional perks.
Best Place To Buy a Honda Extended Warranty
Here’s a quick comparison of the Honda extended warranty with some of our favorite aftermarket warranty providers. The easiest way to find the right coverage for your vehicle is by reaching out to at least three providers for free quotes.
Features | Honda Extended Warranty | Endurance | Carchex |
---|---|---|---|
Start Date | Before the 3 years/36,000 miles mark | Anytime | Anytime |
Max Length of Coverage | 8 years/100,000 miles | 8 years/200,000+ miles | 10 years/250,000 miles |
Number of Plan Options | 1 | 6 | $5 |
Transferable | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Deductible | $0-$100 | $0, $50, $100, $200 | $0, $50, $100 |
Trip Interruption | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Roadside Assistance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Repair Network | Honda dealers only | Repair facilities certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®) | > 30,000 facilities nationwide |
Cancellation Policy | Refund if within 60 days | Refund if within 30 days | Refund if within 30 days |
Availability | From local dealer | Free, instant quote | Free, instant quote |
Honda Extended Auto Warranty: Bottom Line
In this guide, we gave an overview of Honda’s extended warranty coverage, costs, and plan options. We also compared the Honda extended warranty with top aftermarket choices.
Our research also compared the cost of car parts to the price of a Honda aftermarket warranty to determine whether a vehicle protection plan is right for you. If you believe so, Endurance is likely the best place to buy a Honda extended warranty.
Honda Extended Car Warranty: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about Honda Care extended car warranties:
Does Honda offer an extended warranty?
Honda offers an extended warranty called the Honda Care program, which can be purchased any time before the Honda warranty expires at 3 years/36,000 miles and can provide coverage for up to 8 years or 120,000 miles.
What does the Honda seven-year warranty cover?
The Honda 7-year/100,000-mile warranty covers the powertrain for HondaTrue Certified and HondaTrue Certified+ vehicles. This warranty only applies to certified pre-owned Hondas. HondaTrue Certified cars also receive one extra year of bumper-to-bumper coverage, while Certified+ cars receive two additional years.
Is a Honda extended warranty worth it?
The average annual repair and maintenance cost for a Honda vehicle runs about $428, according to RepairPal. By purchasing an extended car warranty, you can avoid unexpected costly repairs and save money on annual upkeep.
How long does a Honda extended warranty last?
Honda’s extended warranty, also known as Honda Care, lasts for up to 8 years/120,000 miles. The time and mileage are counted from when the car was first put into service.
What car has a 100,000-mile warranty?
Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and Mitsubishi all offer powertrain warranties that last for 10 years or 100,000 miles. These are among the best new car warranties in the industry.
What is the cost of a Honda extended warranty?
The cost of a Honda extended warranty depends on a number of factors, including your dealership, deductible, and contract terms. Based on online customer reports, you should expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 for a Honda extended warranty.
What is the Honda extended warranty?
The Honda extended warranty is called Honda Care. It’s a vehicle service contract that promises to pay for certain repairs that are the result of mechanical failures. Contract terms vary but can extend for as long as 8 years or 120,000 miles.
What is included in Honda Care?
Honda Care vehicle service contracts can be used to pay for certain repairs if your Honda breaks down as a result of normal use. Also included with Honda Care are benefits like roadside assistance, trip interruption allowance, rental car reimbursement, and reimbursement for regular maintenance items like tire rotations and oil changes.
Does Honda Care cover oil changes?
Yes, oil changes as well as other regular maintenance items like inspections and tire rotations are included with the Honda Care Maintenance Program, which is a prepaid plan.
Does Honda Care cover a cracked windshield?
No, Honda Care contracts only cover your vehicle’s mechanical and electrical components. Windshields, bumpers, upholstery, and exterior trim are not covered by Honda Care warranties.
Methodology
In an effort to provide accurate and unbiased information to consumers, our expert review team collects data from dozens of extended auto warranty companies to formulate rankings of the best providers. Companies receive a score in each of the following categories, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.
- Industry Standing: Warranty providers with a history of strong business practices and endorsements from experts receive the highest scores in this category.
- Coverage: This rating is based on types of extended warranty plans available, coverage terms, and added benefits like roadside assistance.
- Cost: Our research team reviews sample quotes for a variety of plans and vehicles. Companies with lower prices per year of coverage receive the best scores.
- Transparency: This score takes into account contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee.
- Customer Service: We comb through customer reviews and perform our own shopper analysis to get a sense of the responsiveness and helpfulness of each warranty company.
*Data accurate at time of publication.