Unlike car insurance, which typically only covers damage from accidents, a new vehicle warranty covers manufacturer defects and vehicle repairs and maintenance. For this reason, many new car owners opt to purchase a vehicle service contract, as it serves to protect their investment for a period of three to five years. Unfortunately, like most insurance contracts, the terms are often purposefully vague. When the owner of a new Ford takes his or her car or truck in for repairs, they are turned away and given some ambiguous excuse for why that particular issue is not covered. This can be extremely frustrating, and can result in a lot of unnecessary stress for them, their family, and their budget.
If you recently purchased a new Ford vehicle and are already dealing with extensive repair issues, your warranty should cover it. However, if you are already dealing with the car dealership run around—i.e. you take your vehicle in for repairs, are turned away, take it in again, are turned away, and then you request a replacement vehicle and are denied—you may be dealing with a case of insurance bad faith. Reach out to the Oklahoma City insurance bad faith attorneys at The Bennett Law Firm Law Firm for advice on how to proceed to obtain the best possible outcome.
Know What Should Be Covered Under Ford Warranties
Ford new car warranties typically only cover problems that are a direct result of manufacturer defects. Additionally, in order to qualify for repairs, you must meet certain maintenance obligations, which are outlined in the warranty contract. If you do not meet those obligations, the dealership has the right to turn you away. While this may seem unfair (and it is), it is the dealership’s “loophole” for denying repair requests. Finally, most Ford extended warranties are only good for three to five years; after the contract is up, you likely will be given the option to purchase additional protection. As you can already see, dealerships make it difficult for you to use your coverage, much like insurance companies make it difficult for you to file a claim.
With that being said, most Ford warranties should cover the following:
Powertrain
Your vehicle’s powertrain—including the engine, transmission, and axles—should be covered by your extended warranty for up to five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Powerstroke Diesel
If your Ford truck has a powerstroke diesel engine that is 6.0-liter or 6.4-liter, it should be covered by a separate warranty for five years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, keep in mind that your engine must be completely original, without any modifications or aftermarket parts, otherwise it will be ineligible for warranty coverage.
Bumper-to-Bumper
Bumper-to-bumper coverage offers repairs to all problems caused by manufacturer defects. This protection is in effect for 36,000 miles or three years, whichever comes first.
Corrosion Protection
Winters in Oklahoma City can be tough on your vehicle, as when the snow comes, so does the salt. Salt causes premature corrosion on a vehicle’s body. However, if the corrosion is extremely premature, it may be because of a manufacturer or design defect. If this is the case, the manufacturer should cover the cost of repairs for the first five years, with no mileage restraints.
Safety Restraint System
The safety restraint system is one of the most important systems on your vehicle, as it is comprised of your seatbelts and airbags. Extended warranties should cover the system for up to five years or 60,000 miles.
Roadside Assistance
In addition to coverage for repairs, Ford also offers roadside assistance, which is designed to assist you if you are ever broken down on the side of the road or away from home. This coverage comes with the following benefits:
- Flat tire change assistance
- Refueling services
- Winch services
- Lock-out assistance
- Up to 35 miles of towing to a nearby dealership or service center
Extended Warranties Are Insurance Products
Under Oklahoma law, extended warranties are treated as insurance products, and as such, manufacturers must honor them in the same way that an insurance provider must honor their policies. Above is a rundown of what most Ford extended warranties do offer, but keep in mind that your contract may cover more or less. It is best to review your warranty contract before going to the dealership for repairs, as you could save yourself a lot of time and frustration by showing up armed with knowledge and ready to refute a bogus denial.
However, if the manufacturer still refuses to pay for your repairs despite what is explicitly (or not so explicitly) stated in the service contract, reach out to the Oklahoma City insurance bad faith lawyers at The Bennett Law Firm for legal assistance. We can review your contract and prepare the necessary documents to successfully challenge the manufacturer’s decision.
If you are tired of dealing with maintenance issues on your new Ford, and if you just want the manufacturer to honor their contract with you, contact our law firm today at 405.272.0303 to schedule your free consultation.