Bumper-to-Bumper Breakdown: What Mitsubishi's 5-Year/60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty Covers (and What It Doesn't)

Engine and Powertrain Components (Beyond the Powertrain Warranty): While your engine and transmission have their own extended warranty, many related components are covered by the limited warranty for the first 5 years/60,000 miles. This includes things like fuel system components, water pump, radiator, engine mounts, and most sensors directly related to engine operation, provided the failure is due to a defect.

Electrical Systems: Modern vehicles are packed with complex electrical systems, and issues here can be frustrating. The limited warranty generally covers components like the alternator, starter, wiring harnesses, power windows, power door locks, power seats, gauges, the vehicle's infotainment system (radio, display), and air conditioning/heating components (compressor, condenser, evaporator) if they fail due to a defect.

Brakes and Suspension (Non-Wear Items): Core components of your braking system, such as the master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) components, are typically covered. Similarly, suspension components like control arms, ball joints, wheel bearings, and steering rack are included. It's crucial to remember this applies to defects, not normal wear on parts like brake pads or rotors, which we'll discuss next.

Other Key Components: This broad coverage also extends to many other factory-installed parts. This can include exhaust system components (excluding catalytic converter, which has its own warranty), body hardware like door handles and hinges, sunroof mechanisms, windshield wiper motors, and various sensors throughout the vehicle. Essentially, if it came from the factory and isn't a consumable or wear item, there's a good chance it's covered against manufacturing defects during the warranty period.

Wear and Tear Items: This is perhaps the most common misconception. Parts that naturally wear out through normal use are generally not covered by the limited warranty. This includes items like tires (which usually have their own separate manufacturer's warranty), brake pads and rotors, clutch lining, wiper blades, light bulbs, spark plugs, filters (oil, air, cabin), drive belts, and fuses. These components are expected to be replaced over the life of the vehicle due to normal degradation.

Routine Maintenance: The warranty does not cover the cost of regular servicing your vehicle needs to run optimally. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, fluid top-offs and flushes, wheel alignments, tune-ups, and inspections. It's the owner's responsibility to adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule outlined in the owner's manual. In fact, failing to perform required maintenance can sometimes even void coverage for related components.

Damage from Accidents or Misuse: If your vehicle is damaged due to a collision, accident, or improper use, the repairs will not be covered by the warranty. This also applies to damage resulting from racing, off-roading beyond the vehicle's intended capability, overloading, or using the wrong fuel or fluids. Modifications made by unauthorized third parties can also lead to denial of warranty claims if they are deemed to have caused the issue.

Environmental Damage and External Factors: Damage caused by external environmental factors is typically excluded. This includes damage from hail, floods, fires, tree sap, road salt, chemicals, industrial fallout, or other 'acts of nature.' Similarly, damage from vandalism or theft is not covered by the manufacturer's warranty, but rather by your auto insurance policy.

Aftermarket Modifications: While adding accessories or making modifications to your vehicle is common, be aware that any damage or failures directly caused by non-Mitsubishi approved aftermarket parts or alterations will not be covered by the warranty. Always consult with a certified Mitsubishi dealer if you plan significant changes.

Read Your Owner's Manual: This document is a treasure trove of information, including your specific vehicle's maintenance schedule and detailed warranty terms. Familiarize yourself with it.

Stick to the Maintenance Schedule: Regularly service your vehicle according to Mitsubishi's recommendations. Keep detailed records and receipts of all maintenance performed, whether at a dealership or an independent shop. This proves you've properly cared for your vehicle.

Address Issues Promptly: If you notice a warning light, an unusual noise, or any other sign of a potential problem, don't delay. Getting it checked out quickly can prevent minor issues from becoming major, more expensive repairs that might then fall outside warranty parameters.

Use Authorized Mitsubishi Service Centers: While not always strictly required for all maintenance, having warranty work performed by certified Mitsubishi technicians ensures genuine parts are used and the work is done to manufacturer specifications, reducing potential disputes.

Avoid Unauthorized Modifications: Think twice before installing aftermarket parts that could affect covered systems. If you do, ensure they won't void your warranty and keep documentation.