Tesla Model S Warranty: Eight Years, Infinite Mileage

The Tesla Model S is a pretty groundbreaking car in many ways, and now it has one more added benefit – its powertrain warranty has just been increased to an impressive eight years. Tesla had already covered the battery pack for that long, but now the drive unit itself has the same impressive coverage. In addition, there’s no mileage limit, so even if you drive your car hard for the whole time, you’re covered for the full eight years.

On the Tesla Blog, CEO Elon Musk stated:

“The Tesla Model S drive unit warranty has been increased to match that of the battery pack. That means the 85 kWh Model S, our most popular model by far, now has an 8 year, infinite mile warranty on both the battery pack and drive unit. There is also no limit on the number of owners during the warranty period.

Moreover, the warranty extension will apply retroactively to all Model S vehicles ever produced. In hindsight, this should have been our policy from the beginning of the Model S program. If we truly believe that electric motors are fundamentally more reliable than gasoline engines, with far fewer moving parts and no oily residue or combustion byproducts to gum up the works, then our warranty policy should reflect that.

To investors in Tesla, I must acknowledge that this will have a moderately negative effect on Tesla earnings in the short term, as our warranty reserves will necessarily have to increase above current levels. This is amplified by the fact that we are doing so retroactively, not just for new customers. However, by doing the right thing for Tesla vehicle owners at this early stage of our company, I am confident that it will work out well in the long term.”

Previously, the Model S came with a 4-year, 50,000 mile warranty, with the option to upgrade to an 8-year 100,000 mile coverage for $4,000. All Model S cars built since 2012 be grandfathered in to the coverage, but it’s not clear if they’ll be issuing refunds to those who bought the extended coverage.