Semi-Truck Warranty: Coverage, Exclusions, and Transfers

When investing in a semi-truck, understanding its warranty is crucial for protecting your vehicle and your bottom line. Warranties help cover unexpected repairs, ensuring that essential components like the engine, transmission, and drivetrain remain in top condition. But not all warranties are the same—coverage varies by manufacturer, and exclusions can leave you with unexpected costs. 

Here we've answered some of the most common warranty related questions we get here at Peach State Truck Centers.

A standard semi-truck warranty typically covers defects in materials or workmanship for major components, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Coverage varies by manufacturer but often includes repair and replacement for specified parts.

Why It’s Important: Understanding what’s covered helps owners know which repairs are eligible under warranty, preventing unexpected out-of-pocket expenses and ensuring key components remain operational.

A basic warranty covers most vehicle components for a shorter period, usually including electrical systems, HVAC, and minor parts. The powertrain warranty focuses on the engine, transmission, and axles. An extended warranty offers additional coverage beyond the original warranty and may include systems like emissions and electronics.

Why It’s Important: Knowing the distinctions helps owners select the right warranty plan based on their truck’s usage and critical systems, ensuring essential parts are protected against costly failures.

A typical basic warranty lasts 1-2 years or up to 100,000 miles, while powertrain warranties can extend up to 5 years or 500,000 miles. Extended warranties can go even further depending on the plan.

Why It’s Important: Warranties are time-sensitive, so understanding the duration helps fleet owners and operators plan maintenance schedules, budget for future repairs, and decide when to renew or upgrade coverage.

Common exclusions include routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements), wear-and-tear items (brakes, tires, clutches), and damage resulting from misuse, unauthorized modifications, or non-approved aftermarket parts.

Why It’s Important: Being aware of exclusions prevents unexpected claims denials. This knowledge helps owners avoid practices that could unintentionally void their warranty and ensures they maintain the vehicle according to the manufacturer’s standards.

Yes, extended warranties are available from manufacturers and third-party providers. These plans offer additional coverage for critical systems and components beyond the expiration of the standard warranty.

Why It’s Important: Extended warranties provide peace of mind and financial protection, especially for older trucks. Owners can avoid expensive repairs for high-mileage trucks by securing extended coverage that suits their long-term operational needs.

A warranty can be voided by unauthorized modifications (e.g., engine tuners), neglect of regular maintenance, using non-approved parts, or tampering with the odometer.

Why It’s Important: Understanding what can void a warranty ensures that owners and operators avoid practices that could eliminate coverage, such as installing non-certified components, missing maintenance milestones, or altering the truck’s configuration.

Warranties can often be transferred to the new owner if the sale is conducted through a certified dealer or with the manufacturer’s approval. The transfer may require a fee and is subject to the terms of the original warranty agreement.

Why It’s Important: A transferable warranty increases the resale value of the truck. Buyers are more likely to purchase a vehicle that still has coverage, making it easier to sell and improving the truck’s overall marketability.

If a truck breaks down under warranty, the owner should contact the dealer or manufacturer to arrange for repair or towing, which may be covered depending on the warranty terms. Most warranties include access to certified service centers.

Why It’s Important: Knowing the procedure for warranty claims ensures that repairs are handled quickly and efficiently, reducing downtime and minimizing the financial impact on operations.

You can check your warranty status by contacting the dealer or manufacturer with your truck’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or by looking up the information on the manufacturer’s website. Some manufacturers also offer apps or online portals for quick access.

Why It’s Important: Keeping track of warranty status helps owners plan for maintenance and repairs. If coverage is about to expire, it may be an opportune time to purchase extended coverage or schedule any pending repairs before they become out-of-pocket expenses.