Is My Factory Vehicle Warranty Transferable?

Which protections stay in effect after a sale can vary.

Benjamin Hunting | 

Jun 27, 2024 | 3 min read

Hyundai

One of the many appealing aspects of buying a new or certified used car is the factory warranty. While warranties provide peace of mind that buyers shouldn't be on the hook for major repair costs during the coverage period, they can also be valuable when it comes time to sell — provided they're transferable.

What a Transferable Vehicle Warranty Is

As the name suggests, a transferable vehicle warranty is one that can be transferred from one owner to the next when a car or truck is sold. In these cases, the warranty is attached to the vehicle identification number (VIN), which allows it to remain active even after ownership has changed.

The single greatest value presented by a transferable warranty compared to a non-transferrable one is that it can make a vehicle easier to sell. If the next owner can still tap into the protections provided by the original warranty, that automobile is likely going to be more attractive than a used car that comes as is.

Not All Vehicle Warranties Are Transferable

Most automakers allow their new vehicle warranties to be transferred. However, there are some notable exceptions and asterisks associated with these transfers.

There are multiple warranties offered with most vehicles, with separate protections offered for powertrain, corrosion, emissions, and even hybrid and EV battery systems, on top of the comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranty. In some cases, coverage details can change when the warranty is transferred.

For example, Hyundai's 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty can't be passed on unless it is to an eligible spouse. These warranties shift to a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty once the automobile is resold. Similar terms apply for a Genesis or Kia warranty as well as a Mitsubishi warranty.

In the case of some high-performance vehicles from General Motors, such as the Cadillac Escalade-V, GMC Hummer EV, and Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the warranty is canceled entirely if a sale occurs within the six months of ownership. This is done to discourage buyers from snatching up in-demand models and flipping them for a quick profit.

How You Can Tell if a Warranty Is Transferable

The easiest way to know if your vehicle is transferable is to read the warranty handbook that came with your vehicle. This documentation includes everything you need to know about your warranty's details.

If you don't have access to this booklet, you can go to the manufacturer's website for your vehicle and download it there. You may be prompted to create an account to do so. CarFax also offers a warranty lookup tool as part of its vehicle history reports.

You can also call the dealership where you purchased the vehicle — or one that sells your brand of automobile — and ask them to verify your warranty status using your VIN.

Benjamin Hunting

Benjamin Hunting is a writer and podcast host who contributes to a number of newspapers, automotive magazines, and online publications. More than a decade into his career, he enjoys keeping the shiny side up during track days and always has one too many classic vehicle projects partially disassembled in his garage at any given time. Remember, if it's not leaking, it's probably empty.