General Motors New Vehicle Warranty Overview

The general motors new vehicle warranty is designed to help protect buyers from the cost of repairing defects in materials or workmanship during the early ownership period. Coverage is provided through the GM brand that sold the vehicle, such as Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac.

Warranty terms can vary by model year, brand, vehicle type, country, and whether the vehicle is gas, diesel, hybrid, or electric. The most accurate details are always found in the warranty booklet supplied with the vehicle or by contacting an authorized GM dealer with the vehicle identification number.

Main Coverage Areas

Most GM new vehicle warranty plans include several types of coverage, each with its own time and mileage limits. Common coverage areas may include:

• Bumper-to-bumper limited warranty: Covers many vehicle components when a defect is caused by materials or workmanship, subject to exclusions.
• Powertrain limited warranty: Typically covers major engine, transmission, transaxle, and drive system components.
• Corrosion coverage: Helps cover certain corrosion issues, with separate rules for surface corrosion and rust-through.
• Emission warranty: Covers specific emissions-related components as required by applicable regulations.
• Electric vehicle battery coverage: For eligible EVs, high-voltage battery coverage generally has separate terms and conditions.

What Is Usually Not Covered

A GM new vehicle warranty does not cover every repair or ownership cost. Exclusions depend on the specific warranty booklet, but common items not covered include:

• Normal maintenance, such as oil changes, filters, brake pads, wiper blades, and tire rotations.
• Wear items that are expected to decline with use.
• Damage from accidents, misuse, racing, improper towing, or environmental conditions.
• Repairs caused by lack of maintenance or use of incorrect fluids, parts, or procedures.
• Aftermarket modifications or accessories that cause or contribute to a failure.
• Tires, which are often covered separately by the tire manufacturer rather than GM.

If a repair is denied, the dealer should be able to explain which warranty limitation or exclusion applies.

How to Use the Warranty

To request warranty service, schedule an appointment with an authorized dealer for the GM brand of your vehicle. Bring the vehicle, proof of ownership if requested, and any maintenance records related to the issue.

Helpful steps before your visit

1. Write down the symptoms, warning lights, noises, or driving conditions linked to the concern.
2. Check whether the vehicle is still within the applicable time and mileage limits.
3. Review your warranty booklet for coverage terms and exclusions.
4. Ask the service department whether diagnostic fees may apply if the issue is not covered.

Warranty repairs generally must be performed by an authorized dealer using approved parts and procedures. Coverage decisions may depend on inspection results and maintenance history.

Important Details for Used, Certified, and Transferred Vehicles

Some GM warranty coverage may transfer to later owners if the vehicle is still within the applicable coverage period. However, remaining warranty time and mileage depend on the original in-service date, not the date a used buyer purchases the vehicle.

Certified pre-owned GM vehicles may include additional limited warranty coverage, but terms vary by brand, model year, and program rules. A vehicle history, current mileage, and dealer confirmation are important before relying on any remaining warranty.

Before buying a new or used GM vehicle, ask for the exact warranty status by vehicle identification number. This helps confirm what is still active, what has expired, and whether any special coverage, recall work, or service campaign applies.