Coronavirus: Will a delayed service invalidate my car's warranty?

Published 27 March 2020

Drivers should not be concerned about invalidating their warranty by delaying servicing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ordinarily, a delayed service could invalidate your car's warranty. However, HonestJohn.co.uk has contacted a number of car manufacturers and been told, generally, that most will be sympathetic to the situation.

>>> Coronavirus: What it means for car buyers and owners

Readers have been in touch with HonestJohn.co.uk via the Ask HJ service, worried about their car warranty during the COVID-19 outbreak. While garages are legally allowed to remain open during the Government lockdown, many car manufacturer approved-dealer service departments are closing or limiting their business to key workers only.

What advice are car manufacturers offering to concerned customers who are unable to get their vehicle serviced?

Alfa Romeo

Customer advice

Customers can use the retailer locator link on the website to identify an alternative franchise workshop which is still open or they can contact our Customer Services Centre who will issue them with a case number so that the warranty work can be carried out once the workshop reopens.

To avoid the warranty being invalidated (because of a late service), customers should use the FCA online booking facility to make a booking for a future time that is suitable or contact our Customer Services Centre who will register the concern and provide them with a case number which can be referred to once the workshop reopens.

Audi

Customer advice

If you have already reported a fault your retailer will have opened a job card. If the final repair is completed after the warranty expiry date, any issue caused by a manufacturing defect that would normally be covered by warranty will be covered.

If you have not yet reported a fault please notify your local retailer immediately. If they cannot book your vehicle in immediately a job card and technical report of the issue raised (known as a DISS report) will be raised and any manufacturing issue will be covered even if the warranty has expired.

In the event that your local Retailer is not open due to COVID19 and there is no alternative Retailer available please email our Customer Services Centre (customerservices@volkswagen.co.uk) writing 'WARRANTY CLAIM' and your REGISTRATION NUMBER in the subject line.They will record your notification of an issue and provide a reference number. This case reference should be passed to your repairing retailer once a booking can be made. Please be aware that existing warranty periods will not be extended.

If your vehicle has a fault that prevents it from being driven or you are concerned it may be unsafe and you have Volkswagen Group Roadside Assistance cover please call them. If your roadside cover has expired it can be extended on vehicles up to ten years old, for £89 for one year or £145 for two years.

BMW

Customer advice

Awaiting response

Citroen

Customer advice

The warranty and service interval will be increased during the period affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, so it will be possible to postpone the service interval up to 1800 miles or three months after the recommended maintenance plan period.

Citroen has extended the period within which the vehicle must be serviced by three months to provide owners with more time to be able get the vehicle serviced.

The Groupe PSA Network is also maintaining servicing facilities in as many dealerships as possible to support this change and prevent this concern.

Dacia

Customer advice

Groupe Renault will support repairs where a manufacturing defect has been identified and the fault can not be repaired within the warranty contractual period.

Any service delayed as result of the coronavirus crises where the customer has been asked to self-isolate/dealer activity has been restricted, will not affect warranty.

DS

Customer advice

The warranty and service interval will be increased during the period affected by the covid-19 epidemic, so it will be possible to postpone the service interval up to 1800 miles or three months after the recommended maintenance plan period.

DS has extended the period within which the vehicle must be serviced by three months to provide owners with more time to be able get the vehicle serviced.

The Groupe PSA Network is also maintaining servicing facilities in as many dealerships as possible to support this change and prevent this concern.

Fiat

Customer advice

Ford

Customer advice

Customers may find delays as services will prioritise key workers.

Warranty Actions effective until May 31, 2020:

Warranty claims to be extended to 180 days during this time
Warranty Manual requires signature – if customer is unavailable or cannot sign, service person can sign on customer’s behalf
Warranty Dealer Support teams are operating across Europe. There may be a delay to responses, but the team will deal with them
Warranty Claim Appeals Time Limit – Submission time for appealing warranty claims online will be extended to 180 days
Scheduled Service – Current tolerance of 1 month of scheduled service due date will be suspended during this time. Distance tolerances remain at 1k miles
Current time limit to complete a warranty repair within 14 days of warranty expiring is suspended during this time

Honda

Customer advice

Drivers can book their cars in for warranty work even if it has expired during the coronavirus pandemic. Customers will not be penalised for a late service because of Covid-19.

Hyundai

Customer advice

We will offer our customers a warranty extension of up to three months for those vehicles whose warranty is due to expire in March, April or May 2020. We will continue to monitor the situation and will look to extend further if required.

We are providing an automatic service extension of 1500 miles to prevent a late service invalidating a warranty.

Jaguar

Customer advice

Jaguar retailers will continue to support their customers with warranty repairs throughout the covid-19 outbreak subject to opening hours, retailer employee availability and direction from government on working practices.

If a customer reports a warranty defect within the warranty period but cannot get to a retailer due to self-isolation or retailer closure/ restricted working, Jaguar will look to complete this repair up to two months or 2000 miles after the warranty expiry (subject to normal warranty restrictions).

It is at Jaguar's full discretion to accept out of warranty claims where extenuating circumstances apply.

Jeep

Customer advice

Kia

Customer advice

If a customer’s latest scheduled service has been delayed during the period where the UK is under Government measures, Kia will honour valid warranty claims.

Additionally, if there is a valid warranty claim on a customer car but the repair could not be completed before the warranty expired because of current Government measures, Kia will be flexible and honour those claims. All other warranty Terms and Exclusions apply.

Land Rover

Customer advice

Land Rover retailers will continue to support their customers with warranty repairs throughout the covid-19 outbreak subject to opening hours, retailer employee availability and direction from government on working practices.

If a customer reports a warranty defect within the warranty period but cannot get to a retailer due to self-isolation or retailer closure/ restricted working, Land Rover will look to complete this repair up to two months or 2000 miles after the warranty expiry (subject to normal warranty restrictions).

It is at Land Rover's full discretion to accept out of warranty claims where extenuating circumstances apply.

Lexus

Customer advice

Lexus GB says it is taking a flexible and sympathetic approach to any service schedule or warranty issues. In the same spirit, if your Lexus Roadside Assistance (TRA/LRA) has expired and not been renewed since 1 February 2020, Lexus will provide complimentary cover until 31 May 2020. If your TRA or LRA policy is currently active it will provide a complimentary three month extension to it.

Mazda

Customer advice

If the warranty runs out and the customer can’t get a repair completed by a dealer they will be able to put forward a warranty claim to Mazda UK for approval. Each case will be looked at individually as is the normal process but claims just outside warranty period can be accepted.

A late service will not impact your warranty if scheduled maintenance is completed when the country is back to normal, but additional mileage must not exceed 1875 miles over normal scheduled servicing.

Mercedes-Benz

Customer advice

Awaiting response

MG

Customer advice

We understand that these are unprecedented times with uncertainty affecting everyone in the country. We want to reaffirm that our Aftersales Head Office staff are providing dealers who remain open through these times, with the necessary support they require remotely, to ensure that they can offer the best service to you. Our Birmingham warehouse remains open and parts deliveries are being dispatched daily and will only close, when it is deemed appropriate or we are directed by the Government to do so.

Clearly, the protection and wellbeing of our employees and customers is a top priority, which is why we have put together the following special measures to ensure that we continue to offer you the very best service.

1. Currently in accordance with the Warranty Terms & Conditions as can be found within the owners section on the MG Website; ‘Each main service is carried out within 1000 miles / 1,609 kilometers or 28 days of the recommended mileage interval or service anniversary date as shown on the Service Interval Plan’.

2. However, due the current situation in the UK, we would like to offer a further 60 days and 2,000-mile top up to what is already available. Therefore, a vehicle which would be due its annual service today (24th March 2020), but is unable to book in and have this completed owing to the closure of the service department at their local MG Dealer (due to COVID-19), it will give the opportunity to have the service completed within a maximum 88 days (up to 20th June 2020) or a further 3,000 miles.

3. The Government’s initial recommendation is to stay at home (or work from home where possible) for the next 3-weeks unless it is essential. This service date extension will initially be offered from today, (24th March) until 24th April, giving maximum servicing flexibility until 21st July 2020, however the situation is changing daily, and if this requires to be reviewed, then further communication from MG will follow. We must point out though that we recommend customers to book their car in for service at the earliest opportunity. The maintenance of the vehicle does remain the responsibility of the owner.

MINI

Customer advice

Awaiting response

Mitsubishi

Customer advice

There is a leeway provision of 1000 miles on servicing within a warranty period, anyone who feels they may fall outside of this should contact the local dealer or our customer service team.

Nissan

Customer advice

If your vehicle is still in the warranty period under normal conditions your vehicle should always be serviced in line with the service schedule to maintain its warranty. Nissan says it understands that this might prove difficult over the coming weeks and therefore will show flexibility regarding these regulations.

Peugeot

Customer advice

Peugeot has extended the period within which the vehicle must be serviced by three months to provide owners with more time to be able get the vehicle serviced.

The Groupe PSA Network is also maintaining servicing facilities in as many dealerships as possible to support this change and prevent this concern.

Porsche

Customer advice - Updated 30 April 2020

Porsche is extending its new car warranty by a further three months for all cars with a new car warranty expiring between 1 March 2020 and 31 May 2020.

This measure is subject to local legal compliance, and will be free of charge for customers and valid worldwide. The manufacturer is responding with this measure to the coronavirus crisis which has greatly restricted business at many Porsche Centres since March. This initiative also applies to customers who have already purchased a Porsche Approved warranty to follow on after expiry of the new car warranty. If the Porsche Approved warranty starts within the time period in question, it will also be extended by three months.

“Our ultimate aim is to create enthusiasm among our customers – this includes providing outstanding services particularly in difficult times,” says Daniel Schukraft, Head of Aftersales at Porsche AG. “We have therefore decided to implement a uniform and unbureaucratic solution worldwide. Customers do not have to do anything, the Porsche Centres will take into account the extension automatically.”

The new expiry date for the warranty will be calculated from the end of the current period. If the new car warranty expires on 20 March 2020, for example, the extension will apply for a further three months until 20 June 2020. A new car warranty which was due to end on 15 May 2020 will be extended until 15 August 2020.

The Porsche new car warranty in the UK covers a period of three years and starts on the day the car is delivered to the customer. The Porsche Approved warranty for pre-owned cars covers a period of at least 12 months with the option of an extension.

27 March 2020

All Porsche centres are still able to receive customer enquiries, and in matters relating to service and maintenance contact via e-mail is best.

In the event anything is required within the warranty period but which under the current circumstances can only be carried out after the expiration of the warranty period, it needs to be reported as soon as possible and in writing e.g. an email to the Porsche centre. The work will then be dealt with whenever possible under the warranty process as usual.

In the event of a customer wishing to extend their warranty – either new car or approved used – within the specified period but who cannot due to current circumstances, the same concept applies. If they communicate their wish to extend as soon as possible and in writing, the Porsche Centre can then grant the warranty extension when circumstances allow, still subject to the usual process which may include a 111 point check. In the event anything occurs in between the expiration of the previous warranty and registration of the new one, we will still carry out the work under the usual warranty process when we can.

In terms of routine servicing, as long as the request for maintenance has been made as soon as possible and in writing, there will be no implications in case of a later claim.

Renault

Customer advice

Groupe Renault will support repairs where a manufacturing defect has been identified and the fault could not be repaired within the warranty contractual period.

Any service delayed as a result of the covid-19 crisis where the customer has been asked to self-isolate/dealer activity has been restricted, will not affect warranty.

SEAT

Customer advice

In the event that your local retailer is not open due to covid-19 and there is no alternative retailer available please email our Customer Services Centre writing 'WARRANTY CLAIM' and your REGISTRATION NUMBER in your message. They will record your notification of an issue and provide a reference number. This case reference should be passed to your repairing Retailer once a booking can be made.

Skoda

Customer advice

If a customer has already reported a fault the retailer will have opened a job card. If the final repair is completed after the warranty expiry date, any issue caused by a manufacturing defect that would normally be covered by warranty will be covered.

If the customer has not yet reported a fault they should notify their local retailer immediately. If they cannot book your vehicle in immediately a job card will be raised and any manufacturing issue will be covered even if the warranty has expired.

Smart

Customer advice

Awaiting response

SsangYong

Customer advice

As of 12th March 2020 the Government set out guidelines, advising that all non-essential movement should be avoided and that all vulnerable persons or persons showing any symptoms should self-isolate.

Any vehicle with scheduled maintenance whose owner may be affected by self-isolation or limitations on movement will not have their vehicle warranty jeopardised. The usual “period of grace” has been extended from 1 month or 1,000 miles to 2 months or 2,000 miles whichever comes first.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will communicate any amendments to this notification.

Subaru

Customer advice

Subaru and Isuzu will not penalise any customers due to circumstances arising from this situation, if the vehicle is book in for service or warranty work at one of our approved dealers and the dealer is unable to perform this work then the warranty will not be affected.

Suzuki

Customer advice

Where a scheduled service has to be delayed, Suzuki is asking customers and dealers to make a note to reschedule this as soon as is possible. In light of current circumstances, Suzuki will support delays in servicing and warranty matters to ensure our customers are treated as fairly as possible. It strongly advise that engine oil level, coolant, screen wash and tyre pressures are regularly checked though for safety and peace of mind.

Suzuki currently has around 50 per cent of its dealers open for aftersales service only, if more urgent, customers should aim to try and locate their next closest dealer via the Suzuki website or by contacting Suzuki Customer services.

Tesla

Customer advice

Awaiting response

Toyota

Customer advice

Toyota GB says it is taking a flexible and sympathetic approach to any service schedule or warranty issues. In the same spirit, if your Toyota Roadside Assistance (TRA/LRA) has expired and not been renewed since 1 February 2020, Toyota will provide complimentary cover until 31 May 2020. If your TRA or LRA policy is currently active it will provide a complimentary three month extension to it.

Vauxhall

Customer advice

Customers can continue to use their vehicles providing that the required maintenance is performed within three months or 1800 miles of the specified service intervals.

Vauxhall has extended the period within which the vehicle must be serviced by three months to provide owners with more time to be able get the vehicle serviced.

The Groupe PSA Network is also maintaining servicing facilities in as many dealerships as possible to support this change and prevent this concern.

Volkswagen

Customer advice

If you have already reported a fault your Volkswagen retailer will have opened a job card. If the final repair is completed after the warranty expiry date, any issue caused by a manufacturing defect that would normally be covered by warranty will be covered. If you have not yet reported a fault please notify your local Retailer immediately. If they cannot book your vehicle in immediately a job card and technical report of the issue raised (known as a DISS report) will be raised and any manufacturing issue will be covered even if the warranty has expired.

In the event that your local retailer is not open due to COVID19 and there is no alternative Retailer available please email our Customer Services Centre (customerservices@volkswagen.co.uk) writing 'WARRANTY CLAIM' and your REGISTRATION NUMBER in the subject line. They will record your notification of an issue and provide a reference number. This case reference should be passed to your repairing Retailer once a booking can be made. Please be aware that existing warranty periods will not be extended. If your vehicle has a fault that prevents it from being driven or you are concerned it may be unsafe and you have Volkswagen Group Roadside Assistance cover please call them. If your roadside cover has expired it can be extended on vehicles up to ten years old, for £89 for one year or £145 for two years.

If you are unable to visit the Volkswagen Retailer please contact them directly to discuss alternative options, such as collection and delivery. Servicing a vehicle correctly is important but if the service is late it will not invalidate the warranty automatically. If you are unsure whether outstanding work is essential, please contact your local Volkswagen Retailer to discuss this.

Volvo

Customer advice

Until 30^th April, Volvo Car UK is extending the warranty on all applicable cars from 36 months/60,000 miles to 37 months/61,000 miles. This should help any customers whose warranty would have expired during this period of lockdown. We are constantly reviewing the situation and will take action as required to support all our customers.

As for servicing, it is important to keep cars running and safe. If a customer is in lockdown, their driving will be minimal, but we do ask that they take all necessary precautions, such as checking their car’s oil and fluid levels. We will not invalidate the warranty if a car goes beyond the 13 months service limitations during this time, but if the car is due on mileage, for safety and reliability of the car (especially those of key workers), there are many Volvo workshops still open to support.

Ask HJ

Should we drive our car on a roundtrip to prevent a flat battery during self isolation?

Our new car will be parked on our drive during the next 12 weeks due to our self isolation. What should we do to keep it in good overall condition? Should we drive the car (without getting out, obviously) on a round trip to keep battery etc in good condition? This is because may need it sometime urgently and need to avoid a flat battery.

I would not recommend driving the vehicle unless it's absolutely essential to buy food or medicine. If you are involved in an accident or breakdown then it may add additional pressure to your potentially stretched local emergency services. If you have a battery charger then it may be an idea to fit it to the car to keep the battery topped up. Otherwise I would advise that you stay at home and address your car when the self-isolation has ended. If the battery is flat then you'll need to get it jump started with the assistance of a neighbour or a local mechanic, or use a jump pack. For all general coronavirus motoring advice, see: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-car-buyers-and-owners/

Answered by Dan Powell

Comments

John Couper on 27 March 2020

Mitsubishi's answer only partly covers the mileage question and it does not answer the need to have a service every 12 months. Will they extend the time period?

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devon_davey on 27 March 2020

Volvo I see is allowing an extra 1000 miles without penalty on warranty. Woo Hoo. Big deal. Honda if they stick to the statement are being generous. When (and if) this is all over, the companies that are trying to look after us customers, are the ones that we will go back to for sure.

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on 30 March 2020

Wouldn't 'jump start' a modern car with jump leads if I were you, could easily damage both car's electrical systems.

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Nickmj on 2 April 2020

Wouldn't 'jump start' a modern car with jump leads if I were you, could easily damage both car's electrical systems.

Not true. Although I would recommend making absolutely sure you are doing it correctly by consulting the owner's manual or googling the correct procedure.

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Denise Cleary on 25 May 2021

Nissan are NOT honouring their warranties if you have been unable to get your car serviced by a Nissan dealership during lock-down if it was due, even though they were closed. They are not recognising your local garage who did stay open as in their words ‘there’s no guarantee concerning the oil they have used’ yes that’s right, when it comes to the test they fail. Nissan Customer Service also have 75% bad on Trust Pilot. Says it all.

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