Tesla warranty explained: what is covered in the US, UK and Europe, from the battery to used cars

A Tesla comes with two main warranties: one for the car in general and a much longer one for the battery and motors. The terms differ between the US, the UK and mainland Europe, and between models. Here is what Tesla currently promises, based on its own warranty pages, and what to check before you rely on it.

The basic warranty

This covers defects in materials and workmanship on most of the car, from the touchscreen to door handles.

• US: 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• UK: 4 years or 60,000 miles for cars bought after January 1, 2024.
• Netherlands and the rest of the EU: 4 years or 80,000 km.

The airbag and restraint system has its own cover of 5 years or 60,000 miles (100,000 km in Europe). Rust that eats through the body because of a manufacturing defect is covered for 12 years with no mileage limit, for cars bought from February 1, 2019.

The battery and drive unit warranty

This is the one most owners care about. All versions get 8 years, and Tesla promises that the battery keeps at least 70% of its capacity during that period. The mileage limit depends on the model:

• Model S, Model X and Cybertruck: 150,000 miles. In Europe, where the Cybertruck is not sold, the Model S and Model X get 240,000 km.
• Model 3 RWD and Model Y RWD, including the Standard versions: 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
• Model 3 and Model Y Premium Long Range and Performance: 120,000 miles (192,000 km).

In the US list, the Model Y AWD with the base trim also falls in the 100,000-mile group, while the Model Y L Premium Launch Series is in the 120,000-mile group. Note that 70% is a floor, not a typical result. Most batteries lose far less over eight years, which also means a battery that has simply aged normally is unlikely to qualify for a free replacement.

Buying used from Tesla

A car bought directly from Tesla as a used or certified pre-owned vehicle gets whatever is left of the basic warranty, plus 1 extra year or 10,000 miles (20,000 km in Europe). If the basic warranty has already run out, you get 1 year or 10,000 miles (20,000 km) from delivery. The original battery and drive unit warranty carries over in all cases.

Your legal rights in Europe

In the EU, Tesla's warranty sits on top of the law, not instead of it. Every buyer has a legal guarantee of at least 2 years from the seller. If a fault appears in the first year, it is presumed to have been there at delivery unless the seller proves otherwise, and some countries extend that to two years. A commercial warranty can add protection but can never reduce those rights. Used cars from a business seller are covered too, although the period can be cut to one year if that is made clear at purchase. Cars bought from a private person are not covered.

What can void or limit cover

• Repairs by non-certified workshops: Tesla says damage caused by them is not covered.
• Third-party bidirectional adapters and chargers: damage from them is excluded in the US terms.
• Opening the battery coolant reservoir: Tesla's manual says this voids cover for resulting damage.
• Letting the battery run completely flat: the manual says damage from a full discharge is not covered.

Extended cover

In the US, Tesla sells an Extended Service Agreement that starts when the basic warranty ends, and a separate battery extension for Model 3 and Model Y. Prices and lengths vary, so check them in your Tesla account before the factory cover runs out.

How to check your own car

Terms can change and differ by purchase date and country. Tesla stresses that the warranty document delivered with your car is the one that counts. You can find your exact terms in your Tesla account, and the dates and mileage in the car or app tell you how much cover is left.