Chrysler recently announced that it would extend its powertrain warranty from the three-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty to a new Lifetime Powertrain Warranty. The new Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty applies to most new Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles purchased from dealer inventory and delivered on or after July 26, 2007. With a lifetime warranty, will more consumers purchase Chrysler vehicles? In a recent survey of new-vehicle buyers, vehicle warranty ranked 13 among the top 52 characteristics important to consumers when shopping for a new vehicle.
The Lifetime Powertrain Warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair covered powertrain components—engine, transmission and drive system. The new powertrain warranty is limited to the first registered owner or retail lessee. Customers should contact dealers for details on vehicle selection.
“This new Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty is a statement of confidence to our customers to the reliability of their powertrain. It’s peace-of-mind reassurance for as long as they own the vehicle,” said Steven Landry, Executive Vice President–North America, Sales and Marketing, Service and Parts, Chrysler Group.
To continue warranty coverage, the owner must have a powertrain inspection performed by an authorized Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge dealer once every five years. This inspection will be performed at no charge. The inspection must be made within 60 days of each five-year anniversary of the vehicle's warranty start date.
Landry added, “The new Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty underscores our focus on quality and customer satisfaction. It demonstrates our commitment to customers and the confidence we have in our ability to produce quality, reliable and durable vehicles. That’s why we put ‘lifetime’ on it.”
Customers may visit Chrysler.com, Jeep.com and Dodge.com for more information. A warranty promotion—print, radio, television and Internet—began Friday, July 27.
Past research has showed that two-thirds (66%) of consumers surveyed indicated that they were concerned with warranty issues when they install aftermarket parts on their new vehicles. With Chrysler extending its powertrain warranty to the lifetime of the vehicle, does this pose a problem to the specialty-equipment industry?
Source: Chrysler Group. (July 26, 2007). “Chrysler Introduces New ‘Best-in-Industry’ Lifetime Powertrain Warranty on Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Vehicles.” Chrysler Group press release courtesy of PR Newswire; SEMA Research & Information Center.