New Tesla Warranty Might Leave Some Owners Upset

Feb. 03, 2020 3:15 PM ET by Aaron Brzozowski / 9 Comments

Tesla has updated its warranties for the Model S sedan and X crossover.

Tesla has updated its warranty coverage for the Model S and Model X EVs, explicitly guaranteeing the battery packs in both models against premature degradation for the first time. Now, batteries in both models are warrantied against dropping below 70 percent of their original capacity for 8 years or 150k miles - whichever comes first - with one important exception: the 60-kWh Model S examples built before 2015. Those cars solider on with no factory capacity coverage.

Interestingly, guaranteeing against degradation has been a part of the Tesla Model 3 warranty since launch, and the Model Y will offer the same coverage, protecting the capacity up to 70 percent for 8 years/100k miles - or 8 years/120k miles for the Long Range and Performance variants.

2016-2019 Tesla Model X P100D Front Angle View

At the same time, Tesla has gotten rid of its noteworthy unlimited-mileage warranty covering the battery pack and drive unit. The new mileage limit on coverage - 150,000 miles for the Model S and Model X - should still be plenty enough for most Tesla owners, but its still something to consider.

What's more, Tesla's new vehicle warranty agreement explicitly does not cover changes in battery performance resulting from software updates. Last year, an update prompted a class-action lawsuit after Tesla owners found that their maximum range had decreased as a result of new software - software that was ostensibly rolled out to protect the longevity of the battery packs. It's likely exactly this sort of situation that Tesla is trying to avoid reoccurring.

All things considered, it doesn't seem as though the changes to Tesla's new vehicle warranties ought to change things too dramatically for current owners. Few are likely to exceed the 150,000-mile limit now imposed on the 8-year warranty covering the battery packs and drive units, meaning that few will be affected by the loss of unlimited mileage.

Similarly, Tesla's battery packs have proven themselves durable enough to retain most of their capacity over many miles and recharges, so there won't be too many owners in a position to take advantage of the new battery degradation coverage.

Even still, it's good peace-of-mind for those who use their Teslas daily.