Are O2 Sensors Covered Under Warranty?
Are O2 sensors covered under warranty? If your car is covered under a manufacturer or factory warranty, repairs are generally covered at no cost to you. However, most manufacturer warranties only last a certain amount of time or mileage, with most standard factory warranties ending at 3 years or 36,000 miles. If your car’s O2 sensors unexpectedly break and your manufacturer’s warranty expired, then you’ll left paying those costly repair bills on your own.
It’s important to check the warranty information for your specific vehicle before making any repairs. Some warranties may cover the cost of repairs, while others may only cover the cost of replacement parts.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
O2 sensors are commonly covered by the vehicle’s Manufacturer Warranty. This coverage typically applies to defects in materials or workmanship during the warranty period. The warranty duration for a vehicle’s O2 sensors can vary. It may range from a few years to the vehicle’s lifetime. Check your vehicle’s warranty documentation or contact the manufacturer for coverage period.
Manufacturer warranties frequently include exclusions, such as coverage for typical wear and tear or damage resulting from accidents, misuse, or modifications by the owner. Should your vehicle’s O2 sensors experience a problem covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, you can usually get it fixed or replaced at an authorized dealership or service center. In order to secure warranty coverage for your vehicle’s O2 sensors, proof of ownership is typically required. This can be provided through your vehicle’s registration or purchase documents.
Extended Warranty
Consumers may choose to buy extended warranties for their O2 sensors. These are frequently provided by third-party companies or retailers and can offer coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. Carefully review the policy to understand the coverage and circumstances for repairs under extended warranties.
The Mopar Maximum Care Warranty, also known as the “bumper-to-bumper” warranty, is the most comprehensive extended coverage available for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram. It extends your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram’s powertrain and basic component coverage beyond the 3-year/36,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty. Additionally, it covers more than 5,000 components, providing virtually complete mechanical coverage for your vehicle.
The only components not covered under this warranty include:
- Maintenance services and items used in such services.
- Glass, plastic lenses.
- Body and paint items, including soft trim.
- Wear items such as manual clutch assembly, brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums and belts are not covered at any time.
- Snowplows, winches and trailer hitches
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Your O2 Sensors?
If you choose to have a professional replace your car’s oxygen sensor, you can usually expect to pay somewhere between $200 and $500 to get the job done. Of course, the exact cost will depend on various factors, such as the year, make, and model of your vehicle. If your car is suffering from a bad O2 sensor, you should address the issue as soon as possible. Depending on how the sensor fails, the issue can lead to additional problems, such as catalytic converter damage.
Signs Of A Bad O2 Sensor
An oxygen sensor does not have to fail completely to give you problems. On the contrary, even a failing O2 sensor may cause your car to have a few issues. If you notice any of the following signs, you may have a bad O2 sensor or one that is about to go bad.
- An illuminated check-engine light
- A rough engine idle
- A misfiring engine
- Worsening fuel economy
- Failed emissions inspection
Even if your car’s engine is not exhibiting any of the above oxygen sensor symptoms, it may still be time to replace your existing ones. In simple terms, O2 sensors are designed to wear out over time. As such, if your vehicle has driven 60,000 to 100,000 miles on with its existing sensors, depending on make and model, you may want to consider replacing its O2 sensors before they fail. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual may specify a service interval you better understand when to preventatively install new sensors.
