Emissions warranty
Coverage for emissions-control parts and performance — often the longest coverage on the car, and the most overlooked.
Part of the Coverage types cluster.
What it means
Federal (and some state) rules require manufacturers to cover emissions-related defects and performance for specified periods. This commonly includes a shorter defect warranty and a longer performance warranty for major emissions components like catalytic converters and engine control modules.
Why it matters
When a check engine light turns out to be an emissions fault, the repair may still be free years after the bumper-to-bumper warranty has expired. Emissions coverage is the most overlooked long warranty.
What it is NOT
It is not a blanket engine warranty. Only emissions-related parts and failures count, and tampering or unapproved parts can put it out of reach.
Related terms
Terms in this glossary describe general warranty practice and US norms — they are informational, not legal advice, and not a reading of your specific warranty booklet.