Warranty expiration
The date or odometer reading at which a coverage ends — in almost every warranty, whichever limit is reached first.
Part of the Claims & money cluster.
What it means
Warranty expiration is the end of a coverage term, reached when either the time limit (months from the in-service date) or the mileage limit is hit first. Every family — basic, powertrain, emissions, corrosion, battery — expires on its own schedule.
Why it matters
Repairs just before expiration can be free and just after can be full price. If a symptom starts before the end date, get it documented before the term lapses — when the problem was first reported can matter.
What it is NOT
It is not the model-year changeover, not the date the car is sold, and not a single date for the whole car — each coverage counts down separately.
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.