U.S. emissions regulations started taking shape due to conflicting results from World War II. Both the economy and population were booming, while public transit systems were simultaneously closing. The Clean Air Acts of 1963 and 1970 were passed to regulate the rapidly increasing amount of pollution formed from the expanded use of automobiles on newly constructed American highways. The installation of more emissions systems parts created the importance of a new type of warranty protection for the nation’s drivers.

Two primary types of emissions warranties exist today. A performance emissions warranty covers required repairs within two years or 24,000 miles, depending on which comes first. Specific primary emission control components are also covered within the first eight years or 80,000 miles, also depending on whichever comes first.

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Emissions Warranties — What You Need to Know
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 A design and defect emissions warranty covers required repairs for emissions control and emissions-related parts, which break due to defect within two years or 24,000 miles. Specific primary emission control components are also covered during a design and defect emissions warranty within the first eight years or 80,000 miles, again depending on whichever occurs first. 

Additional terms and options apply based on the state in which you live, the type/age of car you drive and warranty issuer policies. Emissions laws and requirements also all vary by state.

The Federal Emissions Warranty acts as an extended warranty at no charge to you. This federally mandated warranty is applicable to all vehicles manufactured since the year 1995, with no penalties or limits based on ownership. 

Any driver living in an I/M (Inspection and Maintenance) testing area of participating states is qualified for emissions-based repairs free-of-charge, provided the covered system/part requires repair due to defect.

 Parts and components covered under the Federal Emissions Warranty include:

  • Spark plugs.
  • Fuel pump/lines.
  • Catalytic converters.
  • Distributor & applicable components.
  • Oxygen sensors.
  • Intake manifold.
  • Gas cap.
  • Fuel tank assembly.
  • More.

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