Lifetime powertrain warranty to come with new Chryslers
July 26, 2007
By TIM HIGGINS
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER
New Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles will come with a life-time warranty on powertrain, the Auburn Hills automaker told dealers this morning.
"It's pretty incredible," Alan Helfman, vice president of Helfman River Oaks Chrysler Jeep, said of the announcement.
The company says the new warranty goes into effect on new vehicles being sold today and applies to original owners of most of the automaker's vehicles. It does not apply to diesel and SRT8 vehicles, dealers told the Free Press.
Chrysler has struggled with the perception that its vehicles have lower quality compared to foreign automakers such as Toyota. Dealers say this new move will strongly combat that.
"It will nullify all concerns. We have the best warranty in the business now. Toyota doesn't give that. Nissan doesn't give that. Put your money where your mouth is big boy," Helfman said.
Chrysler says the lifetime warranty will cover the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair engine, transmission and drive systems. It is limited to the first registered owner or retail lessee, the company said.
Under terms of the new warranty, the owner must have the powertrain inspected -- for free -- by authorized Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge dealers once every five years.
"This new Chrysler Lifetime Powertrain Warranty is a statement of confidence to our customers to the reliability of their powertrain. It's peace-of-mind reassurance for as long as they own the vehicle," said Steven Landry, Chrysler executive vice president for North American sales, in a statement.
Chrysler's previous powertrain warranty was good for three years or 36,000 miles.
