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Did You Know? Auto manufacturers offer protection against mechanical breakdowns through extended car warranties. While similar coverage from third parties is available, this coverage is technically considered a vehicle service contract. Many consumers and third-party companies commonly use these terms interchangeably, so we’ve done the same in this article.
A Kia extended warranty gives you long-term coverage to protect your vehicle against mechanical breakdowns. The manufacturer offers a range of warranty options designed to help you save on costly repairs and give you extra peace of mind over the long haul.
In this article, we at the MarketWatch Guides team will provide an in-depth analysis of Kia’s extended auto warranty options. Based on our team’s research of the best extended car warranties from third-party companies, we recommend comparing their plans to those from Kia.
More Auto Warranty Articles
- Most Comprehensive Coverage
- Mileage Covered: Up to 200,000 miles
- Longest Warranty Term: Up to 8 years
- Money-Back Guarantee: Up to 30 Days
- Coverage Options: 6 different plans to choose from
- Discounts: $300 same-day signup discount, $250 shopping voucher, and others
| Plan coverage includes | Endurance Elite perks™ |
|---|---|
| Exclusionary plan | One-year membership for free |
| Powertrain plan | Tire repair and replacement |
| Maintainance coverage with Endurance Advantage | Key fob replacement |
| Roadside assistance | Total loss protection |
| Towing | Collision discount |
| Rental car | $250 rewards voucher |
| Trip interruption coverage | Endurance Protect app |
Learn more about our methodology and editorial guidelines.
Kia Distinction Vehicle Protection Plan Overview
The Kia Distinct program gives your vehicle extended car warranty coverage when your initial factory warranty expires. It basically functions as a continuation of your new car warranty — depending on the level of coverage you choose — protecting you from paying out-of-pocket for expensive covered components.
Kia Extended Warranty Terms and Conditions
When you purchase the Kia extended warranty, there are terms and conditions that are outlined in your contract. Below, you’ll find some information worth considering before you purchase a vehicle service contract from Kia.
- Availability: You can purchase coverage for your Kia any time before the New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires.
- Benefits: There are several benefits that come with purchasing an extended warranty from Kia, including roadside assistance, alternate transportation coverage, trip interruption coverage, towing coverage and the replacement of fluids.
- Cancellation: You can cancel your Kia extended warranty immediately for a full refund if you haven’t submitted a claim. If you’ve submitted a claim or had the warranty for an extended period of time, you’ll receive a prorated refund.
- Exclusions: There are some items not covered by the Kia Distinction program, including routine maintenance, physical damage and cosmetic items.
- Maintenance: Like other extended warranties, you’re required to keep up with routine maintenance to keep your Kia warranty active.
- Repairs: All Kia vehicle protection plans are administered by Fidelity Warranty Services, a third-party provider. However, whenever you make a warranty claim, you’ll be able to have your vehicle repaired at a Kia dealership, any licensed repair facility or one of 6,000 authorized service centers across the U.S. and Canada.
- Transferability: Each plan is fully transferable to a subsequent owner.
Kia Extended Warranty Coverage
For eligible used cars, three types of Kia extended protection plans provide warranty coverage for up to 150,000 miles.
Kia Extended Warranty Plans
Here’s a look at the plans offered by Kia:
- Platinum: Offering the highest level of coverage, this plan covers nearly all Kia parts and accessories with only a few exclusions.
- Gold: This option offers all the same coverage types as the Powertrain plan plus protection for steering, cooling, brakes, front and rear suspension, air conditioning and natural gas components.
- Powertrain: This option protects against covered mechanical breakdowns related to the engine, drive axle, transaxle, transfer case and transmission.
What Does the Kia Extended Warranty Cover?
Below is a basic breakdown of what each Kia extended warranty plan takes care of:
| Extended Warranty Plan |
What’s Covered? |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Engine, drive axle and transmission |
| Gold | Powertrain parts, steering, electrical, brakes, air conditioning, front suspension and hybrid and electric components |
| Platinum | All parts from the Powertrain and Gold plans plus the cooling system, fuel system, rear suspension and various additional parts |
The coverage levels available to Kia owners depend on the make, model, mileage and age of their vehicles. Also, some coverage options may come with deductibles. To find out what coverage plan your car is eligible for, you’ll have to contact your local Kia dealership.
Kia’s extended warranties offer much longer coverage and more flexibility than many automakers’ options. The company’s vehicle protection plans can take powertrain or bumper-to-bumper coverage to as long as 150,000 miles. By contrast, GMC advertises a vehicle service contract that lasts up to a maximum of 100,000 miles.
Kia Roadside Assistance and Other Perks
Kia makes sure that drivers receive protection through 24/7 roadside assistance. If a driver has a dead battery, runs out of fuel or gets a flat tire, the Kia roadside assistance program will help.
In addition, each of the three Kia extended warranty options features the following benefits:
- Alternate transportation coverage: If your vehicle requires covered repairs, you’ll get reimbursements toward rental cars, ride-sharing services or public transportation.
- Trip interruption coverage: If you have a warranty-covered breakdown more than 100 miles from home, your Kia extended warranty provides a reimbursement of up to $100 per day for meals and lodging (up to $500 per occurrence).
- Towing coverage: You’ll be reimbursed for up to $100 in towing expenses for each covered mechanical breakdown.
- Replacement of fluids: If your Kia vehicle needs fluids, oils, greases, lubricants or certain air conditioner gasses along with a covered repair, your extended warranty will cover the costs.
Kia Extended Warranty Exclusions
There are some exclusions in all levels of the Kia extended warranty program, including:
- Brake drums, rotors and linings
- Tires and wheels
- Damage due to misuse or lack of routine maintenance
- Heater and radiator hoses
- Catalytic converters
- Glass, upholstery and paint
- Air bags
Additional Kia Protection Plans
Kia also offers the following appearance and road hazard protection plans:
- Ding Shield Plus: This plan offers unlimited repairs of dings and dents up to the size of a credit card. It also includes a rental car reimbursement of up to $50 for a maximum of one day.
- Ding Shield Ultimate: With this plan, minor windshield chips and nicks are covered. It also provides headlight brightening and unlimited repair of minor interior rips, holes, burns, punctures and scratches up to 2 inches long.
- Ding Shield Alloy Wheel Repair: Available as an add-on to the Ding Shield Plus and Ultimate plans, this plan repairs aluminum or painted wheels damaged by scuffs, scrapes, scratches or rash.
- Deluxe: This plan repairs or replaces tires damaged by road hazards such as potholes, cracks and debris. The maximum lifetime benefit is $5,000.
- Premium: This option builds on the Deluxe plan to add cosmetic damage to alloy and steel factory wheels. The $5,000 maximum lifetime benefit cap no longer applies.
- Superior: Covers the repair of dents, dings, rips and tears along with certain windshield issues.
- Superior Plus: Takes care of everything from the Superior plan along with windshield replacements and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) calibrations.
Kia Extended Warranty Cost
Based on data we received from Kia dealerships in the Southeast U.S., Kia Distinction program plans can range from $1,183 to $3,433 in total. This is within the range of what most people reported paying in our March 2022 survey, which included over 1,000 respondents and many car brands beyond Kia. In this survey, half of the respondents paid between $1,615 and $3,208 for their extended warranties.
Kia Extended Warranty Prices
A Kia extended warranty can only be purchased from a dealership, so you’ll have to contact your closest dealer to get pricing. However, to provide you with a sense of what some pay for a Kia Distinction plan, we provide cost estimates for several Kia models below.
Kia Soul Extended Warranty Cost
Here are some cost estimates we received for the Kia Soul model.
| Kia Model | Current Mileage |
Plan | Term Length | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Soul | 32,000 miles | Platinum | 4 years/45,000 miles | $1,583 |
| 2020 Soul | 32,000 miles | Platinum | 10 years/100,000 miles | $1,786 |
| 2020 Soul | 32,000 miles | Platinum | 10 years/125,000 miles | $1,996 |
| 2021 Soul | 30,000 miles | Platinum | 4 years/60,000 miles | $2,926 |
| 2021 Soul | 30,000 miles | Platinum | 5 years/75,000 miles | $3,433 |
Kia Telluride Extended Warranty Cost
Below are sample cost estimates our team received for the Telluride model.
| Kia Model | Current Mileage |
Plan | Term Length | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Telluride | 35,000 miles | Platinum | 4 years/75,000 miles | $2,875 |
| 2020 Telluride | 35,000 miles | Platinum | 5 years/75,000 miles | $3,070 |
| 2020 Telluride | 35,000 miles | Platinum | 6 years/75,000 miles | $3,180 |
| 2023 Telluride | 15,000 miles | Platinum | 10 years/100,000 miles | $2,722 |
Kia Forte Extended Warranty Cost
The information below details cost estimates for the Kia Forte.
| Kia Model | Current Mileage |
Plan | Term Length | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Forte | 27,000 miles | Platinum | 3 years/36,000 miles | $1,296 |
| 2021 Forte | 27,000 miles | Platinum | 4 years/50,000 miles | $1,321 |
| 2021 Forte | 27,000 miles | Platinum | 7 years/70,000 miles | $1,493 |
| 2021 Forte | 27,000 miles | Platinum | 10 years/100,000 miles | $2,856 |
Kia Sportage Extended Warranty
The table below shows cost estimates we received for the Kia Sportage model.
| Kia Model | Current Mileage |
Plan | Term Length | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Sportage | 33,000 miles | Platinum | 3 years/36,000 miles | $1,642 |
| 2021 Sportage | 33,000 miles | Platinum | 4 years/40,000 miles | $1,742 |
| 2021 Sportage | 33,000 miles | Platinum | 5 years/60,000 miles | $1,811 |
| 2021 Sportage | 33,000 miles | Platinum | 6 years/75,000 miles | $1,869 |
| 2021 Sportage | 33,000 miles | Platinum | 6 years/100,000 miles | $2,552 |
Kia Extended Warranty Reddit Responses
We also looked to Reddit for an idea of how much Kia drivers typically pay for extended warranty plans from the automaker. With a wide range of coverage levels and terms represented, we found a range of about $1,600 to $4,000 in total for long-term Kia protection plans.
Factors That Affect Kia Extended Warranty Quotes
The cost of your Kia protection plan will be determined by these factors:
- Level of coverage
- Location
- Vehicle model and mileage
- Term length
Is a Kia Extended Warranty Worth It?
After reading about the Kia’s extended warranty costs, plans and coverage, it’s time to decide whether you should purchase one. You’ll want to consider your vehicle’s reliability, repair costs and whether factory coverage still applies.
The sections below will explore each of these considerations in detail.
Are Kias Reliable?
Kias are a bit more reliable than the average car brand, according to J.D. Power. Kia ranked in eighth place in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study™ in which thousands of vehicle owners were polled and asked about how many problems they encountered in three-year-old vehicles. Kia owners reported an average of 187 problems per 100 vehicles which was slightly below the industry average of 190.
Average Kia Repair Costs
Our team uses RepairPal to evaluate the average annual maintenance and repair expenses of automotive brands. Kia performs much better than the competition, with average yearly costs of $474 versus the industry average of $652.
Here are a few common repair cost estimates for Kia models, courtesy of RepairPal:
| Kia Model | Common Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Telluride | Engine mount replacement | $204 to $222 |
| Soul | Brake pad replacement | $223 to $253 |
| Sorento | Ignition coil replacement | $293 to $316 |
| Sportage | Starter replacement | $373 to $423 |
| Forte | Heater core replacement | $960 to $1,145 |
Is My Kia Still Under Warranty?
The Kia warranty that comes with new vehicles offers significantly longer coverage terms than many auto manufacturers’ plans, which is why many customers don’t immediately consider Kia extended warranties.
Kia New Car Warranty
When you buy a new Kia vehicle, it comes with the following warranty coverage:
| Kia Warranty for New Vehicles | Warranty Term |
|---|---|
| Limited basic warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Limited powertrain warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| Limited anti-perforation warranty | 5 years/100,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years/60,000 miles |
- Limited basic warranty: The most comprehensive plan of the warranty program, this Kia warranty covers your vehicle bumper to bumper, with few exclusions.
- Powertrain warranty: Beginning after the limited basic warranty expires, powertrain coverage continues protection for the engine, transmission and drive axle.
- Anti-perforation warranty: This covers perforations in the body sheet metal panels, excluding those caused by factors such as the environment, owner misuse, neglect or collisions.
- Roadside assistance: A Kia owner gets 24/7 access to help if they have a flat tire, run out of gas or encounter any other kind of breakdown. With trip interruption services, they also get reimbursed for meals, lodging or rental car expenses.
The limited basic warranty, anti-perforation warranty and roadside assistance plan can all be transferred to the new owner in full if the vehicle is sold. However, the full 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is only available to the original Kia owner, and the next owner would only get five years or 60,000 miles of coverage.
Because of Kia’s long factory warranty and reputation for dependability, we advise against getting an extended warranty if you don’t plan to keep your Kia vehicle for more than five years.
Kia Used Car Warranty: Certified Pre-Owned
To qualify as a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, a used Kia must be no more than six years old, have fewer than 80,000 miles and pass a 165-point inspection. CPO Kias come with the following warranty coverage:
| Kia Warranty for CPO Vehicles | Warranty Term |
|---|---|
| Platinum coverage | 1 year/12,000 miles |
| Limited powertrain warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 10 years/unlimited miles |
- Platinum coverage: Coverage starts on the date the vehicle is purchased as a CPO. This warranty has Kia’s highest coverage level and can be transferred to a new owner.
- Powertrain limited warranty: Coverage starts from the car’s original in-service date and protects the engine, transmission and drive axle. Kia owners also get travel breakdown coverage when they’re more than 100 miles from home, plus a rental car allowance for covered repairs.
- Roadside assistance: Like the Platinum plan, this starts the day a vehicle is purchased as CPO. It provides 24/7 help with issues such as flat tires, battery jump-starts, lockouts and gas delivery.
Kia Warranty Check
There is one way to find out whether your Kia factory warranty coverage is still active. You should run a vehicle identification number (VIN) look-up and check the mileage on your odometer. With this information, you can see if your vehicle model year or mileage is over the expiration date for the designated term length.
Kia Extended Warranty Reviews
Compared to other car manufacturers, we found that Kia’s extended protection plans offer comprehensive coverage at an affordable price. Drivers can choose from three extended warranty plans — Platinum, Gold or Powertrain — which can last up to 150,000 miles. In addition, coverage comes with benefits like rental car reimbursement, towing, trip interruption and fluids coverage.
We also found that Kia is one of the only manufacturers to allow drivers to take their vehicle to a repair shop other than a dealership. This gives drivers the chance to find a place closer to home if they are not located near a Kia dealership.
Should I Buy a Kia Extended Warranty?
Kia vehicles are known for their reliability. The cars come with a lengthy manufacturer’s warranty, so many drivers decide not to purchase an extended warranty from Kia until their initial coverage is almost up. However, an extended warranty is worth considering if you want to keep your bumper-to-bumper coverage or want genuine Kia parts installed by factory-trained technicians when you have a mechanical breakdown.
In addition, we found that Kia dealerships provide comprehensive coverage at relatively low rates. We recommend comparing coverage and costs from the dealership and third-party extended warranty companies to see which offers you a better deal.
Kia Aftermarket Warranty Options
There are plenty of good options if you want to explore the best car warranty companies. While Kia’s vehicle protection plans are extensive, independent auto warranty companies can offer the following advantages:
- Choice of service center: With third-party extended warranties, you can usually take your vehicle to any licensed mechanic for covered repairs. Manufacturers’ warranties typically require you to take your car to dealerships or approved service centers.
- Longer warranty terms: Third-party providers tend to offer longer coverage terms than manufacturers. While Kia features lengthy coverage for its vehicle service contracts, some third-party providers offer plans for vehicles with 150,000 miles or more.
- Lower costs: Certain independent warranty companies have flexible pricing options such as monthly payments and low or no deductibles.
- More coverage options: Third-party providers can give you more plan options tailored to the parts of the vehicle that you care about most. This can save you money if you’re not looking for bumper-to-bumper coverage.
There are some disadvantages when it comes to third-party providers. The claims process can be slow with some providers, and vehicle owners on review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) complain about receiving reimbursements late. Choosing a third-party extended warranty also means you can’t be guaranteed replacement parts from your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Best Extended Warranty for Kia
When you’re considering a Kia extended warranty, it’s best to shop around and look at all of your options. Contact your local Kia dealer to get a quote, and compare coverage and prices from third-party warranty companies. Independent providers like Endurance and Carchex offer free online quote tools to simplify the process.
Kia Extended Warranty Companies
After over 500 hours of research, we found that Endurance and Carchex are two of the best extended car warranty companies in the nation. The section below will provide more information on these two third-party warranty companies.
Endurance: Best Comprehensive Coverage
Endurance is our top rated extended vehicle protection plan provider because of its extensive coverage options and positive industry reputation. Endurance stands out from the competition for being a direct provider, which means there’s no middleman between it and your repair shop.
Read more: Endurance Review
Carchex: Best Industry Reputation
Another easily recognizable name in the extended warranty industry is Carchex. It’s known for its great industry reputation and earning endorsements from Carfax, Kelley Blue Book, RepairPal and more. In our research, we noted that Carchex offers extended warranties for cars over 100K miles, covering vehicles up to 250,000 miles.
Read more: Carchex Review
Kia Extended Warranty: The Bottom Line
Kia’s generous factory warranty and below-average repair costs make it difficult to tell whether a Kia extended warranty is worth it. If you decide to purchase long-term coverage for your Kia or Hyundai, compare quotes from several top-rated warranty providers to find the best deal.
- Most Comprehensive Coverage
- Mileage Covered: Up to 200,000 miles
- Longest Warranty Term: Up to 8 years
- Money-Back Guarantee: Up to 30 Days
- Coverage Options: 6 different plans to choose from
- Discounts: $300 same-day signup discount, $250 shopping voucher, and others
| Plan coverage includes | Endurance Elite perks™ |
|---|---|
| Exclusionary plan | One-year membership for free |
| Powertrain plan | Tire repair and replacement |
| Maintainance coverage with Endurance Advantage | Key fob replacement |
| Roadside assistance | Total loss protection |
| Towing | Collision discount |
| Rental car | $250 rewards voucher |
| Trip interruption coverage | Endurance Protect app |
Extended Warranty Kia: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about the Kia extended warranty.
New Kia vehicles come with a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty that includes most parts and accessories. Typical wear and tear components such as brake pads, tires and windshield wiper blades aren’t covered.
Most parts of the Kia factory warranty can be transferred to new car owners. The only change is that the 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty converts to a 5-year/60,000-mile term once transferred.
Kia owners typically spend less on annual repairs than the industry average, according to RepairPal. The site reports that the average yearly repair and maintenance cost is $652 across 32 brands but only $474 for Kia vehicles.
The cost of a Kia extended warranty depends on the vehicle’s model, mileage, location and coverage plan. The warranties can only be purchased from Kia dealers, so you’ll need to contact a local dealer for pricing.
Kias are known for their dependability and long factory warranties. If you don’t plan to keep your Kia for more than five years, getting an extended warranty may not be worth the cost.
Our Methodology:
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best extended car warranty companies. We collected data on dozens of auto warranty providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the companies that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
- Coverage (30% of total score): Companies that offer a variety of choices for warranty coverage, long contract terms and added benefits are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Cost (30% of total score): Auto warranty companies with affordable rates and multiple deductibles scored highest in this category.
- Transparency (20% of total score): This score is based on contract transparency and the availability of a money-back guarantee.
- Reputation (10% of total score): Our research team considers availability, ratings from industry experts and years in business when conferring this score.
- Customer experience (10% of total score): Based on customer satisfaction ratings and our extensive shopper analysis, we consider the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each warranty company’s customer service team.
Our credentials:
- 500+ hours researched
- 40+ companies reviewed
- 2,000+ consumers surveyed
How we obtained cost information:
- Our research team used a secret shopper strategy to get accurate quotes
- The research team will find out if there are any discounts or savings opportunities
- We keep track of the length of the call, sample contracts, and overall helpfulness of the representative
*Data accurate at time of publication.