As a company, Kia got its start in 1944 making parts for bicycles and little else. By the time they got serious about car manufacturing, they went bankrupt before partnering with Hyundai and becoming a major manufacturer and one of the most reliable vehicle manufacturers in the world.
So, is Kia’s warranty transferable to the new owner? Yes, Kia warranty coverage is transferable to the new owner. Not only is the Kia warranty one of the most exceptional warranties offered by a vehicle manufacturer, but it’s also transferable to a second owner. A limited powertrain warranty, basic, roadside assistance, and anti-perforation warranty with Kia passes on to the new owner until expiring.
Kia warranties are a bit mind-blowing in the vehicle industry because of how much you get and for how long. The powertrain portion of the warranty is 10 years or 100,000 miles, with a basic, 5-year warranty and 60,000 miles, which includes roadside assistance.
In addition to that, Kia’s warranty includes an anti-perforation warranty that lasts 5 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
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Kia Warranty Transfer
The good thing about the Kia warranty and all that comes with it is the entire thing transfers to the new owner.
However, all of the aspects of the Kia warranty that are still an active part of the warranty will be the only things that transfer.
For example, the unit-perforation warranty is 5 years or 100,000 miles.
So, if the original owner sells the Kia to a second owner, 6 years after purchasing the Kia, the only part of the warranty that is transferable is the 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty component.
The remaining portions of the warranty that only lasted 5 years will not be a part of the warranty transfer to the new owner.
Read also: Is Hyundai’s Warranty Transferable? (CPO, 5 Year, Certified)
Transferring the Warranty to a New Owner
When you purchase any new car, the warranty that comes with it is attached to the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
You would think that the warranty would transfer without a problem since the second owner purchasing the Kia is obviously going to get the VIN.
It’s not so simple, however, and the original owner will either have to pick up the phone and contact the dealership or the contact number for the warranty provider.
It’s really as simple as that. Once you contact your dealer or the warranty provider, they’ll walk you through the next steps necessary to properly transfer the warranty to the new owner.
Non-Transferable Warranty Provisions
There are a few parts of the warranty that are non-transferable and that’s not including the portions of the warranty that are simply expired.
- The length of the powertrain warranty is automatically reduced if it hasn’t already gone over 5 years
- Air Conditioner recharges
- Original battery replacement
- Audio system replacement
- Entertainment system replacement
- Paint/Exterior
The powertrain warranty is a little interesting. We stated above that if the original owner has the vehicle for 6 years, the powertrain warranty will only have 4 years remaining when the warranty is transferred to the second owner.
There’s also another stipulation on top of that. If the original owner has the Kia for 2 years, that would leave 8 years worth of powertrain warranty left, however, if the original owner sells the vehicle and transfers the warranty to a second owner, the powertrain warranty is cut in half.
That means that even if there are still 8 years left on the warranty, the second owner will start out with 5 years and 100,000 miles. The warranty is cut in half from the original 10 years, but the mileage remains the same.
Read also: Is Nissan’s Warranty Transferable? (Coverage, New Owner + More)
Additional Kia Warranty Limitations
One of the things that aren’t covered under Kia’s otherwise exceptional warranty, is the infotainment system.
If something goes wrong with your UVO, even if it is a defect that was caused during the manufacturing process, it won’t be covered under Kia’s warranty.
Kia’s warranty also limits you only to Kia dealerships. which means that all of your servicing, oil changes, and tune-ups need to take place at the original Kia dealership so that you don’t risk voiding the warranty.
Of course, the only problem with that is there are not a ton of Kia dealerships or repair facilities throughout the US and there is a chance that you may purchase a Kia vehicle a long distance from your home without realizing the potential repercussions.
Positives of the Kia Warranty
The biggest positive with a Kia warranty is probably the roadside assistance. Not only will Kia cover you if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, but they will also come to get your car and provide you with a rental, a single night’s lodging, and they will even cover your meals.
You will have access to Kia staffers if you are dealing with a roadside emergency 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, which includes holidays.
No matter where in America your Kia breaks down, you have someone that you can contact at all times.
Third-Party Extended Warranties
These kinds of warranties may or may not be transferable and it’s highly unlikely that Kia will be able to give you much in the way of information on who you choose to go with.
Kia offers an extended warranty, however, they’re not what you would consider a third-party. For the most part, you’re on your own when it comes to purchasing extended warranties.
Third-party warranties are generally pretty good, at least when it comes to covering additional expenses that you may have to endure after your Kia warranty is expired.
However, if you feel like you may eventually sell the car, it might be worth asking if the extended warranty is transferable, as the new buyer would appreciate that.
Read also: Is Ford Warranty Transferable? (Yes, Here Is How)
All Things Considered
Kia’s warranty isn’t the end-all-be-all solution for second buyers, however, it is quite literally one of the best warranty coverages on the planet and its long-term viability is one of the most impressive out there.
Fortunately, most aspects of the warranty (including the most important parts) are transferable to the new owner, so Kia’s warranty can be enjoyed generationally.
References
https://www.motor1.com/reviews/374271/kia-warranty/
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