Chrysler replaces lifetime warranty

Chrysler is dropping its lifetime warranty from 2010 models, though it will remain on 2009 models. Instead, the company will provide a free 5 year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, which, instead of being transferable, is assigned to the car itself, so that anyone who buys a used 2010 Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep second-hand, third-hand, etc., can get service without having to transfer the warranty.

The new 5/100 plan has no deductible. It is accompanied by the usual basic 3/36 warranty, 5/100 corrosion, coverage, and extendeded Federal emissions warranty.

Exceptions to the new warranty plan are the Sprinter (assembled by Freightliner from Mercedes kits), diesel-powered trucks, Sterling trucks, company car vehicles, Volkswagen Routan, and Mitsubishi Raider.

SRT vehicles and fleet vehicles (including police, postal, ambulance, and taxi) were not covered by the lifetime powertrain warranty, but will be covered by 5/100.

The change may have been spurred by the costs of paperwork and tracking of older vehicles with the lifetime warranty, and by customers’ cynicism about the lifetime plan.