Kia’s 10-Year Warranty Explained: New, CPO and Used

You have probably heard that Kia has a 10-year warranty. It is true, but it does not work the same way on every Kia. If you are shopping used in Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley or Adelanto, here is what to know. This guide breaks down what the warranty covers, who gets the full 10 years, and what to know before you buy a new, certified pre-owned or used Kia.

What does Kia’s 10-year warranty actually cover?

The “10-year” in Kia’s headline is the powertrain warranty, and it comes on top of a shorter basic warranty. According to Kia America, here is how the main pieces break down:

• Basic warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, covering most components and systems against defects in workmanship or materials.
• Powertrain warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. It covers the engine, transmission, axles, differentials and propeller shafts.
• Anti-perforation warranty: 5 years or 100,000 miles, covering rust-through caused by a factory defect.
• Roadside assistance: 5 years or 60,000 miles, including towing for a warranty-related breakdown, flat tire help, jump-starts and lockouts.

These are limited warranties, so they cover manufacturer defects, not normal wear or maintenance. Kia’s Warranty and Consumer Information Manual has the full terms, and our team can walk you through it.

Is the 10-year warranty the same on a new, certified pre-owned and used Kia?

No, and this is the part most shoppers miss. The full 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage goes to the original owner and to buyers of a Kia Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. A buyer who purchases a non-certified used Kia from a previous owner typically gets a shorter powertrain term.

Based on Kia America warranty information, Kia’s Warranty and Consumer Information Manual, and published summaries of the Kia CPO program. Terms can change by model year, so confirm the coverage on the exact Kia you are considering.

What happens to the warranty if I buy a used Kia from a previous owner?

Any remaining portion of the basic warranty is transferable to the next owner, so a two-year-old Kia still has about three years or whatever mileage remains. The powertrain is where it changes. Kia’s warranty manual lists 60 months or 60,000 miles for second and subsequent owners, compared with 120 months or 100,000 miles for the original owner.

Two other details are worth knowing. If someone leases a Kia and then buys it at the end of the lease, Kia’s manual says the original-owner powertrain coverage stays in effect. And the powertrain warranty excludes vehicles that have been used commercially, such as taxi, delivery or rental use, so the vehicle history matters.

Since the High Desert is hard on vehicles, with summer heat, dust and long highway miles, it is worth asking for service records on any used Kia. Our team can help you check the coverage that remains on a specific vehicle.

What is a Kia Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, and is it worth it?

A Kia Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle is a used Kia that has passed Kia’s inspection and meets age and mileage limits. It is the way to get the full 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage on a used Kia. According to Kelley Blue Book’s summary of the program:

• Eligibility: six years old or newer with under 80,000 miles.
• Inspection: a 165-point quality assurance inspection plus a vehicle history report.
• Coverage: a 12-month, 12,000-mile limited warranty and the 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty counted from the original in-service date.
• CPO Lite: a separate tier for older vehicles with a shorter, 6-month coverage period.

Whether CPO is worth it depends on how long you plan to keep the vehicle. If you want the longest coverage on a used Kia for Cajon Pass commutes and highway trips, it is the option that gets you closest to a new-car warranty. Browse our certified pre-owned Kias to see what we have.

What does the Valley Hi Guarantee add on a used Kia?

On top of any factory coverage, qualifying pre-owned vehicles at Valley Hi come with the Valley Hi Guarantee, which is included with your purchase:

• 7-day exchange: drive it for up to 7 days or 500 miles, and if it is not the right fit, exchange it for another vehicle, subject to program terms.
• 30-day / 3,000-mile warranty: a complimentary limited mechanical and electrical warranty from the day you drive off the lot.

Not every vehicle qualifies, so ask us to confirm the coverage on the specific Kia you like. Read the full Valley Hi Guarantee terms.

What else do Victor Valley shoppers ask about Kia warranties?

Does Kia’s 10-year warranty transfer to a second owner?

The remaining basic warranty transfers, but the 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage is for the original owner and CPO buyers. A second owner of a non-certified Kia gets 5 years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage.

Is the Kia warranty good for 10 years on everything?

No. Ten years applies to the powertrain. The basic warranty that covers most other components is 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Does the warranty cover my Kia if I use it for rideshare or delivery?

Kia’s manual excludes the powertrain warranty on vehicles placed in commercial service, such as taxi, delivery or rental use. Ask us about your situation before you buy.

Can Valley Hi Kia check the warranty on a used Kia I am considering?

Yes. Tell us which vehicle you are looking at, and our team can help you understand the coverage that remains on it.

Where is Valley Hi Kia?

We are at 14644 Valley Center Dr in Victorville, and we regularly help drivers from Hesperia, Apple Valley and Adelanto.

More from the Valley Hi Kia blog: model guides, comparisons, hybrid and EV tips and High Desert driving advice.

Warranty information is based on Kia America published terms and Kia’s Warranty and Consumer Information Manual and may vary by model year, vehicle and use. All Kia warranties are limited. Certified Pre-Owned program details are based on published summaries and may change; confirm eligibility and coverage with Valley Hi Kia. The Valley Hi Guarantee applies to qualifying pre-owned vehicles only, is subject to program terms, and not all vehicles qualify. Availability varies by retailer inventory.