Whether you’re an OG Prius driver, a Honda convert, or a proud Hyundai driver, for hybrid vehicle drivers, no doubt you’ve wasted some stress and anxiety over the state of your battery.
Hybrid car batteries can cost thousands of dollars, cutting into the money you’ve saved on fuel over the years. Besides that, it’s a pain in the behind having to take your car into the shop while you wait on your new hybrid car battery replacement to be installed. Because of the cost, and because some drivers just don’t trust official dealer mechanics, there are a number of DIY guides and backdoor channels for repairing hybrid batteries.
However, because these kinds of DIY options aren’t usually endorsed by Toyota or Honda, it’s hard to know how it will affect your hybrid battery warranty. And if you have a quality hybrid battery warranty, you may not need to worry about these backdoor options anyway.
How do I know what voids my hybrid battery warranty?
Unfortunately, that depends very much on what carmaker you’re dealing with, how old the battery is, what make/model you drive, and the exact terms of your warranty agreement. Check with your dealer for any specific questions.
How long do hybrid battery warranties usually last?
Typically, an extended warranty covers eight years or 100,000 miles (or which ever comes first!). However, some states require hybrid batteries to come with even more favorable warranty terms.
I want to purchase a used hybrid car, does the warranty transfer?
In almost all cases, yes! If you buy a used hybrid, you are also buying the warranty. Make sure you have all the official paperwork and title in order.
Will repairing my hybrid battery myself void the warranty?
In all likelihood, absolutely. If you try and repair the battery yourself rather than simply replacing it, your dealer will likely consider this tampering with the battery and voiding the warranty. Proceed with caution.
If I don’t take my hybrid vehicle to an official dealer mechanic, will I void my warranty?
That depends very much on what mechanic you visit. According to Toyota’s official guidelines, “If a licensed vehicle repairer services your Toyota vehicle in accordance with Toyota’s servicing guidelines, then normal warranty coverage will apply. It is however important to note that if a non-genuine part is fitted to your Toyota and that part’s failure or the incorrect fitment damages your vehicle, then that damage may not be covered by your Toyota Warranty.”
If I modify my hybrid vehicle, will the warranty be voided?
So long as you don’t modify the battery, and so long as the modifications don’t affect the battery, your warranty should hold.
Remember, this hybrid battery warranty FAQ is not official legal advice. Always consult your warranty terms for more information.
