Ford Blue Certified Warranty: Coverage and Duration

Ford Blue Certified is Ford's used-vehicle certification program, and it comes with a powertrain warranty that covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. The warranty length depends on the vehicle's age and mileage at the time of purchase. A Ford Blue Certified vehicle typically carries a powertrain warranty of either 24 months or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first) if the vehicle is under 6 years old and has fewer than 80,000 miles. Vehicles older than 6 years or with higher mileage receive a shorter powertrain warranty of 12 months or 50,000 miles.

The powertrain warranty covers repairs to the engine block, cylinder head, internal engine parts, transmission case, internal transmission parts, and the transfer case or differential. It does not cover wear items like brake pads, wiper blades, or filters, nor does it cover damage from accidents, neglect, or misuse. The warranty is transferable to a second owner, though the coverage period and mileage limits remain the same from the original purchase date.

Beyond the powertrain warranty, Ford Blue Certified vehicles also include a 12-month roadside information program. This covers towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump-starts at no cost during the warranty period. Some Ford dealerships may offer additional coverage options or extended warranties for purchase, but these are separate from the standard Blue Certified package.

Key Takeaways

  • Ford Blue Certified powertrain warranties last either 24 months/100,000 miles or 12 months/50,000 miles depending on the vehicle's age and mileage at purchase.
  • The warranty covers engine, transmission, and drivetrain components but excludes wear items, maintenance, and damage from accidents or misuse.
  • Roadside information is included for 12 months and covers towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and jump-starts.
  • The warranty transfers to a second owner but does not extend beyond the original coverage period or mileage limit.
  • Extended warranties and additional coverage options may be available for purchase at the dealership but are not part of the standard certification.

What Is Excluded From Ford Blue Certified Coverage

The powertrain warranty does not cover routine maintenance items or wear-and-tear repairs. Brake pads, rotors, wiper blades, air filters, cabin air filters, spark plugs, coolant flushes, and transmission fluid changes are all the owner's responsibility. Suspension components like struts, shocks, and bushings are also excluded, as are steering and electrical systems beyond the engine and transmission.

Damage caused by accidents, collisions, water damage, or off-road use is not covered. The warranty also excludes repairs needed because of owner neglect—for example, if an engine fails because oil was never changed or coolant was never topped off. Any modifications made to the vehicle after purchase can void coverage for related systems. If a repair is needed due to a pre-existing condition that was not disclosed at the time of sale, the dealership may deny the claim.

Paint, interior trim, upholstery, and glass are not covered under the powertrain warranty. Some dealerships offer separate paint or appearance warranties, but these must be purchased separately and are not part of the standard Ford Blue Certified package.

How to File a Claim Under Ford Blue Certified Warranty

If a covered component fails, take the vehicle to a Ford dealership as soon as possible. The dealership will diagnose the problem and determine whether it falls under the powertrain warranty. Bring your purchase paperwork and the vehicle's title or registration to confirm the warranty coverage period and mileage at the time of purchase.

The dealership will perform the repair at no cost to you if the claim is approved. There is no deductible on Ford Blue Certified powertrain warranty claims. If the dealership denies the claim, ask for a written explanation of why the repair is not covered. You can then contact Ford Customer Service to request a review of the denial, though Ford's final decision is binding.

For roadside information claims, call the number provided in your warranty documents. The service provider will dispatch help to your location. Roadside information does not require advance approval—you straightforward call when you need help, and the service is provided on the spot.

Comparing Ford Blue Certified to Other Used-Vehicle Warranties

Ford Blue Certified powertrain coverage is similar to what other manufacturers offer through their certified pre-owned programs. General Motors's CPO warranty, for example, covers powertrain components for 24 months or 100,000 miles on vehicles under 6 years old. Toyota's Certified Pre-Owned warranty provides 24 months or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage as well. Honda's CPO program offers 24 months or 100,000 miles on powertrain and 12 months or 100,000 miles on other components.

The main difference between programs is what components are included in the "powertrain" definition and whether additional coverage (like paint or interior) is bundled in. Ford Blue Certified focuses primarily on powertrain; other manufacturers sometimes include broader coverage. Roadside information is standard across most certified programs, though the length and scope vary.

Independent extended warranties sold by third-party providers often cost more but may cover additional systems like suspension, electrical, or air conditioning. These are optional purchases and are not part of any manufacturer's standard certification. Before buying a used vehicle, compare what each program covers and what you would need to pay out of pocket for repairs outside the warranty.

What Happens When Ford Blue Certified Warranty Expires

Once the warranty period ends—either by reaching the mileage limit or the time limit, whichever comes first—you are responsible for all repair costs. At that point, any powertrain failure is your expense. The roadside information also ends, so you would need to arrange and pay for towing or other roadside services on your own.

Some owners purchase extended warranties before the original warranty expires. Ford dealerships can offer extended powertrain coverage that picks up where the Blue Certified warranty ends. These extended plans vary in length and cost and must be purchased while the original warranty is still active. Third-party extended warranty providers also sell plans that cover Ford vehicles, though coverage terms and exclusions differ.

After the warranty expires, regular maintenance becomes even more important to prevent costly repairs. Keeping up with oil changes, fluid checks, and recommended service intervals can help extend the vehicle's life and reduce the likelihood of major failures.

Ford Blue Certified Vehicle Inspection and Reconditioning Standards

Before a used Ford receives Blue Certified status, it must pass a multi-point inspection and meet Ford's reconditioning standards. The vehicle is checked for mechanical soundness, safety systems, and overall condition. Any components that fail inspection are repaired or replaced to bring the vehicle up to Ford's standards.

The inspection covers brakes, suspension, steering, lights, wipers, battery, and fluid levels. The vehicle's history is also reviewed to may support there are no major accidents, flood damage, or title issues. A vehicle with a salvage title or significant structural damage will not be certified, even if it runs.

This inspection process is one reason Ford Blue Certified vehicles typically cost more than non-certified used vehicles of the same age and mileage. The certification provides assurance that the vehicle has been vetted and meets a baseline standard of condition. However, the inspection does not may provide the vehicle will never need repairs—it straightforward means it met Ford's standards at the time of certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ford Blue Certified warranty cover transmission fluid changes or other maintenance?

No. Routine maintenance like fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, and belt inspections are not covered. These are considered owner maintenance and are your responsibility. However, if a transmission fails due to a manufacturing defect (not due to neglect), the repair is covered under the powertrain warranty.

Can I use any mechanic for warranty repairs, or does it have to be a Ford dealership?

Repairs must be done at a Ford dealership to be covered under the warranty. Independent mechanics and non-Ford shops cannot perform warranty work. If you have a repair done elsewhere, you will pay out of pocket and cannot submit a claim to Ford.

What if I buy a Ford Blue Certified vehicle and it has a problem within the first week?

Take it back to the dealership where you purchased it. Most dealerships will address defects found when ready after purchase, though technically the warranty clock starts from your purchase date. Document any issues in writing and keep all service records. If the dealership refuses to repair a covered component, contact Ford Customer Service with your documentation.

Is the Ford Blue Certified warranty the same if I buy from a different Ford dealership than where the vehicle was certified?

Yes. The warranty is tied to the vehicle, not the dealership. You can take the vehicle to any Ford dealership for warranty repairs. However, you will need your original purchase paperwork to prove the warranty coverage period and mileage at purchase.

Can I extend the Ford Blue Certified warranty after I buy the vehicle?

You can purchase an extended warranty through Ford or a third-party provider, but this must typically be done within a certain timeframe after purchase (often 30 to 60 days). Once the original warranty expires, you cannot add coverage retroactively. Contact a Ford dealership to learn about extended warranty options available at the time of purchase.