Umair Gaines
Electric vehicle (EV) batteries are crucial to the functioning of the vehicle, and they come with enduring warranties. California has laws for electric car battery warranty coverage that provide even more protection than the rules set by the federal government. For example, all EVs sold in California as of 2026 must have electric car battery coverage that lasts 8 years or 100,000 miles. If you are having issues with your EV battery warranty in California, you can file a complaint with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), which mediates and investigates complaints related to automotive repair transactions between auto shops and consumers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who to file a complaint with | California Air Resource Board, California Bureau of Automotive Repair, Calif Consumers Bureau |
| When to file a complaint | When a dealer refuses to honor a warranty |
| What to do before filing a complaint | Keep paperwork for proof, contact the manufacturer directly for verification |
| What to do after obtaining a case number | Send a warranty complaint form to begin an investigation |
| What is covered by the warranty | Replacement cost if the EV's battery fails to perform as it should |
| How long does coverage last | 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first |
| When does coverage begin | From the date and mileage when the vehicle is first sold |
| When does coverage end | When the first milestone (either mileage or time) is reached |
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What You'll Learn
California's electric vehicle battery warranty requirements
California has specific requirements for electric vehicle (EV) battery warranties, which are outlined in the state's emission standards and regulations. Here is a detailed overview of these requirements:
California mandates that vehicles certified to the Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) standard have a battery warranty. Specifically, PZEV-certified vehicles must be covered for 15 years or 150,000 miles for all emissions-related parts, including batteries and energy storage devices. Alternatively, for vehicles that don't fall under the PZEV standard, the warranty period for zero-emission energy storage devices, such as batteries, is 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
It's important to note that vehicles certified as Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) do not fall under the mandated emissions warranty for batteries. For ZEVs, you need to contact the manufacturer directly to confirm the warranty details for the vehicle and its battery, as this information can be found in the owner's manual.
If you encounter a situation where your vehicle is covered by the warranty based on its year and mileage, but the manufacturer is not honouring the warranty, there are steps you can take. First, obtain a case number from the manufacturer. Once you have the case number, you can request a warranty complaint form to initiate an investigation into the issue.
Additionally, you can file a complaint with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Bureau of Automotive Repair, as they are responsible for investigating such matters. Keeping proper paperwork and documentation is crucial when filing a complaint or initiating an investigation.
Understanding the specific emission standards and certifications of your vehicle is essential to determining the applicable warranty requirements. Referring to the emissions label under the hood of your vehicle or directly contacting the manufacturer can help verify the eligibility of your vehicle's warranty coverage.
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Filing a complaint with the Calif Consumers Bureau
If you have a complaint about a business or company in California, you can contact the Attorney General’s Public Inquiry Unit. You can also file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs. This can be done by sending a comment, complaint, or suggestion about the services you received from one of the Boards, Bureaus, Programs, or Divisions within the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Before submitting a complaint, it is recommended that you try reaching out to the company, as they can usually answer questions unique to your situation. When submitting a complaint, be clear and concise about the problem and include only the most important dates, amounts, and communications you've had with the company. Attach any relevant documents that support the facts, such as account statements and communications with the company. If you are submitting a complaint on someone else's behalf, you must disclose your relationship to the consumer and that you are filing a complaint on their behalf.
If your complaint is regarding a California electric vehicle battery warranty, you can file a complaint with the Calif Air Resource Board and the Calif Bureau of Automotive Repair, as they are equipped to handle these types of complaints and conduct investigations. Additionally, you can consider hiring an attorney to write a letter discussing the breach of agreement, as some warranties are tied to agreements made with the California Air Resources Board.
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Obtaining a case number from the manufacturer
If your vehicle is covered by a warranty due to its year and mileage, and the manufacturer is not honouring the warranty, you will need to obtain a case number from the manufacturer directly. This is a crucial step in the process of filing a complaint about your electric vehicle battery warranty in California.
To obtain a case number, you must first contact the manufacturer directly and provide them with the necessary information about your vehicle, including the make, model, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and a detailed description of the issue you are experiencing. It is important to remain calm and professional during this interaction and clearly explain the problem.
The manufacturer will likely ask you a series of troubleshooting questions to try and resolve the issue over the phone or may direct you to an authorised service centre for further diagnosis and repair. It is important to follow their recommended steps and keep a record of all communication, including the names and designations of anyone you speak to.
If the issue remains unresolved and the manufacturer is still not honouring the warranty, you can then request a case number. The manufacturer may provide this to you directly, or they may have a specific process for assigning case numbers, such as submitting a formal request through their website or customer support portal. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully and keep a record of all correspondence.
Having a case number will allow you to proceed with filing a formal complaint with the relevant authorities in California, such as the California Air Resource Board, the California Bureau of Automotive Repair, or the California Consumers Bureau. These organisations can investigate your complaint and help mediate a resolution between you and the manufacturer.
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Mediating disputes with the Bureau of Automotive Repair
The California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) mediates and investigates complaints related to automotive repair transactions between auto shops and consumers. It acts as a neutral third party focused on achieving a fair resolution based on the facts of the repair transaction.
If you have concerns about a shop's work or service and cannot resolve those issues with the shop's management, you are encouraged to file a complaint with the BAR. The BAR has jurisdiction over extended warranty or service contract disputes involving automotive repairs performed by a new or used car dealership.
Before filing a complaint with the BAR, consumers are encouraged to communicate their concerns to the Automotive Repair Dealer's (ARD) management. This can be done by referring to the ARD sign that is required to be displayed in every facility. If all attempts at resolution are unsuccessful, a complaint can be filed with the BAR to request their assistance.
Complaints can be submitted to the BAR online, by mail, by telephone, or in person at a BAR field office. When filing a complaint, it is important to gather all relevant documentation, including invoices, communication records, and a completed complaint form. After submitting a complaint, the BAR will review and acknowledge it, and the complainant will receive a confirmation postcard within ten days. The BAR will then investigate the complaint by contacting the mechanic, reviewing documentation, and notifying both parties of the outcome.
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Electric vehicle battery warranty coverage
Electric vehicle (EV) battery warranties are a crucial aspect of owning an electric car, as these batteries are expensive and do not last forever. EV batteries are also the most expensive component in electric vehicles, so it is important to know what your warranty covers and for how long.
In general, EV battery warranties cover the replacement cost if the battery fails to perform as it should. Automakers provide different types of warranties to protect car buyers if a component needs to be replaced, and an electric car battery warranty is one of them. This type of warranty is separate from other warranties, such as bumper-to-bumper coverage, powertrain coverage, corrosion coverage, and roadside assistance.
The duration of EV battery warranty coverage varies, but it typically includes both mileage and time limits. For example, a warranty might last for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Some automakers offer longer warranties, such as Hyundai and Kia, which offer a 10-year/100,000-mile EV warranty for cars under $65,000. The industry standard for EV manufacturer warranties in 2024 was eight years or 100,000 miles.
It is important to note that warranty coverage begins on the date and mileage when the vehicle is first sold. For example, if you buy an EV with a warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles, and you drive 100,000 miles in five years, the warranty will end at the 100,000-mile mark, not the eight-year mark.
In California, there is an additional mandate for PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) certified vehicles. These vehicles must be covered for 15 years/150,000 miles for all emissions-related parts, including batteries. However, this does not include vehicles certified as Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV).
If you are having issues with your EV battery warranty in California, there are a few steps you can take. First, obtain a case number from the manufacturer. Once you have this, you can file a complaint with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. You can also file a complaint with the California Consumers Bureau and consider filing a small claims lawsuit against the dealer.
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Frequently asked questions
California has laws for electric car battery warranty coverage that provide even more protection than the rules set by the federal government. All EVs sold in California as of 2026 must have electric car battery coverage that lasts 8 years or 100,000 miles.
If your electric car battery fails, you should first contact the manufacturer and obtain a case number. Once you have a case number, you can fill out a warranty complaint form to begin an investigation.
You can contact the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), which mediates and investigates complaints related to automotive repair transactions between auto shops and consumers.
You can file a complaint with the California Consumers Bureau.
Yes, you can file in small claims court for up to $12,500. However, the claim must be served in California on the dealership or manufacturer.
