The US Federal government has specific regulations for auto manufacturers in relation to catalytic converters. Vehicle manufacturers that legally sell new cars in the US are required by law to offer a Performance Warranty and a Design & Defect Warranty.
Performance Warranty
The Performance Warranty covers repairs which are required during the first 2 years or 24,000 miles of vehicle use (whichever first occurs) because the vehicle failed an emission test. Specified major emission control components are covered for the first 8 years or 80,000 miles (whichever first occurs). If you are a resident of an area with an Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program that meets federal guidelines, you are eligible for this warranty protection provided that:
- Your car or light-duty truck fails an approved emissions test; and
- Your vehicle is less than 2 years old and has less than 24,000 miles (up to 8 years/80,000 miles for certain components); and
- Your state or local government requires that you repair the vehicle; and
- The test failure does not result from misuse of the vehicle or a failure to follow the manufacturers’ written maintenance instructions; and
- You present the vehicle to a warranty-authorized manufacturer representative, along with evidence of the emission test failure, during the warranty period.
Design & Defect Warranty
The Design and Defect Warranty covers repair of emission related parts which become defective during the warranty period. The Design and Defect warranty for model year 1995 and newer light-duty cars and trucks is outlined below.
Design and Defect Warranty Coverage for 1995 and newer light-duty vehicles:
- Emission control and emission related parts are covered for the first 2 years or 24,000 miles of vehicle use (whichever first occurs); and
- Specified major emission control components are covered for the first 8 years or 80,000 miles of vehicle use (whichever first occurs)
For more specific information regarding the EPA regulations regarding your vehicle and the standards that apply to it, feel free to navigate to the EPA website and learn about Emissions Warranties for 1995 and Newer Cars and Trucks.