Ram Shakes Up the Industry with New 10-Year Powertrain Warranty for 2026 Trucks

In a time when Americans are keeping their vehicles longer than ever, Ram is stepping up with a bold, customer-focused move: a 10-year / 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty on its 2026 trucks and vans. While most automakers still offer the standard 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage, this extended warranty marks a clear shift in how brands are responding to consumer behavior—and it’s a big deal.

Americans Are Keeping Cars Longer Than Ever

According to industry data, the average age of a car or light truck in the United States has climbed to 12.6 years—the highest it’s ever been. That’s not just a statistic; it’s a reflection of how long people are willing to hold onto their vehicles, especially in a market shaped by high prices, rising interest rates, and longer loan terms.

Nearly 80% of new truck loans in the U.S. now exceed five years, making the traditional 3-year warranty feel outdated and, as Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis bluntly put it, “stupid.”

Why This Warranty Matters

The newly announced 10-year/100,000-mile warranty applies to:

• Engine
• Transmission
• Transfer case
• Driveshafts
• Differentials
• Axles

In short, it covers the most expensive and mission-critical parts of the vehicle’s drivetrain—parts that can cost thousands of dollars to repair if they fail.

And here’s the kicker: the warranty is standard on 2026 Ram trucks and vans and applies to the original owner, whether it’s an individual or a business (excluding fleets).

This is not a full bumper-to-bumper warranty, but for most buyers, it provides peace of mind for the exact components that typically fail outside of factory coverage.

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Not for EVs (Yet)

There is one notable exception: the warranty does not apply to full battery electric vehicles. That includes Ram’s upcoming 1500 REV, which is curiously left out of this new initiative.

While electric drivetrains typically require less maintenance, this exclusion raises eyebrows—especially considering the industry’s push toward electrification.

A Smart Move with Long-Term Impact

Beyond just smart marketing, this move helps build trust with long-term truck owners. As Kuniskis rightly pointed out, if a truck suffers a major mechanical issue just outside the warranty period, and the owner is still paying off the loan, it’s a recipe for brand rejection—and negative word-of-mouth.

With this warranty, Ram is positioning itself as the most customer-focused full-size truck brand in America. And it’s hard to argue with the logic: give customers confidence in the product, and they’ll keep coming back.

Ram’s Message to the Market

“Our customers are making a long-term investment in Ram,” said Kuniskis. “And with America’s Best Full-size Truck Limited Powertrain Warranty, Ram is making a stronger and longer commitment to our customers.”

It’s a clear shot across the bow at other truck manufacturers, and it may force them to reconsider their own warranty strategies. One thing is for sure—this move could save owners thousands and reshape the competitive landscape for full-size pickups.