How Appliance Manufacturer Warranties Really Work (Brand-by-Brand Guide)
- appliancepartsdeal
- Feb 6
- 3 min read
When an appliance breaks down, one of the first questions homeowners ask is: “Is this covered under warranty?”
The answer depends on the brand, the part, and the age of the appliance. At AppliancePartsDealer.com, we work closely with technicians and parts buyers every day, so here’s a clear, honest breakdown of how manufacturer appliance warranties actually work — without the fine-print confusion.
What Is a Manufacturer Appliance Warranty?
A manufacturer warranty is coverage provided by the appliance brand, not the repair company or parts seller. It protects against factory defects, not normal wear and tear.
Most warranties begin on the purchase or delivery date, not the installation date.
Appliance Brands That Follow Similar Warranty Rules
Major brands such as GE Appliances, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, LG, Samsung, Bosch, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Electrolux, Viking, and Sub-Zero all follow a similar warranty structure.
Standard Warranty Coverage (What Most Brands Offer)
1️⃣ One-Year Limited Warranty
Most manufacturers include:
Parts: ✅ Covered for factory defects
Labor: ✅ Usually covered during the first year only
⚠️ Repairs must be done by an authorized service provider for labor to be reimbursed.
2️⃣ Extended Part-Only Warranties (Very Common)
Many brands offer longer warranties on specific major components, but parts only.
Examples by brand:
LG / Samsung
Compressor: 5–10 years (parts only)
Whirlpool / Maytag / KitchenAid / Amana
Motor, drum, or tub: 5–10 years (parts only)
GE / Frigidaire
Sealed system or compressor: extended parts coverage
Sub-Zero
Strong coverage, but very strict authorization and claim rules
💡 After year one, labor is almost never included.
What Manufacturer Warranties Do NOT Cover
Across all brands, warranties typically do not cover:
Normal wear-and-tear parts
oven igniters
belts
door switches
filters
Improper installation
Power surges (a major cause of control board failure)
Gas supply or plumbing issues
Clogged drains caused by debris
Rodent or insect damage
Cosmetic damage
Real-world example:
Weak gas oven igniter after 3–5 years → ❌ Not warranty
Control board failure at 6 months → ✅ Possibly warranty
How a Manufacturer Warranty Claim Works
Here’s what usually happens:
Customer contacts the manufacturer or authorized servicer
Technician diagnoses the issue
Claim is submitted with:
Model & serial number
Proof of purchase
Failure description
Manufacturer approves or denies the claim
If approved:
Part is shipped (often with delays)
Labor reimbursed at a fixed rate
Appliance is repaired
⏳ This process can take days to weeks, depending on part availability.
Why Service Fees Still Apply on Warranty Repairs
Even when a part is under warranty:
Diagnosis is often not reimbursed
Travel time is not covered
Labor rates are lower than standard
Paperwork and claim submission take time
That’s why many service companies charge:
A service call or diagnostic fee
Labor when warranty covers parts only
This is standard practice throughout the appliance industry.
Manufacturer Warranty vs Home Warranty
These are not the same thing:
Manufacturer Warranty | Home Warranty |
Included with appliance | Separate paid contract |
Covers defects | Covers breakdowns |
OEM parts | Often aftermarket |
Strict brand rules | Third-party rules |
Limited time | Annual coverage |
What This Means for Appliance Parts Buyers
If you’re purchasing parts:
A warranty may cover the part, but not labor
Many manufacturers require OEM parts only
Proof of purchase and serial numbers matter
At AppliancePartsDealer.com, we help customers find:
OEM and high-quality replacement parts
Correct part numbers by model
Final Tip for Homeowners
Before approving a repair, always ask:
“Is this covered under manufacturer warranty, parts only, or not covered at all?”
And keep:
Your receipt
A photo of the model & serial tag
Warranty documentation
Understanding warranty rules upfront can save you time, money, and frustration.