GMC brings the style and features that consumers expect from American brands, and the automaker offers a slightly more upscale approach than its sister company, Chevrolet. The brand doesn’t have the best track record for reliability however. Thankfully, the automaker offers protection plans and ways to obtain additional coverage for unexpected repairs. Let’s take a look at what GMC offers and how it differs from other automakers’ programs.
GMC vehicles come with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty that covers several components outside of the powertrain, which is covered by its own five-year/60,000-mile warranty. The automaker offers additional coverage in the form of protection plans and prepaid maintenance.
The protection plan brings near-comprehensive coverage in the top Platinum plan, but GMC offers Silver and Powertrain plans with lower prices and coverage. Owners can customize the terms and deductibles, and top plans cover up to 1,500 vehicle components. It’s important to note that we’re talking about an add-on plan that runs concurrently with the factory warranty, not an extended warranty, with this product.
Owners can also opt for a GMC pre-paid maintenance plan that offers no deductible. GMC offers three terms, ranging from three years to six years and up to 12 covered service visits. The plan is available in two tiers, including basic coverage and a “plus” coverage tier that includes oil, tire rotation, vehicle inspections, air filters, brake fluid, and more.
GMC’s Powertrain protection plan covers the engine, transmission, drive axles, and hybrid/electric systems. This is the general basic coverage offered from most powertrain warranties in the industry.
The Silver plan maintains all coverage from the basic Powertrain protection plan above but adds coverage for the suspension, climate control, electrical, steering, and brakes.
The top Platinum tier includes additional coverage for the tech, audio system, and navigation. This plan covers over 1,000 parts and components, including the following:
Platinum Plan Coverage Intervals | Miles of Coverage |
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GMC protection plans can cost as much as $6,000, depending on the tier of coverage, vehicle, and length of the plan purchased. That said, the actual costs will vary depending on how many service visits you need, as there is a deductible involved in the protection plans.
GMC extended warranties come with additional benefits that are standard for each plan. These benefits include:
GMC also offers two levels of prepaid maintenance plans for their drivers. These two plans are appropriately named Prepaid Maintenance and Prepaid Maintenance Plus. Note that GMC requires that these services be performed by a certified technician at a General Motors dealership. GMC recommends reaching out to your local GMC dealership for price quotes.
The intervals for service are as follows:
Despite being an American brand with plenty of available service locations, readily available parts, and common engineering between GM brands, GMC is not the best for reliability. It consistently ranks in the lower third of automakers for dependability, though it’s important to note that some GMC models exceed expectations with better-than-average reliability. That’s true for the Yukon, one of GMC’s flagship SUVs.
If you’re considering a GMC, additional warranty coverage isn’t a bad idea. That said, the automaker’s protection plan runs concurrently with the factory warranty, so it won’t extend coverage beyond the original plan. Extending warranty coverage requires purchasing a third-party plan, which still offers great coverage but requires additional financial outlay and may have other costs associated with deductibles or fees.
Read more on the Best Warranties in the industry here.