Tesla finally makes major change in Oz

Tesla has finally extended its warranty period in Australia.

Customers who took delivery of a new Tesla Model 3 or Model Y from January 1, 2026 are now covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which the company claims is a global first.

Read more about Tesla

• Australia's 100 best selling cars for 2025
• China is about to ban this feature
• Tesla Model Y 2026 review: Performance

If you use your new Tesla for commercial purposes the warranty period changes to five years/150,000km, whichever comes first.

This longer warranty coverage now aligns with key rivals including Audi, BMW, Ford, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Subaru, Volkswagen and Volvo, among others.

A five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty has been the segment benchmark for a number of years now, but a few brands have now extended their coverage out to seven or 10 years in some cases.

Tesla's high-voltage battery and electric drive unit warranty remains unchanged.

Model 3 RWD and Model Y RWD models are covered for eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first, with a minimum of 70 per cent retention of the battery capacity over this time.

The rest of the Model 3 and Model Y line-up are covered for eight years or 192,000km, whichever comes first, also with a minimum of 70 per cent retention of the battery capacity over this time.

Although Tesla hasn’t altered the duration of the high-voltage battery warranty, it still aligns with many other mainstream carmakers.

“Tesla Australia & New Zealand is thrilled to pioneer global firsts that redefine the driving experience for our customers - such as launching Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in the world's first RHD market in 2025, and now introducing a five-year, unlimited kilometre new vehicle warranty for 2026,” said Tesla Australia and New Zealand Country Director Thom Drew.

“This update aligns with local market expectations and instils lasting confidence in Tesla ownership.”

Tesla first launched in Australia in 2011 with its original Roadster. Over the years it offered the luxurious Model S and Model X and now only offers the mainstream Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles (EVs).

The Model Y in particular has been Australia’s best-selling EV for a number of years now, however sales of the slightly older Model 3 have declined in recent years as Australians gravitate more towards SUVs now.