Hyundai’s warranty was the best in the industry for decades. Like many manufacturers, they offer a 10-year/10,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, and even roadside assistance. Unlike other carmakers, though, Hyundai also offered a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty called the Complimentary Maintenance Program.

That warranty was more of a perk, as it provided free oil changes, multi-point inspections, and tire rotations on brand new cars. Now, Hyundai confirmed to Car & Driver that the South Korean manufacturer plans to drop the warranty for the 2026 model year.

“Effective March 27, 2025, the Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance Program will end for model year 2026 vehicles and beyond,” the company wrote in a statement.

“However, for customers who purchased a vehicle that included the Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance Program (model years 2020–2025), there will be no changes to their service and will continue to be available for the model year 2024/2025 vehicles sold or leased as new (non-fleet).”

A dealership says the program is a waste of money

Since the program was free, obviously no one was profiting from it. Especially not dealerships, which were technically losing money if a technician couldn’t work on a car that made them money.

“The cost of the program grew to unsupportable levels,” a Hyundai memo read to dealers, provided by Cars Direct. “The HCM Program has provided coverage for Hyundai model years 2020 through 2025. As the program has matured, Hyundai has determined a new approach is necessary and will not be offering the HCM Program for model year 2026 and beyond.”

Instead of free maintenance programs for new cars, the automaker wants to see pre-paid maintenance programs take flight.

“This also opens an opportunity for our dealers to shift focus to a different revenue stream, Pre-Paid Maintenance!” the memo continued. “Additionally, HCA will be launching a Service Drive Pre-Paid Maintenance Program, allowing Pre-Paid Maintenance to be sold to customers after the point of sale (typically on the Service Drive).”

Owners can call Hyundai if they’re confused

If you’re not sure how this affects you as a Hyundai owner, or how it will affect you in the future, you can contact the Hyundai Customer Service Care Center at (800) 635-5151.