Track Days vs Ford Warranty

[BaileytheDog]

I know that these cars are made to be tracked, there is even notes in the owners manual about it.
I have a 2023GT Convertible. Will I have any issues getting warranty on a transmission or engine if I do a few track days in addition to driving it daily? Has anyone gone through something like that?
I'll have to put a roll bar in it as it is a convertible, so I think that the track part will stand out to the dealer.

Lastly, Do most of you drive or trailer your car to your track days if you are taking your DD.

Thanks

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[Tucker80]

This has been debated to death! Search warranty and track and you'll get a ton of results.

 

[BaileytheDog]

This has been debated to death! Search warranty and track and you'll get a ton of results.

I'll try again, I did not relly find what I was looking for. Maybe better key words. Thanks

 

[ice445]

Don't ever mention that you were on track or make it easily findable on social media and you'll be fine imo

 

[Tucker80]

I'll try again, I did not relly find what I was looking for. Maybe better key words. Thanks

Try adding "denied" or "void"

 

[BaileytheDog]

Don't ever mention that you were on track or make it easily findable on social media and you'll be fine imo

Unfortunately I have to add a roll bar as I have a convertible, so that might be a little tough. Although if something major happened, I could remove it.

 

[308 Cal. Bullitt]

Also add 'gt350' & or 'roll bar' to the suggested search words above of 'denied' & 'void'

A Long thread that covers your topic better than most will arise.
Dozens of pages on this one.

 

[DonPatr0L]

Unfortunately I have to add a roll bar as I have a convertible, so that might be a little tough. Although if something major happened, I could remove it.

Get a Ford Performance one and you'll have a better chance I think.

 

[WItoTX]

Roll bars are aesthetics. Just don't take it to the dealer with 6 points and Sparcos in it.

 

[Cobra Jet]

It’s a gamble.

Make sure you have enough pocket change to cover an engine R&R or trans R&R first…

and seriously check out the threads mentioned above… because all the answers are there as some have already gone down the “track day” route with not so good outcomes when needing warranty repairs.

 

[Geodudes550]

I wouldn’t even admit to driving my car to a race track, let alone driving on one.

Absolutely do not mention “racing” or anything other than driving the speed limit to your dealer if you want warranty work. I got hassled a bit for just mentioning that I was getting a wobble at 80mph and the only thing that saved me was that I remembered to mention I was on I-80 in Nevada. They did the work though once that was clarified *shake weight hand motion*.

Point is, don’t mention anything at all that could even be interpreted as abuse. Read your warranty and think to yourself, “what’s the most obnoxious or absurd interpretation that Ford could use deny warranty work under each provision” then go from there.

 

[VictorH]

The Mustang GT is a pretty stout platform and I don't see anyone posting about blown motors or transmissions (no engine mods) at track events. If you miss a shift and over-rev, not covered even on the street, crash into something, not covered either. So, why worry about the drivetrain for what sounds like what will be somewhat infrequent use for you?

 

[Skye]

https://www.google.com/search?q=mus...HTVcGuEQrQIoA3oECBYQBA&biw=1464&bih=742&dpr=2

I've done a general Google search on the topic.

Agree with all others: remove traces of anything "racy" before turning the vehicle over to Ford for service or repairs, keep a low digital profile and never mention the topic outside of your close-knit circle.

 

[MAGS1]

Quick answer generally is no, don’t expect any kind of warranty coverage. The long answer is a little more nuanced.

Generally, the dealer you go to has a lot to do with it. They’re the first line of defense for Ford. If you have a good dealer, you might get lucky and have it covered. As others have already said, remove ALL evidence the car has been on a track. That includes your roll bar. Wash it well, get any/all rubber bits from the track off the car, out of the wheel wells, etc. No track decals, inspection paperwork, nothing. Then you might have a chance.

Having said that, just because they say the car is track capable (and the manual even gives you prep guides), does not mean they would/should cover any damage under warranty. There is a naturally higher risk of something happening on track, and that’s not necessarily the manufacturer’s risk to bear. Get track insurance on the days you go, that way you’re covered if something happens while you’re there.

Also as others mentioned, there are several threads here of folks battling with Ford or Ford ESP and they’ve all lost that I can recall. So just be aware that even if you clean the car up, it’s still no guarantee

 

[EFI]

Will I have any issues getting warranty on a transmission or engine if I do a few track days in addition to driving it daily?

If you have your car towed into a dealer with a hole in the block while having a cage installed will be instant denial of any warranty services.

Your best bet is to avoid all traces of you ever going to a track day if you have any hope in them helping you out. But even then it's not a guarantee. Some people have had good luck, while others have gotten denied due to signs of abuse. It's a tossup.

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