Ever been stranded with a flat tire, dead battery, or empty gas tank in your Ford vehicle? You’re probably wondering if that Ford roadside assistance program you’ve heard about will save you money or cost you extra when you need help most.
What Is Ford Roadside Assistance?
Ford Roadside Assistance is a service program that provides emergency roadside help to Ford vehicle owners. It’s designed to get you back on the road when unexpected problems occur, covering services like:
• Towing to the nearest Ford dealership (usually within 35 miles)
• Battery jump-starts
• Flat tire changes (when you have a spare)
• Lockout assistance
• Fuel delivery (typically 2 gallons of gas or 5 gallons of diesel)
• Winching if you’re stuck off-road
Is Ford Roadside Assistance Actually Free?
Yes, Ford Roadside Assistance is free for a specific period, but with conditions. Here’s the breakdown:
For New Ford Vehicles
When you purchase a new Ford in the United States, you automatically receive 5 years or 60,000 miles of complimentary roadside assistance (whichever comes first). This coverage starts on your vehicle’s warranty start date and requires no additional registration or fees.
According to Ford’s official support site, this program operates 24/7 and is included as part of your new vehicle purchase.
For Canadian Ford Owners
Canadian Ford owners get slightly different terms. Gas-powered vehicles receive 5 years or 100,000 km of coverage, while diesel trucks extend to 160,000 km.
For Certified Pre-Owned Ford Vehicles
If you’ve purchased a certified pre-owned Ford, your coverage varies by certification level:
| Certification Level | Coverage Duration | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Certified | 90 days | Basic towing and jump-starts |
| Gold Certified | 7 years | Includes $1,000 travel reimbursement |
| EV Certified | 8 years | Enhanced battery support |
The Ford Blue Advantage program actually provides longer roadside assistance for certain certified vehicles than even new purchases receive.
What Happens After Your Free Coverage Expires?
Once your complimentary period ends, Ford’s roadside assistance transitions to a pay-per-use model with costs ranging between $75-$150 per service call, depending on what help you need.
Your options after expiration include:
- Pay per incident: Call and pay only when you need service
- Purchase a Ford Protect Extended Service Plan: These plans bundle roadside assistance with mechanical breakdown protection at costs between $1,200-$3,500 over three years
- Use third-party roadside assistance: Options like AAA or coverage through your auto insurance
How to Access Ford Roadside Assistance
When you need help, you have three easy ways to contact Ford Roadside Assistance:
- Call directly: Dial 1-800-241-3673 in the United States
- Through the FordPass app: Request service and track assistance through the app
- Via your vehicle’s emergency button: Some newer Ford models have built-in emergency assistance buttons
You’ll need your VIN number and the location of your vehicle when requesting assistance.
Limitations You Should Know About
While Ford’s roadside service is comprehensive, it does have some important limitations:
• Towing restrictions: Vehicles must be towed to Ford dealerships, not independent mechanics
• Spare tire requirement: Flat tire service only works if you have a functional spare
• Geographic constraints: Service availability may be limited in remote areas
• Battery limitations for EVs: Electric vehicles with completely depleted batteries may still require towing
• Commercial use exceptions: Vehicles used for ride-sharing or deliveries may face reduced coverage
Is Ford Roadside Assistance Worth It?
The complimentary coverage during your warranty period is absolutely worth using—it’s already included in your purchase price. After your free period expires, the decision depends on:
- Your vehicle’s age and reliability: Older vehicles typically need more roadside help
- Your driving patterns: Those who drive in remote areas or at night may value the security
- Existing coverage: Check if your insurance already includes roadside assistance
- Cost comparison: Compare Ford’s rates with third-party options like AAA
Future Improvements to Ford’s Roadside Assistance
Ford is enhancing their roadside assistance program with technology integration:
• Predictive assistance: The FordPass app now uses telematics to monitor vehicle health
• Real-time tracking: See exactly when help will arrive through app integration
• EV-specific solutions: Mobile charging options for electric vehicles
• Faster response times: Current average is 45 minutes in urban areas, with improvements planned
Regional Differences in Coverage
Ford’s roadside assistance program varies slightly by region:
United States
• 5 years/60,000 miles of coverage
• Services limited to continental US (Alaska and Hawaii have constraints)
Canada
• 5 years/100,000 km (gas vehicles)
• Enhanced travel expense reimbursement up to $1,000 for breakdowns over 100 miles from home
Europe
• Shorter initial coverage (1 year for new vehicles)
• Cross-border support throughout EU countries
• Options for annual extensions with regular dealer servicing
Hidden Value in Ford Roadside Assistance
What many Ford owners don’t realize is that the roadside assistance program includes some lesser-known benefits:
• Rental car reimbursement in certain breakdown situations
• Hotel accommodations if stranded away from home (varies by region)
• Trip interruption benefits when breakdowns occur far from your residence
These additional benefits can save you significant money during more serious roadside emergencies.
Making the Most of Your Coverage
To maximize your Ford roadside assistance benefits:
- Save the number in your phone: Keep 1-800-241-3673 accessible
- Download the FordPass app: It streamlines the process of requesting help
- Know your coverage dates: Mark when your complimentary period expires
- Carry your vehicle information: Keep your VIN accessible
- Understand service limits: Know exactly what services are included
Important Safety Considerations
While waiting for roadside assistance:
• Pull as far off the road as safely possible
• Turn on hazard lights to increase visibility
• If you must exit the vehicle, do so from the passenger side
• Stand well away from traffic
According to NHTSA, staying in your vehicle with seatbelts fastened is often safest while awaiting roadside help.
Final Thoughts on Ford Roadside Assistance
Ford’s roadside assistance program provides valuable peace of mind during your warranty period at no additional cost. The service quality generally meets expectations, though response times can vary based on your location and the time of day.
When your free coverage expires, weigh the cost-benefit of extending through Ford versus alternative options based on your specific needs. Remember that the “free” initial period is actually built into your vehicle’s purchase price, so be sure to use it when needed.
