For years, the automotive industry has perpetuated the narrative that only original equipment parts ensure proper fit, quality and safety. In contrast, aftermarket parts have often been dismissed as inferior and unsafe. But recent comments by Ford Motor Co., Stellantis and technician-training organization I-CAR challenge these long-standing claims, acknowledging that even automakers’ replacement parts may not fit properly. This proves that part compatibility and quality is not as clear-cut as the automakers have led consumers and repair professionals to believe.
By: Edward Salamy, Executive Director of The Automotive Body Parts Association
When automakers experience problems with their parts not aligning correctly — be it guide holes that are off, improper tolerances or modification requirements on the shop floor — there’s rarely any pushback. Instead, the industry treats these imperfections as minor and tolerable. However, aftermarket manufacturers that face similar challenges are often lambasted and discredited. The hypocrisy is apparent: While the automakers tout the precision of their parts, the truth is that even their components are not immune to variances that can complicate repairs and result in additional labor costs.
This should be a wake-up call for repairers and consumers alike. The assumption that automakers’ parts are inherently flawless and aftermarket parts are a gamble is misleading and, frankly, harmful to the industry. Aftermarket parts play a critical role in the repair ecosystem, offering cost-effective, safe, high-quality options that contribute to competitive pricing in the market. Moreover, many aftermarket manufacturers go above and beyond to ensure that their products meet high standards for fit, function and material content by partnering with independent certification programs such as through the Certified Automotive Parts Association to guarantee quality and reliability.
Automakers’ push for original parts is about control
The message is clear: It’s time to change the narrative surrounding aftermarket parts. If the same automakers that have long criticized aftermarket parts are now admitting that their own components have fitment issues, it’s proof that the argument against aftermarket parts is not about quality or safety — it’s about market control and limiting competition. Repairers should feel empowered to explore high-quality aftermarket options without fear of backlash or stigma, and consumers should be given full access to affordable choices.
At the Automotive Body Parts Association, we advocate for the right of consumers and repairers to choose from a broad array of quality parts, both automaker and aftermarket. While automakers claim to promote safety and precision, their goal is often to monopolize the market and force consumers into paying higher prices. With the rising cost of vehicle ownership, aftermarket parts provide a much-needed alternative that benefits everyone — from the repair shop to the car owner.
A national right-to-repair law would give consumers choice
That’s why the association supports the creation of a national vehicle right-to-repair law. Such a law would ensure that consumers have the right to choose the vehicle replacement parts they want, that they can access the vehicle data they need to fix their cars, and that they are able to get their vehicles repaired where they want, including at independent repair shops. We support the two bills in Congress that would enshrine these rights in law: The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair — or REPAIR — Act and the Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation — or SMART — Act.
Consumers and repair professionals should have the freedom to decide which parts are best for their needs without being swayed by misleading narratives. The fitment issues now acknowledged by automakers underscore that aftermarket parts are not only comparable in quality but often provide a more practical and cost-effective solution. Rather than being seen as the second choice, aftermarket parts should be considered a first-rate option that upholds safety, quality and affordability.