Counterfeit parts are a massive problem in the collision repair industry. Notably, the manufacturing of imitation collision parts. Vehicle owners are faced with too many choices for collision repairs and are likely influenced by part shortages, lower non-genuine part prices, and misleading guidance from competitors. It’s important to understand the dangers of counterfeit parts so you can educate customers and promote safe repairs.

What risk is involved with using counterfeit collision parts? 

According to our OEM partners, imitation components may pose severe risks such as:  

Compromised Quality and Safety: 

• Counterfeit parts are often produced using low-quality or inferior materials that may fail to meet safety standards, which could lead to accidents or fatalities.
• The quality (or lack thereof) of counterfeit parts may not be evident until they’re actively in use, making it challenging for consumers to identify the hazard before it impacts the vehicle. 

Brand Reputation and Lost Business: 

• When consumers attribute parts performance issues to poor vehicle design or faulty manufacturing, it harms brand integrity and reputation over the long term. 

How do you know if you’re purchasing a genuine OEM part? 

• To mitigate the risks outlined above, it’s best to purchase parts directly from the OEMs. 
• When sourcing parts from unauthorized distributors, there's a greater risk of accidentally ordering counterfeit parts.  

Purchasing directly from OEMs means your shop offers customers the assurance of genuine, properly fitting parts that support vehicle safety and overall repair quality. 

Check out this video from the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council, known as A2C2, showing a counterfeit parts vs. genuine OEM parts test. 

Honda: Honda has identified counterfeit airbags being sold in the aftermarket. These parts look nearly identical to genuine parts but are made with inferior materials and do not meet Honda or automotive industry standards. Watch this video to see a counterfeit airbag being tested against a genuine Honda airbag. 

Subaru: When buying your parts online, it can be difficult to determine where they come from. Online marketplaces find creative ways to make you believe the parts you are buying are legitimate. Watch this video from our partner Subaru to learn more about how to avoid buying counterfeit parts.

Toyota: You might not even know it, but if you don’t buy parts for your Toyota from a Toyota dealership, you might be buying counterfeit parts. The production and distribution of counterfeit parts, including counterfeit Toyota parts, is a booming worldwide business. Watch the video to learn more.