An investigative reporter with Fox 5 Atlanta filed a report on aftermarket parts last week, as an increasing number of people are questioning the quality and safety of non-OEM structural parts. During the broadcast, I-Team reporter Dana Fowle bent an aftermarket radiator support in half to demonstrate the difference in structure compared to an OEM support.
First, Fowle interviewed unhappy consumer Craig Brown, whose 2006 Ford pickup was repaired with an aftermarket bumper and hood per insurance company requirements. Brown said he fought with the insurer for two months to have OEM parts installed on his truck, but eventually gave up the fight.
"It’s literally like fighting a giant," said Brown. "They’re going to do what they’re going to do."
Brown’s bumper, shown in the report, is visibly wavy, the truck’s hood doesn’t fit properly, and the truck’s wheel trim is peeling.
"The quality of the truck is not what I want," he said.
Next, Fowle visited with Atlanta-area shop owner Dave Montanaro of Precision Auto Collision, who likened aftermarket parts to phony designer handbags.
"It’s the same thing as a fake Gucci pocketbook," he said. "It’s rough around the edges. The color of it will come off."
He then helped Fowle compare a BMW radiator support to an aftermarket support. Fowle is shown bending the aftermarket support in half "without using any effort at all," she says.
The report reminded consumers to check with their insurance companies about what type of parts can be used in their collision repairs.
Fowle also noted that the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) certifies cosmetic aftermarket parts, but most structural parts aren’t certified. CAPA recently began testing and developing standards for structural parts, while Keystone conducted safety tests on its bumper reinforcements.
More information:
Watch a video of Fowle’s report
CAPA Basing New Bumper Standard on OEM Performance
Keystone Automotive Announces Initial Test Results on Aftermarket Bumper Reinforcement