Recycled Auto Parts: Safe or Risky?

by | May 5, 2025 | Autobody Shop, Blog, Bumper Repair, Car Accident, Certified Auto Body Shops

Recycled Auto Parts: Safe or Risky?

When your vehicle needs repairs after a collision, the type of replacement parts used can make a significant impact on cost, safety, and environmental footprint. One option growing in popularity is the use of recycled auto parts — original parts salvaged from other vehicles and reused in repairs. But are they safe? How do they compare to brand-new or aftermarket parts? And what do insurers and regulators in California and across the U.S. have to say?

This article dives deep into the topic, covering safety data, cost comparisons, insurance and regulatory perspectives, and environmental impacts.

Safety: Are Recycled Auto Parts Reliable?

Recycled auto parts, also known as used, salvaged, or LKQ (Like Kind and Quality) parts, are OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) components sourced from end-of-life vehicles. Their safety depends on several factors:

  • Condition: If undamaged, recycled auto parts retain the same structural and performance characteristics as the originals.
  • Component Type: Non-structural parts like doors, panels, or mirrors are often safe and reliable when recycled. Critical components (e.g., airbags or seatbelt assemblies) are typically not reused.
  • Certification and Inspection: Reputable auto recyclers test and inspect parts before resale. Certified programs, such as those backed by CAPA, ensure aftermarket or recycled auto parts meet quality benchmarks.

Safety Studies and Findings:

  • Consumer Reports and studies by OEMs (e.g., Ford) have shown that some aftermarket parts may underperform or corrode faster than OEM (Consumer Reports).
  • Conversely, insurance industry-funded studies concluded that certified non-OEM parts do not negatively affect vehicle safety (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).
  • The U.S. General Accounting Office reviewed multiple studies, including insurance-funded crash tests, many of which found no significant performance differences in common replacement parts when certified properly.

California law prohibits the reuse of safety-critical components like deployed airbags. This ensures recycled auto parts used in the state meet minimum safety standards. Meanwhile, aftermarket and recycled auto parts with CAPA or NSF certification are recognized by major insurers as functionally equivalent when used in non-structural repairs.

OEM Parts: Where Do They Stand?

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are made by the vehicle’s manufacturer. They’re considered the gold standard for repairs due to their exact fit and material quality. However, automakers have a vested interest in discouraging alternatives to maintain parts sales.

  • OEM parts are often required for warranty retention or to maintain ADAS and structural integrity.
  • California and many states allow insurers to use non-OEM parts as long as they are of like kind and quality.

Some manufacturers, like Honda and Ford, officially discourage recycled or aftermarket part use. Yet, federal law (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) prevents automakers from voiding warranties unless the aftermarket or recycled part directly causes a failure (FTC).

In real-world repairs, recycled OEM parts — which are technically the same components already on the vehicle — offer an ideal compromise for maintaining vehicle integrity while reducing costs.

Cost Comparison: Recycled Auto Parts vs. OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts

Cost is a major factor in the growing use of recycled auto parts. Compared to OEM parts:

Recycled Auto Parts in Collision Repair: Safe or Risky?

  • According to NAMIC, using aftermarket parts saves consumers $2.2 billion annually (NAMIC Report).
  • A 2023 repair estimate showed a recycled door costing $2,000 versus $4,000 for a new OEM door (CCC Intelligent Solutions).
  • Using alternative parts can prevent total losses by reducing repair costs to stay within insurer payout thresholds.

A 2022 CCC Intelligent Solutions report also noted that the average parts cost per repair had increased by over 8% year-over-year, primarily due to inflation and OEM pricing. This has made recycled and aftermarket options even more attractive.

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Comparison Table: Recycled Auto Parts vs. OEM Parts

Recycled Auto Parts in Collision Repair: Safe or Risky?

Insurance Tip: Insurance companies often approve recycled auto parts for repairs to lower costs, unless you request OEM parts or your policy/vehicle requires it (e.g., leased vehicles or luxury models). You can negotiate with your insurer to use OEM parts, but it may involve out-of-pocket costs unless your policy explicitly includes OEM coverage.

Insurance Industry Policy

Insurers prefer recycled and aftermarket parts for cost savings, provided they are:

  • Of like kind and quality
  • Backed by warranties
  • Properly disclosed to policyholders

In California, insurers must:

State Farm, the largest U.S. auto insurer, resumed specifying aftermarket parts nationwide in 2023, provided those parts are CAPA- or NSF-certified. Their warranty covers fit and corrosion resistance for the life of the vehicle.

Many insurers offer OEM endorsements as optional add-ons. Otherwise, most policies allow alternative parts unless stated otherwise.

Auto Repair Parts Regulations: Non-OEM and Recycled Auto Parts

In California:

  • California Insurance Code §758.5 and BAR regulations require full disclosure when non-OEM or recycled parts are used in a repair estimate.

  • State law prohibits the reuse of deployed airbags or other safety components.

  • All non-OEM and recycled parts must match OEM parts in fit, safety, quality, and performance.

  • Insurers must cover any necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit of non-OEM parts.

Federal Protections:

  • The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act ensures that using recycled or aftermarket parts does not void a vehicle’s warranty, unless that part causes a failure (FTC Guide). These rules aim to protect drivers while giving flexibility in parts sourcing. California leads with some of the strongest consumer protections nationwide.

In Other States:

  • 35 states require shops to disclose when they use non-OEM parts.

  • Over 20 states require clear labeling of aftermarket part manufacturers.

  • Some states, like Massachusetts and Rhode Island, restrict non-OEM parts on newer vehicles (typically under 3 years old).

National Overview:

  • 35 states have disclosure laws about non-OEM parts.
  • 20+ states require labeling of manufacturer and quality assurance.
  • Some states (like Massachusetts and Rhode Island) restrict the use of non-OEM parts on newer vehicles (e.g., 3 years or newer).
  • The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects warranty rights when recycled/aftermarket parts are used — unless the part causes damage (FTC Guide).

Environmental Impact

Using recycled auto parts significantly lowers emissions and reduces landfill waste:

Recycled Auto Parts in Collision Repair: Safe or Risky?

According to the Automotive Recyclers Association, recycled auto parts:

  • Conserve raw materials (steel, aluminum)
  • Prevent 25 million tons of waste annually
  • Save the equivalent of 85 million barrels of oil per year (ARA Report)

Reusing auto parts also supports the circular economy and helps achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals, particularly relevant in California’s climate-focused policy landscape.

Conclusion

So, should you consider recycled auto parts safe or risky in collision repair?
When shops source them responsibly and use them appropriately, recycled auto parts can be a safe, cost-effective, and eco-friendly option for certain non-critical repairs.

  • They help consumers and insurers save money.

  • State regulations—especially in California—promote safety and transparency when shops use non-OEM parts.

  • They support sustainability by reducing waste and emissions.

Still, OEM and genuine parts remain the better choice for safety-critical components, ADAS calibrations, and maintaining factory warranties. Unlike recycled parts—which come from used vehicles and can vary in wear and condition—OEM parts are brand-new and built to your vehicle’s exact specifications. Automakers test and certify OEM parts to ensure proper fit, crash safety, and long-term performance. They also include a full manufacturer warranty, making them the most reliable option—especially for newer or luxury vehicles.

While recycled parts may offer short-term savings, OEM parts deliver consistent quality, proven reliability, and long-term peace of mind.

Why Choose Premier Coach Auto Collision

At Premier Coach Auto Collision, we specialize in precision repairs using OEM and genuine brand parts only. As a certified collision repair center for a wide range of manufacturers — including Tesla, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Honda, Acura, and more — we are equipped to meet exact factory repair standards using only original, manufacturer-approved components. Our certified facilities in Thousand Oaks and Camarillo deliver every repair using factory-trained technicians and manufacturer-approved methods. We protect your vehicle’s warranty, preserve ADAS functionality, maintain structural integrity, and safeguard resale value — with no compromises.

If you’re seeking certified repairs that prioritize safety, performance, and authenticity, schedule your estimate with Premier Coach Auto Collision today.

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