Honda and Acura Certified Collision Centers will be required to review and complete a Replacement Part Customer Disclosure Notice with customers starting Jan. 1, according to an email sent by the Honda Wholesale Marketing Team. 

The disclosure notice defines new genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, aftermarket (A/M) parts, recycled parts, and remanufactured parts. 

“While aftermarket, recycled, and remanufactured parts may look the same as new OEM parts, the quality, performance, and safety of these parts, and whether they are compatible with a particular Honda or Acura vehicle, is unknown,” the disclosure says. “Use of these parts also may compromise the operation of factory-engineered safety systems.” 

John Peixoto, American Honda Motor Co. parts and service marketing, said the notice is to provide consumer education at the shop level. 

The email says centers will need to review and complete the notice with customers during drop-off. The completed form must be kept either electronically or physically in the repair order file. 

“Please note that proper completion and retention of this form will be subject to audits during future recertification processes,” the email says. 

The email adds that Honda understands the importance of ensuring the vehicle owner is aware of what types of parts exist within the market that may be used as part of their vehicle’s repairs. 

“Take the time to thoroughly review the document as it contains vital information that will empower you to engage in meaningful conversations with customers,” the email says. “Your understanding is key to providing them the best possible experience.” 

The parts are defined in the notice as: 

• • New OEM parts for Honda and Acura vehicles are sold only through an authorized U.S. Honda or Acura dealer. The OEM parts for a Honda/Acura vehicle are designed and built to work together within their respective systems to provide optimum performance, safety, and system integrity.
  • Aftermarket parts are new non-OEM parts that are sold by anyone other than an authorized U.S. Honda or Acura dealer. These parts offer a price-based alternative but may not provide the same fit, finish, and/or structural strength as OEM parts. 
  • Recycled parts, often referred to as used or salvage parts, are new non-OEM parts that are sold by anyone other than an authorized U.S. Honda or Acura dealer. These parts offer a price-based alternative but may not provide the same fit, finish, and/or structural strength as OEM parts. 
  • Remanufactured parts are used parts removed from another vehicle that are then repaired and/or rebuilt to be resold. 

Honda’s definition of Aftermarket parts would also include parts that may be listed as “Opt-OEM” in estimating systems, if the parts are sold by anyone other than an authorized U.S. Honda or Acura dealer.

While not mentioned in the notice, a Honda position statement recommends that any repairs be performed by an experienced professional using a Honda body repair manual and Honda Genuine OEM replacement parts designated for use in the specific Honda vehicle being repaired. This includes all mechanical, electrical, body panel, and structural components. 

“This will ensure that the parts and components were designed and built to provide the same fit, function, safety, and structural integrity as when the vehicle was initially made,” the statement says. 

It adds that OEM parts will help avoid compromises to the structural integrity and safety of the vehicle that might occur when parts other than Honda Genuine OEM parts are used. 

Honda’s factory warranty, replacement parts warranty, and extended warranties do not apply to any part other than Honda Genuine OEM parts, the statement says.

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