Genuine Ford parts vs. aftermarket: what to buy and why
01 · Three kinds of parts
Genuine, supplier, or aftermarket?
When your Ford needs a part, you usually have three choices. They differ in who makes the part, who sets its specification, and who stands behind it.
The short version
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts are made to Ford’s specification for your vehicle and carry Ford’s parts warranty: 2 years, unlimited miles, labor included when a dealer installs them. Supplier-branded and aftermarket parts can cost less, but they are not covered by Ford.
| Genuine Ford and Motorcraft | Supplier-branded | Aftermarket | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who makes it | Ford or a supplier building to Ford’s specification | Often a company that supplies Ford, sold in its own box | Another manufacturer |
| Made to Ford’s specification | Yes | Not always | No |
| Ford parts warranty | Yes | No | No |
| Fit for your VIN | Looked up by VIN | Usually by model and year | Usually by model and year |
02 · The warranty
What Ford’s parts warranty covers
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts bought on or after Oct. 1, 2013 are covered for 2 years with unlimited mileage. When a Ford or Lincoln dealer installs them, the labor is covered too. Some parts have their own terms:
- Motorcraft BXT batteries: 36 months
- Gas engine and transmission assemblies: 3 years with unlimited miles, labor included
- Shocks, struts, and spark plug wires: limited lifetime, for non-commercial use
- Ford accessories: 24 months with unlimited miles, or the rest of the 3-year/36,000-mile new-vehicle warranty, whichever is longer
Normal wear and damage from abuse, accidents, or racing are not covered. Keep the receipt or repair order: any Ford or Lincoln dealer can handle a claim with it.
03 · When it matters
When genuine parts are worth it
Parts that change by build
Ford can change a part during a model year, so two trucks of the same year may need different parts. A VIN lookup finds the one yours was built with.
Safety and sensors
Brakes, steering and suspension parts, and parts that driver-assist systems rely on, such as cameras, radar brackets, and windshields, are built to work with your vehicle’s calibration.
Under warranty
If your Ford is still under its factory warranty, a covered repair uses Ford parts at no cost to you.
When aftermarket is reasonable
For some accessories and appearance items on an older vehicle, an aftermarket part can make sense. Weigh the price against the fit and the warranty.
04 · For do-it-yourselfers
Buying parts to install yourself
You can buy genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts at our counter and install them yourself. The part carries Ford’s warranty, though your own labor does not. Bring your VIN, or the vehicle, and the counter can look up the exact part, including ones that changed partway through a model year.
See our parts department for how to order and the counter’s hours, and Ford accessories for floor liners, racks, and covers.
05 · By the season
Parts to think about through the year
- Before winter: the battery, wiper blades, and all-weather floor liners. A battery test takes minutes.
- Spring: wiper blades again after a winter of salt and ice, and a cabin air filter.
- Summer: engine air filters, and a check of the cooling system before towing season.
06 · FAQ
Questions about Ford parts
What is the difference between Motorcraft and Ford parts?
Motorcraft is Ford’s own brand for maintenance and repair parts such as filters, brakes, batteries, and wipers. Genuine Ford parts include those and the rest of the vehicle’s parts. Both carry Ford’s parts warranty.
Are OEM parts the same as genuine Ford parts?
Not always. A supplier may make parts for Ford and also sell its own version, which may not be built to the same Ford specification and is not covered by Ford’s warranty.
How long is the warranty on Ford parts?
2 years with unlimited miles for most genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts, with labor covered when a dealer installs them. Some parts, such as BXT batteries and engine assemblies, have longer terms.
Do aftermarket parts void my Ford warranty?
No, not by themselves. Under federal law, a manufacturer cannot void a warranty just because a non-Ford part was used. It can deny a claim for damage the aftermarket part caused.
Can your service department install parts I bought elsewhere?
Ask us first. It depends on the part and the job.
07 · Sources
Where this information comes from
Every source was read Sept. 23, 2026. Curious where your Ford itself was built? See where Fords are made.
Get the right part the first time
Bring your VIN to the parts counter in Huntley, or call ahead.