What's the Difference Between Subaru OEM Parts & Aftermarket Parts?

OEM stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer." OEM Subaru parts are either made directly by Subaru or an authorized supplier that's officially approved by Subaru. These are the parts that you'll find at a Subaru dealership, and they're held to the same high standards as the parts that came with your vehicle in the first place.

Aftermarket parts, by contrast, have not been approved by Subaru or the factory engineers who designed the vehicle. Not all aftermarket parts are necessarily bad, but there is a risk involved with components that haven't been approved by the factory. This is why the factory warranty says that, when possible, OEM parts should be used.

Whether it's maintenance for a Subaru model that's still under warranty or a model that's well beyond the warranty expiration, it can be tempting to save a few dollars with cheaper aftermarket parts. While this certainly may save some money up front, the chance that the part doesn't meet strict Subaru engineering standards means you could find yourself paying more in the long run. There's also the possibility that an unauthorized aftermarket part may cause issues with other factory components. It's only with OEM parts that you can be confident of the highest quality.