OEM Subaru Parts vs Aftermarket: What's the Difference?
June 10 2026 - Dealership

Customer speaking with salesperson about Subaru parts

When you need new Subaru parts, it can feel like there are thousands of options to choose from. However, you don’t want to just use any old part in your vehicle. Kirby Subaru of Ventura highlights what makes OEM parts the superior choice over aftermarket parts.

Quality

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Parts under this category are made by Subaru manufacturers, so they are made with the same strict guidelines and standards as your original vehicle. That means you know these parts are built with careful attention to detail and built to last. With aftermarket parts, you don’t have the same guarantee.

Compatibility

Since Subaru OEM parts are made by Subaru manufacturers, they will always be compatible with your vehicle. You know for certain that the part will work the way that it is supposed to and fit your vehicle properly. This also keeps the integrity of your vehicle intact. On the other hand, you can never be certain how an aftermarket part will affect your vehicle’s performance and efficiency. Even if these parts do fit, they often do so improperly, and can damage surrounding parts as a result.

Warranty Coverage

Warranty coverage is a big perk that comes with Subaru OEM parts. They are covered for up to one year with unlimited mileage. The warranty covers the repair or replacement of any parts that fail because of material or workmanship defects. You won’t typically get this level of peace of mind with aftermarket parts.

Shop Our Subaru Parts in Ventura, CA

The quality, compatibility, and peace of mind OEM Subaru parts give are hard to beat. We have a large selection of Subaru parts at our dealership, so you can quickly get the parts that you need. Visit Kirby Subaru of Ventura to shop today!