Are motorcraft parts OEM for Ford?
Yes. Motorcraft is Ford Motor Company's official parts brand, and many Motorcraft components are produced to Ford's original specifications for use as Original Equipment (OEM) parts on Ford vehicles. The brand also covers replacement parts sold to consumers for maintenance and repair.
What Motorcraft covers and how it fits Ford's OEM strategy
Motorcraft encompasses Ford-approved parts across categories such as engine, electrical, braking, cooling, and maintenance components. Parts labeled Motorcraft are designed to meet Ford specifications and are distributed through Ford's dealer network; they can be used as factory-installed equipment or as dealer-recommended replacement parts.
Two main categories of Motorcraft parts
The Motorcraft lineup is typically described in two broad groups: (1) genuine OEM parts branded Motorcraft that are used in Ford factory production and official repairs, and (2) Motorcraft replacement parts designed to Ford specifications, sold to consumers via dealers and retailers for maintenance and repair.
- Genuine Ford OEM parts branded Motorcraft for factory installation and Ford-authorized repairs.
- Motorcraft replacement parts that meet Ford specifications, sold through Ford dealers and retailers for consumer repairs.
In practice, Motorcraft straddles OEM-grade production and Ford-approved aftermarket replacement parts, all carrying Ford part numbers and ensuring compatibility with Ford vehicles.
How to verify if a Motorcraft part is OEM for your Ford
To confirm whether a specific Motorcraft part is intended as genuine OEM for your vehicle, use these verification steps:
- Check the packaging and label for "Motorcraft" and Ford branding, along with the official part number.
- Cross-check the part number and description in Ford's official parts catalog (e.g., FordParts.com) or with your Ford dealer.
- Inspect the part's claimed application to ensure it matches your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine.
- Ask the dealer or shop if the part is intended as factory OEM equipment or as an aftermarket replacement with Ford specifications.
Verification should rely on official catalogs and labeling to avoid misidentification, since some parts share similar numbers across brands.
Summary
Motorcraft serves as Ford's official parts brand, encompassing both genuine OEM parts used in factory production and Ford-approved replacement parts sold to consumers. When shopping for parts, check labeling, part numbers, and catalogs to confirm whether a Motorcraft component is intended as OEM for your Ford vehicle. Always consult with a Ford dealer or authorized service provider for precise compatibility and warranty implications.
Does Ford use OEM parts?
This means that these parts were produced directly by the manufacturer, in this case Ford, or by one of their OEM-approved subcontractors. OEM parts are specifically designed and crafted by the manufacturer to go into their lineup of vehicles, meaning the specifications, measurements, and materials are all compatible.
Where are Motorcraft parts made?
Motorcraft parts are made in a variety of countries, not exclusively in the United States. They are manufactured in locations such as Mexico, Canada, China, and other parts of the world, with the country of origin often depending on the specific part.
- Global manufacturing: While Motorcraft is the official parts brand of Ford, the parts are not all made in the US. Ford has a global manufacturing footprint, and this extends to its parts.
- Country of origin: You will find Motorcraft parts manufactured in various countries. For example, some parts are made in Mexico and Canada, while others, such as certain water pumps or wiring harnesses, may be made in China.
- How to check: To determine where a specific part was made, you must check the part or its packaging for a "Made in..." stamp.
Is Ford Motorcraft an OEM?
Yes, Motorcraft is Ford's OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts brand. Motorcraft produces both OEM parts that are identical to those that come in a new Ford vehicle and aftermarket parts that are designed to be compatible with Ford vehicles.
- OEM vs. Motorcraft: "Genuine Ford Parts" and "Motorcraft" are both from Ford and are used interchangeably for OEM parts. The difference is often in the part's category; for example, Motorcraft is typically used for wear-and-tear parts like filters and brake pads, while "Genuine Ford" might be on parts like radios or trim, according to this 2GFusions forum post.
- Aftermarket: Motorcraft also produces aftermarket parts, which are designed to be compatible with Ford vehicles but are not the exact same part that was originally installed in the factory.
- Quality and Recommendation: Ford recommends Motorcraft for high-quality, competitively priced parts that are designed to fit and maintain the performance and reliability of Ford vehicles, says this Planet Ford Dallas blog post.
Are Motorcraft parts high quality?
If you're looking for high-quality, competitively priced parts for any Ford vehicle, Motorcraft is what you need. Not only is Motorcraft recommended by Ford Motor Company, but you can also count on the right fit, the first time.
