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How long do car manufacturers have to make spare parts?

Car manufacturers are legally required to provide spare parts for their vehicles for a certain period of time after a model is discontinued. The specific duration varies by country, but generally, manufacturers must ensure the availability of spare parts for at least 10 years after a model is no longer produced.


Regulations on Spare Parts Availability


The laws and regulations governing spare parts availability for cars differ across countries and regions, but there are some common principles:



  • In the European Union, car manufacturers must guarantee the availability of spare parts for at least 10 years after a model is discontinued. This is mandated by the EU's Type Approval Regulation.

  • In the United States, there is no federal law that sets a specific timeframe, but some states have passed their own legislation. For example, California requires automakers to provide parts for at least 10 years after a model is last manufactured.

  • In Japan, the law stipulates that spare parts must be available for at least 10 years after a model's production ends.

  • In China, the government requires a minimum of 10 years of spare parts availability, though the specific regulations can vary.


The rationale behind these laws is to ensure that consumers can continue to maintain and repair their vehicles long after a model has been discontinued, protecting their investment and promoting sustainability.


Challenges and Exceptions


While the 10-year rule is the general standard, there can be exceptions and challenges:



  • For rare or specialty vehicles, manufacturers may argue that providing parts for 10 years is not economically feasible, and they may be granted a shorter timeframe.

  • In some cases, a manufacturer may discontinue a model but continue to produce certain high-demand spare parts for longer than the minimum requirement.

  • Availability of parts can also be affected by factors like the complexity of the vehicle, the manufacturer's production capacity, and the demand for replacement parts.


Overall, the laws and regulations around spare parts availability aim to strike a balance between the interests of consumers, automakers, and the environment. By ensuring a reasonable period of parts supply, these policies help extend the useful life of vehicles and reduce waste.

Why is it taking so long to get parts for my car?


Global supply chain issues
This supply chain disruption means that more car replacement parts are now often on back order, extending the repair timeframe. Shops may even delay scheduling repair appointments until they're sure they have the required parts on hand to avoid rescheduling.



Why are so many car parts on backorder?


As people have returned to work and resumed their normal activities, the demand for vehicles has increased, leading to a surge in sales. This increased demand has put pressure on the supply of auto parts, making it more difficult to obtain the necessary components for repairs and maintenance.



How long are car manufacturers required to provide parts?


The dealership is not required to stock the parts but the manufacturer is obligated to have parts for 10 years after they discontinue a model, and then after that if it was not a popular model they are not required.



How long do spare parts have to be available?


Time limits on spare parts
Depending on the type of appliance, the spare parts must be available for a minimum of 7 to 10 years. This time period started when the last product of that particular model of the appliance is on the market.



Why do cars not come with spares anymore?


There are several reasons why automakers have removed or minimized the spare tire. To improve fuel efficiency. Removing the spare can reduce a vehicle's weight by up to 50 pounds, including the jack and lug wrench.



How long does it take to get OEM parts?


Most of the orders are shipped complete within 2-3 business days. A few of the parts ordered from the manufacturer may take up to 5-6 business days to arrive and will shipped to you immediately. Depending upon location, ground shipments usually take 2-7 days.



How long is the average backorder?


between 14-21 days
However, the average wait time for backorders can vary between 14-21 days. Generally, businesses will provide an estimated time frame during which they expect to fulfill backorders. It's always a good idea to check this estimate and stay in communication with the seller to receive any updates on your order status.



How long do car parts take to come in?


After market parts can be obtained as fast as the store can deliver. OEM parts coming from a dealership might be obtained in a couple of hours or overnight. Some OEM parts coming from a factory depot may take a week. If you have a foreign specialty car it might take weeks or longer.



How long does Ford make parts for cars?


Ford Dealers Parts Dept. will stock most parts up to (10) years after initial production of XYZ model year. Things like say specific floor mats to XYZ model, interior hard/soft components, exterior hard/soft body panels, larger engine components and the like.



How long can car parts be on backorder?


The wait time for back-ordered car parts can vary significantly. Generally, the typical duration for backorders in the auto parts industry can range from 8 to 12 weeks. However, this can be longer depending on the demand for the specific part, the supplier's location, and the current state of the global supply chain.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.