Who makes the Ford fuel filter?
Ford's official fuel filters are sold under the Motorcraft banner, but the actual manufacturing is carried out by contract suppliers chosen by Ford. There isn't a single, universal maker for all Ford fuel filters—the supplier can vary by model, year, and market.
The Motorcraft brand and OEM parts
The Motorcraft name is Ford's official parts brand for service and replacement parts. When you buy a Motorcraft fuel filter from a dealer or authorized retailer, you are purchasing an OEM-equivalent component designed to fit Ford vehicles. The production work behind Motorcraft parts is contracted to external manufacturers that Ford selects for each generation and region.
Is the maker the same across all models?
No. Ford uses a network of contract manufacturers, and the particular supplier can differ by model, engine type, and production year. That means some Motorcraft fuel filters may be produced by one supplier for certain engines and another supplier for different engines or markets.
How to identify the maker of your Ford fuel filter
If you want to know the exact maker behind your fuel filter, use these checks.
- Check the packaging for a line such as "Manufactured for Ford by" or a maker’s logo in addition to the Motorcraft branding.
- Compare the part number on the filter with Ford's official Motorcraft catalog entry for your vehicle; the catalog may indicate the supplier rather than Ford itself.
- Inspect the filter for any small print or embossed marks that indicate the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
- Ask your Ford dealer or parts department, especially if you have a VIN; they can pull the exact OEM supplier used for your car's production run.
In practice, you should expect Ford's OEM filters to carry the Motorcraft label, with the underlying manufacturing work done by contracted suppliers. The specific maker can vary depending on model and production year.
Additional considerations: aftermarket vs OEM
For maintenance, owners sometimes choose aftermarket filters from brands like Wix, Ryco, or Mann-Filter. These are designed to fit Ford vehicles but are not official Motorcraft parts; they may have different internal components, though they should meet OEM specifications. If you prefer guaranteed compatibility and warranty coverage, Motorcraft is the recommended option.
Note that in modern Ford designs, some engines use fuel filters integrated into the fuel pump module inside the tank, which may be serviced as a unit rather than as a separate inline filter. The maker information for those modules still traces to its OEM contract manufacturer as part of the Ford supply chain.
Summary
Ford's official fuel filters are Motorcraft-brand parts. The actual maker behind these filters is a contracted supplier, and there is no single company that always produces all Ford fuel filters. The supplier can vary by model, engine, and market, so checking packaging, part numbers, and dealer records is the best way to confirm the exact maker for a given vehicle.
Who manufactures Motorcraft fuel filters?
Motorcraft is an automotive parts brand owned by Ford Motor Company, which manufactures the filters. While Ford designs and recommends the parts, the actual manufacturing is often outsourced to companies like Purolator, which is owned by the German company Mann+Hummel. Therefore, while Ford is the parent company, companies like Purolator are often the direct manufacturers of Motorcraft-branded filters.
- Manufacturer: Motorcraft is owned by Ford Motor Company and its parts are made specifically for Ford vehicles.
- Supplier: Some Motorcraft filters are manufactured by suppliers like Purolator, which is owned by Mann+Hummel.
- Brand: Motorcraft provides both original equipment (OEM) and aftermarket parts for Ford vehicles.
Is Microgard made by Wix?
No, Microgard is not made by Wix; Microgard is a brand of O'Reilly Auto Parts and its filters are manufactured by Purolator. Wix filters are manufactured by the Mann+Hummel group.
- Manufacturer: Microgard filters are made by Purolator.
- Parent Company: Wix filters are part of the Mann+Hummel group.
Who makes OEM parts for Ford?
Ford OEM parts are made by Ford Motor Company or by its approved subcontractors. Ford sources parts globally from various suppliers, including companies like Valeo, NHK Spring, and Flex-N-Gate. These parts are sold under the Ford Genuine Parts brand or the Motorcraft brand, which is a division of Ford that makes both OEM and aftermarket parts.
Ford Genuine Parts
- Description: Parts that are identical to the ones installed in new Ford vehicles.
- Purpose: To restore original vehicle performance and reliability.
- Branding: The "Genuine" part of the name signifies that these are the official OEM parts.
Motorcraft
- Description: A Ford-owned brand that produces a wide range of parts.
- Purpose: Supplies both OEM parts identical to those in a new Ford and aftermarket parts designed to be compatible with Ford vehicles.
- Branding: Parts are stamped with the Motorcraft® brand or the Ford Blue Oval.
Other suppliers
- Ford contracts with numerous companies to manufacture specific components.
- These suppliers operate globally, producing parts for Ford in various countries.
- Examples include Flex-N-Gate for door hinges, U-Shin for steering columns, and Valeo for starter assemblies.
What brand makes the best fuel filters?
The best fuel filter brand depends on your vehicle, but top brands frequently recommended include ACDelco, WIX, and Baldwin. For many, sticking with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) filter is the best choice to ensure compatibility. Some premium aftermarket options like K&N and Fleetguard may also be suitable, especially for diesel or high-performance vehicles.
Recommended brands
- ACDelco: A trusted brand for high-quality automotive parts, including fuel filters.
- WIX Filters: Known for quality, though some sources suggest certain Wix cartridge filters may have issues compared to others.
- Baldwin Filters: A reputable brand, particularly in the heavy-duty and diesel markets.
- K&N: Offers high-performance fuel filters that meet or exceed OEM standards.
- Fleetguard: A strong option for diesel engines, with advanced media for extended service intervals.
- Mann-Filter: Another well-regarded brand for fuel filters.
Considerations
- OEM vs. Aftermarket: For the best fit and performance, the OEM filter is often the ideal choice. Aftermarket filters can sometimes have compatibility issues or lower-quality materials, although many are excellent alternatives.
- Vehicle Type: The "best" filter can depend on whether your vehicle is a gasoline or diesel model. Some high-performance or heavy-duty filters are specifically designed for certain applications.
- Quality: Look for filters with good durability, such as those with metal crimps on the pleats, especially in high-pressure systems.
- Specific Issues: Some brands have known quality control issues with certain products. Be sure to research specific part numbers if you have a particular concern (e.g., some Wix cartridge filters vs. spin-on filters).
