OEM vs aftermarket vs CAPA vs OEM-reman Tesla parts — which should a body shop use?
Short answer: OEM = the automaker's own part; aftermarket = a third-party equivalent, where quality ranges from budget to excellent; CAPA-certified = an aftermarket part that an independent body (the Certified Automotive Parts Association) has tested to OEM fit, finish and materials standards; OEM-reman = a genuine part remanufactured back to working condition.
For a collision repair the choice usually comes down to cost, availability and what the estimate or insurer will accept — with fit being the thing that matters most on a Tesla body panel.
OEM
Made by, or for, the vehicle manufacturer — the same part fitted on a new car. Best guaranteed fit and the highest cost, and often the slowest to source if Tesla backorders it.
Aftermarket
Produced by third-party manufacturers, not the automaker. Quality varies widely — from budget panels to parts built to OEM tolerances — so the manufacturer and pre-shipment inspection matter. Typically priced well below OEM and available locally, which keeps a repair moving.
CAPA-certified
CAPA-certified parts are aftermarket parts that the Certified Automotive Parts Association — an independent, non-profit certifier — has tested against OEM standards for fit, materials and finish, with a traceable certification seal on each certified part. It is a quality benchmark within the aftermarket, not a separate manufacturer.
OEM-reman (remanufactured)
A genuine OEM part remanufactured back to working specification. Common on mechanical and electronic components; it pairs genuine-part fit with a lower price than new OEM.
How MapleV's line maps to these
MapleV supplies quality-inspected aftermarket and OEM-reman Tesla Model 3 and Model Y collision and suspension parts cross-referenced to Tesla OE numbers, with CAPA-certified options arriving on select part numbers and genuine ZF Lemförder OEM on key suspension links. Part selection for an insurance claim is made by your shop on the estimate.
Frequently asked
What does CAPA-certified mean?
It means an independent non-profit — the Certified Automotive Parts Association — has tested that aftermarket part against OEM standards for fit, materials and finish and issued a traceable certification. It's a quality benchmark, not a manufacturer.
Are aftermarket parts allowed on an ICBC claim?
Yes, when they meet ICBC's standards of performance. ICBC authorizes alternative part suppliers through Mitchell's estimating database, and your collision shop selects the parts on the estimate.
Does MapleV sell CAPA-certified parts right now?
CAPA-certified options are arriving on select Model 3 / Model Y part numbers. Our current line is quality-inspected aftermarket and OEM-reman, cross-referenced to Tesla OE numbers.