The Automotive Recyclers Association is challenging General Motors' prohibition on recycled OEM ADAS components, arguing that GM's policy is internally inconsistent because it allows collision-damaged ADAS components to remain in service after passing inspection and calibration, but prohibits undamaged recycled OEM components that meet the same standards.
- GM strictly prohibits salvaged, recycled, reconditioned, remanufactured and aftermarket ADAS components in collision repairs as of July 2026.
- ARA argues the restriction is internally inconsistent—GM allows damaged ADAS components to stay in service after collision if they pass OEM inspection and calibration, but bans properly inspected recycled OEM components.
- Recycled and aftermarket parts accounted for more than 40% of North American collision parts use in Q2 2026, with recycled parts alone representing 48.5% of savings versus OEM pricing.
- The average U.S. vehicle is approaching 13 years old, making recycled OEM parts increasingly critical as new parts become unavailable for older vehicles.
- ARA supports repair decisions based on safety testing and objective evidence rather than blanket assumptions about part origin.
The Automotive Recyclers Association has challenged General Motors’ increasingly restrictive position on recycled OEM parts, arguing the automaker’s treatment of ADAS components is internally inconsistent.
ARA Executive Director Vince Edivan said GM’s latest position allows certain ADAS components already installed on a collision-damaged vehicle to remain in service if they pass inspection, diagnostic and calibration procedures, while prohibiting comparable recycled OEM components sourced from another vehicle.
“If ADAS components can remain in service after a collision when they pass OEM inspection, diagnostic, and calibration procedures, then an undamaged OEM component from another vehicle should be evaluated under those same standards,” Edivan said.
The statement follows a series of changes to GM collision repair guidance through 2026. Collision Repair has reported that GM strengthened its language around alternative parts several times this year, including tighter restrictions covering ADAS components, bumpers and windshields.
GM’s July 20 position on ADAS components used especially strong language, stating the automaker “strictly prohibits” the use of salvaged, recycled, reconditioned, remanufactured and aftermarket ADAS components.
That position has already drawn opposition from recyclers. The Indiana Automotive Recyclers Association recently argued that recycled OEM parts remain original equipment and can provide safe, economical repair options when properly inspected and installed.
ARA has now taken the argument a step further by focusing on the standard GM applies after a collision.
“If prior collision exposure alone makes an ADAS component unsafe, then all ADAS components should be replaced after every collision repair, regardless of condition or calibration results,” Edivan said.
“If inspection and calibration are sufficient to validate a component already on a collision-damaged vehicle, those same principles should apply to properly inspected and validated recycled OEM components.”
The dispute comes as insurers and repairers are making greater use of alternative parts.
LKQ CEO Justin Jude said aftermarket and recycled parts accounted for more than 40% of North American collision parts use in the second quarter of 2026, the highest level recorded by the company.
Canadian data has shown a similar direction of travel. Mitchell reported that the share of aftermarket, recycled and remanufactured parts used in Canadian collision repairs increased by almost two percentage points in 2025.
Car-Part.com data has also highlighted the financial role played by recycled parts. Its 2025 Canadian iPro figures showed recycled parts represented 7.2% of parts written back to estimates but accounted for 48.5% of the savings compared with OEM pricing.
That creates a growing tension between OEM repair restrictions and insurer pressure to control claim costs.
The issue is particularly significant for older vehicles. ARA noted that the average vehicle on U.S. roads is approaching 13 years old, meaning recyclers can become one of the only remaining sources for OEM components once new parts are no longer readily available.
“The ability for vehicle owners to choose recycled parts is becoming more important every year,” Edivan said. “Without that option, vehicle owners may be unable to afford to keep their car on the road.”
GM is not alone in tightening its position. Collision Repair has reported similar restrictions from other automakers covering recycled or aftermarket ADAS components, part of a broader shift toward more prescriptive OEM repair procedures as vehicle systems become more complex.
At the same time, industry groups have stressed that ADAS repairs must follow OEM procedures closely. The Collision Industry Conference ADAS task force recently outlined a series of “non-negotiables” requiring proper tooling, scans, calibration procedures and documentation.
ARA’s position does not dispute that requirement. Instead, Edivan argued that the same objective testing standard should apply regardless of where an OEM component originated.
“We support repair decisions based on safety, testing, and objective evidence, not blanket assumptions about the source of a part,” he said.
ARA said it is monitoring whether GM’s updated position affects vehicle owners’ ability to repair vehicles using recycled parts. The association has also pointed to its history of opposing state legislation that would require the exclusive use of new OEM parts in collision repairs.
