Are OEM Mazda Transmission Parts Better Than Aftermarket?

A transmission repair or replacement should usually be left to professionals. Yet, there are a few transmission parts you can replace at home without needing to remove the transmission. A few examples:

  • Transmission control module (TCM)
  • Coolant lines
  • Transmission oil pan
  • Transmission oil filter

Depending on your knowledge and expertise, you may be able to replace these parts on your own. For example, replacing the TCM is pretty easy. Here's a tutorial for replacing a Mazda transmission control module.

When you decide to replace transmission parts yourself, you face another big decision. Should you get OEM or aftermarket replacement parts?

OEM Is Always The Better Choice

If you ask us, we always, always recommend getting OEM parts instead of aftermarket ones. This applies to pretty much any Mazda part, including spark plugs. Here's why:

1. Compatibility With Your Transmission And Electrical System

OEM transmission parts are designed for your specific year, make, and model. This means:

  • No fitment issues
  • Compatibility with your transmission

When you're replacing an electronic part like the TCM, you should always get an OEM part. It's important for electronic parts to be compatible with your vehicle's electrical system. An aftermarket TCM also won't have the same firmware updates as an OEM module. When updates stop being applied to your TCM, you could be in trouble. Faulty updates can cause a wide variety of problems with the transmission. For example, reduced fuel economy to reduced acceleration performance.

2. Quality Materials

OEM transmission parts are also built with quality materials. The transmission is a very important part, and it's built to last. A cheap replacement part can wreck the transmission. For example, cheap coolant lines may spring a leak sooner or later. When the transmission runs out of transmission fluid, it has a lot less lubrication to work with. That can reduce the life of your transmission by a pretty significant amount. With OEM transmission parts, you don't have to worry about quality issues.

3. Warranty

Mazda offers a good warranty for most of its genuine OEM parts, including transmission parts. The warranty covers any manufacturing defects. It's good for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Aftermarket Transmission Parts Don't Always Offer The Same Guarantee As OEM Parts

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When you buy an aftermarket transmission part, you get what you pay for. Aftermarket transmission replacement parts generally cost less than OEM ones, sometimes much less. Aftermarket parts might sound like a great deal, but they commonly end up costing you more money in the long run. Here's why:

Aftermarket Transmission Parts Are Not Always Made With Quality Materials

OEM parts are made to meet certain standards. Aftermarket manufacturers don't need to meet those same standards. That's why they can get away with using inferior quality materials. Aftermarket parts may not be able to hold up under the demands of your Mazda's transmission.

Most Aftermarket Transmission Parts Are Universal

It's common for Mazda owners to encounter fitment issues with aftermarket parts. Aftermarket manufacturers often use universal dimensions when designing their parts. This includes universal shapes and sizes for nuts, bolts, and screws. This may not be a huge deal in many cases, but it can cause major problems with some replacement parts.

The process of trial and error to find out which aftermarket transmission part works best for your Mazda can take a long time. And it may not work out in the end.

When it comes to an important and expensive part like the transmission, you absolutely don't want any fitment issues when replacing a part. That's why OEM replacement parts made for your Mazda model are the safest bet.

Most Aftermarket Transmission Parts Don't Offer The Same Warranty As OEM Parts

It's rare for aftermarket manufacturers to offer a warranty on their parts. When they do offer a warranty, it's usually much shorter than the one Mazda offers on its genuine OEM parts.

Key Takeaway: OEM Is Better

oem mazda tcm

OEM Mazda transmissions are built to last the lifetime of the car under normal driving conditions. You don't want to buy replacement transmission parts for your Mazda if they're going to fail soon.

That's why OEM transmission parts are worth the extra cost. Since they're made by Mazda, they'll fit and function properly with your vehicle. You'll have a peace of mind that your transmission won't fail due to inferior materials and construction. And finally, Mazda has confidence in its products since it backs its parts with a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty.

That's why buying OEM transmission parts is the smartest way to maintain your vehicle and avoid costly repairs down the road.

OEM Transmission Parts Are Not Always More Expensive Than Aftermarket Parts

Many car owners still settle on aftermarket transmission parts because they're cheaper upfront. But what happens when you factor in all the extra costs that can arise from using transmission parts that weren't built to OEM standards? They end up costing more money in the long run. A few examples:

  • You may need to buy extra parts or hardware to get an ill-fitting aftermarket part to fit right.
  • Aftermarket transmission parts may fail early and cause your transmission to fail. When that happens, you're looking at a hefty repair bill.
  • If your aftermarket transmission part isn't covered by a warranty, you're on the hook for a replacement part and repair costs when it fails.

Here's a secret: sometimes OEM parts are cheaper than aftermarket parts! You can find some pretty great prices on OEM parts if you look online.

We're an authorized retailer of genuine OEM Mazda parts. Our overhead costs are low, so we're able to offer rock bottom prices on OEM Mazda parts. Look up the transmission part(s) you need to see what we have available for your car!