Understanding counterfeit parts

Counterfeit parts are fakes or imitations, often offered at a lower price than genuine products. They're frequently made to look like OEM parts, with logos, labels and part numbers copied from the originals. However, since they are not produced or authorized by the OEM, they often do not meet the same quality, reliability and safety standards.

“They certainly don't come with any Caterpillar warranty if they're not Cat parts,” says David Zalar, lifecycle manager for Caterpillar fuel systems.

Genuine Cat parts and Cat Reman components, on the other hand, are built to meet Caterpillar’s rigorous standards. Cat Reman parts, in particular, are designed and remanufactured by Caterpillar to perform like new, offering fast, drop-in ready solutions that cost a fraction of the price of new when you return a used part (also known as “core”)¹.

4 tips for spotting counterfeit parts

Imitation parts can be tricky to identify, because many counterfeiters go to great lengths to make them appear authentic. Zalar recommends these four steps to spot them:

1. Check packaging and labels. Genuine Cat parts and Cat Reman parts come in high-quality packages. Smudges, smears, inconsistencies in the logo and crooked labels are warning signs of fakes. Plus, authentic parts often include difficult-to-replicate holograms or security seals.
   
2. Verify numbers. Cross-check serial numbers, part numbers or trim codes against official Cat records. “If you can’t read the serial number or it seems like it’s been sandblasted or cleaned, that’s also an indicator,” Zalar says. “We don’t let that stuff go out of our facilities.”
   
3. Inspect workmanship. Some differences in quality are visible to the naked eye. Counterfeit parts could use lower-grade materials and have poor finishes, rough edges or mismatched components. They may also feel different than authentic parts.
   
4. Examine the warranty. Genuine Cat parts and Cat Reman parts come with a Caterpillar Limited Warranty². An authorized Cat dealer can provide complete details about the applicable Caterpillar Limited Warranty.

Still unsure? Zalar suggests taking the part in question to an authorized Cat dealer location. The technicians there can help confirm its authenticity using specialized tools and databases.

Risks of using counterfeit parts in cat equipment

What’s the harm in using counterfeit parts, especially if they could save you money? Zalar cautions that the small amount you might save buying a counterfeit part could quickly be offset by the costs of dealing with any of these issues. After all, a fake part could fail or lead to problems that waste your time and money.

• Equipment damage: Because counterfeit parts aren’t manufactured to Caterpillar specifications, they may fit incorrectly and malfunction, causing internal damage to your engine.
• Reduced performance: Fake parts aren’t designed to the same standards as genuine Cat parts. They could hurt your engine’s efficiency, productivity or fuel consumption.
• Increased downtime: Counterfeit parts may wear out faster than genuine Cat parts or cause unexpected breakdowns, leading to repair delays and disrupting your operation.
• Warranty issues: For Caterpillar warranty coverage, there must be an identifiable defect in Caterpillar material and/or workmanship. By installing a counterfeit part, you would be ineligible for a Caterpillar Limited Warranty that would otherwise cover a genuine Cat part.
• Lack of compliance: The use of fake parts may cause your engine to exceed regional industry emissions or environmental standards.

Your role in cracking down on counterfeit parts

Making a conscious decision to choose genuine Cat parts and Cat Reman parts is the first step in stopping counterfeiters. But fake components are still out there. That’s why Caterpillar’s intellectual property team actively enforces patent and trademark rights. This includes enforcement against companies that sell counterfeit products, misuse Caterpillar’s trademark or sell products that infringe on Caterpillar’s patents.

In 2024, the team successfully enforced intellectual property rights against a wide range of companies selling various aftermarket parts, including fuel system products, filters and pistons.

“The harder we look, the more we find,” Zalar says.

So, here’s how you can help stay vigilant. Be wary of suspiciously low prices, shop online and in-store at authorized Cat dealers, and, if you buy used parts, request maintenance records. If you suspect you've been sold a counterfeit part, report it to an authorized Cat dealer. And talk to your Cat dealer about alternatives like genuine Cat parts and Cat Reman parts. “Going through authorized Cat dealers is the best way to make sure you get the correct items,” Zalar says.

Check out the Cat Reman hub to learn more about what sets these products apart and how they can help you bring new life to your Cat equipment.

^{1Cat Reman cost savings statements are based on return of core; core conditions apply.
2Warranty can vary by model and application; limitations apply. For complete details about the applicable Caterpillar Limited Warranty, contact an authorized Cat dealer.
3Cat Reman sustainability statements represent U.S. environmental impacts comparing "gate-to-gate" remanufacturing and manufacturing processes for engines and components. Based on 2018 external study of Cat engines, alternators and turbochargers. Does not include impacts elsewhere in our value chain.}