Online shopping has become a lifeline for many Australians, especially as the cost of living continues to climb.
With just a few clicks, you can have everything from kitchen gadgets to car parts delivered straight to your door—often at prices that seem too good to be true.
But as the popularity of online mega-marketplaces like Temu surges, so too do concerns about what’s really arriving in those orange parcels.
A recent investigation has put Temu, the Chinese e-commerce giant, under the spotlight for allegedly selling counterfeit car parts to Australian consumers.
These aren’t just knock-off handbags or imitation electronics—we’re talking about critical vehicle components, sometimes branded as genuine Toyota, Honda, or BMW parts, and often sold at prices that raise eyebrows.
So, what’s the real risk, and how can you protect yourself? Let’s take a closer look.
What’s the problem with counterfeit car parts?
Unlike a dodgy T-shirt or a fake designer watch, counterfeit car parts can have serious—even life-threatening—consequences.
Car parts are engineered to strict safety standards, and using substandard or fake components can put you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road at risk.
Industry experts and government agencies have sounded the alarm. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) warns that fake or substandard automotive parts can fail without warning, leading to accidents or breakdowns.
The Australian Border Force has intercepted dangerous fakes in the past, including shattering wheel rims, faulty spark plugs, and oil filters that don’t do their job.
A spokesperson for Nissan put it bluntly: ‘The use of non-genuine parts, particularly those not engineered and tested to meet Australian safety standards, poses a significant safety risk to both the driver and other road users.’
What did the investigation find?
The news.com.au investigation uncovered a range of car parts on Temu’s platform, many of which were suspiciously cheap and accompanied by poorly written manuals. There was little to no information about where the parts came from, whether they met Australian safety standards, or if they had been tested at all.
Some listings even used official brand names and part numbers, making it difficult for the average shopper to tell the difference between a genuine and a fake.
How has Temu responded?
Temu has defended its platform, saying ‘Temu requires all sellers to follow local laws and regulations. We vet sellers and listings, conduct spot inspections, and closely monitor customer feedback.’
According to a spokesperson, Temu vets sellers and listings, conducts spot inspections, and monitors customer feedback.
‘We also work with leading testing agencies to help ensure products are safe and compliant. Any item flagged is removed during review, and sellers are held accountable if their products fall short,’ the spokesperson said.
However, critics point out that there’s little transparency about how these checks are carried out, especially given the sheer volume of products and sellers on Temu’s global marketplace.
As of now, many car parts—some still carrying major automaker branding—remain available on the site.
Why are Aussies turning to sites like Temu for car parts?
It’s no secret that maintaining a car in Australia can be expensive. With the cost of living on the rise, more people are looking for ways to save, including buying cheaper parts online and attempting DIY repairs.
For many, the appeal of a bargain is hard to resist—but as this investigation shows, the risks can far outweigh the savings.
What are the risks of using counterfeit or substandard car parts?
Safety hazards: Fake parts may not fit properly, could fail suddenly, or might not perform as intended. This can lead to accidents, breakdowns, or even fires.
Insurance issues: If your car is involved in an accident and it’s found to have counterfeit parts, your insurance claim could be denied.
Legal consequences: Selling or fitting counterfeit parts can be illegal, and mechanics who use them could face fines or lose their licenses.
Long-term costs: While a fake part might be cheaper upfront, it could cause more damage to your vehicle in the long run, leading to bigger repair bills.
How can you protect yourself?
Buy from reputable sources: Stick to authorised dealers, trusted mechanics, or well-known Australian retailers when buying car parts.
Check for certification: Genuine parts should come with clear documentation, including safety certifications and manufacturer details.
Be wary of bargains: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Compare prices with official sources before buying.
Ask questions: If you’re unsure about a part’s authenticity, ask the seller for more information or contact the manufacturer directly.
Report suspicious products: If you come across a listing that looks dodgy, report it to the platform and to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
What are the authorities doing about it?
The Australian Border Force is actively targeting counterfeit goods through intelligence-led inspections, and has intercepted dangerous car parts in the past. The FCAI and other industry bodies are also raising awareness and pushing for stronger enforcement.
But with the sheer volume of products being sold online, it’s impossible for authorities to catch everything. That means the responsibility often falls on consumers, mechanics, and importers to stay vigilant.
The bottom line
Online shopping can be a fantastic way to save time and money, but when it comes to car parts, the risks of buying from unverified sources are simply too high. Your safety—and the safety of everyone on the road—is worth far more than a bargain.
Have you ever bought car parts online? What was your experience? Have you ever received a product that didn’t seem quite right? Share your stories in the comments below—your advice could help keep other YourLifeChoices readers safe!
Also read: Temu actively engages with ACCC for product safety pledge following safety incident
Buyer beware. Due diligence. As always.
Thank you, Karl Marx. This is great advice and should always be followed.