Toyota Counterfeit parts EXPOSED!

A Toyota master diagnostic technician inspects toyota counterfeit parts and compares them to original parts. Learn how to tell the difference.
In this video I will expose these shameful toyota counterfeit parts. I always believe that any manufacturer or producer of any part should be proud of their creation by giving it their name.
These shameful counterfeits are so horrible that they even the people that made them are ashamed of attaching them to their names!
In this video I will take a deep dive to compare these knock off parts to the originals. You will learn tips and tricks on how to tell a counterfeit from genuine toyota parts.
I will be closely examining an example cabin air filter, spark plugs and oil filters.
All these parts were readily available and easily purchase online.
Please pay close attention to the details in this video so you wouldn't be a victim of these horrible knock offs. The best place to purchase toyota original parts is an authorized Toyota dealership. Another place is parts.toyota.com or some dealerships that sell online on their dedicated website.
Questions? Comment or email please note that it takes me sometime to get back to you via email but I always will in the end.
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#thecarcarenut #toyota #oemparts
0:00 Intro
0:32 Overview
1:40 Exhibit A
7:54 Exhibit B
14:38 Exhibit C
21:59 It had to be done
22:32 Original parts information

[@daviddabo2682]

Ebay and Amazon should be held accountable for being a PRIME platform for counterfeit!!

[@carlosr5189]

Even rock auto got some fake spark plugs from one of their distributors

[@daviddabo2682]

@@carlosr5189 it’s so bad some out there counterfeit there own which = scam!

[@jovd2777]

Agree 100%. Just go to your local dealer and get OEM parts.

[@deere3321]

@@jovd2777 Agreed. Our dealer sells oil filters for $5.99 Not bad

[@NightSociety]

How? It's going to be difficult to tell for average user, Ebay/Amazon they just are victim as the customers too.

[@MBZS500]

Now I'm 100% positive that I have a counterfeit part in my car.

[@dangda-ww7de]

Me too, i bought them on ebay and amzon, next time i will buy at dealer or at autozone.

[@gtzgreatride]

@@dangda-ww7de this is why I own a filter cutter

[@edcain3676]

@@dangda-ww7de: 65-70% of Auto Zone & O'reilly's House Brand of Parts are Made in China

[@bryanmartinez6600]

@@edcain3676 I'm not even sure but they have their own brand filter? Most of the big names like Purolator or Wix are USA made most likely The Frams too well the synthetic are. I personally order Royal Purple filters

[@justine5804]

You can still buy online at Rockauto sells genuine original parts like autozone.

[@chrisczarnik3439]

You have really exposed some crooks in the spare parts market. Excellent video as usual.

[@adri3n1991]

Amazon should hire you to eliminate counterfeit inventory and fraudulent vendors.

[@JOMaMa..]

When the policea huffs and puffs down the straw shed screen door lo and behold who do you think is sitting behind the counter? Jeff Bezos

[@unebonnevie]

Amazon won't do that, because they'll lose profits! EVERY effing CEO loves China!

[@MrMrsregor]

they wouldn't to that, they don't want to be responsible (i mean they don't want to responsible for loosing sales)

[@geriscape]

The most meticulous examination of Toyota counterfeit parts on the Internet. For those who have not been aware of the huge counterfeit market, it's a necessary exposition. For those of us who have been aware, it's a detailed look at how to spot specific cosmetic and construction differences between counterfeit and genuine Toyota parts. A true public service!

[@darthtyranus7683]

Just had a fake one it was so good that I believed it til I saw the filter oem look but was way soft and the filter # didn't match at all

[@michaelt1349]

"I guess the guys in the shed didn't get that memo" I had a good laugh. To perform a transmission fluid drain and refill, I almost bought an on-line knock-off for a transmission pan gasket with and associated "paper and plastic" filter to replace the "metal" one on my 2010 Corolla. Then I thought, no, this looks very cheap! It appears that this paper could just break down over time and plug the various channels up in the transmission so the unsuspecting user can save $20 now but pay maybe $2000 to $4000 later!. Bad thinking! I closed that browser fast. I went with the dealership OEM transmission pan gasket and a new washer for the drain plug and an O-ring for the upper stem of the metal filter which I just cleaned out with new, fresh transmission fluid before re-installing. I cleaned the bottom of the transmission pan and magnets and the mating surfaces of the pan itself and the lower mating surface of the transmission housing. I also used the correct transmission fluid for the vehicle and over time just drained and filled the fluid two more times to get the majority of the old fluid out. It probably wasn't necessary to drop the pan and clean it out but I am picky. And yes, original parts and correct maintenance helped me get 400,000 km on my previous Corolla (1990). I learned a lot from this video. Thanks!

[@MrCastillo58]

Hi I'm been a auto mechanic since 1970 in the USA AND NOW I'M IN CENTRAL AMERICA PANAMA I ENJOY LOOKING AT YOUR VIDEOS AND LEARN SOMETHING NEW. HERE IN PANAMA THERE IS A LOT OF FALSE PARTS BUT I'VE LEARN HOW TO DISTINGUISH THEM FROM THE REAL ONES .THIS ONE VIDEOS OF TOYOTA PARTS HAS REALLY MADE ME LOOK AT THE LABELS MORE PRICEY. I WAS RAISED IN THE USA AND WORKED WITH AUTOMOTIVE. HERE IN PANAMA THERE IS ALOT OF CHEAP PARTS AND CONTERFITS THIS HAS SHOWN ME WHAT TO LOOK FOR. I ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS VERY WELL.. IM 65 YR. AND STILL LOVING TO WORK ON ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES. THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION. EZEQUIEL CASTILLO EZEKES AUTO REPAIR PANAMA REPUBLIC OF PANAMA 🇵🇦

[@adjacentchannel]

Excellent info! Real happy I found this channel. I had ordered ten oil filters on Amazon and had my doubts about them after watching this. Thankfully they passed all your points of inspection.

[@MichaelC_22]

I feel much better about buying a new air filter for my Camry at the dealership last month. I will continue to do this for all filter purchases. It's worth the extra couple bucks.

[@AD-xt9og]

I have bought counterfeit Denso plugs in the past from Amazon. The engine started to run bad and the fuel mileage started to drop about 30,000 miles in I thought since the the car had 250,000 miles on it that this was the end. I pulled the plugs to do a compression test and found the plugs looking as bad as that one you showed. Compression is good. Put some NGK plugs in, running good and back to 40mpg. My Yaris now has 300,000 on it, still running good.

[@jimhill6586]

I have had this. Amazon is like a whore house, full of disease.

[@ehouli77]

Good video! thank you for taking the time to do it. I really started doubting about some spark plugs that I bought a couple of years ago at Amazon and I won't buy parts again from them or their vendors.

[@tarkov666]

Fun fact, when auto makers do design changes (change part numbers) they go through great lengths to make sure to use existing stock before the new parts. This is mostly due to lost profit if the new parts start being used and the production line has been changed over and can no long run the old parts, at which point the old parts are trashed or require more money to transport.

[@drbichat5229]

I bought refrigerator water filters online from Amazon. Prior to that I had been buying from the manufacturer, but after a problem with a delivery I decided to order elsewhere, what the heck they were just filters I thought. The new ones arrived In a nice box, actually nicer than the original, each one wrapped sealed. However felt lighter than the ones I used to buy directly from manufacturer. Happened to have an original one that I had misplaced, it was heavier, nor wrapped . Suspicious, I went and ordered directly from the manufacturer again, and no surprise it was exactly like the old one I had. The new ones were counterfeits. Both originals had small holographic stickers. I returned the fakes to the seller and got my money back

[@rickt2419]

Counterfeits are taking profits from Toyota, Denso and OE Manufacturers, not to mention cheating customers out of proper protection on vehicle components etc etc etc., so what has Toyota and OE Manufacturers been doing about those counterfeiters and to protect their customers? Some Toyota dealer prices are breaking people's bank accounts as they are not always consistent in pricing of the same part.

[@timtsai54]

I have 2000 Sienna. The two rear door supporters at both side getting weak, couldn't lift all the way up unless I push it up. I went to dealer for the replacement part, they charge me $300.00+ a piece. I just worked away. As you said, Toyota dealer prices are really breaking peoples bank accounts. Now even the so call OEM parts can not be trusted, so why bother, just buy the after market parts with good price, as long as it fits. May be it not last long enough but as long as it works.

[@geriscape]

Dealership prices and shipping costs vary enormously. There's lots of variation, even at sites such as parts.toyota.com (on shipping). There are some Toyota dealers selling directly via Amazon and Ebay. So, look around, note the source and the differences in price. If your car is old enough (mine is a 2008 Camry), there's also salvage yards (which I have used for some plastic interior elements, such as the lower dash assembly and center console armrest to my satisfaction) and even some independents who rebuild OEM parts (such as my broken trunk latch lid assembly, with remote sensor) at 25 percent of the cost of a new OEM part).

[@waltp3373]

A lot of the counterfeits are made in China. Toyota and other OE manufacturers have no control or power in those countries. They can do as much about those crooks as you or I can.

[@metrocaptain]

My first clue that the parts I bought on Amazon might have fake counterparts was the hologram Toyota logo they put on the box. I'm fortunate enough to have either gotten high quality fakes, or the genuine OEM manufactured filters. Thanks for enlightening us!

[@GeneralElectricCNC]

Thank you for the info! I had to go and check my case of filters I purchased for my Wife's RX when I saw this. I bought a case of filters on-line from an on-line Toyota parts dealer, who has a brick and mortar store. So glad I didn't get duped!

[@tonysid3563]

One thumbs down ... must be one of the guys from the shed making bogus parts. 🤔

[@TheCarCareNut]

😂

[@mobilecommunicationsnetwor5268]

I bought iridium plugs off of eBay for my GM product and they turned out to be counterfeit. NGK made for Delco GM . I emailed NGK support with the serial numbers they said it was counterfeit. GM has a holographic identification sticker to prove they are real. What's interesting I tested the spark plugs at 5 K ohms and after running the counterfeits for 100 miles some of them changed to 123 Ohms resistance. Real iridium NGK plugs was 3.5 K ohm ohms.

[@burtonholmes4708]

Thank You. I learned so much from this video. I have worked in the aftermarket parts business for 15 years & did not realize this was so widespread In the OEM category. I assume the fake parts are mostly sourced online? Whenever I have to source a dealer part I alway use the local dealership.

[@richyp64]

Thanks for this video. I had no idea there were counterfeit Toyota parts. I bought what I thought was an OEM windshield washer bottle for my Tacoma from amazon. It felt much lighter than the original and some of the mounting holes were slightly off. Now I know why.

[@YeahPete]

Practically everything on Amazon is counterfeit now. Be very careful.

[@aera6413]

As a former lexus technician, this information is GOLD. I was completely thrown off when I saw oil filters at Walmart. I'm gonna go check again to confirm that they are counterfeit.

[@jeffreyzhou1824]

Good to know, Walmart is much closer for me than going out to a toyota dealer and I'm not taking a gamble when compared to eBay/Amazon.

[@sirreptitious6645]

I just (fall 2022) bought oil filter from Walmart and it matches exactly with what was described here for Toyota authentic. I’ll save the box so that next time I can also verify.

[@Nessal83]

Walmart is a authorized seller of those Toyota filters.

[@johnmcminn9455]

@@Nessal83 thanks for the info, I was wondering about that. I got scammed on ebay by a temperature thermostat that was fake the real dealer part fit perfectly

[@chris3407]

I buy filters from Wal Mart. Wal Mart is one of the largest retailers in America. There is no way they source their parts from random sources. I’m sure they have a massive contract directly with Toyota, buying massive quantities.

[@KaluNatt]

Allow me to tell you my story. I bought brakes and rotors from Toyota dealership ( i am not mentioning the name of dealership). My mechanic was suspicious about the quality of parts but i told him that i bought these parts from a dealer to make sure these parts are original. But 15 days after installing these parts my vehicle's brakes started acting weird.i thought the mechanic who did brake job messed up something during the process. I went to another experienced mechanic and he checked the brakes and rotors and told me that these parts are counterfeit parts. I was shocked . You can't trust nobody these days.

[@TheCarCareNut]

Please report it

[@geriscape]

@@TheCarCareNut Good idea, but an incomplete suggestion. Where would be the contact at Toyota to receive and act on this information? The Zone Office? And, of course, when one makes a claim, it's important to have the evidence. In this case, it would consist of the invoice, the packaging, and the product, and perhaps a short paragraph from the relevant mechanic. To my mind, then, the more verifiable the claim of fraud (with the evidence), the more seriously it might be taken. On the other hand, if there are already other verifiable incidents (indicating a pattern of practice), this might just be "one more brick in the [evidentiary] wall."

[@TheCarCareNut]

Start with the customer experience center.

[@nofyfb123]

@@TheCarCareNut Unfortunately, Toyota (OF AMERICA!) couldn't care less. I know - I raised a coupe of concerns with them and the response was rubberstamped "we are striving..." That's why I only buy Toyotas made in Japan. Different culture, concept of integrity...

[@sonngocphamtu1560]

Thank you so much. The inside knowledge is obvious here. I have recently serviced my car, changing spark plugs, air filter, cleaning MAF sensor, and throttle body, changing wiper blade etc. One thing I am sure, if we have the OEM parts from Toyota dealerships, they perfectly fit and easily to be put on. These parts are not crazily expensive than after markets though( sometimes cheaper). Do it right and they last a lot longer and better for the car in the long run. I am from Australia😀

[@iargueta1220]

Great video man! Thank you. This is the third video about counterfeit parts. I’ll be sure to buy only from authorized dealers or straight to the dealership.

[@michelledonovan2268]

AMD,you were so passionate & emotional about these counterfeit parts.Im so happy I found a trustworthy mechanic.🙏🏽❤️

[@michelledonovan2268]

I’m glad this video was made AMD.

[@86_corolla84]

I really appreciate you taking your time on showing us about the counterfeit parts and the original ones. I want to do DIY fix my car but want to use OEM parts and do not want something that will break my car down. Thank you!

[@lambodp]

Great video explanation. My only issue I have is for those who don't have the real, original part to compare against. It's easy like your video where you have the real vs fake oil filter or spark plugs, but if I only bought just the fake oil filter or spark plugs, people may not know that something is fishy. I agree that buying from reputable sellers, dealers, etc, is your best bet.

[@romy1963]

Thank you for the very informative and detailed information. I almost bought a fake cabin filter but glad I watch this explanation.

[@peterlaw6824]

Great Videos! These counterfeit parts are all over eBay and from Amazon third-party sellers. You can tell the counterfeit just by the price. Toyota and Lexus dealers sell parts online for a slight discount but not 50% off so buyers beware. You get what you paid for. Personally, for these maintenance items, I just get them from the dealer. It's just not worth the hassle and risk.

[@rickhibdon11]

Great (and very important) subject! I've just gone through this same situation with Ford/ Motorcraft parts. Oil filters, spark plugs, ignition coils, Amazon is rife with these knock offs!

[@saganandroid4175]

Blame China, and the American legislators and sites that look the other way: like Amazon and ebay.

[@macc240038]

Amazon can afford rockets to space but he can't afford to put money into a system that employs people to root out counterfeits from being sold on his website.

[@shanechostetler9997]

Had this exact issue with motor craft parts, bought a light switch that was obviously fake, when I installed it, it lasted about 3 weeks. Junked it after I found an no’s part. Been in the truck for 3 years now.

[@lolatrejo466]

Thank you for making us aware! It happens with every big company!! The company I work for, has to change most of the product labels/designs every year due to counterfeit!

[@joanna.thornton]

You are such a wealth of valuable information! I really appreciate your videos! I love my Toyota's, but being a woman I don't know so much about parts and repairs etc. You are really helping me feel like maybe I won't get taken advantage of if I learn from you! Thank you so much.

[@barneygo2010]

Good point. There was a time about 30 years ago, I would DIY stuff in my 1980 Jeep CJ5. As time marched on and vehicles became too complicated for me to work on, I just bought / leased Toyotas and relied on the dealerships. Turns out it’s all good decades later. These days I’m ‘man’ enough to admit that I don’t know much and don’t care to risk screwing things up just to prove I can do stuff. Easy peasy.

[@labornurse]

@@barneygo2010 my dad was the same way. Ever since you need a computer to work on a car, it's been a different ballgame.

[@geneg5712]

Unfortunately everybody has problems with counterfeit parts. I work for the government inspecting aircraft engines and we’re always on alert for conterfeit parts

[@shaffer4220]

I absolutely love the fact you spent your time to educate us! Thank you “very much”!

[@merrillschaps2325]

My wife just bought a 2012 Rav4 and I recently bought a 2017 Camry both with the 2.5. I have been watching a bunch of your videos and found them very helpful as I only know Ford, Chevy, and Chrysler. These are my first Toyota vehicles I have ever owned so I'm learning as much as I can about them. Thank you so much for your detailed videos filled with export knowledge! Any information you would like to pass down to me that you think maybe helpful on the 2012 Rav4 and 2017 Camry, I'll be all ears.

[@condor5635]

Great video. Toyota not out to rob you. I don’t agree. I asked how much a cargo cover is for my RAV4. They wanted $628. I got a aftermarket one that’s of high-quality for $65 off Amazon. Toyota is ripping you off on their parts and it’s very annoying that they can’t even be in the ballpark of a reasonable price.

[@troyhodulik5542]

Thank you for a great video. Owning 5 Toyota's and doing all of my own maintenance this is very important to me. It is also one of the reasons I quit using Toyota oil filters and spark plugs and went to Mobil One and NGK. It really is a shame that we have to play detective with OEM parts (or what we think are) just to properly maintain our vehicles. Our government is mostly to blame for this. It is prevalent across all kinds of manufacturing.

[@RotoRCol]

there are NGK fake spark plugs too

[@flagmichael]

@@RotoRCol Lots and lots of them. In "How to change Toyota Spark Plugs on 4 cylinder engines" kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3LFapVpfdeYl5I alb12345672 commented, "There are lots of counterfeit denso plugs around. You get what you pay for! I was told BY DENSO to only buy from a Toyota/Lexus dealer or Advance auto." Welcome to the 21st Century, I suppose.

[@robertweber3140]

@@RotoRCol correct as there are videos are out there that confirm that.

[@TheWilferch]

NGK are very good....but not exclusively so. Denso and others are good too.... as long as they are genuine.

[@justine5804]

How about OEM spark plugs from Rockauto? Are the fake too?

[@natemiller1392]

This is my new favorite channel! You know your stuff and know how to explain it to the people in both an informative and entertaining way. Good job as always!

[@juansan1194]

Hi, excellent video. Unfortunately I just checked some spark plugs I bought on eBay and they look exactly like the counterfeit spark plugs you showed. That's terrible that people take advantage of others that are not familiar with what the real parts look like. I guess I learned my lesson 😡

[@woocheap9983]

Thank You very much to reminder me to be careful with parts as similar problem when I was working for Caterpillar Inc long time ago as I start heard stories about CAT seized a lot of counterfeit parts. Also thank you again for (didn't realized still have to make sure it is legit even from dealership!)

[@Mrguitarcraze]

There are certain things I won’t purchase on Amazon and this is one of them. I only get my parts from a dealership.

[@Xzen808]

Remember. You can buy 3rd party parts to save cost. They can work just as well as "original" parts from Toyota. Just avoid these counterfeit pieces of junk...

[@bobbbobb4663]

I buy a lot of Nissan parts from Nissan dealers who sell on Amazon.

[@TeslaBoy123]

Hahahaha everything is make in China not matter what's dealer ripoff scamming costumer with high prices chinise parts

[@justine5804]

What about Rockauto?

[@kc62474]

However, there are dealers that knowingly sell counterfeit parts.

[@robertweber3140]

You covered the two main replacement components of my concern; oil filter and plugs. Just went to the dealer for both air filter and cabin filter. I was confused as Toyota offers three cabin filters for my '12 Avalon. I was wary of some of the reviews for aftermarket filters, the Parts Department Mgr knew his stuff and hence I bought from him. As beimg new to Toyota, I'm enjoying this brand more and more. The old adage of "you get what you pay for " , still rings true.

[@flagmichael]

I remember a time when there was not a really big spread in reliability from one automotive brand to another unless you got into the really high end. I'm old enough to remember when Mercedes were reliable. The field has narrowed a lot now. If it is not Toyota (I presume Lexus is included) I don't want the heartache. I know Honda still has luster in some circles, but they had too many major problems that went unresolved for years. The 1994-2004 automatic transmission problems are at the top of the list, ranking the 2003 Honda Accord as the second worst vehicle in carcomplaints.com database. I doubt Toyota would ever let a fire like that burn for a decade. My wife and I have had nothing but Prius since 2002 and have never been stranded. None of the other cars in our 47 years together could make that claim. Our son has inherited my 2002 Prius; on December 26 it displayed hybrid warnings late at night 200 miles from home. It got him home at reduced speed, and the next morning I reset the system. It got him around town until we rebuilt the hybrid battery last weekend. It made it 19 years and 210K miles on a first gen battery. My respect for Toyota design increases every year.

[@alexandreleme7473]

Thank you sir, for your time and your expertise. Just for comparison here in Brazil anything you buy in a original manufacturer costs to you 6x the normal value. Then you have what here is called "second line" and after that the really bad ones. Like you told is very clear to see the bad quality of bad parts and of course costa very cheap.

[@anthonymartin8769]

You are one of my favorite all time people to listen to. Just the facts! and knowledge galore. Subbed...

[@Mmagic76]

So glad you made this video, I had no clue there were counterfeit Toyota parts. Thanks.

[@drylakesranch9880]

Anything China can do to steal some money from legit companies

[@RotoRCol]

@@drylakesranch9880 like the fake reports of Covid cases with the biggest population on the planet and only 12 cases in one day, nobody believes that BS

[@flagmichael]

Same here. I wondered how Ebay could have genuine Toyota parts for so little.

[@stephenzies8867]

Their Are Counterfeit Everything . This Is A Nasty EVIL World And It's All About Money

[@thecarzarethestarz1370]

Maybe you used to live on the moon 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 loooooolouder hahaha, if it's being made it's being copied.

[@lancetan2263]

Great episode! Unfortunately at my country, counterfeit Toyota parts is flooding the market. Anything bought outside dealership is almost certainly counterfeited item. Everything i seen before outside dealership is labelled "Made in Japan" and of course price is 1/4 of dealership. hahaha... Btw, another things worth mentioning also counterfeited fluid, coolant fluid, brake fluid..

[@JorgeLopez-ix7up]

The guys in the shed mixed them up and did not get that memo. I laughed hard. Thanks AMD. I enjoy your channel and the free humor. Take care buddy.

[@candiemanloz6553]

Thank you for clearing up the p/n difference on oil filters, just did the first oil change on my new camry and dealer gave me a different numbered filter.

[@agostinodibella9939]

Great video as always AMD! I just looked and saw the older cabin filter number on line at multiple places. I don’t understand why this is allowed to continue! They seem to enforce stopping counterfeiting more with clothing than with auto parts. Yes a cabin filter isn’t too bad for creating problems, but when you get to critical engine and car parts you can get in serious trouble with damage or safety issues. Thanks for the information!

[@tolpacourt]

Catching counterfeit parts is not a simple or cheap endeavor but it's 100% worth the effort. I'd rather pay more across the board if it meant I didn't need to worry about being sold counterfeit parts.

[@arvbergstedt3303]

Our government doesn’t care about fraud and counterfeiting. No protections for us. Only illegals depraved and criminals get protected.

[@Unit55SGT]

Glad to be a Patreon of this channel! Don't forget to throw a couple bucks in the beer fund if you guys enjoyed the video!

[@TheCarCareNut]

Thank you for support the channel Micah!

[@thetechlibrarian]

Yes. If you can a pay pal that would be good to list too,It might be easier for some people to make one time contributions instead of a reoccurring charge

[@TheCarCareNut]

Thank you! I’ll set that up.

[@thetechlibrarian]

Alan Smithee i’ve never seen him ask for money, anytime I’ve ever messaged him with a question he’s always gotten back to me with an answer I trust, That to me is worth me buying him a cup of coffee or lunch. Also he does work putting these videos out for people who are Toyota fans to take useful information from and do there own maintenance and in return save them money, that is work. And work deserving of pay.

[@denisbrown3059]

Your video popped up on KZbin today and am I glad it did. I had purchased some"Genuine TPMS for Toyota" on eBay. With your tip information, I checked the TPMS sensors and found the labelling was slightly off (barcode, Logo), the construction was different, the part number was from an older number no longer available from Toyota directly, packaged in a ziplock bag in a "Toyota/Lexus" box instead of sealed labelled bag in a box. Contacted the seller for a refund before installing on my newly reconditioned wheels. You saved me a lot of hassle and expense had I unknowingly installed the counterfeit sensors and then had problems programing them.

[@MJ-nn1ox]

Unfortunately, if I bought everything I needed from Lexus I would now be broke. Their extortionist prices mean that my car would be an uneconomical write-off just for a few parts. I only use dealer-parts on critical things and quality aftermarket parts elsewhere. The fake stuff is hard to spot so common sense and good research is the way to go. I did write to Lexus a few years back saying that their over-price policy is deterring many people from owning their cars which if the prices were more truthful may not be the case (and possibly deter some fakes?). They didn’t have the courtesy to reply.

[@JMVT62]

There are Toyota and Lexus dealers which sell parts on eBay. The prices are less than going to the dealer counter. My oil filters are about 30.00 for five filters. Look at the location and seller name.

[@piseypeov3050]

@@JMVT62 I chatted with authorizes Honda stuff. He said the oil filter (12$) cabin filter (22.5$) and air filter (18$) and labor cost (12$) Is it expensive in your market system? I live in Southeast Asia country. I went to chase Chinese aftermarket items for air filter ($6) cabin filter (3$). Total is 9$. DYI installment. Resorted it at last due to the budget. PS. I am aware of quality Honda assured to for customer. We get what we pay for.

[@JMVT62]

Thise are Good prices here for Honda parts

[@SteveRogers461]

Still cheaper and better than BMW and Mercedes

[@purplehills56]

I can see why they didn't reply and if it was me I would not. If you find the cars are to pricey then don't buy it but something in your budget get a normal Toyota. So if this was a Lamborghini you would write to them to tell them this? Man let's be real

[@Schetmesa]

Thanks, I use to work in the oil business, Valvoline had oil filters made by champ labs in albion IL, good filters, but I lost sales to Chinese made filters sold to oil change business. They were about $0.80-$1,50 cheaper, not as many pleats, not constructed well, kind of like the counterfeit Toyota filter you showed. That’s why I DIY and by the filter from Toyota parts counter.

[@geriscape]

On KZbin (and in the discussion mix of some podcasts, such as The Automotive Hour), I've heard and seen mechanics cut open older spin-on oil filters. Even some of the so-called aftermarket "name brands" are junk, particularly their "value lines,"when compared to OEM filters. What I like about the Toyota spin-on filters is their consistency, and the fact that the O-ring is on the unit, and it's pre-greased. Finally, Toyota oil filters are reasonably priced. I'm satisfied with their performance.

[@paulsz6194]

larry page perhaps he difference in the “ Value line” & “ premium “ filters is the packaging/ labelling. You pay a premium for the marketing/ branding on the packaging.

[@geriscape]

@@paulsz6194 From listening to sources such as Louis Althazan's The Automotive Hour, the process usually works from the manner you've described. Here's one scenario: A financial equity company buys a brand with a good reputation (via leveraged buyouts, usually lumping all sorts of debt onto the company they've just bought). Looking to increase short-term profits, they off-shore or cheapen the goods, reducing production costs, and trade on the prior reputation of the company and product. Soon, folks are burned, and the reputation of the parts company is basically trash. Another problem is that a good company, with a good product, faces stiff price competition from cheap Chinese products. As a result, this reputable company outsources production of these goods to the kinds of rural Chinese "sheds," with lower performance specs that their top-of-the-line filter, shock, wheel bearings, etc. What AMD showed is that the physical difference, the quality difference in these parts is very noticeable. (And the comments on AMD's exposition tell the story of folks who have fallen victim to shoddy counterfeit goods). Besides, there are literally hundreds of KZbin videos where value line spinoff filters have been cut-in-half, on camera, and examined. You can take a look at those, as well. Althazan has also discussed this on his podcast, and found similar results. So, there are so many vectors of evidence (and I would suggest, if you'd like, to talk to an experienced, competent mechanic on this issue) that I believe these quality differences to be valid, on a wide variety of auto goods that are counterfeit or "value lines." (At least the value lines are not counterfeit, although they often trade on a perception of quality that isn't embodied in that line of parts). This is not to say that there aren't some very good aftermarket parts. Generally, I've heard that aftermarket radiators are decent, and I use aftermarket charcoal cabin air filters. I'm sure that there are some decent aftermarket oil filters. Having said that, an OEM filter is my choice (I buy them in bulk, six-at-a-time), and I use Mobil One oil. For spill and fill transmission changes, I use the OEM fluid (again, bought in bulk, in this case, WS). And the same goes for coolant replacement. It's OEM. For heat and friction-related items, such as the engine, radiator and transmission, I'd rather be "dollar wise" rather than "penny wise."

[@flagmichael]

Just a side comment about the cabin filter: I was active in Volvo forums in the 1990s, when I owned a 1985 Volvo. One of the hot topics in the early 1990s was failure of the AC evaporator in the 1991-1993 Volvo 850s. The alloy evaporator would leak from pinholes in the faces, requiring a $2000 replacement ordeal. Volvo quickly found the failure came from pollen collecting on the surface, which formed a corrosive paste when the AC was shut down. Adding a cabin air filter was the solution. The evaporator alloy change was to accommodate R134a, which was brand new and would become mandatory in 1994. Today virtually all cars (maybe there is an exception) have cabin air filters, but you should know air quality is not the only reason. Maybe the alloys used in today's R1234yf evaporators handle pollen better, but probably not. There are very few unimportant parts on cars today. Probably the aftermarket filters would work well, but I have doubts about counterfeits.

[@pingaunis]

You are always thoughtful of protecting the consumer by ensuring quality. Doesn't matter if it's the repairs or parts or whatever. Always great delivery of the material also. Thank you!

[@Justacogg]

I truly enjoyed this video you have done a fantastic service to everyone out there! Counterfeit parts are serious problem that must cost the car industry billions! The trick is how to catch these parts at the port and confiscate them and have them destroyed?

[@louislopez55]

A few days ago (February 2021) I bought an oil filter at the Toyota dealer for $4.49. It’s was for my 2018 Highlander. My local Auto Zone had the same filter for $14.00. Checked on the same day. Using all the tips you mentioned the filter I purchased is a Toyota part. But I will be careful from now own. Great channel!

[@kallegitarr2518]

I also noticed that the oil filters for my 3S engines (3S-GE and 3S-GTE) usally are cheaper to buy directly from my toyota dealer than buying the alternative brands in stores.. very strange.

[@user-md4di6yg2p]

Thanks for the info! I ran out to my shop and checked the new oil filter I had just bought...it's the real McCoy. Whew! Thanks again!

[@MaikelAt]

This is the second video I see from this channel and I think I'm already in love!!

[@tangbesitangbesi7009]

So glad someone's from Toyota talking on original parts, I mostly only go to a Toyota dealer for parts whenever possible

[@geraldbowling2973]

BEWARE! There are also counterfeit Toyota timing belt kits being sold on EBay and Amazon also! I know from personal experience, I had to buy a new timing belt kit but luckily I realized it was fake before installing. Installing a fake counterfeit timing belt kit with counterfeit bearings and cheap timing belt and water pump’s will cause real issues and possibly ruin an engine.

[@reivertomwilson4959]

I had the same experience. Luckily I saw this video and discovered the fake parts before I installed them.

[@frankv64]

Great video. I purchased Toyota spark plugs and ignition coils on eBay installed them and the car was hesitating. That’s when it came to me they were all counterfeit parts. Went to the dealer got the right parts and no more problems. Never again will I cheap out on parts

[@garyabc]

Just bought 4 oil filters from Amazon. After watching your video I went out to the garage and checked my filters. They look legit. Thanks for posting this video.

[@emmanuelmeyermeyer1083]

Hopefully the counterfeiters are not watching this, because they will change and include their omissions you pointed out. Thanks for posting this and letting us all know about these bogus parts. Subscribe and help his channel grow. We need more of his honest advice.👍

[@loreleibrewer3803]

I highly doubt it. It would be too much work for them, and there are always people willing to scrimp on quality in order to save a few bucks now (which costs them thousands later!).

[@AlexBAlixir98]

AMD. Another great video. Thanks for informing us as to what to look out for. I will definitely buy parts from the dealer or the website you mentioned in the video. Thank you for the information you give on this channel. Much appreciated.

[@markkrispin6944]

Lol. I loved how you trashed the counterfeit parts. Good move. I always take my Toyota to the dealership for all of my services.

[@marcprobin1659]

Wow, thank you for that. I bring my car at the dealership so I am glad you bring this to our attention!

[@AAA-0]

Thanks for saving me from a costly mistake. I was pricing a Front Axle Bearing And Hub Assembly for my 2010 Prius off eBay for less than half the cost of dealership when I found this post.

[@sd906238]

Yes Toyota buys their parts from vendors like Denso and Aisin. Guess who owns them, Toyota.

[@kingofuseddurablecars.ls6040]

Never. Honda uses Aisin so I doubt Toyota owns it

[@JOMaMa..]

So Toyota buys parts from Toyota ?? This statement makes no sense

[@afcgeo882]

@@kingofuseddurablecars.ls6040 You’re stupid. Just look it up! Yes, Toyota does own Aisin.

[@hypefromhell]

@@kingofuseddurablecars.ls6040 just because Honda uses Aisin parts or components, doesn't mean Toyota doesn't own Aisin. In fact, they sort of do and by buying Aisin you directly support Toyota.

[@kingofuseddurablecars.ls6040]

@@afcgeo882 Hey, dummy Toyota only owns 24% of AISIN FACTS.

[@hillbillysportsman5818]

I’m on my third Toyota and thinking about a new RAV4. Thanks for keeping us Toyota drivers informed! Just subscribed!

[@gregarizmendez5275]

I've seen this when I worked for Honda as well. From oil filters to air filters and various other parts.

[@hdwoodshop]

Thank you. I’ve been watching your videos for a month and I just subbed. Great content. Wish you great success with your new shop.

[@kimdavis5631]

Thank you dear brother, this video is so helpful. After watching your videos, I stopped going to cheap shops that turn my Toyota into a junk by putting non-OEM parts. My recent oil change was at a dealership and I have the peace of mind that I have the Toyota approved oil and filter.

[@TheCarCareNut]

You’re very welcome my brother! Some aftermarket parts are ok but vital ( and cheap) parts like oil filters are not worth going aftermarket in my opinion.

[@johnysky6066]

@@TheCarCareNut Hi , is it OK to use original Mobil 1 oil filter?

[@ad636051]

My first (and last) toyota part I bought on amazon was a oil control valve for my yaris and it was constantly leaking oil so I changed it with an aftermarket one from o'riley and it stopped leaking ever since. I wish I saw the first red flag which was the very cheap price. In hindsight I should've got it at the dealer instead.......

[@24hourgmtchannel64]

Purolator for a long time was contracted to make filters for Toyota-Lexus in the US. Out of curiosity, I cut a black oil filter, and internally, it was identical to the Purolator.

[@MrBy0007]

I noticed on the imprint of the two oil filters (21:22) are different numbers and on different positions of the pleat. The fake didn’t get the number right? This really helped me know that I was lucky to get genuine oil filters from Amazon. Thank you for your expertise!

[@rhinsb]

Thank God I watched this video! I just received a valve cover gasket and spark plug oil seal OEM set from ebay. Watched the video and looked closely at the labels and could see the quality just wasn't there, especially the one that said "Masher seal". I looked up the part number and it came up "washer seal" and it's not used with the V8. The labels were completely different from the parts I picked up from my local dealer. They recommended Seal Packing 103 and gave me some plastic razor blades to help clean the surfaces. I spent almost double but it's worth it rather than doing the job twice. Thanks again for providing valuable information to us ebay dummies.

[@andyvalenzuela9763]

One thing that's extremely helpful is when you're taking about something small but you have that still close up photo...

[@joetousignant9130]

THANK YOU! This is the VERY BEST and helpful video I have ever seen on KZbin. You, are a fine man. This is so educational and informative, I can't thank you enough. You sir, are a benefit to humanity and deserve my sincerest respect and thanks. I say that because I am worried, ashamed, and extremely pissed off that I have probably been duped, and now am concerned I have crap fake plugs in one or more of my FOUR Toyotas. HOWEVER, you have prevented me from making the same mistakes again with knock sensors and MAF sensors that I am 100% sure are counterfeits being sold on eBay and Amazon. Again, thank you! I hope you are making a crap-ton of money on your KZbin channel, sir, because you deserve it.

[@joetousignant9130]

yup, 15,000 miles later, the counterfeit plugs melted down, throwing a misfire code on my daughter's 3.3L. I bought replacements from my Toyota dealership. I'm heading back there tomorrow for plugs for my new-to-me 4Runner. Won't ever make that mistake again. The fake plugs said JAPAN just like the ones you showed.

[@danhal9966]

Thanks for the good information! Can’t find this anywhere else. Keep up the great work.

[@dominicfong6341]

Your professional advice really worth its weight in gold.

[@fair2middlin]

I concur with your findings

[@paulc2548]

Now I have to really check for the parts I bought online... thanks for the info. My thought was if it involved electronic or something that has a wire attach to that part, I will definite buy from the local Toyota dealership. I wasn't paying too much attention to the filters until now but I bought them from online Toyota dealerships so I hope it is genuine :). I will definitely pull out my magnifying glass for a closer inspection next time.

[@sweetpea3472]

I LOVE this video!!! Thank you! I'm a firm believer in quality maintenance. Really entertainingly done also. :) Thank you!

[@jorgesuarez1078]

I just checked the oil filter I bought at Walmart for my 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE Highlander. It’s an A1 original part made in Thailand, had a good quality logo and I couldn’t squeeze it shut because it’s very rigid. Thank you for this valuable lesson and for wishing God’s blessings on us! Likewise to you, good friend. ✝️

[@rxtuninginc8444]

I've watched a few of your vids and they are usually quite informative and explained in a manner which most people will understand. Maybe expand outside of Toyota or do more general type videos, such as the topping off your gas tank video about damaging the EVAP system. Might be a way to attract more people to subscribe to the channel, not everyone owns a Toyota (although they should! Haha) Anyways just a suggestion, cheers from Canada.

[@toninocars]

Nice one. The cabin filter is the most important in the car, it’s because simply protects you, change every 6-12 months or max 10k miles. 👍🚗

[@Drive2Chill]

Hi AMD, thanks for the being an invaluable Toyota reference for all of us! I changed my 19 Camry oil and filter this past weekend at 4.5k miles. The last change was at my local dealership. The oil filter literally "gave me hell", and I had to use a special plyers tool to get it off. It was messy and I ended up puncturing a hole on the filter to get it off. Is this normal?? I made sure the new one is lubed well.

[@TheCarCareNut]

Hi! Some guys have hands of steel and crank on that filter by hand super tight! I see this from time to time. No need to crank on it super tight!

[@Drive2Chill]

@@TheCarCareNut oh, so I actually followed some KZbinr advice and did a full hand tightening plus a quarter turn with the tool. Hope I didn't mess it up again :) Thanks for your response!

[@TheCarCareNut]

This is an acquired skill 😀 you’ll know if it was good or too much on the next oil change

[@matte8441]

I also work as a Toyota tech and a customer once supplied counterfeit tire pressure sensors to go on their new aftermarket rims for their Tundra. They looked very identical to OE, i only found out they were counterfeit when they wouldn't program to the vehicle. The customer actually came back the following week with another set of counterfeit sensors he bought elsewhere. On his 3rd visit we refused to do the service unless he proves that the sensors are really OEM.

[@RexenPrime]

I just looked on ebay for a oem cabin air filter for my 2019 toyota chr and the very first thing that popped up was sponsored, the pics of the filter were exactly like the counterfeits you showed in the video, had what appeared to be correct part numbers, and had a 100% positive feedback....everything appeared correct except for the words printed on it, the wrapper, the sticker, and no up arrows. So, if thats a counterfeit then that would be hard for pretty much anyone to tell apart from an actual real one. Just looking on ebay, it seems like its rampant with fakes...

[@saganandroid4175]

You should use the ebay option to report it as counterfeit and direct them to this video if the texttbox allow URLs,

[@RexenPrime]

@@saganandroid4175 i was looking for a way to report it, but i wasnt seeing anything for reporting something. Youd think id know where to find something like that since ive been using ebay regularly for 5 years, but ivenever hadd to report anything.

[@technocody9296]

Buy them, strain cabin filter with dusty and then refund of each counterfeit parts! Your reason to refund because "it didn't fit your vehicles."

[@scott_meyer]

One of my two Toyotas has a cabin filter frame that is re-used. Don't recall which one. Either a 2017 Camry or 2017 Prius 3

[@krisholt8390]

Great video showing the crap that's being peddled under the Toyota name on platforms like eBay and Amazon. The other junk counterfeit parts I've come across are the timing belt/water pump kits, complete rubbish. Thanks for highlighting this issue.

[@andrewyang4319]

AMD, thanks for sharing this information with your viewers. I am very impress how knwledgable you are. As a DIY person, all the information you share is absolutely correct. I bought so many Toyota parts from Ebay and Amazon, some of it are counterfit parts. I bought a complete set of timing kits for my 2004 Tundra it only last about a year it almost destroyed my truck. Don't go for cheap parts, but for quality parts.

[@carbman007]

Thank you for the heads up on these . Also never knew why Toyota had z version for the "economical" on some parts , was looking to do a brake job and saw the two. Will go with the non z ones as they last much longer

[@billward4418]

Thank you, I had no idea. I really appreciate you making these videos I do buy my oil filters and spark plugs from Toyota dealership. but I may have made a mistake when I bought a cabin air filter and a engineer filter recently. But I won't make that mistake again thanks to you.

[@adrienchan2097]

I love watch all of your part 1 to part 5 and this one too I enjoy it . ITV makes me laugh when others not follow your way to maintain the cars

[@TerrySmith1953]

Very interesting and a bit scary. If you have your knowledge and experience, also have the "real" and "fake" parts in front of you, then I can see you could tell the difference. The scary part is the length the counter fitters go to, to label their rubbish apparently legitimately. Very easy to be taken in. Thanks for the tips!

[@kylesjunkandprojects216]

Dang I’ve probably running the fake oil filters for a while haha, the old corolla really is tough. Great to know, I’ll definitely be more aware next time I change my oil.

[@mryang3644]

Walmart sells OEM toyota filters. These are legit. Save a few $ Vs Dealer👍🏻👍🏻

[@vicv871]

I have few Toyotas I always have extra filters and spark plugs to keep on with maintenance. and when I saw the video i was like ohhhh no! let me double check, I pull off all the parts and most of them aren't made in Japan. They are Made In Usa and Thailand... when I saw that the review I kinda feel alive. knowing that I got original Toyota and not fake parts. Know i wold be more careful to check the seller before buying. Great information and very well explained video. Thank you for sharing with the us the Poors. :)

[@ourvdo549]

AMD I just purchased 04152-YZZA1 filters for my sienna. They are orange instead of yellow like my last batch. This made me nervous, and after extensive research apparently Toyota changed the filter material - BUT they can be squeezed similarly like the ones you show, so now I'm wondering are they counterfeit?

[@STP-bc5cy]

I have exact same filters, two older ones (yellow) and now 10 more orange ones that came in today. I compared them side by side, both yellow and orange are very stiff and almost impossible to squeeze. So if you have orange ones that you can squeeze like he did in the video, do NOT use them.

[@mr.cangieter8758]

Great video. I would appreciate a video on how to find out if a part number has been superseded.