New Stellantis position statements focus on one-time-use parts/bumper repairs

Stellantis has released two new position statements focused on one-time-use parts, fasteners, and ADAS-related bumper repairs.

Both statements have been uploaded to OEM1Stop.com, where repairers can find up-to-date repair information from most major automakers. 

Stellantis specifies that any fastener or component designed for one-time use must be discarded and replaced with new OE parts when removed during service or repair, in the statement uploaded in December. 

One-time-use components (OTUP) are identified in Stellantis parts catalogs and service information, or it will be clearly stated that the old parts should be discarded and replaced with new parts, the statement says. 

Adhering to these OEM guidelines ensures the integrity, safety, and quality of the repair, the statement adds. 

Stellantis says, for example, that fasteners such as clips, torque-to-yield bolts, and adhesive-backed weatherstrips lose their climbing force or bonding strength once removed, making reuse unacceptable.

Trim pieces or components with integrated fasteners may break or deform during removal, the statement says. Reinstalling these parts can result in poor fit, compromised aesthetics, and potential functional issues. 

“Reusing parts that were engineered for single use can compromise structural integrity, crash performance, and overall vehicle safety,” the statement says. 

During a Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit session at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Mike Anderson, owner of Collision Advice, said one-time-use parts are often lost in the conversation about safety inspections. 

 He said there’s an OEM that says if a door is replaced, the airbag sensor must be replaced. 

“Well, this one manufacturer sold approximately 13,000 of those doors,” Anderson said. “This year, they’ve sold less than 78 airbag sensors.”

For bumper/fascia repair with ADAS technology, Stellantis says that repairs to the bumper cover near the blind spot monitor (BSM) may cause “blind spot false activation.” 

“Repairs or misalignment may cause improper functioning of the assisted driving systems that rely on proper operation of the blind spot monitoring and park sensor features,” the statement says. 

Specific requirements are outlined in the statement: 

• • “Calibrations or initializations outlined within the service information for the blind spot monitoring system must be performed prior to returning the vehicle to the customer.
  • “Post-scan utilizing a wiTECH scan tool or a sublet service using wiTECH must be performed after all repairs are completed and DTC’s (diagnostic trouble codes) abnormalities addressed prior to returning the vehicle to the customer.
  • “Validation of the proper functioning of the blind spot monitoring system must be performed and functional abnormalities addressed prior to returning the vehicle to the customer.
  • “Front and rear bumper/fascia repair ideally will be limited to paint repair/refinish, restoring the original paint film thickness measured by an ultrasonic coating thickness gauge. OE paint thickness varies but is typically 2.5 mils (63.5 microns) to 4 mils (101.6 microns).
  • “Do not exceed 12 mils (300 microns) or 3 topcoat finishes.”

The statement reiterates that paint film over sensor locations must not exceed the OEM thickness standards. Any repair of the fascia substrate must not be carried out within 25 cm (about 10 inches) of the sensor mounting area. Fillers of any type must not be applied within the 25 cm blind spot sensor area, and park sensors and attachment brackets should not be repaired. 

A 2024 Collision Industry Conference (CIC) Parts and Materials Committee panel discussed how technology advancements have made refinishing more than a cosmetic function. 

Both Stellantis position statements say that all repairs should be performed by a certified and trained technician and follow vehicle-specific repair procedures using only genuine Mopar parts. 

“Failure to follow proper procedures or deviation from Original Equipment parts could result in compromising performance of impact safety systems,” the release says. “Only authentic Mopar Parts are designed and built to provide optimum fit, function, safety, and structural integrity, as well as being engineered, manufactured, and tested to the FCA US LLC  internal and government-mandated standards, and are the only parts equivalent to the originally installed parts. These parts are carefully designed to act as a safety system and are rigorously impact tested to ensure optimal performance.” 

The statements go on to add that Stellantis does not approve aftermarket, third-party replacement, recycled, salvaged, or reconditioned parts. 

“Aftermarket parts are not subject to the same requirements of entire vehicle operation or function and may not be manufactured to the same standards or design,” the statements say. “This could compromise the overall safety of the vehicle should a future collision occur. Aftermarket parts may not be built to FCA US LLC’s exact design and can therefore affect the performance of important structural and safety features of the vehicle.” 

The statements close by stating that vehicle lease agreements specify that only genuine Mopar replacement parts be utilized for collision repairs to the vehicle.

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