What OEM Position Statements Are
OEM position statements are official documents published by vehicle manufacturers that express the manufacturer's stance on specific repair topics: aftermarket vs OEM parts, specific repair methods, scanning and calibration requirements, material restrictions, and approved joining technologies. They differ from repair procedures in scope and function — a repair procedure tells you how to perform a specific repair step by step; a position statement tells you the manufacturer's policy on a category of repair practices.
Position statements carry significant weight in liability situations. When a vehicle is involved in a subsequent collision after repair and the repair is found to deviate from the manufacturer's position statement, the repairing shop faces potential liability for any injuries or damages that the deviation may have contributed to. Position statements are the manufacturer's public record of what they consider acceptable repair practice for their vehicles.
Common Position Statement Topics
Parts
Most OEMs have position statements recommending or requiring the use of OEM replacement parts for structural and cosmetic repairs. These statements typically assert that aftermarket and salvage parts have not been tested by the manufacturer for fit, finish, and crash performance, and that the manufacturer can only warrant repair quality when OEM parts are used. Some statements are recommendations ("we recommend OEM parts"); others are stronger ("use of non-OEM structural parts voids the manufacturer's structural warranty").
Scanning and Calibration
Modern vehicles with ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) require pre-repair and post-repair diagnostic scanning and calibration of sensors, cameras, and radar systems. OEM position statements on scanning typically state that a full diagnostic scan should be performed before and after every collision repair, and that ADAS calibration must be performed after any repair that disturbs sensor mounting positions, windshield replacement, or wheel alignment. These statements reflect the reality that even a minor collision can knock a sensor out of calibration, and an uncalibrated system may not function correctly in a subsequent event.
Welding and Joining
Position statements on welding specify which joining methods the manufacturer approves for their vehicles. Common positions include: requirements for STRSW (squeeze-type resistance spot welding) on specific joints, restrictions on MIG welding for UHSS panels, requirements for specific structural adhesives on aluminum and mixed-material vehicles, and prohibitions on certain repair methods (no oxy-fuel welding on any modern vehicle, no brazing on structural joints).
Sectioning
Many OEMs have position statements defining where panels may and may not be sectioned. These statements supplement the vehicle-specific repair procedures by establishing general rules: no sectioning within a specified distance of structural joints, no sectioning through UHSS material without specific procedural approval, and sectioning permitted only at manufacturer-specified locations.
Repair vs Replace
Some position statements establish criteria for when a damaged component should be repaired versus replaced. For example, a manufacturer may state that a cracked UHSS B-pillar reinforcement must be replaced — repair is not permitted regardless of the crack size or location. Or that an aluminum structural member with more than a specified amount of deformation must be replaced because straightening compromises the alloy's temper properties.
Where to Find Position Statements
OEM position statements are published on the manufacturer's collision repair information portal — the same sites that host repair procedures. They're also aggregated on: I-CAR's Repairability Technical Support (RTS) portal, OEM1Stop.com (links to all manufacturer portals), and the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) website. Some position statements are updated annually or when new models are introduced — check the publication date to verify you're referencing the current version.
How Position Statements Affect Daily Shop Operations
Parts Procurement
When an insurer's estimate specifies aftermarket parts and the OEM's position statement recommends OEM parts, the shop is caught between cost pressure and compliance. Document the OEM position statement in the repair file, communicate it to the insurer, and let the vehicle owner make the informed decision. The shop's obligation is to inform — the final parts decision typically involves the vehicle owner, the insurer, and state regulations (some states have aftermarket parts notification requirements).
Repair Planning
Check the manufacturer's position statements before beginning structural work. If the position statement restricts the repair method you planned to use (for example, the manufacturer prohibits MIG welding on a specific joint that you intended to MIG weld), you need to adjust the repair plan — acquire the specified equipment, sublet to a shop that has it, or replace the panel instead of repairing it.
Scanning and Calibration
If the OEM position statement requires pre-repair and post-repair scanning, include scan operations in the estimate and perform them even if the insurer initially resists. Document the position statement, perform the scans, and provide the results. Pre-repair scans establish the vehicle's baseline condition; post-repair scans verify that no systems were affected by the collision or the repair process.
Position Statements vs. Repair Procedures
| Attribute | Position Statement | Repair Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Broad policy — applies to all vehicles or a vehicle class | Specific — applies to one vehicle model and one repair operation |
| Content | Recommendations, requirements, restrictions | Step-by-step instructions with measurements and specifications |
| Update frequency | Annually or as needed | With each model year or when procedures change |
| Legal weight | High — represents the manufacturer's stated position | High — represents the manufacturer's engineering specification |
| Usage | Repair planning, parts decisions, method selection | Actual repair execution |
Both documents should be consulted for every structural repair: the position statement for overall policy guidance (parts, methods, scanning) and the repair procedure for the specific step-by-step instructions for the vehicle and operation being performed.
Staying Current
Position statements change. Manufacturers add new positions as new technologies enter their vehicles, revise existing positions based on field experience and updated crash testing, and sometimes retract positions that are no longer relevant. Check for updated position statements quarterly, particularly for the brands you repair most frequently. Subscribe to OEM collision repair newsletters or I-CAR updates that notify you when new position statements are published.
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