Supply chain disruptions have become a familiar part of our lives, initially triggered by the pandemic. While some sectors are recovering, the automotive industry continues to face significant challenges, particularly with car part availability. Factory shutdowns and persistent labor shortages are further compounding these issues, leaving many car owners in a frustrating waiting game.
Dayna Welch, a Honda HR-V owner, experienced this firsthand. Barely into her lease, Welch discovered a leak in her brand-new 2024 Honda HR-V. “I hadn’t made the third payment,” she explained, highlighting the early stage of ownership when the issue arose. Taking her car to Coconut Point Honda, where she leased it, Welch received a multipoint inspection report detailing the problem.
“The radiator went on me,” Welch stated. Compounding the mechanical failure was the news from the dealership: no loaner vehicles were available, and crucially, no replacement radiators were in stock. The part was listed as “critical backorder,” a stark term indicating widespread unavailability. This situation raises a critical question for many car owners in 2024: how long can car parts be on backorder and what can be done about it?
Deborah Robinson, Executive Director of the National Auto Body Council, sheds light on the ongoing problem. “There have been shortages in parts, both mechanical parts and collision repair parts,” she confirms. Robinson points to the lingering effects of COVID-related supply chain disruptions and ongoing labor challenges as key factors. This combination means countless drivers are facing extended waits for essential components needed to get their vehicles back on the road.
Robinson empathizes with drivers caught in this predicament. “It’s unfortunate that if somebody has a car issue and can’t get a solution from their local service provider,” she notes. Despite the systemic issues, she maintains a positive view of the industry’s professionals, adding, “All in all, the people in the industry are great, and they want to take care of people.”
American Honda acknowledged these widespread delays in an official statement:
“During this period of unprecedented global supply chain challenges affecting multiple automakers and industries, American Honda is working to resolve all replacement part backorders as soon as possible, and we regret any inconvenience that our customers may experience due to these externally-caused delays. Since each delayed replacement part may face different supply challenges, we recommend working directly with local authorized Acura and Honda dealers to ensure that appropriate priority is placed on critical part orders. If a customer has concerns beyond the dealer’s immediate ability to respond, then customers are encouraged to contact Acura Client Relations (for Acura owners) or Honda Automobile Customer Service (for Honda owners) to determine if any additional assistance is possible. Each customer inquiry will be addressed by our customer service professionals on a case-by-case basis appropriate to the circumstances.”
For Welch, the initial estimate for a new radiator was nearly $1,600, with no estimated time of arrival for the backordered part. This left her facing the prospect of ongoing rental car costs on top of her lease payments, with no resolution in sight. Coconut Point Honda clarified that because the damage was deemed non-warranty, a rental vehicle could not be provided. “I was devastated,” Welch recounted, expressing the financial strain of being a single mother already impacted by a previous car accident.
However, Welch’s situation took a positive turn when her boss at Naples Motorsport intervened. Contacting Honda of Fort Myers on her behalf, a different approach was taken. Honda of Fort Myers offered immediate assistance, promising to fix her car within 24 to 48 hours and providing a loaner if necessary. Ultimately, they sourced a radiator from a used 2023 HR-V on their lot and installed it in Welch’s car at no cost. “I was able to get back on the road again, so I’m eternally indebted to them,” Welch gratefully acknowledged.
Navigating Car Part Backorders in 2024: What You Can Do
If you find yourself facing similar car part backorder delays, the National Auto Body Council advises exploring different options. Don’t assume that one dealership’s lack of a part means it’s universally unavailable. Here are some recommended steps:
- Shop Around: Contact multiple dealerships and repair shops. As Honda of Fort Myers demonstrated, creative solutions can sometimes be found.
- Review Your Warranty: Understand your car’s warranty coverage to determine if the needed repair might be covered.
- Consider Rental Car Coverage: If your current auto insurance policy lacks rental car coverage, consider adding it. This can be invaluable if you experience an accident or breakdown requiring lengthy repairs due to part delays.
- Ensure Roadside Assistance: Verify that your insurance policy includes roadside assistance for towing and emergency services.
- Have a Contingency Plan: Prepare for potential breakdowns or accidents by having a plan in place. This includes knowing who to call and where to have your car towed.
- Identify a Trusted Auto Body Shop: Having a relationship with a reliable auto body shop can streamline the repair process and ensure your car is taken to a known and trusted facility in case of an issue.
While how long car parts can be on backorder in 2024 remains uncertain due to ongoing global factors, taking proactive steps and exploring all available resources can help mitigate the impact of these delays and get you back on the road sooner.
