Truck Owners Struggle with Fake and Scarce Spare Parts in India’s Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market

India’s booming road transport sector is heavily dependent on its vast fleet of heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs), but truck owners across the country are increasingly facing serious challenges when it comes to sourcing reliable spare parts. From counterfeit components flooding the market to difficulties in finding parts for discontinued models, the issue has become a growing concern for transport operators and logistics companies.

According to a recent analysis by TrucksDekho, one of India’s leading commercial vehicle platforms, the prevalence of fake and low-quality parts is among the biggest problems plaguing the HCV spare parts market. These non-branded components, often sold at cheaper prices, may appear similar to original equipment (OE) parts but significantly compromise vehicle performance and safety. For truckers who rely on their vehicles for daily livelihood, such substandard parts can cause engine failures, brake malfunctions, or premature component damage — leading to costly breakdowns and downtime.

Counterfeit and Low-Quality Parts Flooding the Market

Industry experts estimate that nearly 30–40% of the spare parts sold in India’s unorganized market could be counterfeit or substandard. Many small garages and local workshops unknowingly or deliberately use these low-cost alternatives to attract customers. However, the short-term savings often result in long-term losses as fake parts wear out faster and cause additional mechanical damage.

Truck owners, especially those operating outside metro cities, say that identifying genuine parts has become a major challenge. “In smaller towns, it’s hard to find original spares. You end up buying what’s available, but sometimes the truck starts giving problems again within weeks,” said K. Murugan, a fleet owner from Tamil Nadu.

Shortage of Parts for Older Models

Another persistent issue is the difficulty in sourcing components for older or discontinued truck models. Although Indian laws require manufacturers to supply parts for a certain period after a model’s production ends, many truck owners complain that support drops sharply after a few years. For instance, owners of older Tata, Ashok Leyland, or Eicher models often struggle to find genuine engine and suspension parts.

This situation forces them to rely on used or refurbished components from salvage yards, where quality is inconsistent. “Sometimes we spend hours searching for an old gear or brake part, only to find it second-hand and risky,” explained Mohammed Irfan, a driver from Karnataka.

Lack of High-Quality Aftermarket Options

The Indian aftermarket sector for heavy vehicle parts remains underdeveloped. While OE (Original Equipment) parts are reliable, they are often expensive. Many local manufacturers lack the engineering precision to produce OE-quality components that meet international standards. This gap has left truck owners with limited mid-range options — forcing them to choose between costly genuine parts or cheaper, unreliable copies.

Infrastructure Worsens the Problem

India’s poor road infrastructure adds another layer to the crisis. Frequent potholes, uneven surfaces, and overloading cause excessive wear and tear, especially on tires, suspension, and axle systems. As TrucksDekho notes, the rough driving conditions accelerate part replacements and maintenance cycles, putting additional financial strain on transporters.

Tips for Truck Owners

Experts recommend buying spares only from authorized dealerships or reputable retailers with verified brand tie-ups. Certified aftermarket brands that adhere to OE specifications can also offer a reliable balance between cost and quality. For older models, junkyards or salvage yards may serve as a last resort, but buyers must thoroughly inspect parts before installation.

As India’s logistics and transport sector modernizes, industry stakeholders are calling for stricter regulation, better quality checks, and manufacturer-backed service networks to curb the influx of counterfeit parts. For now, however, truck owners continue to bear the brunt of an unregulated market where cheap spares often come at a high price — in both safety and reliability.