Shopping for car parts online can save you money, but it can also feel risky. If you’ve been eyeing RockAuto for your vehicle needs, you might be wondering if they’re trustworthy. Their rock-bottom prices seem appealing, but what’s the real story behind this popular online parts retailer?
What is RockAuto?
RockAuto is an online auto parts retailer founded in 1999 that sells everything from brake pads to complete engine assemblies. They’re known for their extensive catalog covering vehicles from the 1920s to current models, and their typically lower prices compared to brick-and-mortar auto parts stores.
The company operates entirely online with no physical stores, offering multiple quality tiers for most parts:
- Economy: Budget-friendly options
- Daily Driver: Mid-range quality
- Premium: Higher-end, often OEM-equivalent parts
RockAuto’s Reputation: What Customers Really Think
When it comes to reputation, RockAuto presents a complicated picture. Their customer ratings across major review platforms tell a concerning story:
| Review Platform | Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Sitejabber | 1.3/5 | 1,686 |
| Trustpilot | 1.8/5 | 2,876 |
| Yelp | 1.4/5 | 863 |
| PissedConsumer | 1.6/5 | Not specified |
Interestingly, the Better Business Bureau maintains RockAuto’s A+ rating despite processing 1,232 complaints over three years. This suggests they follow proper business practices while still having significant customer satisfaction issues.
On Reddit and automotive forums, opinions are more mixed. Many experienced DIYers and mechanics report using RockAuto successfully for years, while acknowledging their limitations in customer service.
The Good: Why People Keep Shopping at RockAuto
Competitive Pricing
RockAuto’s primary advantage is price. They often undercut traditional auto parts stores by 25-50% on identical parts. For budget-conscious DIYers, this can mean significant savings on major repairs.
Extensive Inventory
Few retailers can match RockAuto’s catalog depth. They’re particularly valuable for:
- Older vehicles (some dating back to the 1920s)
- Less common models
- Hard-to-find parts that local stores don’t stock
As one satisfied customer on Reddit noted, “RockAuto is my go-to for parts I can wait for. Their selection for my 25-year-old truck is unmatched.”
Multiple Quality Options
Unlike many retailers that offer limited choices, RockAuto provides multiple brands and quality tiers for most parts. This allows you to choose based on your specific needs and budget.
The Bad: Common RockAuto Complaints
Shipping Wrong Parts
The most frequent complaint across all platforms is receiving incorrect parts. According to Sitejabber reviews, customers regularly report receiving:
- Parts with different numbers than ordered
- Components that don’t fit their specified vehicle
- Used or opened parts sold as new
Customer Service Frustrations
RockAuto’s customer service model is a significant pain point. They operate without phone support, relying entirely on email communication. When problems arise, this creates substantial frustration:
- Slow response times (often days, not hours)
- Form letter responses that don’t address specific concerns
- Difficulty resolving complex issues through email alone
Problematic Return Policy
RockAuto’s return policy creates additional friction:
- Customers must pay return shipping costs, even when RockAuto sends incorrect parts
- The 30-day return window is shorter than many competitors
- Returns require original packaging and can be denied for minor reasons
As one customer on Cadillac Forums shared: “They sent me the wrong part and still made me pay $12 to return it. That’s not right.”
Product Quality: What to Expect
Product quality at RockAuto varies significantly based on the brands and quality tiers you choose.
Economy Parts: Proceed with Caution
Budget parts from RockAuto’s Economy tier receive the most criticism. Professional mechanics generally recommend avoiding these for safety-critical components like brakes or suspension parts.
Testing reveals some economy filters contain substantially less filter media than OEM equivalents, compromising performance and engine protection.
Mid-Range and Premium: Generally Reliable
RockAuto’s Daily Driver and Premium tiers generally receive positive reviews from mechanics and DIYers. Name brands like Raybestos, Centric, WIX, and Denso available through RockAuto often match or exceed the quality of parts store private labels.
A mechanic on Grassroots Motorsports noted: “The premium brake components from RockAuto are often identical to what you’d get at a parts store for 30% less.”
RockAuto vs. Competitors: How They Stack Up
RockAuto vs. Traditional Parts Stores
Compared to chains like AutoZone, O’Reilly, and Advance Auto Parts, RockAuto offers:
| Feature | RockAuto | Traditional Stores |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 25-50% lower | Higher |
| Inventory | Extensive | Limited to common parts |
| Availability | Shipping delay | Immediate |
| Returns | Customer pays shipping | Usually easier |
| Warranty | Manufacturer only | Often includes labor |
RockAuto vs. Amazon
Amazon has become RockAuto’s main online competitor, offering:
- Generally comparable pricing
- Faster shipping (especially with Prime)
- More customer-friendly return policies
- Better customer service
However, Amazon struggles with counterfeit automotive parts, particularly for premium brands. Many customers use RockAuto for research, then check Amazon for the same part with faster shipping.
How to Shop RockAuto Successfully
If you decide to use RockAuto, follow these tips from experienced customers:
Research Part Numbers Thoroughly
Don’t rely solely on RockAuto’s vehicle compatibility system. Cross-reference part numbers with manufacturer websites or your vehicle’s manual to ensure compatibility.
Choose Quality Appropriately
Select parts based on your specific needs:
- Safety-critical components (brakes, steering): Choose Premium tier
- Regular maintenance items: Daily Driver tier is usually sufficient
- Temporary fixes or rarely used items: Economy tier may be acceptable
Order Well in Advance
Given potential shipping delays and the possibility of returns, order parts well before you need them. This provides buffer time to address any issues.
Save All Packaging
Keep all packaging materials until you’ve verified parts are correct and functional. This makes returns much easier if needed.
Use Credit Cards for Protection
Pay with a credit card rather than a debit card to provide additional purchase protection if disputes arise.
Is RockAuto Legit? The Final Verdict
Yes, RockAuto is a legitimate business that has operated for over two decades. They’re not a scam, and many customers successfully order parts from them regularly. However, they have significant service limitations that affect the overall customer experience.
RockAuto works best for:
- Experienced DIYers who know exactly what parts they need
- People seeking hard-to-find parts for older vehicles
- Budget-conscious shoppers willing to trade service for savings
- Those who can wait for shipping and potential returns
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You need parts immediately
- You’re unsure about exact compatibility requirements
- You value responsive customer service
- You’re working on safety-critical systems and want support
As one Reddit user summarized: “RockAuto is great if you know what you’re doing and have patience. If you need hand-holding or immediate parts, stick with local stores.”
Key Takeaways About RockAuto
- RockAuto is a legitimate company with consistently low prices and extensive inventory
- Their customer service model creates significant frustration when problems arise
- Product quality varies dramatically between their Economy, Daily Driver, and Premium tiers
- They work best for knowledgeable customers who prioritize price over service
- Always research part numbers thoroughly and order well in advance
- Use credit cards for additional purchase protection
For the right customer with the right expectations, RockAuto can be an excellent resource for automotive parts. Just go in with your eyes open about their limitations, and you’ll be better prepared to decide if they’re the right choice for your specific needs.
