Spare parts shortage hits Russian auto repairs
Industry sources report a growing shortage of auto parts in Russia as sanctions and logistics gaps curb imports, hitting engines and electronics. The shift toward used cars has amplified the strain, making imported components harder to obtain for service networks and drivers alike.
Among the most affected segments are engines, transmissions, electronic control modules and body components. The combined pressure from sanctions and distribution bottlenecks has created a widening gap between demand and supply, forcing service centers to deal with longer wait times and higher prices for essential parts.
Alexey Kozhukhov, the official representative of the Oting brand in Russia, notes a pronounced shortage of engine and transmission parts as well as electronic modules and body parts. The situation is most acute for components used in modern systems that depend on imported manufacturing and advanced electronics.
Nikita Pankov, technical director of Seven Forces, adds that parts for premium cars are particularly scarce. Domestic stock is depleted, delivery times stretch out, and the parts that do reach the country come with significant price tags.
Motor Place LLC, the official distributor of Japanese cars in Russia, reports a shortage of electronic components in the market, mirroring the broader trend across brands and vehicle segments.
Over the past year the cost of original spare parts for Chinese-brand cars has surged. The average price in August 2023 stood at about 44 thousand rubles, rising to roughly 63 thousand rubles a year later, reflecting the effects of sanctions, currency swings and disrupted supply chains.
Specific parts have shown sharp gains. Rim prices climbed to about 23.3 thousand rubles, up 35.8 percent. Rear wings rose to roughly 151.2 thousand rubles, up 35.4 percent. Front bumpers reached around 34.8 thousand rubles, up 70.9 percent, and the right front door rose to about 110.5 thousand rubles, up 73 percent. The hood increased to 85 thousand rubles, up 62.3 percent, windshields to 52.1 thousand rubles, up 25.5 percent, and radiator grilles to 61.4 thousand rubles, up 42.1 percent.
Market observers caution that Russians should be prepared for continued price volatility and longer wait times for repairs. They advise shopping around among official distributors where possible, seeking transparent price quotes, and verifying availability before ordering. The trend is likely to persist as long as sanctions and logistics obstacles restrict access to global inventories, affecting a wide range of brands and models across the country.
Analysts also emphasize the importance of staying informed about the market and avoiding service price speculation by seeking multiple quotes and working with reputable service centers. In the current climate, a careful approach to sourcing parts and scheduling repairs can help mitigate the impact of ongoing shortages.