Design/methodology/approach In this study, a texture-hydrodynamic lubrication model considering the influence of ultrafast laser manufacturing errors was established, the effects of manufacturing errors in texture width, depth and sidewall inclination angle on the bearing load capacity and friction coefficient under oil lubrication were analyzed and the tribological properties with and without the presence of manufacturing error textures were compared. Findings The results show that the manufacturing error of the texture significantly affects the loading capacity and friction coefficient of the textured bearing. Among them, the width error has the greatest effect on the bearing performance, followed by the depth error and the sidewall inclination error. The effect of the texture error on the bearing performance is manifested by changing the fluid flow velocity and vortex state in the area where the manufacturing error occurs. Research limitations/implications A variety of conditions, such as cavitation and slip, can exist in practical friction lubrication applications of textured bearings, but to investigate the effect of ultrafast laser texturing errors on bearing performance, the modeled pressure variations are attributed to fabrication errors in the texture structure while choosing to ignore the relevant conditions. Practical implications Ultrafast laser-manufacturing process has a wide range of application prospects and important practical significance in the field of precision machining of miniature thrust bearings by virtue of the advantages of high precision, high efficiency, environmental sustainability and so on. Therefore, the impact of ultrafast laser texturing error on bearing performance can be discussed to provide certain references for practical production applications and bearing design. Social implications Ultrafast laser textured micro-thrust bearings have the following important significance to the society: to promote industrial manufacturing upgrading, to promote the research of related disciplines, to improve the performance and reliability of equipment and to reduce environmental pollution and promote green manufacturing. Originality/value The findings of this research serve as a valuable reference point for the industrial design of textured thrust bearings and their ultrafast laser industrial production.