Front Bumper Separation/gap

I purchased a 2020 4 Runner Limited last month. I just notice a slight gap d separation between the front bumper, on both sides, and front quarter panels. You can see the clips but pushing it together does nothing. There had been no impact, front or back, there not one blemish on the vehicle. It’s frustrating. Any one else experienced this issue?

 

Any pics? I've had my bumper off several times and no gaps

 

Yes

 

Doesn't look normal... I'd definitely take it in. Sounds like an issue that can be fixed under warranty!

Cheers,

Sean

 

Agreed. I haven't seen that on my 2020 Limited.

 

I had to have my front end replaced and now I have the gaps on both sides. No matter how hard I push, it will not suck in tight like the original bumper did.

 

UPDATE!!! Just received a call from the local dealer. They remembered my complaint from back in April and called to let me know that there is a service bulletin for replacing the clips with an updated p/n, fixing the gap issue. I'm scheduled to get mine done on Dec 1. Found the TSB online at NHTSA: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10176697-9999.pdf

 

Thank you for the update. Unfortunately, the dealer performed this procedure on my vehicle in July. It did not make a difference. There is still a noticeable gap along with the actual "clips" being exposed. I am currently waiting for the Toyota engineer from Chicago to get the approval to begin traveling, due to COVID. I was told by the dealership they will not perform any additional alterations to the vehicle due to liability. Total "run around". No one wants to accept accountability for the obvious engineering flaw.

 

Pretty normal, I really don't notice it anymore.

The aggravation of trying to fix it isn't worth it to me.

 

Interesting. Thank you for sharing your experience with the "fix".

I hope that mine doesn't turn out worse after replacing the clips with the updated part. I'll definitely report back.

 

Plastic and clip holding them together.... not like used to be.... but i see these often.

 

Fix done and I am very pleased with the result, see the pics in this related post: https://www.4runners.com/threads/limited-front-end.13536/#post-193547

 

Did they charge any labor fees? I have a 2016, but the bulletin was just posted in 2020 so not sure if I’m screwed by default.

 

Happy Aloha Friday! No charge, not sure if they considered it work under the bumper to bumper warranty or not. I'd say you are in a good position since the bulletin is Toyota's acknowledgement there is a problem and it was only recently released.

 

Looks like they’re fixing this with Velcro... if that’s the case, i can tell you right now that’s not gonna fix mine. Way too much tension to hold with hook and loop.

 

Anyone know how to fix this?

 

Update: I brought the bulletin to the Dealer and they told me it’s out of warranty on my 2016 Limited. I would have to pay over $500 for them to do the repair and told me that there’s no guarantee the Velcro will truly hold up and fix the gap!! He said there might be a better fix in the near future since it’s well known, and I should wait if it bothers me (and not waste my money)...ugh

 

Hey all, I've got a 2020 limited and have been dealing with this ever since I bought it. I've taken it in 4 times, they've followed the instructions on replacing those clips, and it got to a point where they even put a new bumper on it. Still no fix. Its was first on the passenger side, now it's on both sides. Its really getting frustrating now as I've spent more time at the service department than most 4runner owners do in the lifespan of their car. Any tips?

 

anybody have any luck fixing these gaps? Mine limited has the edges of the bumber broke so I don't know even how it's supposed to clip on. I tried the velcro, double sided table...it still pops out (thats what she said)

 

It's almost like the fix would be to epoxy a threaded rod on to the back of the bumper skin, that goes into a hole in the frame, and you could use a nut and washer to pull that in. The problem is, there's no access to the engine bay in that area because it's below and in front of the headlight, which won't come out unless you remove the bumper, which you're trying to keep in place...

 

So I had a similar idea. I glued a piece of metal with a wire to the bumper. I also drilled a hole on the plastic bracket. I pulled the metal wire into the truck and used a wire tensioner. Issue is that I couldn't find a good place to tie it too. The best area was a bracket for the AC line but then that had me worried.

But you just gave me another idea....

 

I'm going to figure something out...my PS is starting to show a small gap, nothing big, but I'd like to eliminate it or keep it as small as possible. Drives me nuts.

 

I like your idea. I was thinking of a bolt, if possible, glued to the bumper skin, that goes through your hole with a nut and washer on the inside.

 

Took it apart. Not sure a bolt would work. No way to tighten a nut from the inside.

I just followed the toyota t-sb-0049-20. I had ordered the velcro it has on the instructions. We'll see.

 

Drove it for an hour yesterday and the no separation. Tomorrow have a 6 hour trip. Hope it holds.

 

Any update on the drive? Curious

 

I like this idea. If the wire can hold strong on the bumper to hold once tension has pulled it in..

 

It didn't work, the double sided tape would not hold, I think the tension was too much. Same issue with the velcro.

 

The left side (which has less tension) is still holding but not perfect. The right opened up a bit more. it's better than what it was so I'll probably leave it alone unless I can think of a better idea. It's the only flaw the car body has but it's driving me nuts.

 

I am on another thread where someone came up with an idea too. https://www.4runners.com/threads/bumper-gap-fixes-int-he-works-2019-limited.26150/#post-357153