Front bumper cover issue

Hello,

I am having an issue with the front bumper cover not snapping back into place and holding on both sides. I’ve had the dealership and a local shop look at it and both say nothing is broken and everything is lining up correctly. Has anyone experienced this issue? I am close to buying a new cover to replace this one, but with the cost and needing to have it painted, I wanted to cover all my options. The pic below is of the frAny help is appreciated. Thank you.

 

Looks similar to what I have, but worse. See my second image in the thread linked below.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/gap-in-front-bumper-any-reliable-fix.33383/

 

Yea, mine looks a lot worse. I just went to the body shop and they said there are brackets that can be replaced that should fix the issue. I got a quote from my local dealership, they look to be about $90 each. The body shop said they could epoxy it as well for an easy and cost effective fix. The issue with that is if I need to remove the front bumper I’ll need new brackets then.

 

The dealership says it's "lined up correctly???"

Find another dealer.

 

Did this just naturally develop like this? Or, did it get bumped? I've seen several pictures of gaps in this spot (especially on the Limited trim), but this is probably the worst example I've seen.

 

I had it on my 2015 LE. Seems like a common thing. I wish I noticed it back then. Solution? I dumped the bumper altogether. There are probably less expensive ways to address it.

 

The new brackets do not fix the issue.

That tabs on the bumper cover that clip into the brackets do not maintain a 90 degree angle and "bend" down losing that attachment to the bracket.

This is a common problem. Even new genuine Toyota bumper covers do it.

 

The Toyota TSB has limited success and usually still produces a gap. They have you change the brackets on each side to brackets that have a small recess for velcro.

When I changed to new brackets, I noticed no difference in the actual attachment points where the bumper tangs clip into the bracket.

 

I replaced with Toyota cover and I had to have them download a picture of 2013 4runner so they had a clue. Then they put Mexican made bulbs that lasted a month. I could not impress upon them not to put foreign parts on a Japanese vehicle strong enough. Mine has small gap. I thought a person might sand the edge to make it fit better but that requires work ethic and doing a good. I will rip it off again deer hunting.

 

Mine had gaps on both sides. I ordered the parts from the TSB and did the install myself. It's been a month now since I did it, and so far no more gaps. Hopefully it holds up.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10183270-9999.pdf

 

Several have tried that with no long-term success, so I hope it stays fixed for you.

 

I paid extra for Toyota bumper cover when insurance fixed mine the first time because I thought it would be easier to align. I had to have them download a picture of my 4runner to see what it should look like. They were using a 19 year old trainee also. Guess it's not big enough for experienced techs. They finally got it acceptable after the second time I left. I just wanted to get away fast. I know I will tear it off again anyway.