If the rear bumper on your car is slightly damaged, you can normally repair it to restore the aesthetic value of your car.
But, if the bumper is physically damaged, you might want to replace it to ensure it retains its protective function.
If you do, the average cost of replacing a rear bumper is anywhere from $70-$2,000, – depending on whether you do the work yourself or have a mechanic do it. Here, a new bumper can cost as much as $2,000 alone. In addition, you’ll normally pay 1-4 hours of labor, depending on how your bumper is welded on.
The table below shows a quick price comparison of rear bumper replacement cost estimates from reputable suppliers:
| Supplier | Rear Bumper Cost | Labor Cost |
|---|---|---|
| YourMechanic | $157-$2045 | $94.99-$400 |
| Midas | $165-$1530 | $95-$420 |
| Pep Boys | $177.99-$1629.99 | $91-$480 |
| AutoZone | $119.99-$1844.99 | NA |
| Walmart | $68.15-$1333.91 | NA |
| Amazon | $60.99-$4,244 | NA |
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How Much Does Rear Bumper Replacement Cost?*
Replacing a rear bumper can mean replacing the facing, the cover, or the bumper itself. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, these three pieces may also be the same part.
In addition, if you have to replace the full bumper, your technician will have to cut the bumper off the frame. In some vehicles, these are bolted on, but welding is much more common.
Therefore, the cost of replacing a rear bumper can vary a great deal. On average, you can expect to pay between $400 and $1,000 at a shop. The following includes quotes per vehicle.
| Vehicle | Rear Bumper Cost | Labor Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | $30-$409 | $85-$474 |
| Nissan Rogue | $119-$1844.99 | $90-$264 |
| Toyota Corolla | $77.99-$367.99 | $185-$356 |
| Honda Accord | $29.99-$459.35 | $85-$260 |
| Honda Civic | $50.99-$311.99 | $185-$390 |
| BMW x3 | $89-$809 | $140-$545 |
| Mazda 3 | $80.49-$2.078 | $195-$454 |
| Toyota Rav4 | $39.99-$473 | $195-$234 |
| Nissan Altima | $108.99-$514.31 | $185-$428 |
| Ford Fiesta | $73-$499.29 | $99-$445 |
| Toyota Yaris | $49.99-$809 | $92-$227 |
*Note: Prices are estimates and were correct at the time of writing (July 2022). Cost estimates may have changed since, our figures should be used as a starting point for your own research.
Rear Bumper Replacement Cost Factors
The cost of replacing your rear bumper can vary quite a bit depending on your vehicle, which part of the bumper you have to replace, and how your vehicle is put together.
The following price factors should get you started.
Time to Remove the Bumper
In the simplest cars, replacing the bumper is a quick matter of unbolting the bumper from the frame and snapping a new one in place. In other vehicles, you’ll have to cut the old bumper off. However, that’s increasingly rare in domestic cars.
However, while some rear bumpers simply bolt on inside the cabin or trunk, others bolt to the frame in multiple places. Accessing the full curve of the bumper frame can be difficult so it might take longer than you’d expect.
This means that, on average, you’ll spend 1-3 hours of labor having your bumper removed.
Depending on your location and what kind of mechanic you go to (or body shop), that rate will be $15-$210 per hour.
Here, you’re almost always better off going to a body shop, because the average hourly rate at a body shop is $50 and the average at a mechanic is $94.99.
Bumper Parts
Most bumpers are comprised of about 18 total parts including covers, protective strips, bolts, and stabilizers. Others can be as few as one part.
Solid-state bumpers will cost more, but you’ll usually save money over replacing a larger number of parts.
However, if you have a multi-part bumper, you can replace the part that’s damaged and nothing else.
For example, the fiberglass bumper cover is the most likely part to be damaged. From there, shock absorbers, cover strips, etc., are also likely to be damaged.
The bumper itself is normally made of steel and bolts to the frame and then to stabilizers that extend along the frame. Depending on what happened, any or all of these parts may be damaged.
However, while covers normally start at about $30, a new steel bumper might cost $150+.
Vehicle Make and Model
Depending on your vehicle, the MSRP for a new, OEM rear bumper will range from $100 to well over $2,000. In addition, you can often invest in performance parts, which can cost significantly more.
Of course, you don’t have to buy parts new and you can often choose aftermarket or made-to-fit parts. However, these won’t be available for every car.
But, if you do have a standard model, it’s highly likely you can buy a made-to-fit bumper cover or even a bumper for your vehicle.
3 Signs You Need A New Bumper
Often, if you get into an accident, you can simply repair your bumper. In most cases, you can fill cracks, sand out dents, and use heat and suction to remove dents entirely.
Unfortunately, sometimes you will want to opt to simply replace the whole bumper.
1. Broken or Torn Suspension
If you inspect your bumper and notice torn metal, it’s a good sign you want a new bumper.
Here, it’s important to pay special attention to the hooks holding the bumper in place. Once those start to shear or tear, there’s very little you can do to stop the damage.
Of course, you can weld them back into place, but a weld will never be as good of a hold as the original metal.
In addition, if you see shearing or tearing around the frame or around the stabilizers, you’ll want to replace them.
2. Large Cracks
Small cracks are relatively easy to repair with epoxy or fiberglass repair kits. That’s especially true if the damage only extends through the cover.
However, if the metal is starting to crack, you’ll have to either decide to weld the bumper or replace it.
In addition, even fiberglass cracks may warrant replacement. For example, if the crack extends through much of the bumper.
Here, you might want to evaluate the cost to repair, consider the impact repairs have on bumper safety, and decide accordingly.
3. Damage Costs More to Repair Than a New Bumper
Often, large bumper repairs will cost more than a replacement bumper. That’s because it can take hours to fill cracks, smooth epoxy fills, and then repaint the bumper.
A repair job may cost well over $1,000 in labor, without really saving you much on materials.
That’s why it’s always important to request a quote before getting work done. Chances are, you can compare the cost of replacement versus repair at several shops and choose the best option based on the total cost and value for your money.
For example, if replacing your bumper costs $100 more but gets you your car back a week faster, you’ll probably want to opt for that.
How Do You Replace a Rear Bumper? (18 Steps)
In most cases, you’ll have to assess your specific make and model to see how many bolts it has and what work has to be done to remove the bumper.
In addition, if you have an older vehicle or an off-road vehicle, it may have a welded bumper. In this case, you’ll have to cut the bumper off.
However, this guide assumes that you have a standard four-door passenger car, which almost always has the same bumper setup.
Things You’ll Need:
- Ratchet and wrench set
- Flat screwdriver
- A set of jacks OR someone to help out
- Penetrating fluid
- Breaker bar
- Philips screwdriver
- Hex key (usually 5mm)
Replacing Your Rear Bumper
- Start out by setting the parking brake or chocking the wheels in your car.
- Open the trunk or back of your car.
- Remove the hex bolts holding the bumper cover on.
- Find the Phillips screws under the wheel wells. These may require removing the wheels to get to the screws.
- Find the rivet pushpins on the bottom of the bumper cover and pull them out. You can often pry them out with a flat screwdriver. If you break them, buy a replacement set for your vehicle.
- Pull the bumper cover away from the car. You may have to apply some force to pry the bumper cover off.
- Find the plastic covers hiding the bolts to the bumper on the inside.
- Carefully remove the covers by undoing the screws and then prying them up.
- Use a wrench or ratchet to remove the bolts on both sides.
- Jack up your car if you’d like or need to. If you do, use a jack stand to stabilize the vehicle so it does not fall on you.
- Find the bolts holding the bumper to the frame above the wheel arch and to the mounts. In most cases, there’s an even row of 4-6 on each side.
- Spray the bolts with penetrating fluid if they are rusted and wait 30+ minutes before trying to take them off.
- Either position two jacks under the bumper or have someone hold it in place. Then, remove the last two bolts.
- Pull the bumper off the car.
- If you’re removing the mounting brackets, remove those as well.
- Place the new bumper, carefully aligning it exactly with the bolt holes. Either have someone help or use jacks to hold it in place.
- Then, replace the bolts.
- Finally, replace the bumper cover.
Of course, not all vehicles have a bumper cover. If you have a pickup, chances are, you can skip bumper cover removal.
On the other hand, you may only have to replace the bumper cover, which will simplify the job as well.
FAQ
If you still have questions, this FAQ should help.
What’s the difference between a bumper and a bumper cover?
The bumper cover is the fiberglass cover that matches your bumper to the body of your car.
Depending on the make and model, it might extend very far to the sides of the bumper and even to the wheel wells. In others, the bumper cover will cover “just” the bumper.
The bumper itself is a metal block designed to absorb force and prevent your vehicle from collapsing in case of a collision.
Do I have to replace the bumper?
It may not be necessary to replace your bumper. However, it’s always a good idea to get an inspection to ensure your bumper is still road worthy.
In addition, it may be cheaper to replace rather than repair your bumper.
Is it worth replacing a bumper?
If you have an old vehicle or it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, it may not be worthwhile to replace the bumper.
However, you may have to replace the bumper to keep driving your car. In other cases, you can simply repair the bumper as well.
Conclusion
If your rear bumper is heavily damaged, it may be necessary to have it replaced. In other cases, you might get away with simply repairing it. In either case, if you go to a mechanic or body shop, you can expect work to start at around $400 and go over $2,000.
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