5th Gen Bumper cover issue (possible resolution)

[Charlievee]

I have an ’18 Limited which had the same issue on both sides (never had a hint of this with the ’14 Limited). There were several trips to the dealer so that a Toyota engineer (FTS) could examine it. Based on my many trips to the dealer for this and the experience of others who have the same issue, Toyota has manufactured new, improved brackets for the front bumper. Initially they had them for one side only, which temporarily cured it, but then it popped out again. Then they made the one for the other side, which lasted a few days after installation (both sides out again). On this last trip, I was told that the FTS found some adjustability in the brackets. Since this repair, the corners have been locked in for 4 weeks, thru many miles and some significant temperature swings. This winter will be the true indicator as to whether it is a permanent fix. My only suggestion would be to insist on the new brackets and continue to follow up with your service manager until they get it right. It was an utterly frustrating experience, but worth the effort as it stands now.

Part numbers?

 

[jp818]

Welp... 2020 Limited/Nightshade less than a month old is having the same issues! Good to know Toyota is consistent. Going to bring up the issue tomorrow during my scheduled service, we'll see what they say.

 

[dstroud]

Sounds like Toyota has a fix for this involving… velcro.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10176697-9999.pdf

Anyone confirm that they have received the fix since May 2020 and had it actually stick? The phrasing at the end of the service bulletin isn't very confidence-inspiring: "13. Visually confirm the overall front bumper cover condition has improved."

 

[Sky]

Was thinking of doing the mod myself but the 2 new brackets they spec are $100 list for the pair!

I'd rather be tortured than go to the dealer for work....

 

[83Mule]

The Dealer denied any ''New'' bracket was available......said they had no idea what I was talking about.

 

[Sky]

The Dealer denied any ''New'' bracket was available......said they had no idea what I was talking about.

I have no doubt they had no idea- most dealers are worse than clueless.

You can run the part numbers in the doc posted and show the results to them.

Here is one example at random> Support Front Bumper S 52116-35153 | Toyota Parts
They pop up on some parts sites no problem but not on others.

 

[jp.vegas]

Sounds like Toyota has a fix for this involving… velcro.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10176697-9999.pdf

Anyone confirm that they have received the fix since May 2020 and had it actually stick? The phrasing at the end of the service bulletin isn't very confidence-inspiring: "13. Visually confirm the overall front bumper cover condition has improved."

Not yet but I'm going to make an appt with my dealer to git r dun.

 

[Steve40th396]

Old thread, sorry. But, it looks like they are just putting 3m industrial strength velcro on.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I have no doubt they had no idea- most dealers are worse than clueless.

You can run the part numbers in the doc posted and show the results to them.

Here is one example at random> Support Front Bumper S 52116-35153 | Toyota Parts
They pop up on some parts sites no problem but not on others.

For the longest time the "updated" clip bracket was something that could only be gotten/approved under warranty by a case by case basis (unfortunately at the customer's expense of having to complain about it a few times) and we were often told that it was an uncommon issue (which we all knew it wasn't). They eventually just had it as a superseded part and sometime in 2020 released a TSB regarding the issue with updated parts information. But for the longest time it was one of those "oh the TAS Agent mentioned it, or the FTS was visiting and mentioned it to us that they have a 'fix' for that with the updated clip bracket." Just more of Toyota's compartmentalization and poor internal communication... Supposedly the new clip brackets fix the gap issue; but I haven't done one in a long while and haven't had many customer complaining about it on their newer vehicles.

Old thread, sorry. But, it looks like they are just putting 3m industrial strength velcro on.

Yeah the TSB calls for replacing the clip brackets for the bumper and installing a heavy duty velcro pad on the inside edge of the bumper and vehicle to retain the bumper skin better. Like I said, it seems to work well; I don't recall having many customers complaining after the fix.

 

[Steve40th396]

For the longest time the "updated" clip bracket was something that could only be gotten/approved under warranty by a case by case basis (unfortunately at the customer's expense of having to complain about it a few times) and we were often told that it was an uncommon issue (which we all knew it wasn't). They eventually just had it as a superseded part and sometime in 2020 released a TSB regarding the issue with updated parts information. But for the longest time it was one of those "oh the TAS Agent mentioned it, or the FTS was visiting and mentioned it to us that they have a 'fix' for that with the updated clip bracket." Just more of Toyota's compartmentalization and poor internal communication... Supposedly the new clip brackets fix the gap issue; but I haven't done one in a long while and haven't had many customer complaining about it on their newer vehicles.



Yeah the TSB calls for replacing the clip brackets for the bumper and installing a heavy duty velcro pad on the inside edge of the bumper and vehicle to retain the bumper skin better. Like I said, it seems to work well; I don't recall having many customers complaining after the fix.

Thnx.

I will look into this Tues, as I get my 4runner tomorrow

 

[jp.vegas]

Yeah the TSB calls for replacing the clip brackets for the bumper and installing a heavy duty velcro pad on the inside edge of the bumper and vehicle to retain the bumper skin better. Like I said, it seems to work well; I don't recall having many customers complaining after the fix.

I had the fix done, my bumper popped out again. Next time I’m over towards the dealer I’m going to complain about it

 

[Steve40th396]

Its a shame, Toyota, of all manufactures cant fix this.. Its not about cost, to them, but reputation and quality.. Seems like the materials arent formed right, and the clips cant hold wel enough to stay put..
I dont have a visual on it yet, but, if I can, I will try to work it this week, once I get the car, parts etc..
Not sure, but do I need the brackets? the new ones?