Prius Rear Bumper Cover loose and gap?

I have the same exact issue.

 

Me too... I just wonder if taking the bumper off and reinstall it helps...

 

There are two screws in the rear wheelwells, and then there are a bunch of plastic angle clips across the length of the bumper. There might also be a bolt or two to remove under the center latch plastic cover. I did remove my rear bumper last Summer to install some back-up white noise alarms, so I'm working from memory here. ...and yes, my right rear bumper/quarter panel junction also has that 1/4 inch gap. I think I might have snapped off one of the clip teeth... don't feel like ripping it apart again, as I'll likely snap some other li'l part while I'm at it.

 

Very curious to learn if anyone has a remedy for this issue.

I have the same symptoms with the possible a addition of a popping from the right side when weight/pressure is applied.
My best guess is that a clip hasn't been properly fastened. Appreciate any input

 

I created a post yesterday on a mod I did on my sons 2010 Prius. The main issues for the Gen III cars is Toyota changed the clips and there is no support for the middle 2 ft of the bumper cover. There are only a few tabs and plastic clips that secure the sides.

So any down ward force on the middle of the cover by the latch area can damage the cover tabs or the clips it self. I added a small bracket to take some of the load off the clips. If you need new clips the revised parts:

#52575-47021 New Right

#52576-47021 New Left

 

Have the same issue, even though I had the dealer replace the bumper brackets under warranty. It was ok at first, but after a couple of weeks in the summer when temperatures went up, the gap also got bigger. When temperatures drop, it returns to normal now. I've just accepted this minor thing, just like my seasonal allergy for everything green in spring.

 

If the only problem is the gap changing with temperature, I wouldn't worry about that. The problem is the retaining clips or the cover itself can be easily damaged because there is no support on the top middle around the license plate. Once the sides are damaged, they will come unclipped and pop out. That is an issue, because with out the side retaining clips there is nothing supporting the cover on the car.

 

Be careful! You're bumper cover could be getting ready to detach from the car as mine did at 70mph along I8 in California. Only came loose on the right side and was flapping in the breeze. Had to pull over and make a temporary repair. Hope this never happens to your wife and kids! Dangerous situation, Toyota needs a redesign and recall.

 

did you report it to the nhtsa?

 

Good point. More so for whoever's following you, when it breaks loose.

The older you get the more maddening current "bumper" design seems. They can't even keep themselves attached to the car, never mind absorbing an impact.

 

Car bumper fashions have changed several times over the years. I've owned 1954, 1972, 1981, and now 2011 model-year cars. The first and third of those had reasonably substantial bumpers. The second and fourth did not.

 

I have the same problem.

This is my 3rd bumper, hopefully when I get my car back the shop it'll be fixed.

But I'm going to check which part number they used.

What is the old part number compare to the new?

 

I'd go further: bumpers died, in the early eighties. What we have now are just fairings. As the front end of any current cop car attests.

 

It's strange that the problem seems to be assymeteric---or is it sheer coincidence that so many people's Prii, including mine, have this defect only on the right side?

 

Right side's a leetle worse on ours. But both sides have some opening of the gap.



I'm not losing sleep over it, hey it's the "flagship" vehicle, according to dealership.

 

Working with Toyota to see what their response will be. Been waiting 2 weeks!. Nobody seems very interested. Dealer says not a defect otherwise it would have broken when new, not at 26K miles. Really? Then why have a 3/36 "bumper to bumper" warranty????

 

I brought my 2015 prius back to the dealer for the same problem. They supposedly took the bumper off and fixed it but the gap is still there and its looks a little worse now. Please keep us updated.