Hyundai Elantra Bumper Covers

• First launched in the US market in 1992, the Hyundai Elantra is now one of the longest running nameplates in the Hyundai North American lineup.
• A bumper cover is an external component that covers the bumper. Its main function is to help absorb impact during a collision. It also  protects other external components, such as the grille, fender, taillights, and headlights.
• It's important to have a damaged bumper cover replaced to prevent further damage to your vehicle’s front fascia and to maintain your vehicle’s collision protection mechanism peak performance. 

The Hyundai Elantra was first introduced to the US market around 1992. First launched as a four-door compact car, the Elantra has already come a long way. Undergoing mild to major facelifts and upgrades year after year, it has successfully made a mark on the American automotive market. Today, it is one of the longest running nameplates in Hyundai’s North American line-up.

One of the first things you notice when looking at a vehicle is its front fascia, which includes the bumper cover. It's the closest feature a car has to a face. But there's more to the bumper cover than its appearance. It's also one of the parts responsible for ensuring your safety while you're inside your vehicle.

The bumper cover is usually made of plastic or fiberglass. Its main function is to serve as an external cover for the metal bumper. The front bumper cover is usually located below the grille while the rear bumper cover is located below the trunk.  Along with the bumpers, bumper covers protect your car and minimize impact in case of a collision. They also protect the grille, fender, taillights, and headlights.

Bumper covers come in different colors and designs. A typical Hyundai Elantra bumper cover is made of plastic. There are a lot of OEM and OE replacements available in the market for you to choose from once you need to replace your car’s bumper cover.

Depending on their materials, Hyundai Elantra bumper covers are designed to crush themselves in order to absorb energy from the collision. Some even cushion the car during an accident. Because it's replaceable and repaintable, many also see this component as an aesthetic accessory. However, there are some issues that can affect your bumper cover's look or function. 

Noise from the front or rear

Your bumper cover may be missing a part if you hear a noise coming from the underside of your Hyundai Elantra's front or rear. This is a common issue when you've had an accident that previously damaged your bumper. Check your bumper cover for any missing hardware pieces, especially the ones that hold it to your car.

Gaps between the cover and the bumper

If you bought a secondhand Hyundai Elantra and you notice that the bumper cover doesn't seem to belong with the car, then perhaps the component's incompatible with the vehicle. As silly as it may seem, this issue is pretty common. Due to certain modifications that previous owners made to their cars before selling them, sometimes these vehicles won't fit into bumper covers made for their model year. Try an aftermarket bumper and select one that's for earlier or later model year compared to your car.

Bulging on the sides

While driving around on a hot day, you might notice that the sides of your bumper cover unexpectedly form bulges. The swelling disappears only when the car has cooled down. This problem is common among vehicles with plastic bumper covers. Poor-quality plastic bumper covers tend to become disfigured easily when in a hot location. While this may be more of an aesthetic problem, the deformity could possibly decrease the bumper cover's shock-absorbing efficiency. 

Cracks and dents

Bumper covers take a beating when your Hyundai Elantra's on the road. Regardless of the type of material that your bumper cover is made from, cracks and dents will still be a common issue. 

Peeling paint

The peeling paint on a bumper cover is usually due to harsh weather and road conditions. The paint will flake off, leaving unsightly spots on the surface of the bumper cover. 

Your bumper cover can get damaged or scratched during your daily drives. Whether the damage is caused by a minor collision or from unexpected hazards on the road like debris and minor fender benders, your car may eventually need to undergo bumper cover repair. It's common for bumper covers to loosen after a while, due to vibration and impact.

Although replacing a bumper cover isn't as urgent as replacing a damaged engine component, it's also important to have it replaced as soon as possible because of these reasons:

Your vehicle’s aesthetic appeal

Driving around with a damaged bumper cover creates a negative impression of your vehicle. Not maintaining your car’s aesthetic appeal can also cost you more in the future, especially if you're planning to sell it. Bad aesthetic quality will lower your car’s market value.

Your safety while inside your vehicle

Having a damaged bumper cover will lessen bumper's collision protection. Also, a loosely attached bumper cover can lead to all sorts of hazards while on the road.

Preventing further damage

If you don't replace a damaged bumper cover as soon as possible, it will leave your bumper exposed to the elements, which can later cause further damage to your car and its components. Not repairing a loose or damaged bumper can create future problems.

Make sure to enter your complete vehicle information in our search filter to ensure that you're getting the right fit for your vehicle. A Hyundai Elantra bumper cover replacement usually costs around $100 to $250.