Buy Acura MDX Fender

A fender (also called a wing, wheel-arch panel, or side guard) on an Acura MDX covers the tire, shields the engine bay from road spray, and helps the SUV's body absorb crash energy. Modern MDX fenders range from stamped steel on earlier models to lightweight aluminum on 2022-present trucks. They bolt to the body with 8-12 fasteners, and proper paint plus under-liner care keeps them rust-free. If damaged, a new panel plus paint typically costs $800-$1,800 installed.

The front fender sits between the bumper and the front door, curving over the wheel opening. It keeps mud, gravel, and water off the body and wiring harnesses, and it helps guide air around the wheel house to lower drag. (Honda News)

Generations

• 2001-2006 (1st gen) - all-steel unit body, steel fenders.
• 2007-2013 (2nd gen) - more high-strength steel (60.4 %), still steel fenders. (Autoweb)
• 2014-2020 (3rd gen) - lighter steel shell; dimensions grew 2 in. in length and narrowed 1.3 in., so fenders are generation-specific. (acuranews.com)
• 2022-present (4th gen) - first MDX with aluminum fenders and hood for weight savings. (Repairer Driven News)

Fenders swap only within the same generation because bolt patterns, head-lamp shape, and flare contours changed. For example, the 2014-2016 right-hand panel carries part code 60210-TZ5-A90ZZ. (Acura Parts Warehouse)

Left vs. Right

Each side is mirror-opposite, so ordering the correct hand is critical. Look for "LH" (driver) or "RH" (passenger) in listings or service manuals.

Earlier MDX bodies use mild and high-strength steels. A 2014 body shell is a welded steel unit. (Honda News)

Aluminum & Mixed Metals

The 2022 redesign introduced stamped aluminum fenders, lowering weight and boosting corrosion resistance. (Repairer Driven News) The overall shell is now 60.9 % high-strength steel for rigidity. (acuranews.com)

Safety Layers

Fenders include an inner splash shield plus seam sealer to keep salt out. Some trims add plastic flare extensions for style and extra chip protection. (Husky Liners)

Though not a primary structure, a fender funnels energy into the crumple zones during a side crash. MDX earned strong side-impact scores in NHTSA barrier and pole tests. (YouTube)

Low-Speed Damage

In 5 mph bumper tests, the MDX posted the lowest repair bill among midsize SUVs, partly because bolt-on body panels like the fender absorb minor hits. (WIRED)

Road salt can pit the steel lip, leading to bubbling rust-especially on 2nd-gen rear wheel arches. (Mdxers) Touch-up paint and regular washing curb this issue.

Paint Peeling

Factory pearl-white finishes on some 2010-2013 trucks showed clear-coat delamination where primer adhesion failed. (Mdxers) Repainting with proper prep fixes it.

Hose behind the wheel well, then apply wax or ceramic spray twice a year to block moisture. Inspect the plastic inner liner for tears. (YouTube)

Rust-Proofing

Spray cavity wax inside the panel seam every two winters, especially where the rocker meets the fender.

1. Lift & secure the SUV; pull the wheel.
2. Remove inner liner clips and the corner of the bumper cover. (Acura Parts Warehouse, YouTube)
3. Unbolt head-lamp bracket and A-pillar trim screw.
4. Release 8-12 fender bolts along the hood rail and door jamb. (Mdxers)
5. Swap the panel, align gaps to 3-5 mm, torque bolts to spec (≈9 ft-lb for M6, 22 ft-lb for M8).

Re-install parts in reverse order and check door-to-fender clearance.

MDX paint codes sit on the driver-side door jamb sticker. A quick video guide shows the exact label location. (YouTube)

Prep & Spray

Scuff the e-coat surface, spray two coats of primer, base color, then clear. Professional labor runs $240-$1,450 per panel depending on region and finish complexity. (Angi, Homewyse)

DIY Tips

Use a flexible sanding block on the curved wheel arch, wipe with tack cloth, and keep the gun 6 inches from the panel to avoid runs.

• Panel price - $300-$600 for steel, $500-$900 for aluminum (unpainted). (Jerry)
• Paint & labor - $400-$900 typical for a single side panel on an SUV. (elisautobody.com, Reddit)
• Hidden damage - inner apron or head-lamp bracket bends can add hours of labor.
• Blend work - shops often blend into the door to match metallics.

Insurance usually covers OEM-quality panels after collisions, but rust repairs are owner-paid unless under corrosion warranty. (Acura Owners)

Modern MDX bodies are 90 % recyclable, and aluminum fenders need less energy to recycle than to smelt new metal. (Autoweb) The lighter fourth-generation front structure also improves fuel economy by trimming curb weight. (acuranews.com)

Q: Does a 2024 MDX fender fit a 2020?
A: No. The 2022 refresh introduced different aluminum panels and mounting points, so 2024 parts will not bolt to a 2020 frame. (Repairer Driven News)

Q: Are left and right fenders interchangeable if I flip them?
A: They are mirror-shaped; swapping sides will not line up with the door or bumper bolt holes. (Acura Parts Warehouse)

Q: Can I drive with a cracked fender liner?
A: Temporarily yes, but debris can reach the wiring and cause corrosion-replace or patch the liner soon. (YouTube)

Q: Where is the rust most likely to start?
A: Along the lower wheel-arch lip where salt sits and behind the liner where wet leaves trap moisture. (Mdxers)

Q: How long does a bolt-on replacement take?
A: An experienced DIYer needs about 2-3 hours; a body shop often books 4 labor hours including panel alignment. (Mdxers, Reddit)

Q: Do I need to blend paint onto the hood?
A: Metallic colors and pearls almost always require blending into the hood and door for a perfect match. Consult the shop's spray-out card. (Angi)

Q: What torque for fender bolts?
A: Small M6 bolts: 9 ft-lb; larger M8 bolts: about 22 ft-lb, per Honda chassis fastener specs. (YouTube)

Q: Does replacing a fender void my corrosion warranty?
A: No, but Acura may refuse later rust claims if the repair used incorrect prep or aftermarket paint that traps moisture. (Acura Owners)

Q: Is aluminum harder to repair than steel?
A: Aluminum panels resist rust but require specialised tools for dent removal; many shops simply replace rather than repair severe damage. (Repairer Driven News)

Q: Can I add aftermarket fender flares?
A: Yes-clip-on or stick-on flares fit the wheel opening, protect paint from chips, and offer a rugged look. (Husky Liners)

This comprehensive guide should help owners, DIYers, and researchers understand every angle of the Acura MDX fender-from material science to budgeting and upkeep-while feeding search engines a rich set of related questions and answers.