Buy Honda Accord Fender

Key Points

Honda Accord front fenders-also called wings, mudguards, or wheel-arch panels-protect the wheel well, channel crash energy away from the cabin, and help keep mud and stones off surrounding traffic (Wikipedia). Modern Accords use high-tensile steel for most outer panels, tying into Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) safety cage (Honda Info Center, Tech Info). When a fender is bent or rusted, owners usually replace rather than straighten it because thin steel easily kinks and paint cracks (CARSTAR, I-CAR RTS). Typical do-it-yourself swap time is 60-120 minutes with basic hand tools (YouTube), and average shop costs run US $650-$1 400, including paint and blend work (RepairPal.com). Proper fit and torque keep wind noise low; a loose panel can whistle at highway speed (Reddit, NHTSA). Regular washing and seasonal waxing slow rust-especially in snowy climates where road salt attacks the inner lip (AAA East Central, Drive Accord).

Fender Basics

• Location & Shape - The Accord's front fender bolts to the A-pillar, rocker, radiator support, and bumper cover. A molded arch follows the 17- to 19-inch wheel for clearance over full suspension travel (Wikipedia).
• Primary Jobs - Deflect debris, support the headlight bracket, and act as a crumple zone in minor "fender-bender" collisions (CARSTAR).
• Core Materials - Honda lists stamped mild- and high-strength steel for the outer panel; only the hood and bumper beam are aluminum on the 2018-present generation (Tech Info).

Model Fitment

The part discussed here fits all U.S.-spec Honda Accord sedans and hybrids built from model-year 2018 through 2025 (10th & 11th generations). Coupes (2013-2017) and earlier sedans use unique pressings and mounting points. In each generation Honda's service manual supplies identical bolt pattern but slightly different badge and lamp bracket holes (Wedophones).

Safety & Structure

Honda's ACE frame routes crash forces through upper and lower fender rails, helping the Accord earn a 5-Star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Because the fender joins these rails, Honda prohibits sectioning or heat-straightening high-strength areas and advises replacement instead (I-CAR RTS, Tech Info).

Signs of Trouble

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DIY Replacement

1. Disconnect the battery and remove the wheel-arch liner clips (YouTube).
2. Loosen bumper cover screws and single 10 mm bolt inside the door jamb.
3. Support the fender; remove upper rail bolts (most torque to 9 ft-lb per service spec) (Charm).
4. Transfer the side-marker lamp and foam seals to the new panel.
5. Snug bolts, check the hood-to-fender gap (3.5 ± 0.5 mm), then final torque.

Paint & Finish

Fresh panels ship in electro-coat primer and require scuffing, base-coat, clear-coat, and bake-cycle per EPA refinishing guidelines (US EPA). Using low-VOC water-borne products meets federal rules and minimizes odors.

Cost Factors

• Part price: $180-$460 for CAPA-certified steel panel.
• Labor: 1.5-3.0 book hours for R&R.
• Paint blend: 0.5-1.0 hour per adjacent panel.
  Totals vary by region and color-match difficulty (RepairPal.com).

Maintenance Tips

Routine rinsing, wheel-well flushing, and quarterly wax keep salt and grime from sitting behind the mudguard lip (AAA East Central). Inner liner clips should be replaced if broken to prevent splash-through that can reach wiring and headlight housings (Drive Accord).

Regulations & Quality

Aftermarket fenders that carry CAPA or NSF certifications meet SEMA-endorsed dimensional and corrosion standards for crash parts (SEMA). Buyers outside the U.S. should check local rules on reflector mounting height and paint reflectivity.

Troubleshooting Wind Noise

Honda issued multiple service bulletins addressing wind rush caused by slight fender-to-door misalignment and sash trim gaps (NHTSA, Reddit). Realigning the panel or adding EPT sealer strips typically stops the whistle.

Related Parts

• Front inner liner (splash shield) - keeps slush off electronics (Drive Accord).
• Bumper cover & headlamp bracket - share mounting tabs.
• Mud flaps - reduce chip damage on the lower arch (AAA East Central, Wikipedia).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a fender on a Honda Accord?
A: It's the metal panel forming the front wheel-arch, protecting the car and others from debris and light impacts .

Q: Is the Accord fender made of aluminum?
A: No. Honda lists only the hood and bumper beam as aluminum; the fender is stamped steel (Tech Info).

Q: Can I straighten a dented fender?
A: Minor waves can be skim-filled, but sharp creases weaken thin steel, so a replacement is safer (CARSTAR).

Q: How do I stop rust on the wheel lip?
A: Clean, neutralize with rust-converter, seal with primer, and keep the liner intact to block salt spray (AAA East Central).

Q: Will an aftermarket fender affect safety ratings?
A: Certified panels that match Honda specs do not alter crash-test results, but poorly fitting parts can compromise energy flow (SEMA, I-CAR RTS).

Q: What torque spec applies to the upper fender bolts?
A: Honda lists roughly 9 ft-lb (12 N·m) for 8-mm bolts on most model years (Charm).

Frequently Asked Questions