Buy Honda Civic Fender Liner Or Splash Shield

Overview

A fender liner - also called an inner fender, wheel-well liner, splash guard or splash shield - is the curved plastic panel that sits between each tire and the metal body of your Honda Civic. Its job is simple but vital: it keeps water, mud, rocks, salt and other road debris from being thrown into the engine bay and headlight area, where they could corrode wiring, belts, sensors and paint. (EverCare Protection, Reddit)

Key Jobs

• Shielding & corrosion control: By blocking spray and grit, the liner prevents rust on sheet-metal and critical parts. (EverCare Protection)
• Noise control: The textured inner surface dampens the "whoosh" of air and tire roar, making the cabin quieter. (Resonix Sound Solutions)
• Aerodynamics & mileage: Directing airflow around the wheel reduces turbulence and helps the Civic cut through the air a bit easier, saving a small amount of fuel over time. (Reddit)
• Safety back-up: The liner is a last line of defense; debris that gets past the bumper hits the liner instead of costly components. Studies show road debris contributes to more than 50 thousand crashes and about 125 deaths each year in the U.S. (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety -)

Construction

Modern Honda liners are injection-molded from polypropylene (PP), a light, flexible plastic that resists chemicals and salt. (eBay, Amazon) PP is recyclable; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that advances in PP recovery make it attractive for automotive recycling programs. (EPA Publications) Older Civics (early 2000s) used a slightly thicker thermoplastic or felt-backed composite, but the purpose and fit are the same.

Fit & Compatibility

Honda assigns unique part numbers to liners by model year, body style and side. Examples:

• 2006-2011 Civic sedan front-right: 74101-SNAA-00
• 2016-2018 Civic sedan front-left: 74151-TBA-A00 (Amazon, Amazon)
  Always match the year and trim (Si, Type R, hatchback, etc.) because mounting holes differ. Rear wheel-well splash shields appeared on some trims starting in 2012; they install similarly.

Damage Signs

Look for cracks, missing push-pins, pieces rubbing the tire, or a liner that drags on the ground after hitting road ice or curbs. If you can see the ground when looking through the wheel arch, replacement is due. (Reddit)

Replacement Steps

1. Raise and secure the front of the car, then remove the wheel.
2. Pry out the plastic clips and 10 mm bolts around the liner edge.
3. Slide the old shield out; clean any trapped dirt.
4. Test-fit the new liner; start all clips by hand, then snug the bolts.
5. Spin the wheel by hand to confirm nothing rubs, then lower the car.
   Honda's service bulletin shows the liner comes off before many under-car repairs and goes back on once bolts are torqued. A DIY video for a 2017 Civic shows the whole job takes about 30 minutes with hand tools. (YouTube)

Time & Cost

The plastic panel itself runs $40 - $140 depending on year and whether you buy primed or felt-backed plastic. Community reports put labor at $75 - $150 (about one hour) if you pay a shop, but some dealers quote upward of $400 - $600 when adding markup and shop fees. (Reddit, Reddit, Reddit) Re-using undamaged clips and doing the swap yourself keeps costs low.

Maintenance

Rinse the wheel-well whenever you wash the car. Salt and dirt trapped behind the liner can corrode metal over time. During oil changes, ask the technician to check that all clips are still snug. A missing clip costs cents but prevents flapping at highway speeds. (EverCare Protection)

Noise & Comfort

Adding an aftermarket acoustic mat behind the liner further cuts road noise by absorbing sound waves before they enter the cabin. (Resonix Sound Solutions) Be sure any mat you add is water-resistant and rated for at least 200 °F.

Safety & Law

Unsecured loads create debris that cracks liners and windshields. The AAA Foundation urges drivers to secure cargo and keep distance behind trucks, noting debris-related crashes are four times more likely on Interstates. (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety -) Many states fine drivers whose vehicles drop parts onto the roadway.

Environmental Note

When you replace an old liner, ask the shop to recycle the PP plastic. The EPA highlights mechanical and chemical processes that turn post-consumer PP into new auto parts, lowering landfill waste. (EPA Publications)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a fender liner and a splash shield?
A: They are two names for the same part - a curved plastic guard mounted inside the wheel well that blocks water and debris. (EverCare Protection)

Q: Can I drive without the liner?
A: Yes for a short time, but wiring, belts and paint can get damaged if you leave it off for weeks. Replace it as soon as you can. (Reddit)

Q: Which side is hardest to replace?
A: Neither; both sides use the same clips. The front-right sometimes has washer-fluid hoses routed behind it, so be gentle when pulling it out.

Q: Do rear wheels have liners?
A: Most 2012-present Civic sedans and hatchbacks have small rear splash guards; check your wheel arch to confirm.

Q: What tools do I need?
A: Jack, lug wrench, flat trim-clip tool, 8 mm or 10 mm socket, and a flashlight.

Q: Will an aftermarket liner fit like the original?
A: If it carries the correct Honda part number cross-reference (for example 74151-TBA-A00 for 2016-2018 sedans) the mounting holes line up. (Amazon)

Q: Why did my liner tear?
A: Common causes include hitting ice chunks, curb strikes, or clips that popped out and let the liner contact the tire at speed.

Q: How long does a new liner last?
A: With normal driving and no major impacts, 8-12 years is typical because PP plastic does not rust.

Q: Is it paintable?
A: Yes, but paint may chip; most owners leave it black.

Q: Can I recycle the clipped fasteners?
A: Fasteners are low-grade nylon; recycle as mixed plastic if facilities accept them. (EPA Publications)

Helpful resources

• Read the Honda Service Bulletin 24-018 for splash-shield removal order.
• See the AAA Foundation's findings on road-debris crashes.
• Learn about PP recovery in the EPA's polypropylene recycling report.
• For extra quiet rides, check ResoNix's guide on wheel-well sound deadening.