Buy Hyundai Elantra Bumper Covers

Before you start: the "bumper cover" is the colored plastic shell that hides and protects the metal bumper beam on your Hyundai Elantra. People also call it the bumper skin, fascia, front cover, rear cover, or bumper shell. It clips on with screws and push-pins, and it is designed to flex, absorb light hits, and look good doing it. (eCFR, IIHS-HLDI)

Overview

The Elantra has used plastic bumper covers since the mid-1990s. Every redesign-from the 2011 "MD" body to the current 2025 "CN7" refresh-gets its own shape, mounting tabs, and sensor holes. You must match the cover to the exact model year and body style (sedan or GT hatch) so the lines, grille openings, and parking-sensor ports line up.

Fit & Years

• 2011-2016 (MD/UD) - slimmer grille slot, no radar.
• 2017-2020 (AD) - wide hex grille; some trims add corner radar for blind-spot warning. (I-CAR RTS)
• 2021-2025 (CN7) - "parametric dynamics" style; front radar module sits behind the center badge; parking sensors are flush dots. (, I-CAR RTS)
  Tip: count the sensor holes and check for the radar bracket before you order a shell.

Materials

Most covers are a blend of polypropylene (PP) with elastomer or ABS to keep them light yet tough. PP lets the skin spring back from low-speed bumps, while ABS raises impact strength. (Plastics Today, Wikipedia)

Safety Role

U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Standard 581 says bumpers must protect lights, hood, and exhaust in 2½-mph corner hits and 5-mph center hits. The plastic skin is part of that system-it spreads crash energy across the bar underneath. (eCFR)
IIHS tests on the 2025 Elantra show "Good" crash ratings; the bumper skin helps manage minor crashes so airbags stay unused. (IIHS-HLDI)

Damage Signs

• Cracks, deep scrapes, or torn mounting tabs.
• Loose gap at the fender or trunk corner.
• Radar or parking-sensor errors after a tap. (I-CAR RTS)

Replacement Steps

Hyundai's 22-BD-001H bulletin breaks the job into simple steps: pop hood, pull top clips, remove lower clips and wheel-well screws, unplug the harness, and lift the fascia away. (NHTSA Static)
Reverse the process to install. Always reconnect every tab to stop wind noise.

Sensors & Tech

Modern Elantras hide forward radar, blind-spot radar, and parking sonar behind the shells. If any sensor or the cover moves, a calibration with a scan tool may be needed. (I-CAR RTS, I-CAR RTS)

Paint & Finish

The paint code is printed on the driver-door jamb sticker; match that code so the new skin blends in. Aftermarket skins ship primed-scuff, treat with plastic adhesion promoter, and spray base-coat/clear-coat. (NHTSA Static, Wikipedia)

Care Tips

Wash with mild soap, not harsh solvents. Wax a few times a year to cut UV fade. Small scuffs often buff out with plastic polish.

Recycling

Bumper skins are 100 % recyclable PP. Shops can send cracked covers to bumper-recycling programs that grind and melt them into new parts, cutting landfill waste. (Polyvance, US EPA)

Legal Notes

Insurance pays for a new cover when damage exceeds repair limits. A reused shell must meet safety rules and cannot block sensors. Using non-certified plastic on radar zones may void liability. (I-CAR RTS, I-CAR RTS)

Upgrades

• Lip spoilers and splitters-bolt to the lower edge for sport looks.
• Clear paint-protection film-shields against rock chips.
• Mesh grilles-improve airflow but keep sensor windows clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a bumper cover made of?
A: Mostly polypropylene plastic mixed with ABS for extra strength. (Plastics Today)

Q: Does the cover absorb a crash?
A: It flexes to spread low-speed impact, but the metal bar and energy absorber do most of the work. (eCFR)

Q: Can I drive with a cracked fascia?
A: Small cracks are legal but can loosen sensors and reduce protection; fix or replace soon. (I-CAR RTS)

Q: Will a 2020 cover fit a 2022?
A: No. Different body generations need their own shells and brackets.

Q: Where is the paint code?
A: On the driver-side door-jamb label-two or three letters/numbers.

Q: Do I need to recalibrate cameras after replacement?
A: If you disturb radar or corner sensors, a shop scan and calibration is required. (, I-CAR RTS)

Q: How much does a shop charge?
A: Typical labor plus paint runs $400-$1,100 depending on year and color. (NHTSA Static)

Q: Can I paint it myself?
A: Yes-clean, scuff, apply adhesion promoter, then spray matched paint and clear coat.

Q: Are aftermarket skins safe?
A: As long as they fit snugly and keep sensor windows clear, they meet the same crash standard.

Q: How do I recycle a damaged skin?
A: Ask local body shops; many send PP skins to bumper-recycling centers. (Polyvance)

Resources

• U.S. Bumper Standard 49 CFR 581 - impact rules.
• IIHS Elantra safety ratings - crash data.
• Hyundai Front bumper molding TSB 22-BD-001H - step-by-step removal.
• I-CAR Calibration guide - when radar needs alignment.
• Polyvance bumper recycling facts - how plastic skins get reused.
• EPA End-of-Life Vehicle guide - recycling and disposal tips.

These links dive deeper into laws, repairs, recycling, and safety-use them to plan a correct, long-lasting bumper cover swap.