Buy Hyundai Tucson Fender

Most Hyundai Tucson models use a steel front fender (also called a wing, wheel-arch panel, or mudguard) that shields the tire, supports the headlamp and bumper corner, and helps manage crash energy. Because it is bolted on, the panel is one of the easiest exterior body parts to remove and replace, yet it still touches safety sensors, lighting, and corrosion protection systems-so working on it the right way matters.

Basics

The fender wraps around the front wheel opening and ties into the bumper cover in front, the A-pillar door hinge area behind, and the hood edge above. Hyundai's body repair manual notes that outer body panels may be sectioned or replaced as whole pieces depending on damage and steel grade. (I-CAR RTS)
Early 2005-2020 Tucsons use mild or high-strength stamped steel; the 2022-2025 NX4 generation steps up to advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) in reinforcement areas for better crash safety and lower weight. (Fender Bender)

Fitment Years

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Because mounting points changed with each redesign, a 2020 fender will not line up with a 2024 body shell. Always match the part to the exact year and sub-model (SE, SEL, Hybrid, etc.). (wholesalehyundaiparts.com)

Material & Strength

Automakers switched to AHSS to save weight while keeping cabins safe. AHSS can be two to four times stronger than mild steel, but once kinked it must be replaced, not pulled out. (I-CAR RTS, Fender Bender)
Hyundai's sectioning bulletin warns that damaged ultra-high-strength panels "should not be repaired by pulling" and recommends full replacement. (I-CAR RTS)

Common Damage

• Parking scrapes and shopping-cart dents are the top fender injuries.
• A small front-corner hit can hide "indirect damage" where bumper fasteners punch the headlamp-inspect closely. (I-CAR RTS)
• Road grit trapped behind the plastic wheel-arch liner can hold moisture and start rust; owners on Hyundai forums advise flushing this cavity during tire rotations. (I30 Owners Club)

DIY Replacement Steps

1. Disconnect the battery and remove the front wheel for access.
2. Unbolt the inner splash liner and any fender flares.
3. Remove bumper corner clips and the headlamp bolts that overlap the fender edge.
4. Support the panel; take out the upper, side, and lower fender bolts (Hyundai lists 7-10 N·m for typical M6 bolts-always verify in the service manual). (Dealer eProcess)
5. Test-fit the new panel, gap to hood and door, then torque fasteners evenly.
6. Re-attach liners, lamps, and bumper; reconnect sensors and run a scan if the model has front radar.

Paint & Finish

The Tucson's paint code tag sits inside the driver's door jamb-look for a two-digit code such as "W8" or "T4R." (Automotive Touchup)
A shop will usually blend the new wing into the door and hood so the color match is invisible. Use factory-spec e-coat or epoxy primer on bare metal before painting for corrosion resistance.

Sensors & Tech

The NX4 fender sits next to a forward radar and camera used for Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. Painting or denting the area can change sensor aim; Hyundai advises recalibration after repair. (Hyundai Owner's Manual)
A replacement front radar unit itself can cost over $1,400, so protecting and cleaning the sensor cover is important. (wholesalehyundaiparts.com)

Cost Range

Owners report paying about US $1,800 for a painted, installed fender when insurance covers part of the bill, and US $500-$1,200 parts-and-labor for self-paid repairs, depending on color and body-shop rates. (Reddit)
Labor is typically 2-3 hours, plus paint booth time. Rust repair, sensor calibration, or blended refinishing add cost.

Sustainability

Steel is the most recycled material in North America; more than 80 million tons are reused each year, and the metal can be recycled indefinitely without losing strength. (National Material)
Choosing a recycled or refurbished wing keeps steel in the loop and lowers the repair's carbon footprint.

Care Tips

• Rinse road salt and mud from the liner and wheel arch. Leaves left behind the liner can trap moisture and start rust. (I30 Owners Club)
• Use a plastic-safe cleaner and UV protectant on black wheel-arch mouldings to keep them from fading.
• Touch up paint chips early; exposed steel will rust quickly in humid climates.

Related Parts

While replacing a fender, inspect:

• Inner splash liner
• Fender flare moulding
• Side-marker or DRL brackets
• Hood hinge and bumper clip studs

Many of these inexpensive clips prevent panel flutter at highway speed. (wholesalehyundaiparts.com)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the fender actually do?
A: It blocks rocks and water, shapes airflow around the wheel, and provides a mounting surface for the headlamp, bumper, and trim. (Dealer eProcess)

Q: Is the Tucson fender aluminum or steel?
A: All Tucson generations sold in North America use stamped steel outer fenders; inner reinforcements may be advanced high-strength grades on 2022-up models. (Fender Bender)

Q: Can a dented wing be repaired instead of replaced?
A: If the metal is mild or regular high-strength steel and not sharply creased, technicians may pull or fill it; ultra-high-strength sections must be replaced. (I-CAR RTS)

Q: Where is my paint code?
A: Open the driver's door and look at the certification label on the jamb; the two-character paint code is printed there. (Automotive Touchup)

Q: Do I need to remove the bumper to change the panel?
A: On 2016-2025 Tucsons you only release the bumper corner clips; the bumper can stay loosely in place while the fender slides out. (Dealer eProcess)

Q: Will the new panel come pre-painted?
A: Most replacement wings ship in gray e-coat primer. A body shop will paint and clear-coat it to match your SUV.

Q: How long does a DIY swap take?
A: An experienced do-it-yourselfer can swap a fender in 2 hours, not counting paint time.

Q: What tools do I need?
A: Basic sockets, trim-clip pliers, a T-handle for wheel-liner screws, and a torque wrench for the bolts.

Q: Can failing to recalibrate sensors cause warnings?
A: Yes. If the front radar or camera is misaligned after body work, the cluster may display "Forward Safety System" errors and adaptive cruise may shut off. (Hyundai Owner's Manual)

Q: How do I prevent rust at the wheel arch?
A: Once a year, pop out the liner screws and wash out trapped dirt, then apply wax or rust inhibitor along the lip. (I30 Owners Club)

Q: Is the panel recyclable?
A: Absolutely-over 95 % of automotive steel gets recycled into new car parts or construction steel once the vehicle is scrapped. (National Material)

By understanding how the Hyundai Tucson fender is built, replaced, painted, and protected, owners and shops can keep the SUV looking sharp, maintain sensor accuracy, and even make eco-friendly repair choices.