Buy Kia Sportage Fender

• Function: Shields wheel well, reduces spray, and absorbs light impacts.
• Build: High-tensile, zinc-galvanized steel on current generations for strength and rust resistance (Jimdo).
• Fit years: 2011-2025 Sportage share the same bolt-on design concept, but mounting holes and styling lines change with each generation.
• Safety tie-in: Intact fenders help sensors for blind-spot and forward-collision systems "see" correctly; the 2024 Sportage earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick with these sensors calibrated behind the sheet-metal (IIHS Crash Testing).
• Repair cost: Simple dent pulls start around $50; full replacement, paint, and ADAS sensor re-calibration can top $1,500 on modern cars (AAA Oregon/Idaho, MarketWatch).
• DIY difficulty: Moderate-removing the bumper cover, head-lamp, and inner splash shield is required.
• Environmental note: Old steel fenders are 100 % recyclable; plastic flare trims can be #5 polypropylene.

• Where it sits - The Sportage fender runs from the front door gap to the head-lamp. A small lip meets the bumper.
• What it does - Directs airflow, cushions parking-lot knocks, and prevents debris from wrecking the wheel-speed sensor and brake lines. A plastic inner liner (splash shield) snaps to its edge for extra protection.
• Why steel? - Kia builds the Sportage on an all-steel unitary body for crash strength (Kia Press). The fender uses the same corrosion-resistant coating as the hood and tailgate.

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Mounting bolt pattern changes, so always match model year before ordering.

• Steel grade - High-tension and zinc-galvanized sheet for dent resistance and rust delay (Jimdo).
• Plastic add-ons - Wheel-arch garnish and lower rocker splash pieces are textured PP; reuse them or buy new if broken.
• Sensor cut-outs - Hybrid and plug-in models hide a side radar module behind the liner; mis-alignment can trigger lane-assist warnings.

A detailed article on fender damage lists dents, scratches, cracks, rust, liner tears, and mis-alignment as top issues (Caliber). Parking bumps and low-speed collisions are the usual cause, but salt spray on the rolled lip can start rust bubbles in snowy areas.

1. Inspect - Look for paint chips, bent metal at the door gap, and sensor mounts.
2. Small fixes - Paint-less dent repair works for coin-size dings. Cost: $50-$120 per dent (Car and Driver).
3. Rust holes - Cut out and weld only if structure allows; otherwise replace.
4. Full swap - Unbolt 10 mm fasteners, detach the bumper edge, pull the liner, unplug side marker. DIY video guides take about 90 minutes (YouTube).
5. Paint match - Factory code is on the driver-door label; an aerosol touch-up process is outlined in this step-by-step guide (Hagerty).

• Disconnect the battery; some trims mount an air-bag side-impact sensor to the inner rail (YouTube).
• Support the bumper cover to avoid scratching.
• Use OEM-style butyl sealer on the upper flange to stop water leaks.
• Torque upper bolts to 9 N·m; lower splash screws to 3 N·m.

• Rinse wheel wells weekly to wash off salt.
• Spray wax or ceramic coating on the painted lip to seal out moisture.
• Check clips on the inner mudguard; torn liners let stones blast bare steel.

Driving with a missing fender can expose sharp edges and may violate "no exposed tire" laws in many U.S. states. It can also mask blind-spot radar, risking malfunction warnings. The IIHS notes that working ADAS cuts side-crash injuries, so keep the panel aligned and sensors calibrated (IIHS Crash Testing).

• Parts & labor: Basic steel fender + paint averages $300-$900; add $400-$600 if ADAS radar needs calibration (AAA Oregon/Idaho, WIRED).
• Bigger picture: Average collision repair bills have climbed above $4,700 in 2024 due to sensors and labor rates (WSJ).
• Insurance spike: A minor "fender-bender" can raise annual premiums by about 25-35 % (Car and Driver).

Steel fenders recycle easily in normal scrap streams. Request your shop to recycle the old panel. Plastic flare pieces should go to a #5 polypropylene recycler where available.

• Inner splash shield (fender liner) - thermoplastic, keeps mud off wiring.
• Bumper cover - overlaps the fender's front edge.
• Rocker garnish - meets the lower fender tab.
• Wind-screen washer tank - often unbolted to reach the back of the wheel arch.

• Kia's official Sportage spec sheet for body details. (Kia Press)
• Full IIHS crash-rating page for the 2024 Sportage. (IIHS Crash Testing)
• Comprehensive damage-type guide. (Caliber)
• AAA study on sensor-related repair costs. (AAA Oregon/Idaho)
• Step-by-step touch-up painting tutorial. (Hagerty)
• Market analysis of rising collision bills. (MarketWatch)
• In-depth look at ADAS repair expenses. (WIRED)
• Insurance impact after minor crashes. (Car and Driver)