Buy Subaru Impreza Fender

Overview

A fender (also called a wheel-arch panel or wing) is the metal skin that wraps around the front wheels of a Subaru Impreza. It keeps mud, stones, and road splash off the body and protects parts inside the engine bay. Subaru has built the Impreza since 1992, and every generation-coupé, sedan, wagon, and today's hatchback-uses a bolt-on front fender you can change without welding.

Key Facts

• Body styles and years. First generation (1993-2000), second (2001-2007), third (2008-2011), fourth (2012-2016), fifth (2017-2023), and sixth (2024-present) all use model-specific front fenders that are not interchangeable across generations.
• Material. Most Impreza fenders are stamped steel; Subaru reserved aluminum panels mainly for the hood.
• Attachment points. Service-manual diagrams show 7-12 metric bolts along the top rail, A-pillar flange, and mud-guard edge, plus plastic push-clips at the bumper joint.
• Dimensions. Current-generation fender matches a body width of 70.1 in (1,780 mm).
• Safety. Behind the panel sit airbags sensors and, on higher trims, eyesight radar wiring; keep power off before work.
• Paint codes. Subaru stamps a three-digit paint code on the driver-side strut tower or door jamb-use this for color match.

Functions

The fender blocks water and grit, so the rocker panels do not rust early. It also shapes airflow, cutting wind noise at highway speed. Subaru's crash tests show the fender folds to absorb a minor hit before damage reaches the cabin.

Fit & Compatibility

• 2024+ hatch shares its fender with RS and Sport trims; it does not fit Crosstrek because the crossover uses a wider flare.
• Fifth-gen (2017-2023) sedan and hatch share the same part number left to right swap excluded.
• Earlier WRX and STI fenders swap with same-year Impreza but differ by flare width on 2002-2007 turbo models.

Materials

Why steel? It costs less and handles road debris well. Owners who track the car sometimes add bolt-on plastic or rubber wheel-arch extensions to stop tire rub. Aluminum versions exist in aftermarket racing kits but need extra brackets.

Common Issues

• Parking dents. Thin gauge metal bends easily. Paintless dent repair works if the paint is not cracked.
• Rust at wheel lip. Salt collects on the inner lip; inspect each oil change. DIY fix kits weld in a small patch panel.
• Clip breakage. Plastic push-rivets (Subaru clip #909140065, 8 mm head) can snap; keep spares.

DIY Replacement Steps

1. Disconnect the battery to protect sensors.
2. Remove the front bumper cover (six clips, two screws). A step-by-step video is on YouTube.
3. Unbolt the liner and splash shield; see liner demo.
4. Support the door; take out 10 mm bolts along the fender rail and A-pillar.
5. Lift the panel off. Reverse steps to install, torque bolts to 7-9 ft-lb.

Labor & Cost

Flat-rate guides list about 3-4 labor hours for a front fender swap; shop rates range from $48 to $215 per hour nationwide. (Key Collision Center) Paint and materials add $250-$600 depending on color blend. Many owners report total bills near $1,000-$1,500, including paint.

Paint & Finish

Use your paint code to order matching primer, basecoat, and clear. Subaru brochures show 10 factory colors for 2024, including Oasis Blue and Crimson Red. Spray in a dust-free area, 68-77 °F, and keep coats thin to avoid runs.

Upgrade Ideas

Wide-body kits for rally builds replace the factory fender with fiberglass wings that add up to 2 inches of wheel clearance. Always fit wider splash guards to protect paint afterward.

Safety Notes

After any crash, scan the car; an SRS sensor sits on the front rail just behind the fender. Disturbing it may set a fault light and disable airbags.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does a fender do?
A: It blocks mud and stones and shapes airflow over the wheel.

Q: Which Impreza years share the same fender?
A: Each generation (1993-2000, 2001-2007, 2008-2011, 2012-2016, 2017-2023, 2024-present) needs its own panel.

Q: Is it steel or aluminum?
A: Impreza fenders are steel; only some hoods use aluminum.

Q: How can I spot damage early?
A: Look for paint cracks, gaps at the bumper edge, or rub marks on the tire.

Q: Do I remove the bumper to change it?
A: Yes, the bumper cover overlaps the lower fender bolts.

Q: How long does the job take?
A: A shop book lists about 3-4 hours; an experienced DIYer may spend a Saturday afternoon.

Q: Will it need repainting?
A: Yes, even a primed new panel needs color and clear to match the car.

Q: What is a fender liner?
A: A plastic shield that sits inside the fender to keep water and salt off wiring and lights.

Q: What size clips hold the liner?
A: Most clips are 8 mm push-rivets marked 909140065.

Q: How much does a steel fender weigh?
A: About 12 pounds before paint, light enough to lift alone.

Q: Can Crosstrek flares bolt onto an Impreza?
A: Not directly; Crosstrek fenders curve differently and sit higher.

Q: Are there sensors behind the fender?
A: Yes, crash and radar harnesses run along the inner rail. Disconnect the battery before work.

Q: Where is my paint code?
A: On the strut tower or door jamb sticker; it is a three-digit code.

Q: What will it cost?
A: Many owners pay $1,000-$1,500 including paint; labor rates vary by region.

Q: Can I drive with a cracked fender?
A: Small cracks are mostly cosmetic, but sharp metal edges can cut a tire; fix soon.

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