Buy Suzuki Grand Vitara Bumper Covers

Background Info

Suzuki Grand Vitara bumper covers-also called bumper skins, fascia panels, or outer shells-protect the SUV's steel bumper bar and energy absorber from scrapes, low-speed impacts, and weather. They were redesigned for the 2006 model year and remained mostly unchanged through 2013, so replacement parts usually fit any second-generation Grand Vitara built in those years (IIHS Crash Testing). The covers are molded from flexible polypropylene-based plastic that pops back after minor dings (acplasticsinc.com).

Part Basics

• Purpose - The cover is the first line of defense, shielding the crash beam, radiator, lamps, and parking sensors from light contact.
• Location - Front covers sit just under the grille; rear covers wrap around the tailgate edge.
• Material - Stamped "PP-EPDM-T20" or similar on the inside, showing it is a polypropylene blend for impact flexibility (polyvance.com, E46Fanatics).
• Core Components Behind the Skin - energy absorber, reinforcement bar, and mounting holders (4x4 Brasil).

Fitment Years

• Second-generation (JB) Grand Vitara 2006-2013 share the same basic bumper cover shape, with minor trim cut-outs for fog lights or parking sensors depending on trim level (IIHS Crash Testing).
• Earlier 1999-2005 and later global Vitara models use different mounting tabs, so double-check before ordering.

Construction

• Front Cover Parts list - skin, grille net, absorber, holder clips, lower air-dam skirt, and weather seal (4x4 Brasil).
• Rear Cover Differences - 5-door models add a No. 2 holder bracket while 3-door models rely on a single center holder .
• Why Polypropylene? It bends without cracking, resists road salt, and is light-helping the SUV meet fuel-economy targets (acplasticsinc.com).

Dimensions & Clearance

The stock bumper edge sits roughly 200 mm (7.9 in) above ground on a 2013 Grand Vitara, with an overall body width of 1,810 mm (71 in) (Carfolio). Ground clearance matters if you add a skid plate or larger tires, because the cover will be the first part to hit a rock.

Installation Steps

1. Unclip fender liners. Three Phillips screws at each wheel well hold the liner to the fascia (ManualsLib).
2. Remove under-tray bolts. Eight 10 mm bolts secure the bottom lip.
3. Pop upper tabs. Lift gently along the grille seam; plastic retainers release with steady pressure (YouTube).
4. Pull straight forward. Have a helper support the cover to avoid scratching paint.
5. Reverse to install, checking that side brackets seat fully to prevent vibration.

Torque all bumper-to-frame bolts to the service-manual spec of 23 N·m (17 lb-ft) (ManualsLib).

Painting & Finish

• Prep - Wash with plastic-safe soap, scuff with 600-grit, wipe with adhesion promoter (Popular Mechanics).
• Prime - Use flexible bumper primer so the paint can flex without cracking (YouTube).
• Color Match - Grand Vitara paint codes are stamped on the firewall or right fender wall; three-digit alphanumeric (e.g., Z9T) (acplasticsinc.com).
• Top-coat & clear following flash times on the label.

Upgrades & Accessories

• Skid plates & recovery points-an off-road accessory maker offers bolt-on steel guards that sit under the bumper cover to protect the radiator during trail use (ASFIR 4x4).
• Universal bumper guards-foam or rubber pads strap to the cover and soak up parallel-parking taps (Popular Mechanics).
• Aftermarket LEDs-factory fog-lamp blanks can be cut to accept 90 mm lamps; check state lighting laws before wiring.

Safety & Regulations

• The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the 2006-13 Grand Vitara "Good" in moderate-overlap frontal crashes, showing the bumper structure stayed intact (IIHS Crash Testing).
• In older 5 mph barrier tests, the 2001 XL-7 (closely related) racked up $5,802 in damage due to weak bumper design, highlighting why proper repair matters (WIRED).
• Modern side-impact testing uses a 4,200-lb moving barrier with bumper-height alignment-underscoring the need for correct cover fit so airbags deploy as designed (IIHS Crash Testing).
• No open recalls exist specifically for the cover, but an NHTSA investigation notes that severe rear impacts can deform the area above the bumper and threaten the fuel tank .

Environment & Recycling

Recyclers now shred damaged bumper covers and re-pelletize the PP plastic, keeping up to a million pounds of waste a year out of landfills (Plastics Today).

Care & Maintenance

• Wash with pH-neutral soap; avoid harsh degreasers that dry the plastic.
• Inspect mounting clips every oil change; loose clips let the cover flap and crack.
• Touch up chips quickly-paint protects the plastic from UV chalking.
• Wax or ceramic-coat painted covers to repel tar and brake dust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What years share the same bumper cover?
A: All 2006-2013 Grand Vitara and XL-7 models use the same mounting pattern, though trim holes for sensors or fog lamps may vary (IIHS Crash Testing).

Q: Is the cover metal or plastic?
A: It is a polypropylene-rubber blend that flexes rather than dents (polyvance.com, acplasticsinc.com).

Q: Does it protect in a crash?
A: At parking-lot speeds, yes-the skin absorbs light bumps. At higher speeds the internal crash bar and crumple zones do the real work (IIHS Crash Testing).

Q: How heavy is it?
A: About 6-8 lb (2.7-3.6 kg), depending on trim; light weight helps fuel economy (Carfolio).

Q: Can I reuse my old absorber?
A: If the foam is not cracked or permanently compressed, you can reuse it. Replace after any hit that leaves a dent you can't press back (4x4 Brasil).

Q: What tools do I need to swap it?
A: 10 mm socket, clip-removal tool, Phillips driver, and a friend to help with alignment (YouTube).

Q: Where is my color code?
A: On a small plate at the firewall center or passenger side; three characters like Z9T (acplasticsinc.com).

Q: Does adding a skid plate void warranty?
A: No, but drilling new holes in the bumper beam could. Use factory mounting points when possible (ASFIR 4x4).

Q: Are aftermarket "bull bars" legal?
A: Laws differ-some regions ban protruding bars that change pedestrian impact zones. Check local vehicle code before installing .

Q: How do I keep paint from peeling?
A: Scuff, prime with flexible primer, and allow full cure before clear-coating (Popular Mechanics, YouTube).