Buy Toyota Avalon Fender

Background Info

Toyota Avalon front fenders-also called wheel-arch panels, wings, or mud-guards-wrap around each front tire to keep rocks, water, and salt from hitting the body, people, and other cars. Built mostly from stamped steel across all five Avalon generations, they bolt on with 8-10 fasteners and can be swapped in under an hour when damaged. A fresh panel must be aligned so the gaps to the hood, bumper, and door stay even for safety, quiet airflow, and correct sensor operation.

What It Does

A fender's curved shape blocks road debris and directs airflow around the wheel for better fuel economy. Because it is part of the crush zone, it also helps absorb low-speed impacts before energy reaches the cabin.

Fitment Years

• 1995-1999 (1st gen) (Wikipedia)
• 2000-2004 (2nd gen) (Toyota USA Newsroom)
• 2005-2012 (3rd gen)
• 2013-2018 (4th gen) - part numbers such as 53811-07*** differ left vs. right; confirm by VIN.
• 2019-2022 (5th gen) - shares the same basic mounting pattern but uses extra brackets for the new aero liner.

Always match body style (Hybrid or gas) because some trims have radar brackets pre-punched in the inner flange.

Materials

Most Avalons use mild or high-strength steel fenders that are 0.7 - 1 mm thick. Plastic or aluminum has never been used on U.S. Avalons, making dent repair and recycling straightforward.

Common Damage

Parking scrapes, curb strikes, and minor front-corner crashes bend the outer lip or crease the mounting flange. Road-salt corrosion often starts inside the wheel arch on older cars; once rust bubbles appear outside, metal replacement is the only lasting cure.

Rust & Prevention

* Rinse the wheel well every two weeks in winter to wash away salt.
* Spray cavity wax behind the liner after any repair.
* Touch-up exposed steel immediately; untreated chips can rust through in one season.

Installation Steps

1. Disconnect the battery-air-bag sensors sit near the inner apron.
2. Remove wheel, splash-shield screws, and ten-millimeter fender bolts.
3. Hang the new panel loosely, then close the hood and door to set even gaps before final tightening.
4. Re-torque bolts to factory spec (7-9 ft-lb) and refit the liner.

Paint Matching

Toyota prints the three-digit paint code on the driver-side door jamb; read it before ordering paint so the new wing matches perfectly. Blend adjacent panels for invisible repairs on metallic colors.

Sensors & Safety

Late-model Avalons hide blind-spot radar brackets and harness clips inside the fender cavity. Bending or welding in this area without following Toyota's collision manual can affect air-bag timing. A 2011 NHTSA recall even required removing the right-hand fender apron seal to inspect engine pulleys, showing how many systems tie into this area.

Cost & Time

* Part price varies by generation but averages $225-$380 in bare steel.
* Professional paint and install add 3-4 labor hours.
* DIY owners typically finish the job in a weekend with simple tools and a helper to hold the panel.

Care Tips

Keep the liner fastened tight so gravel cannot sand the inner coating. Wax the painted edge twice a year to repel water. Check gap lines after a pothole hit; loose bolts can shift and cause paint chipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly is a fender?
A: It is the curved steel panel over each front wheel that blocks debris and shapes airflow.

Q: Is a fender the same as a quarter-panel?
A: No. The fender is at the front wheel; the quarter-panel wraps the rear wheel. Both are sometimes called wings overseas.

Q: Which Avalon years share the same front fender?
A: 2013-2018 cars interchange, while 2019-2022 use a redesigned part. Earlier generations are all unique. (Wikipedia)

Q: Are Avalon fenders steel or aluminum?
A: All U.S. models through 2022 use stamped steel.

Q: Can I straighten a small dent?
A: Yes-light dings can be repaired with paintless dent tools if the paint is not cracked.

Q: Where do I find my paint code?
A: Open the driver door and read the three-digit code on the white VIN label.

Q: Do I need to remove the bumper to change a fender?
A: Only the corner clips; the main bumper beam can stay on most models.

Q: Will replacing the fender set off my airbags?
A: Not if the battery is disconnected and sensor wiring is not damaged.

Q: How do I stop rust from coming back?
A: After repairs, seal the backside with cavity wax and keep the wheel well clean.

Q: What torque do the fender bolts need?
A: Toyota lists 7-9 ft-lb (10-12 N·m) for M6 bolts in its collision manual.

Q: Can a damaged fender fail inspection?
A: Severe rust with sharp edges or a loose panel can fail safety checks because it endangers pedestrians.

Q: Does the fender affect fuel economy?
A: Yes-poor alignment increases drag; the Avalon's under-body aero relies on tight fender gaps.

Q: Are aftermarket panels safe?
A: They fit, but always test-fit and measure gaps because stamped tolerances vary more than factory parts.

Q: How long does paint need to dry?
A: A two-stage base-coat/clear-coat system is usually dust-free in 30 minutes but needs 24 hours before wash.

Q: Where can I read the official repair steps?
A: Toyota's Technical Information System (TIS) and the I-CAR OEM portal publish step-by-step collision repair manuals.

Q: What if my Avalon has radar sensors?
A: Order a fender with the correct mounting holes and calibrate the radar after installation.

Q: Is recycling possible?
A: Yes-steel fenders can be scrapped with mixed ferrous metal; plastic liners go in #2 HDPE recycling.

Q: Could there be hidden damage?
A: Cracks in the inner apron or radar brackets may hide under the fender, so inspect carefully before reassembly.

Q: Does insurance cover fender hits?
A: Comprehensive or collision coverage usually pays minus your deductible because the fender is a body panel.

This guide gives practical, easy-to-read information that helps shoppers, DIY owners, and repair pros understand, replace, and care for a Toyota Avalon front fender.