Buy Toyota Highlander Fender

Quick Summary

The Toyota Highlander's fender-also called the front wing, wheel-arch panel, or mudguard-is the sheet-metal (or aluminum) panel that wraps around the front wheel opening. Its job is to keep road debris away from brakes and steering parts, complete the SUV's side crash structure, and give the Highlander its sculpted look. Over four generations (2001-present) the fender has grown wider, gained sharper body lines, and-on many 2020-present models-switched from stamped steel to lighter aluminum. Knowing its material, attachment points, and paint code helps owners repair damage, stop rust, and keep resale strong.

Part Basics

The fender sits between the front bumper cover and the front doors. It covers the wheel well, supports the head-lamp corner, and bolts to the hood hinge pillar and the rocker panel. Because it blocks mud and spray, many engineers also call it a mudguard or splash panel. Larger SUVs like the Highlander use separate plastic liners that clip to the inner lip of the metal fender to keep water off the engine bay (Olathe Toyota Parts).

Materials & Design

• Steel vs. aluminum. First-, second-, and third-generation Highlanders (2001-2019) use stamped mild-steel fenders. Aftermarket listings for 2020-2024 panels note "Aluminum" in the part description, showing Toyota's shift to lighter metals on many trims (eBay).
• Chiseled styling. Toyota's 2014 redesign added "deeply chiseled fenders" for a bolder face (MotorTrend), while the 2020 fourth-gen model pushed out the wheel arches even farther (Toyota of Denton).
• Aerodynamics. Smooth wheel-arch panels help air flow down the body and cut drag, the same principle behind classic fender skirts (Wikipedia).

Fitment Guide

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Tip: A 2020-present fender (part #53801-0E160 right / 53802-0E160 left) will not bolt onto a 2014-19 body because the hood and bumper profiles differ. Always match the build year when ordering.

Common Damage

Low-speed parking bumps, driveway poles, and side-swipes crease the outer panel but often spare the inner structure. In NHTSA's 38.5 mph side-barrier test the 2021 Highlander earned five stars, showing the fender and door beam manage crash energy well (NHTSA). Northern drivers also battle wheel-arch rust caused by salt spray; sanding, rust converter, and repainting slow the spread (Reddit, Insurance & Personal Finance Articles).

Installation Tips

1. Disconnect the battery (safety first).
2. Remove the wheel and plastic liner clips.
3. Take off the front bumper corner bolts and the rocker-panel screw.
4. Unbolt the fender from the A-pillar flange (10 mm socket).
5. Lift the panel forward and up.

Video walk-throughs show the hidden fasteners on 2014-19 (YouTube) and 2020-present models (YouTube). Reinstall the new panel, torque bolts to spec, then refit the liner.

Related Components

• Fender liner (splash shield)-keeps slush off wiring and brakes (Olathe Toyota Parts).
• Wheel-arch molding-clips to the fender lip on some Limited & XSE trims for style and chip protection.
• Parking-sensor bracket-factory holes are pre-stamped on trims with front park assist (eBay).

Safety & Regulations

The fender edge is part of Toyota's pedestrian-friendly front structure. Upcoming Federal Standard 228 will require vehicles under 10,000 lb to limit head injury risk in hood-area impacts (NHTSA). Toyota collision-repair bulletins remind technicians to use OEM fastener locations to keep crash performance intact (I-CAR).

Care & Maintenance

Wash the wheel wells weekly, especially after driving on salted roads. Wax or ceramic coat the paint to seal chips and stop rust (media.carcare.org, Insurance & Personal Finance Articles). If you see bubbling paint, sand to bare metal, apply rust inhibitor, and touch-up.

Paint & Finish

Toyota prints the three-digit paint code on the driver-door jamb; a quick video shows where to look (YouTube). Match that code before ordering a painted fender or spray paint. Always spray primer, color, then clear for durability.

Environmental Impact

Aluminum outer panels can shave several pounds, helping the hybrid Highlander hit 35 mpg combined (Germain Toyota). Both steel and aluminum fenders are fully recyclable, cutting end-of-life waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does a fender do on a Highlander?
A: It covers the front wheel opening, blocks road debris, and forms part of the SUV's side-impact structure.

Q: Is the 2020-present fender aluminum or steel?
A: Many aftermarket and OEM listings label 2020-24 front fenders as aluminum, whereas earlier years are steel (eBay).

Q: Will a 2015 fender fit a 2021 model?
A: No. Body lines, hood shape, and mounting holes differ between the third- and fourth-generation Highlanders (Wikipedia).

Q: How long does a DIY swap take?
A: With basic tools and a video guide, plan on 1-2 hours per side (YouTube, YouTube).

Q: Do I need to remove the bumper?
A: Only the bumper corner bolts; the cover can stay on the car if you peel it back enough for hidden screws.

Q: Where is the paint code?
A: Look on the driver-side door jamb label; the code is three characters like 1G3 or 8X8 (YouTube).

Q: How can I stop rust on the wheel arch?
A: Wash off salt often, keep chips touched up, and apply rust-proof coatings in the wheel well (Insurance & Personal Finance Articles, media.carcare.org).

Q: Does replacing the fender affect airbags?
A: No sensors are mounted in the sheet-metal itself, but reinstall the liner so road debris cannot reach the side-impact sensor bracket.

Q: Are aftermarket fenders safe?
A: Quality CAPA-certified panels match thickness and crumple zones, but follow Toyota's collision repair manual for bolt torque and seam sealer (I-CAR).

Q: What torque spec do the mounting bolts need?
A: Toyota lists approximately 7 ft-lb (10 N·m) for the 10 mm flange bolts; always confirm in the repair manual.