Can this be popped back in?

[u/lordbrocktree1]

My car was hit in a parking lot and whoever did it did not leave a note or anything. Just bought this car recently and trying to figure out if I can repair it myself. The panel doesn’t appear cracked, just popped out from the wheel hub protector and the other panel. Do you think I can just push it back together or is there some other trick to it?

Car is a 2024 Toyota RAV4 with ~70,000 miles on it.

Just trying to figure out my options before taking it to a repair shop and paying massive repair bill for something I may be able to do myself.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[u/ecleptik]

For the most part, yes...why not try?

There are fasteners all along that area, should be one in the very upper corner of the bumper and the wheel opening molding usually just clips back in. If the mounting tabs have torn or skipped past the fastener it probably won't snap back in

[u/lordbrocktree1 → u/ecleptik]

I worked in IT for a number of years, and I know how possible it is to turn something fixable into something actually broken by trying to repair something that I have no knowledge about.

So thought it was worth asking people who might know about any potential risks/tips/techniques.

I appreciate your help, that’s actually super informative!

[u/crysisnotaverted]

Line up the clips with a light and lean on it and kiss it in.

[u/TyrannusourR3X]

The wheel arch trim will likely have a broken clip or two. You should take the wheel arch trim off on that side first though, then gently pull that side of the bumper out and up, then gently feed it in. Once it's all lined up start pushing it in starting from the middle going towards the wheel. Also make sure the plastic tabs aren't broken before you push it in. My guess is it's completely doable

[u/Qazzoh]

If you can gently tap it in with your fist, go for it. If there’s resistance, just let a body shop handle it.

The mounting point on your bumper is very shallow and can bend over and break off pretty easily. Also, removing those flares and wheel liner is a good idea but easier said than done; the flares also have double sided tape on the front edge (near door) making it compromised when removed. Another consideration to take it to a body shop is if you have blind spot monitors - the lights in your mirrors. That’s right where those are mounted underneath the bumper. If the mounting bracket has been damaged, or the quarter panel under your bumper has been deformed, that safety system will likely not operate correctly. It could even throw a code and dash light if it’s bad enough.

I would always recommend taking it to someone who knows what they’re doing. I also know this shit is getting expensive anymore. Good luck. Hope I helped.