Loose Bumper Keeps Falling Off? How to Diagnose & Fix

Steps to diagnose a loose bumper that keeps falling off

1. Try Pressing the Bumper into Place

   Bumper brackets attach the bumper to the vehicle. They screw in to the vehicle and the bumper.
   
   If the bumper is bowed out or popping off and won’t re-attach after being pressed into place, there could be an issue with the brackets. There could also be an issue with the retainers on the bumper that attach to the brackets.
   
   

2. Remove the Bumper

   Remove the fasteners and screws from all sides of the bumper. Pop the bumper out to loosen and remove it.
   
   On most vehicles, the plastic bumper cover attaches to the car by clips under the headlights and at the sides of the bumper. It’s also usually attached by screws on each side, plastic push-pins at the top, and sometimes a panel underneath.
   
   Tip: Remember to reinstall any plastic push-pins that may have been removed. They are an important part to keeping the bumper attached to the front of the car.
   
   Video: How to remove a bumper from a 2003 to 2014 BMW 325 Ci
   
   Find how-to videos to remove parts like the bumper and more on different models in the 1A Auto how-to video library
   
   

3. Check the Bumper Brackets for Damage Like Cracking or Broken Parts

   The clips are made of plastic, and they can round off and break off. Check them for damage. The bracket can also crack. If the bracket is cracked it’ll need a replacement.
   
   

4. Check the Bumper for Damage Like Cracking or Broken Parts

   Check and see at the bumper side if the slots are broken. If the slots are broken off or the area where the bumper screws into the bracket, then the bumper will need a replacement.