Typical rear bumper replacement costs
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bumper cover only (painted, installed) | $550–$1,100 | No sensors, aftermarket or used cover |
| Full replacement, painted & installed | $800–$1,800 | The most common scenario |
| With blind-spot radar recalibration | $1,100–$2,400 | Calibration is $200–$790 |
| Luxury / SUV with full sensor suite | $1,800–$3,500+ | OEM parts, kick sensors, cameras |
What affects the price
- Blind-spot radar. Those little modules in the rear corners are $300–$800 each if damaged, plus calibration. Even if they survive the hit, many manufacturers require recalibration after bumper removal.
- Exhaust cutouts and trim. Dual-exhaust and sport trims use different covers with different cutouts — wrong part, wrong fit. Trim matters, as always.
- Paint blending into quarter panels. Rear bumpers meet the quarter panels, and on metallics the shop blends color across that seam. Expect $250–$600 in refinish work alone.
- Hidden damage. Rear impacts crush absorber foam and can tweak the impact bar or trunk floor. A thorough shop writes for what it finds behind the cover, not just the cover.
- Trailer hitches and sensors. Hitches, backup sensors, and hands-free liftgate kick sensors add parts and R&I (remove and install) labor.
Repair vs. replace
Light scuffs and small cracks can be refinished for $250–$790. But rear covers flex and crack at mounting tabs easily — if tabs are broken, the bumper won't sit flush no matter how good the paint is, and replacement is the right call.
Related cost guides
Frequently asked questions
Is a rear bumper replacement cheaper than a front?
Usually slightly, yes — rear covers tend to have fewer sensors than fronts. But blind-spot radar can erase that difference fast.
Do I need to recalibrate blind-spot monitors after a bumper replacement?
On most cars with the feature, yes. The radar units mount to or behind the bumper, and their aim is precise. An honest estimate lists calibration as its own line item.
Can a rear bumper be repaired instead of replaced?
Minor scuffs and small cracks, yes — plastic welding plus refinish runs $250–$790. Torn covers and broken mounting tabs mean replacement.
How long does the repair take?
Typically 1–2 days of shop time once parts are in hand. Radar calibration and paint cure time are the usual add-ons.