[Ponch]

Yeah, it's expensive. My wife backed into a tree branch and it just scraped the top of the bumper and they replaced it. Also bent the lid and broke the glass. Was like 6600 in damage and we had to wait a couple weeks for parts. This was before the pandemic. Not surprised.

 

[wireless1949]

Synopsis: We were rear ended at a ridiculously low speed in the passenger rear corner. Almost no visible damage besides a small scratch and cracked reflector. Result: every warning light went off on the dash, every safety feature disabled, sunroof stopped working and the rear hatch stopped working intermittently. I removed the rear bumper and found the radar sensor bent down along w/ the bracket that holds it. I know how close the tolerances are for those, so just decided to take it in to the dealership; was shocked to hear the impact also damaged the wiring harness and soft metal that holds the radar bracket....at least $3000 to fix it. My reason for this post? I'm a little aggravated that this car was unable to take such a light impact without being so severely crippled. I get that things are designed w/ safety in mind, but this whole thing has really left me with a sour taste towards the overall design....so much so that I've considered selling the car after repair for something a little more durable. Anyone else have a similar experience? View attachment 15383

This is when it pays to have some mechanical ability as all repairs do not require new parts but insurance requires it in many cases. If you have an engineer or mechanic friend offer to buy them dinner or a new iPhone if they will help you. Since you are likely covered by insurance you went that route. I carry $5000 deductible as that is the max they offer. Had a little crunch on my wifes 2018 Outback on the grill and it caused alarms. Literally 20 minutes of work and we are good to go. YouTube University is your best friend.

 

[Peahen]

I’ve heard similar stories on other models. I think it’s simply a reality of having all the sensors built into the bumper. I mean, they really aren’t “bumpers” like they used to be but a continuation of the car body.

I’d be curious if you find otherwise and which models do hold up to an impact. But I feel it’s been this way since bumpers became integrated with the rest of the car body and has only become more pronounced with all the sensors built in.

(Not that I’m complaining, I prefer having the sensors but acknowledge the cost of minor incidents gets frighteningly high fast)

Had a similar incident and was save by my trailer hitch. I always leave the ball in now.

 

[Mbascent]

Synopsis: We were rear ended at a ridiculously low speed in the passenger rear corner. Almost no visible damage besides a small scratch and cracked reflector. Result: every warning light went off on the dash, every safety feature disabled, sunroof stopped working and the rear hatch stopped working intermittently. I removed the rear bumper and found the radar sensor bent down along w/ the bracket that holds it. I know how close the tolerances are for those, so just decided to take it in to the dealership; was shocked to hear the impact also damaged the wiring harness and soft metal that holds the radar bracket....at least $3000 to fix it. My reason for this post? I'm a little aggravated that this car was unable to take such a light impact without being so severely crippled. I get that things are designed w/ safety in mind, but this whole thing has really left me with a sour taste towards the overall design....so much so that I've considered selling the car after repair for something a little more durable. Anyone else have a similar experience? View attachment 15383

Greetings:
I had same experience with my 2020 Ascent limited. See my prior post.

 

[brian_2021]

We got hit straight from behind, sitting at a red light on Christmas Eve. The driver said they were doing about 15-20 MPH. I think the hitch absorbed a lot of the impact.

It's been a long back/forth, but I just got the call today that all parts are in, so we'll be taking it in on Monday. They're planning 3 days. Estimate is at $1800 right now, but we'll see where we end up. Thankfully it's fully covered by the other driver's insurance (rental, too).

 

[Smores]

Picture this. 1992 -- 17 year old me driving my 1979 Mercury Capri behind my friend Suzi in her 1985 Ford Escort. We are headed in a caravan to pick up my date for a dance. I look down at the radio to change the station (right? Not texting, when we needed to look down to change FM presets.), when Suzi decides to make a last minute stop at a store and slows to turn. Looking up, and slamming on the brakes, my 1979 rear drums locking... bump! Bumpers meet at low speed. We all get out. Tiny scratch in her rear bumper -- not a big deal for a couple of HS beater cars.

Fast forward 2-3 days. Suzi calls and says her dad wants to fix it. Shop quote?? $980. $980 to fix the rear bumper on a Ford Escort... I had to pony up that $980 from my savings working at the bike shop.

$3000 thirty years later to fix a rear bumper on a big family SUV? Maybe not so out-of-line.