2015-2016 Honda CR-V Front Bumper Cover: Fitment, Parts, and Replacement
A detailed guide to the 2015-2016 CR-V's two-piece front bumper, covering part numbers, replacement costs, and what to inspect on a used part.
- The front bumper is a two-piece design: a paint-to-match upper cover (04711-T1W-A91ZZ) and a textured black lower valance (04712-T1W-A91).
- All 2015-2016 trims (LX, EX, EX-L, SE, Touring) use the same bumper covers, regardless of fog lights or Honda Sensing options.
- When buying a used bumper, prioritize intact mounting tabs over perfect paint, as proper fitment is more critical and difficult to fix than cosmetic scuffs.
- Replacement is a DIY-friendly job requiring only basic hand tools and typically takes under two hours.
Vehicle Fitment and Key Part Identification
The front bumper for the 2015-2016 Honda CR-V consists of two main pieces: a large upper section and a smaller lower section. This design is consistent across all trim levels for these years, including the LX, EX, EX-L, SE, and Touring models.
- Upper Bumper Cover: This is the largest piece and is the part that is painted to match the vehicle's body color. It comes from the factory primed and ready for paint. The primary OEM part number for this piece is 04711-T1W-A91ZZ.
- Lower Bumper Cover / Valance: This is the smaller, textured black plastic piece that sits below the main painted cover. It is not painted. The primary OEM part number for this piece is 04712-T1W-A91.
Pro Tip: The same bumper covers are used for models with or without fog lights. The fog lights are housed in separate bezel pieces that are installed into the bumper cover. Likewise, the advanced Honda Sensing radar system on Touring models is located within the front grille, not the bumper cover itself, so no special bumper is required for those trims.
Symptoms of a Damaged Bumper Cover
Failure of a bumper cover is almost always due to physical impact. There are no mechanical or electrical functions to fail. Symptoms are purely visual and structural.
- Visible Cracks, Scrapes, or Punctures: This is the most common sign of damage, resulting from collisions with other vehicles, parking blocks, or road debris.
- Loose or Misaligned Fit: If the bumper cover appears to be sagging, has large gaps with adjacent panels like the fenders or headlights, or flaps at high speeds, it indicates that mounting tabs or clips are broken.
- Paint Damage: Chipped, peeling, or spiderweb-cracked paint is a clear sign of impact, even if the underlying plastic is not broken.
Warning: A severely damaged or loose bumper cover can detach from the vehicle at speed, creating a significant road hazard for other drivers and potentially causing further damage to your own vehicle.
Buying a Used 2015-2016 CR-V Front Bumper Cover
Purchasing a used OEM bumper cover can be a cost-effective alternative to a new part, often providing better fitment than new aftermarket options. However, careful inspection is crucial.
What to Inspect on a Used Part:
- All Mounting Tabs: This is the most critical inspection point. Check every tab, especially those that connect to the fenders under the headlights and the clips along the top edge. Broken tabs are a major red flag and can make proper alignment impossible.
- Cracks and Tears: Look for any cracks, particularly around the corners and mounting points. Small cracks can sometimes be repaired with plastic welding, but larger breaks may compromise the part's integrity.
- Previous Repairs: Feel the front and back surfaces for signs of body filler (Bondo) or plastic weld repairs. These repairs can shrink or crack over time, and a thick layer of filler can make the cover brittle.
- Deep Gouges: Minor scuffs and scratches can be sanded and painted, but deep gouges that have removed significant material may be difficult to hide and repair properly.
- Overall Shape: Ensure the bumper has not been warped or distorted from heat or a past collision. It should have a smooth, even curvature.
An ideal used OEM bumper is one with all mounting points intact but with cosmetic scuffs that require repainting. This combination ensures excellent fit while still offering significant savings over a brand-new part.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
There are no recalls or common Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued by Honda specifically for the front bumper cover on the 2015-2016 CR-V. Recalls for this vehicle generation pertain to issues like airbag inflators, engine components, and fuel pumps. Any problems with the bumper cover are typically related to isolated incidents of physical damage rather than a manufacturing or design defect.
Replacement Procedure Overview
Replacing the front bumper cover is a straightforward job that can be done by a DIYer with basic hand tools. 🎬 Watch this step-by-step CR-V front bumper removal video The process generally involves removing a series of clips and screws, disconnecting fog lights if equipped, and carefully detaching the cover from its mounting brackets.
- Prepare the Vehicle: Park on a level surface. Turning the front wheels to one side can provide better access to the fender liner screws.
- Remove Upper Fasteners: Open the hood and remove the plastic push clips securing the top of the bumper cover and grille.
- Remove Fender Well Screws: In each front wheel well, remove the Phillips head screw that secures the corner of the bumper to the fender.
- Remove Lower Fasteners: Get under the front of the vehicle and remove the series of push clips and/or 10mm bolts that attach the bottom of the bumper cover to the splash shield.
- Detach the Bumper: Starting at one corner, gently but firmly pull the side of the bumper cover outwards to release it from the plastic bracket under the headlight. Once both sides are free, support the bumper's weight.
- Disconnect Electrical Components: Before fully removing the bumper, reach behind it and disconnect the wiring harnesses for the fog lights, if your vehicle has them.
- Installation: Installation is the reverse of removal. Start by connecting any electrical components, then carefully align the cover with the brackets under the headlights and push it into place until the clips engage. Reinstall all screws and clips. 🎬 See how to install a pre-painted CR-V bumper
Cost Comparison
| Part / Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM (Upper, Primed) | $290 - $430 |
| New OEM (Lower, Textured) | $145 - $245 |
| New Aftermarket (Upper, Primed) | $100 - $250 |
| Used OEM (Complete Assembly) | $250 - $450 |
| Shop Labor (Installation) | $150 - $300 |
| Shop Labor (Paint to Match) | $300 - $500 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a different bumper cover for a Touring model with Honda Sensing?
No, all 2015-2016 CR-V trims use the same bumper covers. The radar sensor for the Honda Sensing system is located in the front grille, not in the bumper cover itself, so replacement is not affected.
Is the front bumper one solid piece?
No, it is a two-piece assembly. It consists of the main upper cover, which is painted to match the car, and a separate lower valance made of textured black plastic. They can typically be purchased separately.
Will a bumper from a model without fog lights fit my car that has them?
Yes. The bumper covers are identical. The openings for the fog lights are standard, and you will simply transfer your existing fog light assemblies and bezels into the replacement cover.
Can I replace just the lower textured part of the bumper?
Yes, the lower textured valance (OEM part #04712-T1W-A91) is available as a separate part and can be replaced independently of the main painted upper cover.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 04711-T1W-A91ZZ (Upper Cover, Primed) 04712-T1W-A91 (Lower Cover, Textured) 71101-T1W-A00ZZ (Superseded Upper Cover) 04711-T1W-A91 04712-T1W-A90ZZ
Material: Flexible Plastic. Finish: Upper is primed for paint, Lower is textured black.
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Honda CR-V:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- Vehicle Fitment and Key Part Identification
- Symptoms of a Damaged Bumper Cover
- Buying a Used 2015-2016 CR-V Front Bumper Cover
- What to Inspect on a Used Part:
- Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
- Replacement Procedure Overview
- Cost Comparison
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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