2011-2014 Chrysler 200 Rear Bumper Cover: Decoding Sedan vs. Convertible Fitment
This guide clarifies the critical differences between the Sedan and Convertible rear bumper covers to ensure you buy the correct part for your 2011-2014 Chrysler 200.
- The single most important factor is body style: Sedan and Convertible rear bumper covers are different parts and are NOT interchangeable.
- When buying a used cover, the most critical inspection is for broken mounting tabs, especially on the sides, as this will prevent proper alignment.
- A used OEM bumper cover is often superior in fit to a new aftermarket one, but always plan for the additional cost of repainting.
- There are no safety recalls for the rear bumper cover itself, but check for parking sensor holes if your vehicle has that option.
Key Compatibility Warning: Sedan and Convertible Bumper Covers Are Different
Warning: The most common mistake when buying a rear bumper cover for a 2011-2014 Chrysler 200 is purchasing the wrong one for your body style. The Sedan and the Convertible use two completely different rear bumper covers. They are not interchangeable.
Before purchasing, you must verify which part you need. Using an incorrect bumper cover will result in misaligned mounting points, gaps against the body and taillights, and an improper fit.
- Sedan Bumper Cover: Identified by OEM part numbers in the 68082030xx series (e.g., 68082030AE) and the aftermarket Partslink number CH1100964.
- Convertible Bumper Cover: Identified by OEM part numbers in the 68084893xx series (e.g., 68084893AD).
Always confirm the part number or have the seller verify fitment for a Sedan or Convertible specifically.
Symptoms of a Damaged Rear Bumper Cover
Failure of a bumper cover is always visible. Since it is a cosmetic and passive safety part, there are no mechanical symptoms like noises or warning lights. Look for:
- Cracks or Punctures: Visible breaks in the plastic, often starting from an impact point. A cracked bumper has lost its structural integrity and cannot absorb another impact correctly.
- Deep Scratches and Gouges: Scrapes that go through the paint and into the plastic material itself.
- Warping or Poor Fitment: If the bumper appears distorted or has large, uneven gaps where it meets the quarter panels or trunk, its mounting tabs or the cover itself may be damaged.
- Broken Mounting Tabs: The plastic tabs and slots that hold the bumper to the car's body and underlying reinforcement bar are brittle and often break during a collision. A cover with broken tabs will not sit securely.
- Flaking or Peeling Paint: This can happen after a poor-quality repair or from age and sun exposure, but it is most often a sign of a past impact where the plastic flexed and caused the paint to lose adhesion.
Buying a Used 2011-2014 Chrysler 200 Rear Bumper Cover
A used OEM bumper cover is often a better choice than a new aftermarket one because it guarantees a perfect fit. However, you need to inspect it carefully.
1. Verify the Body Style First
Before anything else, confirm you are buying for a Sedan or Convertible. Cross-reference the part number if possible. Do not trust a listing that says it fits both unless it explicitly clarifies which part it is.
2. Inspect All Mounting Points
This is the most critical inspection. Carefully check all the plastic tabs, slots, and screw holes around the perimeter of the bumper cover, especially on the sides where it clips into brackets under the taillights. These are the most common failure points. If key tabs are broken, the bumper will not align correctly and may sag or pop out.
3. Check for Previous Repairs
Look on the unpainted backside of the cover for signs of plastic welding, bonding agents (like epoxy), or fiberglass patches. A wavy or uneven surface on the painted side can also indicate that body filler was used. While a professional repair can be acceptable, poor-quality repairs can fail, crack, or cause paint to peel later on.
4. Examine the Overall Condition
Distinguish between surface-level cosmetic damage and structural damage. Deep scratches, gouges, and minor dents can often be repaired and repainted by a body shop. However, large cracks, punctures, or significant warping mean the part has lost its ability to absorb impact and should be avoided.
5. Parking Sensor Holes
Some Chrysler 200 models were equipped with optional rear parking sensors. If your car has this feature, you must buy a bumper cover with the corresponding sensor holes. If your car does not have sensors, you should get a cover without holes for the cleanest look.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
There are no official recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Chrysler or the NHTSA specifically for the rear bumper cover on the 2011-2014 Chrysler 200. While numerous recalls exist for this vehicle for issues like airbags and active headrests, the bumper cover itself has not been subject to any safety campaigns.
Pro Tip: Many owners and body shops report that aftermarket (non-OEM) bumper covers for the Chrysler 200 can have fitment issues. They may require extra work to align properly. Additionally, many online retailers ship aftermarket bumpers folded to save on costs, which can create creases or imperfections that need to be removed with a heat gun before installation.
Replacement Overview & Difficulty
Replacing the rear bumper cover on a 2011-2014 Chrysler 200 is a straightforward job that a DIYer with basic tools can accomplish.
- Difficulty: 2 out of 5
- Estimated Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours
- Process: The job involves removing several screws inside each rear wheel well, removing plastic clips and screws from the underside of the bumper, and finally, pulling firmly on the sides of the bumper cover to release it from the plastic guide brackets located below the taillights. The taillights do not need to be removed to perform this job.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost (Part Only) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New OEM (Sedan) | $320 - $450 | Part # 68082030AE. Primed, requires painting. |
| New OEM (Convertible) | $615 - $750 | Part # 68084893AD. Significantly more expensive. Primed, requires painting. |
| New Aftermarket | $180 - $300 (Primed) $400 - $750 (Pre-Painted) |
Fit may not be as precise as OEM. Primed versions are cheaper but require full paint service. |
| Used OEM | $125 - $350 | Best fit, but condition varies. Will likely require repainting. Price depends on condition and availability. |
| Shop Labor | $200 - $500 | For removal and installation only. Does not include painting. Labor rates typically range from $110-$170/hr. |
OEM Part Numbers
Part numbers are often superseded. The last two letters indicate the revision. A newer revision (e.g., AE) replaces all previous ones (AA, AB, AC, AD).
| Vehicle Body Style | Part Number Family | Known Revisions (Newest to Oldest) |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | 68082030xx | 68082030AE, 68082030AD, 68082030AC, 68082030AB, 68082030AA |
| Convertible | 68084893xx | 68084893AD, 68084893AC, 68084893AB, 68084893AA |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to remove the taillights to replace the rear bumper cover?
No, the taillights can remain in place. The bumper cover is secured by screws in the wheel wells and underneath, and by clips on brackets below the lights.
What is the difference between the upper bumper cover and the lower valance?
The upper bumper cover (fascia) is the large, painted plastic piece that forms the main body of the bumper. The lower valance is a separate, smaller piece of textured black plastic at the very bottom, which often has the cutout for the exhaust tip(s). They are sold as separate parts.
Will a bumper cover from a Dodge Avenger fit my Chrysler 200?
No. Although the 2011-2014 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger share the same underlying platform, their exterior body panels, including the front and rear bumper covers, are completely different and are not interchangeable.
Why is the used OEM bumper cover a different color? Can I install it as-is?
Used bumper covers come from salvaged vehicles and will be the color of the original car. It is extremely unlikely to find one in the exact color and condition as your vehicle. You should plan on having any used bumper cover professionally sanded, prepped, and repainted to match your car's paint code for a proper finish.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: Sedan: 68082030AA, 68082030AB, 68082030AC, 68082030AD, 68082030AE Convertible: 68084893AA, 68084893AB, 68084893AC, 68084893AD
Material: Plastic (typically Polypropylene or a similar thermoplastic). Finish: Primed, requires paint-to-match service.
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.
- Chrysler 200:
- Key Compatibility Warning: Sedan and Convertible Bumper Covers Are Different
- Symptoms of a Damaged Rear Bumper Cover
- Buying a Used 2011-2014 Chrysler 200 Rear Bumper Cover
- 1. Verify the Body Style First
- 2. Inspect All Mounting Points
- 3. Check for Previous Repairs
- 4. Examine the Overall Condition
- 5. Parking Sensor Holes
- Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
- Replacement Overview & Difficulty
- OEM Part Numbers
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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