2021-2025 Acura TLX Fender: Aluminum Damage, Paint Matching, and Replacement Costs
A guide to inspecting, buying, and replacing the aluminum fender on your 2021-2025 TLX, including OEM part numbers and crucial paint-matching information.
- The fender is made of aluminum, which makes dent repair difficult and expensive; replacement is often the better option.
- A used OEM fender is the best value, but you must inspect it carefully for hidden damage and ensure all mounting tabs are intact.
- The same fender fits all 2021-2025 TLX trims, including the Type S.
- All replacement fenders require professional painting and may require blending paint onto adjacent panels for a perfect match.
Symptoms of a Damaged Fender
Since a fender is an exterior body panel, signs of failure are almost always visual. Damage typically results from collisions, parking lot incidents, or road debris.
- Visible Damage: This is the most obvious symptom and includes dents, dings, deep scratches, cracks, or large-scale deformation from an impact. On the aluminum fenders of the TLX, impacts are more likely to cause sharp creases or cracks compared to steel.
- Poor Panel Alignment: A bent or improperly installed fender will have uneven gaps with the hood, front bumper, or door. This can be a sign of hidden damage to the fender's mounting points or the underlying support structure.
- Noise or Rattling: If a fender is loose due to broken mounting tabs or missing bolts, it may vibrate or rattle while driving, especially at higher speeds or on rough roads.
- Paint Issues: Bubbling, peeling, or flaking paint can indicate underlying corrosion. While aluminum does not rust like steel, it can still corrode, often appearing as a white, powdery substance under the paint.
Buying a Used 2021-2025 TLX Fender
For this generation of TLX, a used Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) fender is often the best value. It guarantees a perfect fit, unlike some aftermarket parts that may require modification. Given that all replacement fenders require painting, starting with a straight, undamaged OEM part saves significant time and money in bodywork.
Inspection Checklist for a Used Fender:
- Check All Mounting Points: Carefully inspect every tab, hole, and bracket where the fender bolts to the car's frame, A-pillar, and bumper. These are often the first things to break in a minor impact and are difficult to repair correctly.
- Inspect the Backside: Flip the fender over. Look for signs of previous repairs, such as body filler (often called Bondo), sanding marks, or overspray. A clean, factory-primered backside is a good sign.
- Look for Creases and Stress Marks: Run your hand along the fender's body lines. Feel for subtle waves or creases that might indicate a previously repaired dent. Aluminum is less forgiving than steel, and improper dent repair can leave the metal weakened.
- Verify OEM Markings: Look for an Acura or Honda stamp or part number sticker on the inside of the fender. This confirms you are buying a genuine OEM part.
- Assess the Damage: Some used fenders are sold with damage. While a low price like $99 may be tempting, a fender with multiple dents or a cracked tab can cost more in bodywork and labor than a clean, higher-priced part.
Pro Tip: The 2021-2025 TLX fender is made of aluminum. This material is lighter than steel but is more difficult and expensive to repair if dented. For anything beyond minor dings, replacement is often more cost-effective than repair.
Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls
While the 2021-2025 Acura TLX has been subject to several recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), none directly pertain to the front fenders. Owners should be aware of these other vehicle issues, but they do not affect the fender itself.
- Recalls: Notable recalls for this generation include a potential issue with an improperly secured brake pedal pivot pin, improperly welded fuel tanks that could leak, and a software error in the fuel injection ECU on Type S models that could cause an engine stall. All recall work is performed by dealers free of charge.
- TSBs: Common issues addressed by TSBs include popping or crackling noises from the speakers, brake groaning noises when cold, and error messages for the Adaptive Damper System.
Replacement Overview and Difficulty
Replacing a fender on the Acura TLX is a moderately easy job for a DIYer with the right tools. The main challenge is avoiding scratches to adjacent panels during removal and installation.
- Difficulty: 2 out of 5
- Estimated Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
- General Steps:
- Partially remove the front bumper cover by releasing the clips and bolts on the side you are working on.
- Remove the front wheel and the plastic fender liner to access bolts inside the wheel well.
- Remove any side skirt or rocker panel trim attached to the bottom of the fender.
- Unbolt the fender from the A-pillar (near the door hinge), the top frame rail (under the hood), and the front bumper support area.
- Disconnect the side marker light wiring harness.
- Carefully lift the fender off the vehicle. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Warning: The area behind the driver's side fender contains important wiring and grounding points. After a body shop repair in this area, one owner reported sporadic electrical issues with multiple warning lights. When replacing the fender, be extremely careful not to pinch, stretch, or disconnect any wiring harnesses.
Cost Comparison for a 2021-2025 TLX Fender
All replacement fenders, whether new or used, will require professional painting to match your vehicle's color. This cost should always be factored into your budget.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost (Part Only) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New OEM | $325 - $375 | Guaranteed fit. Prices vary slightly between driver and passenger side. |
| New Aftermarket | $100 - $200 | Fitment can be inconsistent. May require extra labor to align properly. |
| Used OEM | $100 - $300+ | Best value if you can find a clean, undamaged part. Damaged ones can be cheap but cost more to fix. |
| Shop Labor (Installation) | $150 - $250 | Estimated 1.5-2 hours of labor for a straightforward swap. |
| Shop Labor (Painting) | $300 - $900+ | Cost varies based on paint color and whether blending into the door/bumper is required for a perfect match. |
Technical Specifications & Part Numbers
The same fender fits all trim levels of the 2021-2025 Acura TLX, including the Base, Technology, A-Spec, and Type S models.
- Material: Aluminum
- Right / Passenger Side OEM Part Number: 60210-TGV-A00ZZ, 60210TGVA00ZZ
- Left / Driver Side OEM Part Number: 60260-TGV-A00ZZ, 60260TGVA00ZZ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the fender for the TLX Type S different from the standard model?
No, the fender is the same part for all 2021-2025 Acura TLX trim levels, from the base model to the Type S. The part numbers are identical across the range.
Can I just repair my dented aluminum fender?
It depends on the severity. Small, shallow dents may be repairable by a skilled technician using Paintless Dent Repair (PDR). However, aluminum has less 'memory' than steel and is prone to cracking or stretching when worked. For larger dents or creases, replacing the fender is almost always the more effective and often cheaper solution.
Do replacement fenders come painted?
No, new OEM and most aftermarket fenders come with a black or grey e-coat primer. This primer is not a finished coat and must be sanded, primed, and painted by a professional body shop to match your car's specific color code. Some online vendors offer pre-painting services, but be aware that color matching without seeing the rest of the car can be difficult due to paint fade on the existing panels.
Why did my body shop say they need to blend the paint onto the door?
Blending is a standard professional practice to ensure a perfect color match. It involves fading the new paint onto the adjacent panels (like the door and bumper cover) so that any slight variation in color is invisible to the naked eye. This is especially important for metallic and pearl colors. A shop that insists on blending is typically doing a higher quality job.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 60210-TGV-A00ZZ 60210TGVA00ZZ 60260-TGV-A00ZZ 60260TGVA00ZZ
Material: Aluminum
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.
- Acura TLX:
- Symptoms of a Damaged Fender
- Buying a Used 2021-2025 TLX Fender
- Inspection Checklist for a Used Fender:
- Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls
- Replacement Overview and Difficulty
- Cost Comparison for a 2021-2025 TLX Fender
- Technical Specifications & Part Numbers
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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