Rear bumper has dent "from factory"

[Chaser]

Hey, need some advice if y'all think this is a manufacturer defect or if there's a trick to assembly... or just advice on how to proceed.

Got some rear damage; the OEM rear bumper replacement has a bowtie shape in the center (I forgot to take pictures, but blue outline on old bumper in photo 1 ; ignore red circle). The auto-shop claims the absorber is interfering with the bumper and creating a dent (blue outline, ignore red circle, photo 2 -- don't judge my messy trunk lol), and it looks like they're correct since it's symmetrical and about the same width.

I'm hoping that they installed it correctly, just needs some road time, vibration * Texas sun, to wiggle into place. But the more I say it the more absurd that sounds... but not as absurd that the dent is from factory (photo 3, ignore red circle).

Any body shop techs or Aviator owners that had their bumper replaced?
TYIA

Photo 1


Photo 2


Photo 3

 

[Vikingstaff]

Saw this posted over on 1-2 of the FB Aviator groups as well. Welcome over here. This forum has been a treasure since I found it back in April.

Just for my own clarity here. Your original bumper was fine, now bow tie type deformity at all. Then you had an accident, body work and OEM bumper replacement. After OEM bumper replacement, the bow tie deformity is present. Body shop that did work said deformity is due to “factory” issues beneath bumper per pictures they shared (and you shared in your post). Is this all correct?

IF IT IS CORRECT: their explanation would not make since to me. If what they are saying is accurate, wouldn’t the bow tie deformity have been present all along…prior to accident with original bumper? Now I suppose I have to double check, and cannot right this moment. However, I am kinda picky with my vehicles, and I am 99% certain my rear bumper is very smooth and straight, flat, etc… And since I tow a very limited amount with mine, I am down by that bumper every now and then.

Again, I guess if me understanding above is totally correct, have you asked why then was this deformity not present prior to accident and replacement? Do you have pictures of original bumper before accident? Maybe take it up with insurance regarding body shop work and see about having it redone at a different body shop? Just kinda spit balling here, and it’s all contingent on my understanding your dilemma properly.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum Chaser.
It is not a factory issue. I had no such dents on my 2020, 2023 or current 2025. It's possible that some things shifted out of place due to the accident so that the bumper no longer fits properly.

Peter