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A simple bumper repair on a modern vehicle may not be as simple as it seems. New technologies like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) utilize sensors behind the bumper covers. The ability for these sensors to be able to see clearly, normally requires special caution when considering a bumper repair. Many OEMs have different levels of warnings when it comes to repairing bumper covers with ADAS. So, what does Volvo say on the subject?
Volvo has information on the XC90 that gives different rules to follow when it comes to repairing bumper covers.
Figure 2 - Volvo XC90 rear bumper repair restrictions (Courtesy of VOLVO CAR USA LLC) This can be found under: Information ➤ Repair ➤ General Information ➤ 8 Body And Interior ➤ 86 Bumpers And Mudflaps ➤ 861 Bumper With Suspension And Damping ➤ Plastic Repairs. The Plastic Repairs document covers what is repairable and what is not. The document shows that damage to the front bumper (Figure 1), in the highlighted area is not repairable if there are holes or cracks. Per the Volvo Plastic Repairs document “Note! In the event of damage in the form of holes or cracks within the marked areas, the component must be replaced. Do not repair the damage.” (Figure 2) shows the rear bumper with the same warnings about the highlighted area. Bumpers with this damage must be replaced.
Volo provides another document which is found under: Information ➤ Repair ➤ General Information ➤ 8 Body And Interior ➤ 86 Bumpers And Mudflaps ➤ 861 Bumper With Suspension And Damping ➤ Bumper Cover, Paint Repairs. The Bumper Cover, Paint Repair document shows that the areas highlighted in (Figure 3) need to have all of the old metallic basecoat sanded off. 
Figure 3 - Volvo XC90 rear bumper cover: Area that needs basecoat stripped (Courtesy of VOLVO CAR USA LLC) Per the Volvo Bumper Cover paint repair document, “Note! Only one layer of base coat may be applied in the marked area.”
This is just one example of bumper repair restrictions from Volvo. Vehicles equipped with ADAS may require calibration after a bumper cover has been removed or replaced. Always be sure to reference the vehicle-specific body repair manual prior to performing any repairs.
For additional Volvo information, check out the Volvo OEM Information page.
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Article validated in 2024