Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Ford/Lincoln - UPDATE

Details Posted on 16 October 2025 | Share:

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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 Ford/Lincoln say on the subject?

The Blind Spot Information System - System Operation And Component Description document in Ford/Lincoln Workshop manuals state: "There should be no bumper stickers or body filler material used on the rear side bumper cover in the vicinity of the SODL or SODR."

Ford/Lincoln further details bumper cover repairability in the:

• Ford Bumper Fascia Repair With ADAS position statement
• Lincoln Bumper Fascia Repair With ADAS position statement

These documents state that refinishing is the only option for repair on bumper covers for ADAS equipped vehicles.

To be more specific, Ford/Lincoln states under the Ford Motor Company Repair Policy and Lincoln Repair Policy area:

• “Topcoat-only refinish: ?12 mils (300 microns) total thickness.””
• “Ford Motor Company does not approve the use of fillers, reinforcement tape, hot staples, plastic welding or sonic-weld repairs on ADAS-equipped bumper fascias, as these methods may compromise sensor performance.”
• “In cases of substrate damage, replacement with a new Ford Motor Company original equipment bumper fascia, designed to provide proper ADAS functionality and vehicle safety is approved.”
• “Measure coating with an ultrasonic paint-thickness gauge.”

Always reference the vehicle-specific Workshop manual before performing repairs to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

For additional Ford/Lincoln information, check out the following pages:
Ford OEM Information
Lincoln OEM Information

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:

• ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
• Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS
• Collision Information Website Access: Ford/Lincoln
• Ford/Lincoln Bumper Cover Repairability Position Statement: UPDATE
• Locating ADAS Information: Ford/Lincoln

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