How to Change a Front Bumper on a 2012 Volkswagen Passat

Reviewed by Jason Shackelford

Last Updated: March 21, 2023

Installing a replacement bumper can be cost-effective and a time-saving alternative to having a conventional auto-body shop do the job. Pre-painted bumper replacements are fast, easy, and inexpensive. Replacing Volkswagen Passat bumpers is an easy task that doesn't require special tools. When should you replace the front bumper? When the damage to the front bumper is too severe such as large dents, cracks and holes, and any broken clips connected to the front bumper.

Steps

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1
Remove the grill screws. You’ll need to remove 3 Torx screws from the grill (as indicated by the arrows)
2
Remove the grill. Pull the top part of the grill straight out until you can’t, and you should hear a click. Once you do that, pull the bottom of the grill straight out and the grill should come apart. (Make sure the top part tabs of the grill are out, as seen with the arrows

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3
Remove the radiator support side seal. This will allow the front bumper to be free of the radiator supporting air ducts, as well as the side seal inside front bumper. Remove 3 Torx screws (Located behind the grill).
4
Remove Torx screws (7) from front lower bumper. This will allow the lower bumper to be free of the engine splash shield and the lower radiator support assembly.
5
Remove the fender liner. Remove 5 Torx screws and 1 clip on each side of the passenger and driver’s side fender liner. This will free the front bumper from both front fenders.
6
Release bumper clips. After all the screws have been removed from the grill and anything holding the bumper pull straight out on each side of the bumper where it meets the fender to release the clips. (You will hear a clicking sound) As seen in Figures 1. and 2.
7
Done! The front bumper is removed.

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Tips

Use a 3/8-inch Drive Rachet for Steps 1,3,4 and 5.

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Use a T20 Drive Star Bit on steps 1 and 5.

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Use a T25 Drive Star Bit on steps 3 and 4.

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