How to Remove the Rear Bumper on a 2013-2015 Acura RDX (DIY Guide)

If your 2013-2015 Acura RDX has a damaged rear bumper, you don't have to leave your SUV at a body shop for days. With a few basic tools and a little garage time, you can remove the rear bumper yourself and get your vehicle ready for a factory-matched replacement. Follow this complete walkthrough to safely remove the rear bumper without skipping any important steps.

Tools Required

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Panel removal tool (or a sturdy flathead screwdriver)
• 10mm socket
• T30 Torx bit (star bit)
• Ratchet (for the 10mm socket)

Before You Begin

Before getting started, make sure you have a clean, flat work area with enough room behind the vehicle.

Vehicle: 2013-2015 Acura RDX

Pro Tip: Lay down a moving blanket or a large piece of cardboard behind the vehicle. Once the bumper is removed, you'll have a soft surface to place it on, helping protect the finish and preventing scratches.

Removal Process

0:31 – Tackling Side & Underbody Fasteners

Begin by removing the screws that secure the bumper to each rear quarter panel.

At each side of the bumper, you'll find two Phillips head screws. One is positioned higher while the other sits slightly lower. Using your Phillips head screwdriver, carefully remove both screws.

Repeat the same process on the opposite side of the vehicle.

Next, move underneath the rear bumper.

Several plastic push pins secure the lower portion of the bumper. Using a panel removal tool or a sturdy flathead screwdriver, carefully pry up the center section of each push pin before removing the entire fastener.

ReveMoto Tech Tip: Plastic push pins on older vehicles commonly become brittle over time. Don't be surprised if some break during removal. This is completely normal, and replacements are readily available from your local Acura dealership or most automotive hardware stores.

5:01 – Accessing Hidden Bolts from the Liftgate

Open the rear liftgate completely.

Inside the liftgate opening, locate the small plastic trim cover on each side.

Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully pry each cover loose. The covers are retained by clips, so work gently to avoid damaging them.

Once the cover has been removed, you'll expose a single 10mm bolt.

Using your 10mm socket and ratchet, remove the bolt.

Repeat this process on the opposite side.

6:14 – Removing the T30 Torx Screws

While still working inside the liftgate opening, locate another fastener positioned near the 10mm bolt you just removed but slightly farther toward the rear.

This fastener is a T30 Torx screw.

Use your T30 Torx bit to remove the screw.

Repeat the process for the matching T30 Torx screw on the opposite side.

6:47 – Unclipping and Removing the Rear Bumper

With all screws, bolts, and clips removed, the bumper is now ready to come off.

Starting on one side, firmly but carefully pull the bumper straight outward. The bumper will release from the retaining bracket attached along the rear quarter panel.

Repeat the same process on the opposite side until both corners have completely unclipped.

ReveMoto Tech Tip: Once both sides release, the bumper will be loose. This is an excellent time to have a second person help support the bumper so it doesn't unexpectedly fall or become damaged during removal.

Carefully pull the bumper straight rearward and away from the vehicle to complete the removal.

Your 2013-2015 Acura RDX rear bumper has now been successfully removed and the vehicle is ready for installation of your replacement bumper.

Skip the body shop and get a perfect factory match delivered to your door.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools are required to remove the 2013-2015 Acura RDX rear bumper?

You'll need a Phillips head screwdriver, a panel removal tool (or a sturdy flathead screwdriver), a 10mm socket with a ratchet, and a T30 Torx bit.

What should I do if the underbody push pins break?

This is common on older vehicles because the plastic becomes brittle with age. Replacement push pins can be purchased from your local Acura dealership or an automotive hardware store.

Where are the hidden bolts located?

Open the rear liftgate and remove the small plastic trim covers on each side of the opening. Under each cover you'll find a 10mm bolt. Nearby, you'll also find a T30 Torx screw that must be removed before the bumper can come off.

Disclaimer

While ReveMoto tries to make the information in this blog as accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content. No information contained in this blog shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself (DIY) projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. ReveMoto is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this blog.