A Toyota 4Runner owner thought a collision repair shop had fixed their SUV. But less than an hour after picking it up, they found several problems that raised new concerns about the work.
The owner shared the experience in a Reddit post on r/Autobody. Their 2026 Toyota 4Runner was only six months old when another driver rear-ended it.
After getting the SUV back, the owner opened the rear hatch and found water sitting near the rubber seal. Part of the seal also appeared loose, leaving a gap near the rear bumper.
A closer look revealed even more damage. Metal behind the plastic trim was bent, and rust had started to form. The owner began to question whether the shop had fixed everything damaged in the crash.
Hidden Damage Found
Discovered Issues after Collision Repair
by
u/duesun185 in
Autobody
Photos shared on Reddit showed bent metal near the rear hatch. One damaged area had a pink mark around it, which caught several commenters’ attention.
Some believed the mark could mean the shop had spotted the damage during repairs. However, the photos did not show who made the mark or when it was added. The owner also pulled back part of the rubber seal and found rust-colored powder. They couldn’t tell where it came from.
According to the repair paperwork, the shop had replaced several parts. These included the rear crossmember, liftgate shell, brackets, sensors, and weatherstripping.
Repair List Raises Questions
The owner shared the final repair estimate so Reddit users could review it. One commenter said they could not find a clear entry for fixing the damaged rear body panel.
Other users pointed out that the rear crossmember and rear body panel are two different parts. Replacing one would not always fix damage to the other.
A commenter who said they once worked as an auto damage adjuster raised another concern. Bent metal could keep parts behind the bumper from fitting properly. The commenter suggested having the shop remove the bumper and check for damage underneath.
Still, no one in the discussion had inspected the SUV in person. The photos alone could not show how serious the damage was.
Owner Plans Return
The owner said Progressive was handling the insurance claim. However, they chose the repair shop themselves rather than using one from the insurer’s repair network.
The shop was linked to a large regional dealership. Its good reputation and use of original factory parts helped the owner choose it. Reddit users urged the owner to speak with the shop’s manager and ask why the bent metal was still there. Some also suggested getting a second inspection.
Others questioned whether the shop charged for work it didn’t finish. However, the post did not provide proof that the charges were false. The owner planned to return to the collision center the next day to discuss the problems. At the time of the post, the shop had not responded, and there was no update on whether the damage had been fixed.