They're supposed to limit damage in minor collisions, but many don't.
January 24, 2012
Bumper mismatch is easily fixed
Simple modifications to the bumpers of SUVs could save consumers thousands of dollars on repairs after low-speed collisions between SUVs and cars.
December 2, 2010
Cost of repairing damage sustained in 10 mph front-into-rear impacts
SUV and car bumpers underride and override each other in low-speed crashes, contributing to pricey damage
November 18, 2009
Subaru improves bumpers on 2010 Legacy to earn acceptable rating
September 17, 2009
Amber is a better color than red for rear turn signals
Regulating light truck bumpers gets a look-see from NHTSA
June 11, 2009
What it costs to fix test damage
Bumpers on mini and microcars allow pricey damage in new Institute tests. None of the 7 evaluated earns a good rating
July 24, 2008
Rolling back Canadian bumper standard is likely to drive up insurance costs and repair bills
July 1, 2008
Bumper rules should extend to light trucks, Institute tells NHTSA
December 22, 2007
Damage repair costs after low-speed bumper tests
Bumpers on 6 minivans perform better than those on midsize cars, but still allow too much damage
August 4, 2007
Bumpers on luxury cars don't do a good job of resisting damage
March 1, 2007
New series of bumper tests; test barrier mimics vehicle bumper
September 13, 2004
Damage in real low-speed crashes
Costs of repairing the damage sustained in 10 mph front-into-rear impacts
Car and SUV bumpers underride and override each other in low-speed collisions, contributing to costly damage
January 3, 2004
F-150's bumpers aren't improved
March 16, 2002
Kia Sedona's frontal airbags deploy in 5 mph front-into-flat-barrier bumper test
Ineffective bumpers on three small cars, all new designs for 2002 model year
Volkswagen puts different bumper mounts on cars sold in U.S. and Europe
March 20, 2001
Offset tests reveal safety problems and prompt remedies
September 30, 2000
Bumpers on most SUVs don't hold up in 5 mph crashes
April 15, 2000
Bumpers fail to protect most vehicles from costly damage
April 24, 1999
Better bumpers on most vehicles the Institute tested
May 9, 1998
New Beetle bumpers ace Institute low-speed tests
April 4, 1998
Pickup bumpers perform poorly in Institute low-speed tests
August 30, 1997
Saturn's bumpers are stellar compared with other small cars
May 10, 1997
Bumper performance varies among cars from same automaker
Luxury car bumpers flunk low-speed impact tests
November 9, 1996
Bumpers on passenger vans vary widely in how well they resist damage in low-speed impacts
March 2, 1996
Mounting spare tire on back adds considerably to repair costs
Damage repair costs for six 1996 midsize four-door utility vehicles
Utility vehicles perform poorly in 5 mph crash tests
February 25, 1995
Some automakers try to improve their cars when it comes to bumpers
Costs to repair damage after a series of four impacts at 5 mph
More winners and losers among 1995 four-door midsize cars
Best, worst 1995 four-door midsize cars in low-speed crash tests