Greetings,

Been looking at buying a '16 R but on close inspection, noticed what seems like a quality issue. Running my fingers under the lips of all four wheel wells, I could feel 1" or so open gaps between metal and the plastic wheel well liners. Has anyone else noticed this? It surely wasn't designed that way, was it? If so, why? The risk, it seems to me, is allowing moisture to easily get behind that gap and cause a long-term issue (rust?).

Has anyone else noticed this on their cars and, if so, is it a concern?

 

Mine fit tight against the fender.

 

I have a 2017 S AWD.
Only owned the car about 6 months but on one wash I noticed the same thing.
I wondered the same thing about if this was typical

 

Mine is tight on one side and about a 1/2" gap on the other side, but the bonnet/hood aligns perfectly with the fender on both sides.
I would say those gaps are normal and nothing to worry about.
No risk of rust, it's all ali or ali alloy (or plastic or rubber) under there.

 

Thanks. Probably not a big deal but certainly makes me wonder how that would have come to be.