Hey all, I noticed this when I peeled back the rubber weather seal. This is the part of the bumper cover immediately to the left of the area where the trunk lid latch would slot into.

Notice the area circled in red, it appears to be a tab with a square cut out (presumably for something to lock into place). This tab is not on the bumper cover, I pushed the cover gently and noticed that the tab remains stationary even as the bumper cover flexes.

This isn't normal, right? Should the cover be further pushed in? (ie. it should lock into place over the cut out). How would one accomplish that? Thanks.

 

I installed a rear diffuser last week and know the area you're talking about. Assuming you haven't taken it apart before, it should be fine as is.
It has two metal layers that the bumper fits on/in- i put it together wrong and the trunk wouldnt close. Assuming yours closes.

 

Thanks for the reply, right now it closes and there is an even panel gap between the trunk lid and the bumper (ie. so if you shut the lid, it won't slam into the bumper because there is enough space).

I am unable to find another 2014 - 2020 IS to compare my car to, that's why I'm asking if the bumper should have been installed further in so that I cannot see the tabs at all. Right now, I can see the tabs quite easily just by pulling the rubber back a little bit.

If you imagine that the tab (circled in red) is attached to the car's body, then the bumper cover must have a corresponding protrusion of plastic, shaped like a wedge. That should go into the tab's cut out and lock the bumper cover into place. That's my impression anyway, just wanting to verify that this is the case and I reinstalled it improperly. Thanks again!