Are you're engine temperatures running any hotter than usual? because i've had an N1 on my hatch for about 50,000 miles/4-5years... and my bumper is fine Do you guys have spoilers or no? I'm thinking it's got to be a material/aerodynamic mix of problems. That should not happen to any car. I'd get a temperature gun, and see how hot the muffler is getting, otherwise...what about a heat-sheild that goes over the muffler and up under the rear (following above the muffler)? instead of that hideous metal plate on your back bumper? Just a temp solution to a bad problem.