A tow hook assembly includes a U-shaped tow hook received in a housing. The U-shaped tow hook includes first and second legs where the first and second legs each include forward and rearward locking flanges. The legs of the U-shaped tow hooks are received in a housing. The housing includes springs which bias the U-shaped tow hook in a forward direction and the locking flanges prevent the U-shaped tow hook from moving in a forward direction. The springs allow the U-shaped tow hook to deflect in a rearward direction upon a forward impact with the U-shaped tow hook.