Structural analysis of automotive engine cover under vibration excitation is performed by finite element analysis (FEA) in order to identify the critical area of the structure. Assembly load due to the tightening of the bolts as well as the vibration excitation were considered to describe the actual loading condition. Natural frequencies of the system were extracted considering the damping effect of the structure. Dynamic analysis was performed based on the extracted natural frequency of the system. Experimental modal analysis (EMA) and measurement of strains were performed to verify the results of the analysis. Analysis results correlated closely with the experimental results. Analysis and experiments showed that contribution of the assembly load should not be ignored to predict the structural failure of the engine cover.