How much does it cost to replace an Acura RDX headlight?
Expect a typical installed cost range from about $40 to $1,800 per light, depending on whether you’re replacing a simple bulb or the entire headlight assembly, and on whether you choose OEM or aftermarket parts. LED/HID headlights and dealership service tend to be on the higher end.
Headlight replacement costs for the Acura RDX vary by model year, headlight technology, and service channel. Some RDX models use sealed LED or HID units that require replacing the whole headlight assembly, while older or different trims may allow bulb swaps. Labor rates and regional pricing also play a big role in the final bill.
Cost factors that affect the price
Several elements determine how much you’ll pay for a headlight replacement on an Acura RDX. The following list highlights the main contributors to price.
- Replacement type: bulb swap versus full headlight assembly replacement. A simple bulb swap is cheaper, while a full assembly swap is significantly more expensive.
- Headlight technology: halogen headlights are generally cheaper to service than LED or HID units. Many newer RDX headlights are LED or HID and may be sold as sealed units.
- Part source: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts from the dealer typically cost more than aftermarket or refurbished assemblies.
- Labor rates and shop choice: independent mechanics usually charge less than a dealership, and prices vary by region.
- Additional services: if the headlight is misaligned, moisture has entered the housing, or the lens is scratched, you may incur extra costs for alignment, resealing, or lens restoration.
In short, the total you pay reflects not just the part but the entire service chain—from the exact part type to the shop you select and any follow-up adjustments.
Typical price ranges by scenario
Below is a snapshot of common pricing scenarios you might encounter when replacing a headlight on an Acura RDX. The figures refer to installed costs, including parts and labor, and are intended to guide budgeting across different configurations and service channels.
- Halogen bulb replacement: typically about $40–$120 installed. This covers the bulb itself plus a short labor time at an independent shop or dealer.
- LED or HID bulb replacement (where bulbs are replaceable): roughly $60–$220 installed. Note that many newer RDX headlights are sealed units, so bulb swaps may not be possible outside of specialty situations.
- Full headlight assembly replacement (aftermarket aftermarket unit): commonly $300–$800 for the part, with $100–$300 for labor, totaling around $400–$1,100 installed.
- Full headlight assembly replacement (OEM from dealer): part price often $500–$1,000+ per unit, plus $100–$300 labor, for a total installed range of about $600–$1,300 or more per side. Higher-end or year-specific variants can push this higher.
- Labor considerations and shop type: independent shops typically charge $75–$150 per hour, while dealership service departments often run $100–$200+ per hour; the total time to replace a headlight is usually 1–2 hours for a bulb swap and 2–3 hours or more for a full assembly replacement.
Prices vary by model year and headlight configuration (for example, LED headlights on newer RDX models are more likely to be sealed units). Always verify exact parts and services with your chosen shop or dealer for precise estimates.
Year-specific notes
2019–2023 Acura RDX
Many of these years use advanced headlight assemblies that may be sealed units. Bulb replacements are often not possible; expect to replace the entire headlight assembly if the unit is failing. OEM assemblies tend to be more expensive than aftermarket options.
2024–present Acura RDX
Newer trims may feature updated LED deployments and more integrated headlamp modules. Replacement generally follows the same pattern: sealed assemblies are common, with higher OEM pricing and potentially higher labor times if precision alignment or moisture sealing is required.
Summary
Replacing an Acura RDX headlight can range from a modest bulb swap to a full assembly replacement, depending on the headlight’s technology and whether you choose OEM or aftermarket parts. For a typical independent shop, expect roughly $40–$1,100 for most bulb-to-assembly scenarios, with OEM dealership replacements often landing at the higher end of the spectrum. When budgeting, confirm whether your headlight is a replaceable bulb unit or a sealed module, and compare quotes from multiple shops to balance cost, quality, and timing.
