How much does it cost to replace the hood of a car?
Cost drivers
The price you pay is driven by four main factors: the hood part itself, labor to remove and fit, paint and refinishing, and any ancillary services or parts required to complete the job.
- Parts: Hood price varies by material and whether it is an OEM factory part or an aftermarket option. Steel hoods are usually the cheapest; aluminum can be more expensive; carbon fiber or specialty composites are the most costly.
- Labor: Labor costs depend on the shop’s hourly rate, the time to remove the old hood, align the new one, and reconnect or recalibrate any sensors or components.
- Paint and finish: If the hood requires color-matching paint, primer, base coat, and clear coat, this adds significantly to the cost. A full hood repaint can be cheaper than blending the entire car, but may be necessary for a perfect color match.
- Additional components and services: Latch and hinges, weatherstripping, headlights removal/adjustment, and sensor calibration (such as cameras or parking sensors) can add to the price.
Understanding these factors helps you compare quotes and set expectations for your repair. Prices can vary by region and shop, and some collisions may involve additional repairs that affect the overall bill.
Typical price ranges by scenario
The following ranges reflect installed costs in most U.S. markets as of 2024-2025, including parts, labor, and paint. Your quotes may differ based on vehicle and location.
- Mass-market steel hood, standard color, OEM part: roughly $500 to $1,500 for parts plus labor and paint, typically $700 to $1,800 total.
- Aluminum hood or premium aftermarket hood, factory color: often $1,000 to $2,000 for the hood plus $200–$900 for paint/labor, total around $1,200 to $2,900.
- Carbon fiber or high-end composite hood: often $2,000 to $4,000 for the part, with paint and labor bringing total to about $2,500 to $5,500 or more.
- Used or aftermarket hood without repaint: part cost as low as $100–$600, with labor and possible paint costs ranging from $200–$1,000, depending on color match and whether blending is needed.
Note: If the hood needs sensors recalibrated (sometimes required for certain driver-assistance systems) or if headlights must be removed and realigned, add on additional costs and potential delays. Insurance may cover part of the cost if the replacement is due to a covered incident.
What to do when shopping for a replacement
To get the best value and avoid surprises, follow a careful shopping process. Request multiple quotes, confirm whether paint is included, and ask about OEM vs aftermarket options, warranty, and the shop’s method for hood alignment and sensor calibration. Clarify whether the estimate covers a full car repaint or only the hood paint.
A reputable shop will provide a written estimate with itemized costs and a projected timeline. It can also help to verify color-matching requirements and warranty terms on the workmanship and materials.
Summary
Replacing a hood is a variable cost job driven by material choice, labor, and paint. For most everyday vehicles, installed costs typically range from about $700 to $1,800, with higher-end materials or luxury models pushing toward $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Doing due diligence—collecting several quotes, understanding what’s included, and ensuring paint color match—helps drivers balance cost and quality.
