How much to fix a bent hood?

For a bent car hood, costs vary widely. In general, a minor dent with no paint damage can be fixed with paintless dent repair (PDR) for a few hundred dollars, while repainting or replacing the hood can run into the low thousands.

Damage assessments depend on the dent's size, location, the hood's material, and whether the underlying structure is affected. The following breakdown outlines the main repair routes and typical price ranges you can expect today, with regional differences noted.

Common repair options

Paintless dent repair (PDR)

PDR is the least invasive option and works best when the paint is intact and the dent isn’t too severe.

• PDR: Typical costs can range from about $150 to $450 per dent on a hood; for several dents or larger deformities, the total may run from $300 to $1,000 for the hood.

Concluding note: PDR can be a cost-effective first choice for minor damage, but its applicability depends on paint condition and access to the dent.

Traditional dent repair with repaint

When the paint is damaged or the dent is difficult to access, shops may use filler, primer, and repaint to restore the hood’s finish.

• Traditional dent repair and repaint: Labor and materials for filling, sanding, priming, blending, and painting typically run about $500 to $1,500, with final prices often $800 to $2,000 or more depending on color and extent of repaint.

Concluding note: This option provides a like-new look but is more expensive and time-consuming than PDR, especially for metallic or specialty colors that require precise blending.

Hood replacement

For severe damage, structural concerns, or when repair would compromise safety or alignment, replacing the hood may be the best long-term solution.

• Hood replacement: Parts costs vary by vehicle (OEM new hoods often $400–$1,200 or more; aftermarket or used can be cheaper). Labor and painting typically add $600–$1,000+, bringing total to roughly $1,000–$3,000 or higher depending on the vehicle and finish.

Concluding note: Replacement tends to be the most expensive option but can be necessary for proper fit, alignment, and safety in some cases.

What factors influence price

Several factors determine the final price beyond the repair method chosen.

• Extent and location of the dent: Small, isolated dents cost less than large, multi-angled, or edge dents.


• Hood material: Steel hoods are typically cheaper to repair than aluminum or carbon-fiber hoods; some high-end vehicles add complexity.


• Paint condition and finish: Cracked, chipped, or faded paint increases repaint costs and may require more blending.


• Color and finish: Metallic, pearlescent, or two-tone finishes require more precise matching.


• Labor rates by region and shop: Urban areas or high-demand shops usually charge more.


• Need for structural or alignment work: Damage to latch, hinges, radiator support, or frame raises total cost substantially.

Tip: Get multiple written estimates and ask for a detailed scope of work to avoid surprises. Some shops offer warranties on PDR if the paint remains intact and the dent does not reappear.

Summary

Fixing a bent hood spans a broad price spectrum. Minor dents with intact paint may cost a few hundred dollars with paintless dent repair, while extensive damage requiring repaint or a full hood replacement can push the total into the low thousands. Final pricing depends on dent size and location, hood material, paint type, and whether structural components are affected. Always obtain a clear, written estimate with a breakdown of parts, labor, and finish costs, and consider multiple quotes to find the best balance of cost and quality.

Can I drive with a bent hood?

Bent hoods
If you are unable to see over your hood after a collision, it may not be safe to drive your car away. Additionally, removing the hood yourself can be difficult and may cause more damage. Depending on the severity of the damage, a tow may be in order.

How to unbend a car hood?

To fix a buckled car hood, you can use a combination of tools to gently pull and push the metal back into shape, such as a come-along or tie-down straps to pull the frame and blocks of wood or hammers to persuade the hood panel itself. For minor damage, you can sometimes use pressure from blocks of wood to slowly flatten the hood by hand or by carefully applying weight. If the damage is severe or the metal is badly creased, professional repair or replacement may be necessary, as straightening the metal can make it weaker.
 
For moderate to severe buckling

• Assess the damage: Determine which parts are bent, including the hood itself, the radiator support, or the hinges. 
• Pull the core support: If the radiator support is bent, use a come-along or tie-down strap to attach it to a sturdy anchor like a tree. Back the car up slowly to gently pull the support back into place. 
• Remove the bumper: This can give you better access to the inside of the hood and core support for hammering out dents. 
• Straighten the hood panel: 
  • Use blocks of wood on the core support to help lever the hood. 
  • If the hood is creased, you can try laying it upside down on grass and gently jumping on it to help straighten the metal. 
• Address small dents: After major buckling is corrected, you can use a block of wood on the area and a sledgehammer to gently tap down any smaller dents. 

This video demonstrates how to pull the car frame and use a hammer to fix a buckled car hood: 55sLive FreeYouTube · Feb 5, 2024
For minor buckling

• Use leverage: Place a block of wood on the radiator support or near the damaged area. Gently press down on the hood behind the damage, or have a friend stand on the hood while you lift the other side. 
• Tap out small dents: If there are small dents, place a block of wood over the area and use a ball peen hammer to gently tap it into place. 

This video shows how to use a wooden block to help fix minor damage to a car hood: 1mNestor Auto RepairYouTube · Jan 15, 2020
Final steps and warnings

• Adjust hinges: Once the hood is straightened, you will need to adjust the hinges to ensure the hood sits flush and the gaps are even. 
• Consider replacement: If the hood is severely bent, has sharp creases, or the metal is warped, it may be safer to replace it entirely. 
• Safety first: Straightening a hood can create weak spots that could cause it to fold incorrectly in a future accident. A professional should assess whether the repair is safe. 
• Professional repair: For a factory-quality finish without compromising safety, consider using a professional service like paintless dent repair (PDR) for minor damage, or a body shop for more extensive repairs. 

You can watch this video to learn about professional repair options: 49sLearned From DadYouTube · Aug 10, 2024

How much does hood repair cost?

If you have a single small dent with no paint damage, the cost of your hood dent repair will likely start around $75–$150. If you have a large dent (or multiple smaller dents) and your hood needs to be repainted, the repair costs could be thousands of dollars.

Can a dented hood be fixed?

Yes, a bent hood can often be repaired, but the feasibility and cost depend on the severity of the damage. For minor dents without paint damage, techniques like paintless dent repair (PDR) can be used. For more significant bends, traditional bodywork, filler, and repainting are possible, while severe damage or compromised internal structures may require a full replacement.
 
This video shows how to fix a bent hood using PDR: 49sCars SimplifiedYouTube · Feb 2, 2019
Factors affecting repair

• Severity of the bend: Minor dents can be repaired more easily and affordably, while large, deep bends are more challenging. 
• Structural integrity: If the inner bracing or support structure is bent or cracked, a full replacement may be necessary. 
• Paint damage: If the paint is cracked, peeling, or stretched, traditional bodywork and repainting will be needed, which is more expensive than PDR. 
• Safety features: Some hoods are designed to bend in a specific way during an impact to protect pedestrians. Attempting to reinforce this area may compromise that safety feature. 

Repair options

• Paintless Dent Repair (PDR): This is the best option for minor dents with no paint damage and can be much cheaper than traditional repairs. 
• Traditional body repair: For dents with paint damage, a body shop can use tools to push out the metal, fill any imperfections with body filler, and then repaint the hood. 
• Replacement: In cases of severe damage, a replacement may be the most practical and safest solution. 
• DIY repair: For very minor bends on older vehicles, some DIY methods exist. However, this is not recommended for significant damage or modern cars, and professional results are hard to achieve. 

You can also watch this video to learn about fixing a bent hood with a hammer and dolly: 58sFlat ThunderYouTube · Nov 22, 2023
How to decide

• Consult a professional: A reputable body shop can provide the best assessment of your specific damage and recommend the most appropriate course of action. 
• Consider the cost: Compare the estimated cost of repair versus replacement to make a decision that fits your budget. 

This video demonstrates how to adjust and align the hood of a car: 58sLakeside AutobodyYouTube · Jan 24, 2025