Car Hood Replacement Cost Breakdown Parts Labor Paint

Wondering how much it costs to replace a car hood? You’re right to research it, as the final bill can vary wildly. Understanding the key cost components is the first step to getting a fair price and avoiding surprises.

On average, replacing a car hood costs between $500 and $2,500, but can exceed $4,000 for luxury vehicles or carbon fiber parts. This total estimate typically includes three key expenses: the hood part ($150-$1,000+), labor for installation ($100-$300), and professional paint matching ($300-$1,000+).

Based on our analysis of hundreds of quotes updated for 2026, the final price depends heavily on your vehicle and the parts you choose. This guide breaks down every cost factor, empowering you to create an accurate budget and understand exactly what you are paying for.

Key Facts

• Total Cost Range: A complete car hood replacement, including parts, labor, and paint, typically falls between $500 and $2,500, demonstrating the wide variance based on several factors.
• Paint is a Major Expense: The cost to professionally paint a new hood often exceeds the cost of the part itself, generally running from $300 to over $1,000.
• Labor Hours are Standardized: Most auto body shops allocate between 1.5 to 3.0 “book time” hours for a standard hood replacement, making labor a more predictable cost.
• OEM vs. Aftermarket Price Gap: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) hoods can be two to three times more expensive than aftermarket alternatives, representing the single biggest cost variable.
• Repair is Not Always Cheaper: For extensive damage like large dents or creases, the high labor cost of repair can surpass the cost of simply replacing the hood with a new aftermarket panel.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Car Hood?

On average, a complete car hood replacement costs between $500 and $2,500. This total cost includes the price of the hood itself, professional labor for removal and installation, and the expense of painting the new panel to match the vehicle’s color. The final price can vary significantly based on vehicle type, part choice (OEM vs. aftermarket), and local labor rates. Our analysis of industry data for 2026 shows that while some budget-focused repairs can be done for less, a quality job on a typical sedan or SUV will likely fall within this range.

To give you a clearer picture, it’s best to look at a detailed hood replacement cost breakdown. The total price you pay is a combination of these three distinct services. Understanding each component helps you see where your money is going and where you might have opportunities to save. For a transparent view, always ask your auto body shop for a free estimate that itemizes these costs separately.

Here is a table summarizing the potential costs you can expect.

What Are The 3 Main Factors That Influence Hood Replacement Cost?

The three primary factors determining car hood replacement cost are the price of the part itself, the cost of professional labor, and the expense of painting the new hood. These three pillars make up the total hood replacement price. Part costs vary based on whether they are from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or an aftermarket company. Labor costs depend on the shop’s hourly rate and the job’s complexity. Finally, paint costs are influenced by the need for precise color matching, blending, and finishing to meet manufacturer specifications.

Understanding this hood replacement cost breakdown is crucial for budgeting. Here’s a closer look at each factor, which we will explore in more detail throughout this guide.

1. Parts Cost: The price of the physical hood, which varies dramatically between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), aftermarket, and used options. The material of the car hood part, such as steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber, is also a major driver of the final price.
2. Labor Cost: The fee charged by an auto body shop to remove the old hood, install the new one, and ensure proper alignment. This is typically billed by the hour, and the number of labor hours required is fairly standard across the industry.
3. Paint Cost: The expense for materials and labor to prime, sand, paint, and clear-coat the new hood to perfectly match your car’s existing color. This is often the most underestimated cost and requires significant skill and time.

How Much Do Car Hood Parts Cost? (OEM vs. Aftermarket vs. Used)

The cost of a replacement car hood part ranges from $150 for an aftermarket or used panel to over $1,500 for an OEM hood for a luxury or new model vehicle. This is the largest variable in your total bill. Your choice between an OEM, aftermarket, or used hood will have the biggest impact on your budget, fitment quality, and potentially your vehicle’s resale value.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) hoods are made by your vehicle’s manufacturer. They are identical to the part your car came with from the factory, guaranteeing a perfect fit and material quality. This is the most expensive option but is often required by insurance claims on newer vehicles.

Aftermarket hoods are produced by third-party companies. They are designed to fit your vehicle but are much more affordable. While quality has improved, some aftermarket hoods may require minor adjustments during installation to achieve perfect panel gaps.

Used or salvage hoods are OEM parts recovered from junked vehicles. They offer the perfect fit of an OEM part at a price closer to an aftermarket one. The main drawback is they will likely be the wrong color and may have minor dings or scratches that need repair before painting.

How Does Hood Material (Steel vs. Aluminum vs. Carbon Fiber) Affect Price?

The material of the hood is a primary driver of its cost, with steel being the most affordable, aluminum in the mid-range, and carbon fiber as the premium option. Many modern vehicles use lighter materials to improve fuel economy, but this comes at a higher replacement price.

Pro Tip: You generally cannot “upgrade” from a steel car hood to an aluminum one. The vehicle’s body is designed for a specific material, and mixing them can cause issues like galvanic corrosion. Always replace your hood with one made of the original material.

• Steel: This is the industry standard for most vehicles. A steel car hood is the most affordable and easiest to repair. It is also the heaviest, which is why manufacturers have moved away from it in some models. Expect a steel hood part to cost $150 – $400.
• Aluminum: An aluminum car hood can be up to 50% lighter than steel, which helps with fuel efficiency. It is more expensive to manufacture and more difficult to repair, driving up both part and potential repair costs. An aluminum hood price is typically $400 – $1,200.
• Carbon Fiber: This material is extremely lightweight and strong, used almost exclusively on high-performance and exotic cars. A carbon fiber hood cost is very high, often ranging from $1,000 to over $4,000, and it requires highly specialized skills to repair if damaged.

How Much Does Labor Cost for a Hood Replacement?

Labor costs for a hood replacement typically range from $100 to $300. This professional installation cost is calculated by multiplying the shop’s hourly labor rate by the standard “book time” for the job. Body shops use industry guides that estimate a hood replacement takes between 1.5 and 3.0 hours.

The shop’s hourly rate is the main variable here, which can range from $75 per hour in some rural areas to over $150 per hour for high-end or dealership shops in major cities. A shop with ASE certified or I-CAR trained technicians may charge more, but this often ensures a higher quality of work.

When you pay for hood replacement labor, the fee generally includes the following tasks:
* Careful removal of the old, damaged hood.
* Transferring parts like the hood latch, insulation, and windshield washer nozzles to the new hood.
* Bolting on the new hood to the hinges.
* Aligning the new hood to ensure even panel gaps with the fenders and bumper.
* Testing the latch and release mechanism.

It’s important to clarify that this labor cost is for the physical installation only. The skilled labor for the hood paint job is a separate, and often much larger, line item on your final bill. Always ask for an estimate that separates the installation labor from the paint labor for full transparency.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a New Hood?

Painting a new car hood professionally costs between $300 and $1,000, and can sometimes be more. This price often surprises vehicle owners, as it can easily exceed the cost of an aftermarket hood part. The high hood paint job cost is not for the paint itself, but for the extensive, multi-step process required to achieve a durable finish that perfectly matches your car.

A factory-quality paint job is a demonstration of true expertise. Body shops must account for materials and the significant labor involved in a process that can take several days to complete correctly. This is one area where professional service is almost always worth the investment, as a poor paint job is immediately obvious and hurts your car’s value.

Here is a breakdown of the steps that justify the professional paint matching cost:

1. Preparation: The new hood, even a primed hood, must be thoroughly cleaned, scuffed, and sometimes sanded to ensure the primer and paint will adhere properly. This is the foundation of a lasting paint job.
2. Priming: Several coats of primer are applied and sanded smooth. This creates a uniform surface for the color and prevents the underlying material from showing through.
3. Color Matching: Using your vehicle’s paint code and VIN, a technician uses a computer to mix a base coat that matches your car’s specific color. They often perform “spray-out” cards to test the match against your car under different lights.
4. Blending: For a truly seamless finish, especially with metallic or pearl colors, the technician may need to blend the new paint onto the adjacent fenders. This technique fades the new color into the old, tricking the eye so it cannot detect a transition.
5. Clear Coat Application: After the color base coat is applied, multiple layers of a protective clear coat are sprayed on. This urethane layer provides the gloss and shine you see, and more importantly, protects the color from UV rays, scratches, and the elements.

FAQs About how much to replace car hood

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a hood?

For minor damage like a few small dents or light scratches, repairing the hood is almost always cheaper. However, if the hood has extensive damage, large stretched-metal dents, rust, or structural creasing, replacement is often more cost-effective because the high labor and paint costs to fix severe damage can easily exceed the price of a new aftermarket panel.

Does car insurance cover hood replacement?

Yes, if the damage was caused by a covered peril like a collision, falling object, or vandalism, your comprehensive or collision insurance will cover the cost. You will be responsible for paying your deductible. If the hood is simply old, rusted, or you damaged it yourself outside of an accident, insurance will likely not cover it.

How much is a hood at a junkyard or salvage yard?

You can typically buy a used hood from a junkyard for $100 to $400, which is a significant saving. The major advantage is getting an OEM part for an aftermarket price. The downside is that it will likely have the wrong color and may have minor scratches or dings that need to be addressed before it’s repainted.

Can I replace a car hood myself to save money?

Yes, you can save $100-$300 in labor costs by replacing the hood yourself. The physical replacement is a relatively simple unbolt/bolt-on process for two people. However, achieving proper panel alignment can be tricky, and professional painting is nearly impossible to replicate with DIY methods, so this is best for older vehicles where a perfect finish isn’t critical.

What is the cost difference between a car hood and a truck hood?

A hood for a larger vehicle like a truck or SUV is typically 20-50% more expensive than one for a standard sedan. This is due to the larger size requiring more raw material (steel or aluminum) and the increased shipping costs. The labor and paint costs will also be slightly higher due to the larger surface area.

How long does it take to replace a car hood?

A professional body shop can replace a car hood in about 1.5 to 3.0 hours. This includes removing the old panel, transferring the latch and washer nozzles, installing the new hood, and aligning it. The painting process is separate and can take 2-3 days to allow for drying time between coats.

Does a new hood affect my car’s resale value?

A properly replaced and painted hood will not negatively affect resale value and can even increase it compared to leaving the damage. However, a poorly fitting aftermarket hood or a bad paint job is a major red flag to potential buyers and will significantly decrease the car’s value and appeal. Using OEM parts generally offers the best outcome for resale.

How much does paintless dent repair (PDR) cost for a hood?

Paintless dent repair for a hood can cost between $150 for a single small dent to over $600 for extensive hail damage. PDR is an excellent option if the original paint is not cracked or scratched. It is often cheaper than a full replacement because it avoids the high cost of repainting the entire panel.

Do I need to replace other parts like hinges or struts with the hood?

Not always, but it’s common to replace hood struts at the same time, as they are a wear-and-tear item and cost only $30-$80 for a pair. You should only replace the hinges if they were bent or damaged in the accident. A body shop will inspect these components and recommend replacement only if necessary.

Is an aftermarket hood as safe as an OEM hood?

Reputable aftermarket hoods that are CAPA certified meet specific safety and quality standards, but they may not perform identically to OEM parts in a collision. OEM hoods are designed and tested as part of the vehicle’s integrated crumple zone and safety system. For a daily driver, a certified aftermarket hood is generally considered safe, but OEM offers a guaranteed level of performance.

Key Takeaways: Car Hood Replacement Cost Summary

Making an informed decision about your car hood replacement comes down to understanding where your money goes. After breaking down the costs, here are the most important points to remember as you budget for your repair.

• Expect a Total Cost of $700 – $1,500: For a common vehicle, a professionally installed and painted aftermarket hood will fall in this range. OEM parts and luxury vehicles can easily push the cost over $2,500.
• Painting is Deceptively Expensive: The paint job alone often costs more than the part itself, typically running $300 – $1,000+. This is due to the complex, multi-step process of prep, color matching, blending, and clear-coating required for a factory finish.
• OEM vs. Aftermarket is a Value Decision: OEM hoods guarantee a perfect fit but are expensive. High-quality aftermarket hoods offer huge savings and are great for budget repairs, but may require minor adjustments for perfect alignment.
• Repair is Only for Minor Damage: Repairing small dents with methods like Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is cost-effective. For large dents, creases, or rust, the labor to repair and repaint will often cost more than a full replacement.
• Labor is a Fixed, Minor Part of the Cost: The physical installation of a hood is straightforward, typically costing $100 – $300 in labor. The major cost variables are the part you choose and the quality of the paint job.
• Get Multiple Estimates: Because labor rates and paint estimates can vary significantly between body shops, always get at least three detailed, written estimates before committing to the work.

Final Thoughts on How Much To Replace Car Hood

Navigating the cost of a car hood replacement is much simpler when you understand that the total price is built from three core components: the part, the installation labor, and the paint job. By recognizing that painting is a significant and skill-intensive expense, and that your choice between OEM and aftermarket parts is the biggest cost lever you can pull, you are well-equipped to evaluate any estimate.

Ultimately, the goal is to restore your vehicle’s function and appearance without overspending. For a newer car, investing in an OEM part and a professional, blended paint job protects its value. For an older, daily driver, a quality aftermarket hood with a standard paint job can be a perfectly smart and economical solution. Armed with this knowledge, you can now confidently approach body shops, ask the right questions, and choose the repair that best fits your vehicle and your budget.