A hood latch replacement costs $143 to $292 in 2026
A hood latch replacement costs $143 to $292 in 2026 for common cars, per RepairPal. Its national average is $197 to $238. Labor is about $81 to $119 and parts are about $115 to $119. YourMechanic shows an average of $143 for a Honda Civic, with $48 in parts and $95 in labor. YourMechanic says the average for a Dodge Grand Caravan is $181, with $86 for parts and $95 for labor.
Hood latch replacement cost by car
RepairPal lists these ranges for the most common cars. Your year and engine move the price inside each range.
| Car | Price, parts and labor |
|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | $229 to $292 |
| Honda Accord | $201 to $246 |
| Ford F-150 | $143 to $168 |
How common cars compare
Against the middle of the RepairPal national average, $218, the Toyota Camry runs about 20 percent more; the Honda Accord is about the national middle; the Ford F-150 runs about 29 percent less. The gap comes from where the part sits, how long it takes to reach, and the price of the part for that car.
What price guides say
We checked 2 price guides. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| RepairPal | National average $197 to $238. Labor is about $81 to $119 and parts are about $115 to $119. |
| YourMechanic | YourMechanic shows an average of $143 for a Honda Civic, with $48 in parts and $95 in labor. |
| YourMechanic | YourMechanic says the average for a Dodge Grand Caravan is $181, with $86 for parts and $95 for labor. |
| YourMechanic | YourMechanic says the average for a Kia Soul is $154, with $59 for parts and $95 for labor. |
What pushes the quote up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Latch type | A basic latch costs less. A latch with a sensor or release part costs more. |
| Cable or lever | If the release cable is also bad, the shop must replace it too. |
| Car make | Some cars need the front bumper cover moved to reach the latch. That adds labor. |
| Hood alignment | The shop may need to adjust the hood so it closes right. That takes time. |
| Part source | Dealer latches cost more than aftermarket ones. |
How to tell you need it
- The hood will not open, or it will not stay shut.
- The release handle feels loose or has no tension.
- A shop can see rust, a stuck spring, or a broken hook on the latch.
What the price includes
The price covers a new latch and the labor to fit it. A cable or hood adjustment may cost extra. It does not include tax, shop supply fees, or other repairs the shop finds while the car is in.
How to judge your quote
- Ask if the quote includes the latch only or the release cable too.
- Ask if it covers adjusting the hood.
- Ask if the latch has a safety sensor and if the part price includes it.
- Ask if the shop will fix the hood at once if it is stuck shut, and if that costs extra.
- Compare the total with the range above: $143 to $292 for most cars.
Ways to pay less
- Try spraying the latch with lube first. A stuck latch may just be dirty.
- Buy an aftermarket latch if the shop allows it.
- Fix a loose latch early. A hood that flies open while you drive is a safety risk.
- Compare quotes from independent shops.
Dealer or independent shop
RepairPal puts labor for a hood latch replacement at $81 to $119. At the typical independent shop rate of about $140 an hour, that is under 1 hour of work. A dealer charging $200 an hour would bill about $143 for the same labor, and a $100 an hour shop about $71. Parts cost about the same anywhere, so the shop rate is where you can save. See what mechanics charge an hour.
Why this costs more in 2026
Shop labor now runs about $100 to $250 an hour. Many car parts are imported, and freight costs went up after the oil shock that began with the Iran war in February 2026. Steel, copper, aluminum and resin prices are up too, and they go into almost every part. Latches use stamped steel, springs, and small electronic sensors. Those parts are more costly now.
How we got these numbers
The national range, the labor and parts split and the prices by car come from RepairPal's hood latch replacement estimate, last updated September 3, 2026. We checked them against YourMechanic, and read every number on the source page on October 7, 2026. These are planning ranges, not quotes. Your shop's written estimate is the real price.
Common questions
How much does a hood latch cost to replace?
RepairPal lists $197 to $238 nationally. YourMechanic shows an average of $143 for a Honda Civic.
Can I drive with a bad hood latch?
It is risky. If the hood pops up at speed, you cannot see the road. Fix it first.
How long does it take?
Most shops do it in about an hour or two. It can take longer if the cable is stuck or the hood is shut.
Can I do it myself?
On many cars, yes. You need basic tools. If the hood is stuck shut, a shop is the safer choice.