Typical hood replacement costs
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steel hood, painted & installed | $700–$1,200 | Most common: new steel hood + paint + labor |
| Aluminum hood, painted & installed | $1,200–$2,200 | F-150, Mustang, many newer sedans/SUVs |
| Carbon fiber / performance hood | $2,000–$4,000+ | Aftermarket or OEM performance trims |
| Hinges, latch & struts | $150–$400 | Added when hardware is bent or seized |
| Blend paint into fenders | $300–$600 | Needed on metallics, pearls, tri-coats |
What affects the price
- Steel vs. aluminum. Aluminum hoods are lighter but the metal work-hardens and cracks instead of bending back. Many shops need a separate aluminum bay and dedicated tools, and that shows up in the labor rate.
- OEM vs. aftermarket vs. used. An OEM hood guarantees fit at the hinges and latch. Aftermarket steel hoods can save $150–$300 but edge gaps vary. A used hood in your color is the budget play — just check for hail dings first.
- Paint and blending. A hood is a huge, flat, highly visible panel. On metallics and pearls the shop blends into both fenders so the hood doesn’t look like a replacement panel. That’s $300–$600 of the bill.
- Hinges, latch, and struts. Front hits bend hood hinges and the latch support more often than people think. If the hood doesn’t sit flush after the panel swap, the hardware — not the hood — is usually the problem.
- Trim-specific details. Hood scoops, vents, and insulation pads differ by trim. A base-trim hood won’t have the cutouts your sport trim needs, so always price by exact trim.
Repair vs. replace
Small, shallow dents in a steel hood can sometimes be fixed with paintless dent repair ($100–$300) or traditional body work ($400–$800) — but only if the metal isn’t stretched or creased. A crease across the hood, a buckled edge near the hinges, or any crack in an aluminum hood means replacement. Aluminum doesn’t forgive: once it’s creased, it’s done.
Related cost guides
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a dented hood?
If it latches securely and doesn’t block your view, usually yes for a short time. If the latch feels off or the hood sits unevenly, don’t — a hood flying open at speed is as bad as it sounds. Get the latch checked.
Does a replaced hood hurt resale value?
A quality replacement that’s painted and fitted properly has minimal impact. What hurts value is a Carfax accident record, not the new panel itself. Keep the receipt showing OEM parts if you can.
How do I know if my hood is aluminum?
A magnet won’t stick to aluminum. Ford F-150s (2015+), Mustangs, and a growing list of SUVs and sedans use them. Your owner’s manual or a quick VIN check will confirm.
How long does a hood replacement take?
Typically 2–3 days once the part is in hand: fit, paint, cure, reassemble. Backordered hoods — common on newer models — are what stretch the job to a week or more.