Typical trunk and tailgate replacement costs
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trunk lid, painted & installed | $700–$1,200 | Sedan trunk: panel + paint + basic transfer |
| Manual tailgate (SUV / truck) | $900–$1,600 | Heavier panel; often needs two techs |
| Power liftgate with camera | $1,200–$2,500+ | Motors, struts, camera, module programming |
| Tailgate glass only | $300–$700 | When the frame is straight and just glass broke |
| Blend into quarter panels | $300–$600 | Needed on metallics and pearls |
What affects the price
- Power liftgate hardware. Struts, the drive motor, and the control module add $300–$800 in parts alone — and the module often needs programming to the car. A manual tailgate skips all of this.
- Backup camera and sensors. The camera, its bracket, and the wiring harness transfer to the new panel. If the camera itself cracked, add $200–$790 for the part plus calibration on some models.
- Spoilers and trim. Many trunk lids carry an integrated spoiler, third brake light, or chrome trim. Each piece transfers separately, and brittle clips break — budget for a few replacement clips and emblems.
- Truck tailgates are heavy. A full-size truck tailgate with a step or camera is a two-person job with realignment labor. Quotes that treat it like a sedan trunk lid are missing labor hours.
- Paint blending. The trunk sits between two quarter panels in everyone’s line of sight. On anything but solid black or white, expect blending into the quarters.
Trunk lid vs. tailgate: what’s different
A sedan trunk lid is the simplest case: a light panel with a latch, maybe a spoiler and a license-plate light. An SUV or truck tailgate is bigger, heavier, and far more likely to carry electronics — cameras, power struts, tailgate steps, even speakers. Same ‘rear panel’ idea, very different bill. If your tailgate has a backup camera or power operation, tell any shop quoting the job — it changes the parts list completely.
Related cost guides
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a damaged trunk or tailgate?
If it latches securely, usually yes. If it won’t latch or bounces open, strap it down and drive straight to a shop — exhaust fumes can enter through a bad trunk seal.
My power liftgate stopped working after the repair. Why?
Usually the control module needs programming to the new panel, or a strut wasn’t reconnected. Take it back — this is a workmanship issue, not a new problem.
Is a used tailgate worth it?
Often yes for trucks — tailgates are expensive new and used ones are plentiful. Check the internal bracing for straightness and test the latch before it’s painted.
How long does the job take?
Typically 2–3 days: panel prep, paint, transfer of trim and electronics, alignment. Power liftgate programming can add a day if the module needs dealer-level tools.