Headlight assembly replacement cost
Most shops charge $60–$400 in labor, plus $120–$900 for the headlight assembly.
Updated November 2026
Where good SwaxFix bids tend to land: the low end, because shops compete for the job.
See what shops near you will actually charge.
Free to post. Shops bid blind: they see your car, never you. Buy the part yourself, shops bid on labor only. Already have a quote? Check if it’s fair.What the job involves
The whole headlight housing (lens, reflector and often the bulbs) is unbolted and swapped. Many cars need the bumper cover off. Afterwards the shop should aim the new headlight so it does not blind other drivers.
Signs you need it
- Cracked or broken lens after a minor hit
- Water or condensation inside the housing
- Yellow, cloudy lens that restoration kits did not fix
- Broken mounting tabs, so the light wobbles
What changes the price
- Aftermarket halogen housings are affordable. Factory LED or adaptive units can run well over $1,000
- Bumper removal and headlight aiming add time
- Adaptive or self-leveling lights may need a scan tool to calibrate
Shop or do it yourself?
Possible if you are handy and the bumper does not need to come off. Aiming is easy to get wrong.
Questions drivers ask
How much does headlight assembly replacement cost?
At a typical shop, labor runs $60 to $400 (about 30 min to 2.5 hr of work), and the headlight assembly costs about $120 to $900. That puts most jobs between $180 and $1,300 total. With SwaxFix you can buy the part yourself and have local shops bid on the labor only.
Can I just restore a foggy headlight?
If the haze is on the outside, a restoration kit or a shop polish usually fixes it for much less. Moisture inside the lens means the seal has failed and the assembly should be replaced.
Does insurance cover a headlight assembly?
If it was damaged in a collision or by a road object, comprehensive or collision coverage often does, minus your deductible.
OEM or aftermarket?
Certified aftermarket (CAPA or DOT-marked) housings fit and work well for most cars and cost far less. Factory parts make sense for adaptive or matrix LED systems.
Find a shop
Want to compare shops first? Browse auto repair near me, or post your job and let them come to you.