Door replacement costs range from $300 to $1,500 per door depending on the vehicle, whether you use an original manufacturer part or an aftermarket one, and whether you do the work yourself or hire a shop

The price you pay breaks down into two parts: the door itself and the labor to install it. A used door from a salvage yard might cost $200 to $400. A new aftermarket door runs $300 to $800. An original manufacturer door (called OEM) costs $500 to $1,500. Labor at a body shop typically adds $200 to $500 more, though some shops charge hourly rates that can push the total higher on luxury or specialty vehicles.

The single biggest factor is your vehicle's make and model. A door for a 2015 Honda Civic costs far less than one for a 2020 BMW or a full-size truck. Damage type matters too — a dent you can hammer out costs nothing, but a door that won't close, has frame damage, or needs paint matching will cost more because the work takes longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Used doors from salvage yards cost $200 to $400 and are the cheapest option if the door is undamaged and matches your vehicle's year and model.
  • New aftermarket doors cost $300 to $800, while original manufacturer doors run $500 to $1,500 depending on the vehicle brand.
  • Labor charges at a body shop add $200 to $500, and some shops charge hourly rates that can exceed this on complex jobs.
  • You can save money by removing and installing the door yourself if you have basic tools, but transferring the window regulator, locks, and interior panels requires care and time.

New vs. Used vs. Aftermarket Doors

Used doors from a salvage yard or online marketplace are the lowest-cost option. You pay $200 to $400 for the door itself, though you need to verify it matches your vehicle's year, make, model, and color. The risk is that a used door may have hidden damage, rust, or mechanical problems with the window or lock. Many salvage yards offer a short warranty (30 to 90 days) that covers defects, so ask before you buy.

Aftermarket doors are new but not made by the vehicle manufacturer. They cost $300 to $800 and come with a warranty. Quality varies — some aftermarket doors fit and function identically to original parts, while others may have minor gaps or require adjustment. They are usually priced between used and OEM doors, making them a middle ground if you want something new but don't want to pay full manufacturer price.

OEM (original manufacturer) doors are made by the vehicle's manufacturer and cost $500 to $1,500. They fit perfectly and come with the manufacturer's warranty. On newer vehicles or luxury brands, OEM doors are significantly more expensive than aftermarket alternatives. If your vehicle is still under warranty, using an OEM door may be required to keep the warranty valid — check your paperwork or call the dealership.

Labor Costs and What Affects Them

A body shop typically charges $200 to $500 in labor to remove and install a door. The actual time depends on whether the door is pre-painted, whether the window and lock mechanisms work, and whether the shop needs to transfer interior trim panels from your old door to the new one. Most shops charge a flat rate for door replacement, but some charge hourly rates ($75 to $150 per hour) that can add up if complications arise.

Paint matching and repainting add significant cost. If your new door is unpainted (primer only) or doesn't match your vehicle's color, the shop will sand, prime, and paint it. This typically costs $200 to $500 more depending on the paint type and whether the shop needs to blend the color into adjacent panels. If you buy a used door that is already painted and matches your car, you skip this step entirely.

Some shops charge extra for transferring components from your old door to the new one. The window regulator (the mechanism that raises and lowers the window), the lock cylinder, the interior door panel, and the speaker all need to move to the new door. Most shops include this in the flat rate, but confirm before you agree to the price.

Doing the Work Yourself

If you have basic mechanical skills and the right tools, you can remove and install a door yourself and save the labor cost. You will need a socket set, screwdrivers, a trim panel removal tool, and possibly a jack and jack stands if you need to support the door while working. The process takes 1 to 3 hours depending on your experience and the vehicle.

The hardest part is disconnecting and reconnecting the wiring harness that powers the window motor, locks, and interior lights. Take photos before you disconnect anything so you remember which wires go where. You will also need to transfer the window regulator, lock cylinder, and interior panels from your old door to the new one — this requires patience and care to avoid breaking clips or damaging the trim.

If you are not confident in your ability to do this work, a shop is worth the cost. A mistake — like breaking the window regulator or cross-threading a bolt — can turn a $400 job into a $1,000 one.

Where to Buy a Replacement Door

Salvage yards and online marketplaces like LKQ Pick Your Part, Copart, and eBay Motors sell used doors. Call ahead to confirm they have your vehicle's year, make, and model in stock. Many yards let you remove the part yourself (and charge less) or will remove it for you (and charge more). Shipping a door costs $100 to $300 depending on distance.

Aftermarket doors are available through auto parts retailers like RockAuto, Amazon, and eBay, as well as through body shops directly. Prices vary by retailer, so compare before you order. Some retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.

OEM doors come from the vehicle manufacturer's dealership. Call the parts department with your vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number) and they will quote you a price and tell you how long delivery takes. Dealership doors are usually the most expensive option but are may provide to fit.

Additional Costs You Might Encounter

If the door frame is bent or damaged, straightening it costs extra — sometimes $300 to $800 depending on severity. A shop will assess this when you bring the car in. If the frame damage is severe, the vehicle may be considered a total loss by insurance, and replacement becomes a different decision.

If you need the door painted to match your vehicle, add $200 to $500. If the door comes with a mirror and the mirror is damaged, you may need to buy a replacement mirror separately ($100 to $300). If the door has power windows or locks and those mechanisms are broken, repair or replacement adds $150 to $400.

Some vehicles have doors with integrated side-impact airbags. These doors cost more (sometimes $200 to $400 extra) and require careful handling during installation to avoid damaging the airbag. A shop will know whether your vehicle has this feature.

Insurance and Door Replacement

If the damage was caused by a collision, your collision coverage may pay for the replacement minus your deductible. If the damage was caused by vandalism or weather, your comprehensive coverage may explore. Contact your insurance company and provide photos and a repair estimate from a shop.

Insurance companies often have preferred body shops that they work with regularly. Using a preferred shop may mean the insurer pays the bill directly and you pay only your deductible. If you use a non-preferred shop, you may need to pay the full bill and then submit a claim for reimbursement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to replace a car door?

A body shop typically completes a door replacement in 1 to 3 hours if the door is pre-painted and no complications arise. If the door needs to be painted, add 1 to 2 days for paint to cure. If the shop is busy, the total time from drop-off to pickup may be several days.

Can I drive the car if one door won't close?

Technically yes, but it is not safe. An open or loose door can swing open while you are driving, and the door frame may be damaged in ways you cannot see. Have the door inspected by a shop before you drive the vehicle far.

What is the difference between a door and a door panel?

A door is the entire structure that opens and closes. A door panel is the interior trim piece that covers the inside of the door. If only the panel is damaged, replacement costs $100 to $300. If the door itself is damaged, replacement costs much more.

Do I need to reprogram anything after replacing a door?

On most vehicles, no. On some newer cars with advanced locking or window systems, the shop may need to reprogram the door module or recalibrate sensors. Ask the shop whether this is necessary for your vehicle before work begins.

Will replacing a door affect my vehicle's resale value?

Not if the replacement is done well and the door is painted to match. Buyers may ask about the history of the damage, so keep your repair records. A poorly done replacement or visible paint mismatch can lower value.