How long does it take to replace a door latch? It usually takes about 1.5 hours for a certified mechanic to replace a door latch. Your mechanic will likely inspect your vehicle’s door latching mechanisms, then proceed to replace your door latch if necessary.

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my door latch replacement and how much do those parts cost?

If you need to replace your damaged door latch, the main replacement part you’ll need to pay for will be a new door latch assembly. The price of a new door latch assembly can vary widely depending on your vehicle, ranging anywhere from just $20 to more than $100. Repair costs can vary widely from vehicle to vehicle.

We recommend purchasing parts at local auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, as well as online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto. We also recommend trusted brands such as Dorman, ACDelco, and Motorcraft. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

You can usually expect OEM door latches to be relatively durable—plus, you’ll know the OEM option will be the perfect fit for your car door.

The quality of aftermarket door latch assemblies can vary considerably, so it’s important to do your research to confirm the option you’re considering is the right fit and of good quality.

Where can I buy parts for my door latch replacement?

You can find car door latch assemblies at auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, or through dealerships or auto repair shops. Online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto are also convenient options for purchasing parts. In some cases, you may be able to order a replacement door latch assembly directly from the manufacturer.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my door latch replace?

Finding a trustworthy mechanic to replace your car door latch can be tricky if you don’t have a go-to auto shop. Fortunately, Jeryr's

GarageGuard™

allows you to compare pricing from more than 2,500 vetted repair shops across the country.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates* from each shop using their real hourly labor rate. With GarageGuard™’s help, you can also find out if you’ll need to expect additional service or diagnostic fees from a particular shop—and read real customer reviews can help you find the best service in your area.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair service quotes in your area.

155 Reviews

Drexel Hill Auto Repair

403 Drexel Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (610) 259-9163

176 Reviews

Kenny and Billy's Auto Center

473 Iselin, NJ

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$130

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (732) 283-2767

188 Reviews

Speedee Tire & Auto Care

999 Duluth Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$129

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (770) 237-3441

108 Reviews

Pep Boys Auto Parts & Service - Broad River Road #134

1804 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$99.99

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (803) 750-0161

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my door latch?

A mechanic will usually take the following steps during a door latch repair:

Inspection: Your mechanic will likely take a look at the car door in question and do some troubleshooting, such as checking your car door handles, door lock actuators, or other potential culprits.

Remove the car door panel: If your mechanic needs to take a further look at your car door’s latching and locking mechanisms, they’ll likely need to remove the interior door panel.

Replace the car door latch assembly: If the mechanic confirms the car door latch is broken, they’ll be able to remove and replace it with a new one.

Quality assurance check: A good mechanic will check over their work and make sure your car door opens and closes smoothly again before giving your keys back to you.

What happens if I don’t replace my door latch?

While a broken car door latch may not seem like the most serious vehicle problem, it’s not a replacement you’ll want to delay:

If your car door is stuck shut due to a broken door latch: Getting in and out of your vehicle will be quite inconvenient until you can get your door latch replaced—but it could also create a safety issue if you need to exit your vehicle quickly in an emergency.

What is a door latch?

A car door latch’s job is pretty straightforward: when you open your car door, the door latch releases, and when you pull it shut, the latch makes sure your door stays secured in place.

Why it matters: Simple as a door latch may be, its job is pretty important. Your door latch keeps you safe by ensuring your door remains securely closed while your vehicle is moving—and that you can exit your vehicle quickly in case of an emergency.

When should I replace the door latch on my car?

If your car’s door latch is broken, you’ll probably notice it relatively quickly. Here are the main signs of a failed car door latch:

Your door won't open or close properly: A car door that’s stuck shut or won’t stay closed is one of the most obvious signs of a failed door latch—but this could be linked to other problems, too. A mechanic can confirm whether a broken door latch is the culprit in your case.

Your door is more difficult to open or close: If you find yourself having to use a little more muscle power to open or close your car door, your door latch may be damaged or worn out.

How often should a door latch be replaced?

In many cases, a car door latch will last the life of a vehicle. But a broken door latch is a fairly common issue for drivers—especially those with older vehicles or those subject to more wear and tear.

The only time you’ll need to replace a car door latch is if it wears down or breaks early.

If your car is still under warranty when your door latch breaks, you may want to take it to your dealership’s service center to save on your automotive repair costs.

Can I replace my door latch myself?

Drivers with enough technical know-how may be able to replace a car door latch. But some door latch mechanisms can be more complicated than others—and if you don’t feel comfortable taking care of the repair yourself, it’s best to have a professional mechanic do so for you.

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FAQs

How long does a door latch replacement take?

Usually, replacing a door latch is a relatively straightforward procedure and generally takes about 1 to 2 hours.

What should you do if the door latch is broken?

If one of your car’s door latches is broken and your door is stuck shut due to a broken door latch, getting in and out of your car will be pretty inconvenient until you replace it.

On the other hand, if your broken door latch keeps your car door from closing properly, it would be dangerous to drive your vehicle until you can have a mechanic install a new one.

How do I know if my door latch is broken?

It may seem pretty obvious that your car’s door latch is broken if it will no longer open—or if it will no longer latch shut. Of course, all car parts can be subject to wear and tear, and a vehicle door that’s becoming more difficult to open or shut could potentially be linked to a failing door latch.

A mechanic can rule out other potential problems—such as broken door handles or an obstruction in the door—and replace your door latch if it’s indeed broken.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.