The average hood latch replacement cost is $139, including $75 for parts and $64 for the mechanic’s labor. Remember that those numbers are just averages, and the total price you’ll pay will depend on your vehicle and location.

How long does a hood latch replacement take? An experienced repair technician should take around 0.5 hours to replace a hood latch. The exact time will vary based on your car.

Here’s a breakdown of hood latch replacement costs for different vehicles:

Hood latch replacement costs for various vehicles

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 24, 2024	Dora, 22 Boise, ID	Buick Century	$161	$116	$45	0.4 Hours
April 23, 2024	Olivia, 23 Detroit, MI	Ram 1500	$159	$116	$43	0.4 Hours
April 19, 2024	Edgar, 31 West Point, PA	Oldsmobile Aurora	$158	$116	$41	0.4 Hours
April 17, 2024	Lydia, 35 Lubbock, TX	Honda Element	--	$116	--	0.4 Hours
April 14, 2024	Leona, 40 Madison, TN	Eagle Talon	$155	$116	$38	0.4 Hours

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.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

See fair price estimates for popular cars

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

\You can find detailed breakdowns of the parts you’ll need by consulting your vehicle repair guide or

owner’s manual

, but here’s a general overview of the parts you may need:

Hood latch assembly: The primary part you’ll need is a hood latch assembly. This usually includes the new latch, release cable, and any necessary hardware. Hood latch assemblies tend to run between $30 and $100.

Mounting hardware: If your assembly or latch kit doesn’t come with hardware, you may need to purchase it separately. This should cost less than $20.

Hood release cable: Sometimes the

hood release cable

needs to be replaced at the same time as the latch. A new hood release cable can cost between $10 and $50.

Hood latch release lever: If your hood release lever is damaged, you may need to replace it at the same time as your hood latch. Release levers typically cost between $10 and $50.

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 reputable brands such as Dorman, ACDelco, and Genuine Parts Company (GPC) for hood latch components, ensuring secure hood closure and safety for your vehicle. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.

Where can I buy parts for my center support bearing replacement?

Pick up parts from your local auto parts store like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts. If they don’t have your part in stock, they can special order it for you. You might also be able to find parts online at Amazon or RockAuto—just check that you’re getting part numbers that match your vehicle.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

It’s a matter of personal preference. If you’re on a tight budget or have limited options for parts, an aftermarket bearing makes sense. If your vehicle is still under warranty though, you might be required to use OEM parts or risk voiding the coverage.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my hood latch replaced?

With the rundown on 2,500+ vetted repair shops nationwide, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can make the search for a mechanic to replace your hood latch a lot easier.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from local shops using actual hourly rates. You’ll be able to budget for diagnostic fees and see reviews from previous customers to make sure you’ll be happy with your service.

Here’s a look at some of our vetted shops below—and you can download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

110 Reviews

Ed's Auto Center

3623 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL

Hood Latch Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$188

(Parts - $74, Labor - $114)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$60

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (773) 247-8365

132 Reviews

Annandale Shell

7016 Little River Turnpike, Springfield, VA

Hood Latch Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$176

(Parts - $74, Labor - $102)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$110

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (703) 256-8014

100 Reviews

Innovative Auto Solutions

4135 Jackie Rd SE #101, Rio Rancho, NM

Hood Latch Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$209

(Parts - $74, Labor - $135)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (505) 273-7313

174 Reviews

Yoo's Auto Service & Collision

189 W Duncannon Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Hood Latch Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$162

(Parts - $74, Labor - $88)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$100

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (215) 457-7777

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 hood latch?

These are the general steps your mechanic will follow to replace your hood latch:

Open the hood and remove any covers or plastic trim blocking the latch

Remove the mounting hardware securing the latch to the grille or radiator

Disconnect the release cable and spring

Attach the new hood latch to the release cable and spring

Install the new latch and reattach the mounting hardware

Close the hood and ensure that the latch functions properly

Check to make sure the hood closes properly and doesn’t damage the fenders

Reinstall any plastic trim or covers around the latch

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

If you don’t replace your faulty hood latch, you’ll most likely experience the following problems:

Safety issues: If your hood latch doesn’t secure the hood properly, it may open while driving, resulting in an extremely dangerous situation.

Legal issues: In many areas, it’s illegal to drive without a properly secured hood.

Inconvenience: If your hood latch becomes stuck, you may be unable to access the engine compartment to perform basic maintenance.

What is a hood latch?

A hood latch or hood catch is a mechanism located at the front end of a car’s engine bay. It secures the hood and prevents it from opening unexpectedly while driving. Hood latches typically consist of a latch mechanism, a release cable, and hardware to keep the hood closed.

When should I replace my hood latch?

As there is no set replacement schedule for automotive hood latches, the only time you’ll need to replace yours is if it fails or malfunctions. Here are the most common symptoms of a faulty hood latch:

The hood won’t open

The hood won’t close or stay closed

The hood opens while driving

One side of the hood won’t close

Visual damage to the latch, such as rust or corrosion

How often should I replace my hood latch?

Hood latches are not routine maintenance items so there is no set replacement schedule for them. In fact, automotive manufacturers design hood latches to last for a long time, and yours may very well outlast your car.

That said, hood latches can wear out over time. You’ll need to replace yours if it fails and you can no longer open or close the hood.

Can I replace my hood latch myself?

A hood latch replacement can make a solid DIY project if you have access to the right tools and are comfortable with your mechanical abilities. But if you’re a car repair novice and don’t have the proper tools or know-how, you’re probably better off leaving the replacement to a professional mechanic.

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FAQs

Are all hood latches the same?

No, not all car hood latches are the same. They can vary in design, composition, size, and mechanism. Additionally, some cars have one latch on each side of the hood.

It’s important to verify that you’re purchasing the correct latch for your car by checking the part number.

Can you drive with a broken hood latch?

You should avoid driving with a broken hood latch whenever possible. Driving with a broken or faulty latch can lead to a variety of problems, including the hood opening while you’re moving, damage to other components, and legal repercussions.

How do I know if my hood latch is bad?

A faulty hood latch will typically display several symptoms. The most common signs include a hood that won’t open, a hood that won’t stay closed, and visible damage like rust or corrosion.

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.