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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace an interior door handle?
Where can I get my interior door handle replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my interior door handle?
What happens if I don’t replace my interior door handle?
What is an interior door handle?
Can I replace my interior door handle myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace an interior door handle?

The average cost for an inside door handle replacement is $60-$250. But keep in mind that those are averages, and your actual cost will depend on your vehicle and your location.

How long does an interior door handle replacement take? Generally, a trained mechanic should take between 30 minutes to 1 hour to replace an inner door handle, though actual repair times can vary based on the car.

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 to replace my interior door handle, and how much do those parts cost?

Your vehicle repair guide or

owner’s manual

may contain more detailed information regarding replacement parts, but here’s a general list of what you might need:

Interior door handle: Depending on your car and the damage, a new door handle is likely to be the only replacement part you need. A new one can range from $10 to $50.

Door panel: If your door panel is damaged, you may choose to replace it during your handle replacement. This part can cost between $100 and $500.

Door lock actuator: If your door handle is worn out, your door lock actuator may also be in rough shape. If you need to replace this part, expect to pay between $50 and $200 for a new one.

Window regulator: If your window regulator is damaged, you’ll likely need to replace it when you replace the door handle. A new regulator should cost between $50 and $200.

Door trim hardware: These small plastic clips and fasteners secure the door panel. It’s common to break or lose these parts when performing door repairs. Luckily, a pack usually costs less than $10.

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 interior door handle components, ensuring convenient and reliable door access from the inside of your vehicle. 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?

When it’s time to replace your door handle, you can choose between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket parts.

OEM parts are designed specifically for your vehicle. They come with a warranty from your car’s manufacturer and are typically high quality. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, tend to cost less but may not be an exact fit for your vehicle.

While OEM parts are generally the best choice for a door handle replacement, quality aftermarket options exist and may be a wise decision if you’re on a budget.

Where can I buy the parts for my interior door handle replacement?

For OEM parts, you’ll need to contact your local dealership or authorized parts retailer. You can find aftermarket parts at your local car parts store—like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts or Advance Auto Parts—or at an online retailer like Amazon or RockAuto.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my interior door handle replaced?

If you don’t have a go-to mechanic, it can be challenging to find a trustworthy repair shop. Fortunately, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can help you find the right mechanic by showing you hourly rates and repair quotes from more than 2,500 U.S. shops.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ helps you budget for repairs, learn about diagnostic fees, and find customer reviews for shops near you. Plus, you’ll be able to see real-time fair price estimates for local repair shops using their hourly rates.

Check out our vetted shops below and download the app to compare repair costs in your area.

176 Reviews

Kenny and Billy's Auto Center

473 Elizabeth, NJ

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$130

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

162 Reviews

Z.A. & D. Service Station

31-5 38th Ave, Manhattan, NY

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$135

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (718) 786-4488

198 Reviews

Midas Auto Experts - Livonia

30481 Plymouth Rd, Detroit, MI

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$128

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (734) 245-9748

130 Reviews

RepairSmith- San Francisco Bay Area

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

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 interior door handle?

If you have a faulty or broken door handle, these are the general steps your mechanic will follow to replace it:

Remove the screws from the door panel

Use a trim tool or flathead screwdriver to remove the retaining clips from the door panel

Remove the door panel

Peel back the plastic moisture barrier

Remove the inner door handle’s mounting hardware

Install the new door handle

Replace the mounting hardware

Replace the plastic barrier and door panel

Replace the retaining clips and door panel screws

Test the handle to ensure it works to open the door latch

What happens if I don’t replace my interior door handle?

If you don’t replace a faulty inner door handle, you’ll most likely face the following consequences:

Difficulty opening the door: If your door handle is worn out or broken, you may be unable to open the door.

Safety risks: A broken door handle may prevent you from exiting the vehicle during an emergency.

Inconvenience: If your car has one or more faulty door handles, you may have to crawl over the seats to exit the vehicle. This scenario is especially inconvenient if the front doors have bad handles. You may have to crawl from the driver's side to the passenger side, or even into the back seat to leave the car.

What is an interior door handle?

An interior door handle or door knob is the mechanism you use to open your car door from inside the cabin. It’s usually a lever or pull handle that connects to the door’s latch. Door handles are typically plastic and may have textured surfaces or chrome accents for aesthetics.

When should I replace my interior door handle?

As there is no replacement schedule for car door handles, you’ll only need to replace yours if they fail. Here are the most common signs of a faulty interior door handle:

The door handle is excessively loose

You have to pull the handle harder than normal to open it

You can’t open the door at all

Keep in mind: These symptoms may indicate issues with other parts of the door, like a faulty latch or worn-out exterior door handle. It’s always wise to visit a certified mechanic for an accurate diagnosis.

How often should I replace my interior door handle?

There is no set replacement schedule for interior door handles. In fact, yours may even last for the car’s entire lifespan. That said, the handles can wear out over time and you’ll need to replace yours if it starts showing signs of failure.

Can I replace my interior door handle myself?

A car door handle replacement can make an excellent DIY project. It requires a moderate level of automotive knowledge and basic tools. That said, if you’re uncomfortable performing the door handle repairs yourself, you should contact a professional mechanic for peace of mind.

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FAQs

How much does it cost to replace the interior door handle on a car?

The total cost for an interior door handle replacement averages $0, with $0 for parts and $0 for the mechanic’s labor. But remember that those numbers are averages and the exact price you’ll pay depends on your car and location.

What are interior car door handles for?

Interior car door handles are the mechanisms that you use to open and close your vehicle doors from inside the cabin. They’re usually levers or pull handles that connect to the door latch.

Is it hard to install a door handle?

Generally, installing a car door handle requires mid-level automotive experience. While it’s more complex than a basic

oil change

, replacing a door handle should be easy enough for most DIYers to tackle without issues.

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.