Question: I’m having issues with the door handle on my driver-side door. I think I need to get it repaired or replaced. Does anyone know how much fixing a car door handle will cost?
Answer:
The cost of having a car door handle fixed by a professional can range anywhere from around $150 to over $1,000. The price will depend on factors like the car you drive, the availability of parts, the complexity of the repair, and the overall cost of labor in your area.
The cost can also vary depending on whether you’re fixing an interior or exterior handle. Interior door handles don’t usually cost more than around $200 for most models, while exterior door handles tend to max out at around $500.
Fortunately, most vehicles will be on the lower end of that price range. A new car door handle doesn’t usually cost much—a simple handle can cost as little as $5, with most options falling somewhere between $20–$50.
And it’s usually a quick job, so unless your car has an especially complicated door assembly, you may only pay for 1–2 hours in shop labor. Shop rates can vary pretty widely depending on where you’re getting the work done—in the U.S., it’s usually around $150 an hour, so you’d be looking at about $150–$300, plus the cost of parts. That puts the average cost of fixing a car door handle at roughly around $350.
But there are some cases where you might pay a lot more than that. If you drive an expensive, tech-heavy car like a Tesla, the cost of a new door handle can skyrocket to as much as $1,000 per door. And if there’s any additional damage—like to your lock mechanisms or the electrical systems inside the door—your repair costs could be a lot higher as well.
How to fix a car door handle yourself
If you’re comfortable working on cars, you may be able to save yourself the cost of labor by repairing or replacing the door handle yourself. The process will vary depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, so you’ll need check your owner’s manual or watch videos specific to your car before getting started.
But in general, the process is usually pretty easy, assuming nothing else is broken. First, remove any bolts or clips that attach the door handle to your car. You’ll also need to carefully detach any locks and unplug all of the electrical wires that are attached to the handle. Remove the old handle from the door frame, slide the new one into place, and reattach any locks, wires, and fasteners. Once you’re done, test the handle by opening and shutting the door to be sure it works—if it does, you’re finished!
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
