How Much Does It Cost to Completely Rewire a Car

Expect a complete car rewire to cost roughly $3,000–$8,000 for most classic/older vehicles at independent specialty shops, $8,000–$20,000+ for modern vehicles with OEM-style harnesses and module programming, and $400–$1,800 in parts if you DIY (not counting 30–80+ hours of labor). On high-end or late-model luxury cars, totals can exceed $30,000, and in severe flood or fire cases the car may be declared a total loss. Prices vary widely by vehicle, scope, and labor rates.

What “rewiring a car” really means

In industry terms, a “complete rewire” typically means replacing the main wiring harnesses (front, dash, and sometimes rear/body) and reconnecting all circuits to switches, sensors, relays, the fuse/relay panel, and the powertrain control modules. On classic cars, this often uses a universal or model-specific aftermarket harness and new terminations. On modern vehicles, it usually involves OEM harness sections, extensive interior removal (often full dash removal), diagnostics, and electronic coding or programming of modules and immobilizer systems.

Typical price ranges in 2025

The following ranges reflect common U.S. pricing at current labor rates (roughly $100–$200+ per hour at independent and specialty shops; $150–$250+ at dealers), plus parts. Your local market and vehicle complexity will push costs higher or lower.

• Classic/older cars (carbureted, simpler electronics): $3,000–$8,000 for a clean, driver-level rewire; $8,000–$15,000 for show-level work, heavy customization, or extensive repair of hacked prior wiring.
• Modern cars with networked electronics (CAN/LIN, multiple modules, airbags): $8,000–$20,000+, potentially $30,000+ for luxury/exotics or flood/fire recovery with multiple harnesses and module replacements.
• DIY complete rewire (classic/hot rod): $400–$1,800 for a quality 12–22 circuit harness, connectors, terminals, loom, tools, and consumables; add your time (often 30–80+ hours).
• Not a full rewire (partial harness/repair): $300–$1,500 for single-circuit or small-section repairs; $1,000–$4,000 for replacing a body or dash sub-harness without touching the rest.

These figures combine typical parts and labor. The biggest swing factors are how much of the interior must be removed, the number of harness sections replaced, and whether control modules need coding or replacement.

What drives the cost

Several variables determine whether a rewire lands near the low end or skyrockets. Understanding them helps you compare quotes apples-to-apples.

• Vehicle complexity: Newer cars have multiplexed networks, airbags, ADAS sensors, and immobilizers; classics have simpler point-to-point wiring.
• Scope: Full harness replacement vs. targeted harness sections; retaining OEM connectors vs. replacing terminals; adding circuits for accessories.
• Condition: Rodent damage, fire, corrosion, or hacked aftermarket installs can add many hours of tracing and repair.
• Labor rate and location: Urban/coastal markets and marque specialists charge more; dealer labor rates are typically the highest.
• Parts choice: Universal harness kits ($200–$800), premium kits ($800–$1,500), or OEM harness sections ($500–$3,000+ each). Some cars have multiple harnesses.
• Interior teardown: Dash removal, headliner, carpets, and trim R&R can consume 10–30+ hours alone on modern vehicles.
• Coding/programming: Many late-model cars require module programming, key/immobilizer pairing, SRS resets, and network calibrations.
• Documentation: Availability and accuracy of wiring diagrams and connector pinouts streamline or complicate the job.
• Safety/emissions: Airbag and emissions systems add compliance steps and potential component replacement.
• Customization: Hidden wiring, tuck-and-loom work, and show-car routing takes far longer than functional installs.
• Shop type: General repair shops may avoid full rewires; restoration or hot-rod electrical specialists command higher rates but deliver cleaner results.

Because these factors compound, two cars of the same model year can differ by thousands based on damage history and desired outcome (show vs. driver).

Example cost breakdowns

Realistic scenarios illustrate how parts, labor, and complexity interact. These are typical ballparks, not quotes.

• 1967–1972 muscle car, driver-quality rewire: Premium 18–22 circuit kit $700–$1,200; consumables/tools $150–$400; labor 30–60 hours at $120–$160/hr ($3,600–$9,600). Total $4,500–$11,000 depending on condition and finish work.
• 2015 BMW 3‑Series after rodent damage: OEM dash/body harnesses $2,500–$6,000; module coding and airbag resets $300–$1,200; labor 40–80 hours at $160–$220/hr ($6,400–$17,600). Total $9,500–$25,000; severe cases may not be economical.
• Older pickup with brittle wiring, basic refresh: Midrange universal kit $300–$600; labor 25–40 hours at $110–$140/hr ($2,750–$5,600). Total $3,200–$6,200.
• Partial repair—rear body harness only: OEM/used harness $250–$1,200; labor 6–15 hours; total $600–$2,500 when the rest of the wiring is intact.

Late-model luxury and EVs can run higher due to additional harnesses, HV safety procedures, and proprietary programming tools.

When a full rewire makes sense (or not)

Not every electrical problem warrants starting from scratch. Consider the triggers below before committing to a complete rewire.

• Good candidates: Pervasive rodent infestation, fire/smoke damage, widespread brittle insulation, major restoration with bare-shell teardown, engine swaps with custom electronics, or severe corrosion/flooding.
• Poor candidates: A single inoperative circuit, accessory-related faults, or isolated connector failures—these are better handled as targeted repairs.
• Insurance reality: Flood and fire often trigger totals on modern cars because harness and module costs plus labor exceed market value.

In many cases, a methodical diagnosis can isolate the failure and avoid the cost and risk of replacing every harness.

How to get an accurate estimate

Clear scope and documentation reduce surprises. Use these steps when soliciting quotes.

1. Document symptoms and history (mods, prior repairs, water intrusion, rodent signs) with photos.
2. Provide VIN and build options; ask shops whether they’ll use OEM harnesses or an aftermarket kit and why.
3. Request a written scope: which harnesses are being replaced, which circuits are repaired, and what interior removal is included.
4. Ask for a labor-hour estimate range and the shop’s hourly rate; clarify if the job is time-and-materials.
5. Confirm coding/programming fees, immobilizer/key procedures, and any dealership sublet costs.
6. Discuss parts availability/lead times and whether used or reman harnesses are acceptable.
7. Get warranty terms on parts and labor, plus how the shop documents routing and grounds.
8. Request progress photos—especially behind-dash work—for transparency.

Comparing consistent scopes across two or three qualified shops will reveal outliers and help you balance cost, quality, and turnaround.

Ways to save without cutting corners

You can manage costs by planning and partnering with the right shop, rather than chasing the lowest bid.

• Choose a specialist; they work faster, make fewer mistakes, and produce cleaner looms.
• Bundle jobs (e.g., gauges, stereo, lighting) during the same teardown to avoid duplicate labor.
• Supply quality parts if the shop allows (Painless, American Autowire, OEM), but confirm compatibility and warranty implications.
• Handle non-technical disassembly (seats, trim) only with the shop’s guidance to prevent broken clips and lost fasteners.
• Remove dead or unsafe aftermarket add-ons that complicate the harness.
• Consider a partial harness replacement if diagnostics show the rest is healthy.
• Prevent repeat damage: seal entry points against rodents, fix leaks, and secure battery/grounds.
• Get multiple quotes and schedule during slower seasons for better availability.

Quality planning preserves reliability and safety while trimming hours that don’t add value.

FAQs

Is DIY rewiring realistic?

For older, carbureted cars with simple systems, an experienced DIYer can succeed with a labeled aftermarket harness and the right tools. Expect 30–80+ hours. On modern, networked cars with airbags and immobilizers, full DIY rewires are not recommended due to safety, coding, and diagnostic requirements.

How long does a professional rewire take?

Classics typically require 1–2 weeks of booked time (30–60+ labor hours). Modern cars can stretch to 2–4+ weeks depending on parts availability, dash removal, and programming.

Will insurance cover it?

If the cause is a covered loss (rodents, fire, flood) and repair is economical relative to the vehicle’s value, yes. Many late-model cars are totaled because parts and labor exceed actual cash value.

Can a rewire fix intermittent electrical gremlins?

Sometimes, but a full rewire is rarely the first step. Thorough diagnostics often isolate a specific ground, connector, or module, saving thousands.

Summary

A complete car rewire typically runs $3,000–$8,000 for classics and $8,000–$20,000+ for modern, networked vehicles, with DIY parts at $400–$1,800. Costs hinge on vehicle complexity, damage, labor rates, and whether modules must be coded. For many issues, targeted harness repairs are more sensible than replacing everything; when damage is pervasive or a restoration is underway, a full rewire delivers a clean slate and long-term reliability.

Is it worth fixing a car with electrical problems?

Electrical problems can cause serious safety concerns and lead to more severe problems down the road. Protecting yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle by investing in regular electrical repairs, is well worth it in the long run.

How much should a full rewire cost?

Cost To Rewire A House

Size of House	Average Cost (plus VAT)	Job Duration
Cost to rewire 2 bedroom house	£1,500 – £3,000	3 – 4 days
Cost to rewire 3 bedroom house	£3,000 – £5,000	5 – 7 days
Cost to rewire 4 bedroom house	£5,000 – £7,000	7 – 10 days
Cost to rewire 5 bedroom house	£7,000 – £9,000	10 – 14 days

How much does it cost to fully rewire a car?

The cost of rewiring a car starts at around $1,000, but your final cost could be much higher depending on what you drive and whether any additional parts need to be replaced.

How long does it take to rewire a vehicle?

The wiring’s complexity.
Rewiring can be as fast as a few days or take up to a week.