How Much Is a Headlight for a Hyundai Santa Fe?

A replacement headlight for a Hyundai Santa Fe typically costs between $80 and $600 per side, depending on the model year, trim, and whether you buy just the bulb, the full headlight assembly, or an upgraded LED/ HID unit. Labor at a shop can add another $50 to $200. Below is a detailed breakdown of what influences the price and what owners can expect in 2024–2025.

What Counts as a “Headlight” and Why the Price Varies

The price you pay depends heavily on what you mean by “headlight.” Some drivers need only a new bulb, while others need the full assembly after damage, moisture intrusion, or lens yellowing. Modern Santa Fe models also use more complex lighting systems that are costlier than the simple halogen setups of a decade ago.

Typical Price Ranges by Component

Bulb-Only Replacement Costs

For many owners, the cheapest fix is to replace just the bulb inside the headlight housing. Prices differ based on the type of bulb your Santa Fe uses (halogen, HID, or LED) and whether you choose an OEM or aftermarket brand.

• Standard halogen bulbs: About $15–$40 per bulb (common on older Santa Fe models and lower trims).
• Premium/long-life halogen bulbs: Around $25–$60 per bulb, offering slightly better brightness and lifespan.
• HID (xenon) bulbs: Typically $70–$180 per bulb, used on some higher trims or earlier premium packages.
• LED replacement bulbs (aftermarket kits): About $60–$200 per pair, depending on brand and brightness claims.
• OEM LED modules (factory-style): Often $150–$300 per side if the LED is a replaceable module, but some are integrated and require a full assembly.

Bulb-only replacement is usually the most economical approach, and for many Santa Fe owners, this is all that’s required when headlights grow dim or burn out.

Full Headlight Assembly Costs

When the lens is cracked, cloudy beyond repair, or the internal electronics fail, you’ll likely need a full headlight assembly. This is where prices climb sharply, especially for newer models with LED or projector-style lighting.

• Aftermarket halogen assemblies (older models, base trims): Roughly $80–$220 per side.
• Aftermarket projector or LED-style assemblies: About $180–$450 per side, depending on brand, quality, and features.
• OEM Hyundai halogen assemblies: Commonly in the $200–$400 per side range from dealers or OEM parts sites.
• OEM Hyundai LED or HID assemblies (newer Santa Fe, upper trims): Often $400–$800 per side, and in some cases over $1,000 at dealer list price.
• Used/salvage OEM assemblies: Typically $100–$350 per side, depending on condition and model year.

Full assemblies cost more but restore both appearance and function, which can be important for visibility, safety, and retaining the vehicle’s value.

Model Year and Trim: How Your Specific Santa Fe Changes the Price

Older Hyundai Santa Fe (Approx. 2007–2012)

Earlier Santa Fe generations mostly used simpler halogen reflector headlights, which keep costs relatively low compared with newer technology-based setups.

• Bulbs: Halogen bulbs generally run $15–$30 each.
• Aftermarket assemblies: Often $80–$180 per side.
• OEM assemblies: Commonly $200–$350 per side.
• Labor: Some DIY-friendly; a shop might charge $60–$120 for installation.

For these older models, even if you need a full headlight, the total cost is usually at the lower end of the overall Santa Fe range.

Mid-Generation Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport (Approx. 2013–2018)

By this generation, Hyundai introduced projector lamps and, on some trims, HID options, which raised both parts and labor costs, particularly for OEM equipment.

• Halogen bulb replacements: Usually $20–$40 each.
• HID bulb replacements: Often $80–$150 per bulb.
• Aftermarket halogen assemblies: About $130–$250 per side.
• Aftermarket projector assemblies (with DRLs, styling upgrades): Around $200–$400 per side.
• OEM assemblies (particularly with HID or LED DRLs): Commonly $350–$700 per side.

Owners of these mid-generation vehicles often face a noticeable price jump if they insist on OEM assemblies with factory-style lighting features.

Newer Hyundai Santa Fe (2019–Present)

The latest Santa Fe models, including the major redesigns around 2019 and again for the 2024 model year, use more advanced lighting setups—often split-level designs, LED DRLs, and, on top trims, full LED headlights. That complexity means higher prices.

• Halogen low/high beam bulbs (on base or lower trims, where applicable): Around $20–$50 each.
• LED modules or bulbs (where separate): Frequently $100–$250 per side.
• Aftermarket assemblies for 2019–2023: Generally $220–$500 per side, depending on options and quality.
• OEM LED or projector assemblies: Often in the $450–$900 per side range from dealers.
• 2024+ redesigned Santa Fe (boxier body, advanced lighting): Early pricing suggests $600–$1,000 per side for OEM assemblies, with limited aftermarket support so far.

For these latest models, most of the cost comes from the integrated design—DRLs, electronics, and styling elements are built into one expensive part.

Parts vs. Labor: What You’ll Actually Spend at a Shop

Labor Costs for Headlight Work

Beyond the headlight itself, professional installation adds to the final bill. Labor varies with the complexity of your Santa Fe’s front-end design and whether the bumper cover needs to be loosened or removed.

• Bulb-only replacement (simple access): Often $20–$50 in labor at an independent shop; some big-box shops offer this service free with bulb purchase.
• Bulb-only (tight access, newer models): Can run $50–$100 if components must be removed for access.
• Full assembly replacement (older models): Typically $60–$120 in labor per side.
• Full assembly replacement (newer models, bumper removal required): Commonly $100–$200 per side, depending on local labor rates.

In many cases, especially with older Santa Fe models, the bulk of the cost is the part, not the labor, though complex newer designs can push labor higher.

Where You Buy Matters: Dealer, Online, or Auto Parts Store

Dealership vs. Aftermarket vs. Salvage

Identical-looking parts can carry very different price tags depending on where you buy them and whether they are OEM or aftermarket.

• Hyundai dealership parts counter: Usually the most expensive source but guarantees genuine OEM parts and compatibility; expect top-end prices within the ranges above.
• Online OEM parts retailers: Often 10–30% cheaper than walk-in dealer pricing, with the same part numbers.
• Aftermarket brands (online and auto parts chains): Typically the best balance of price and performance for many owners; often 30–50% less than OEM assemblies.
• Used/salvage yards and online dismantlers: Lowest cost for OEM assemblies, but condition and warranty can be variable; prices are usually 30–60% below new OEM.

Choosing between these sources often comes down to your budget, how long you plan to keep the Santa Fe, and how important factory appearance and exact fitment are to you.

Other Cost Factors Owners Should Consider

Single vs. Pair Replacement

It is common to wonder whether to replace one headlight or both. While not strictly required, many technicians recommend replacing bulbs in pairs.

• Matched brightness: New and old bulbs can differ in color and intensity, making the car look uneven.
• Similar lifespan: If one bulb has failed, the other may not be far behind.
• Assembly replacement: When a lens is badly faded or damaged on one side, the other is often in similar condition, and replacing both improves symmetry and resale value.
• Incremental labor savings: Some shops charge less per side when doing both at once.

Replacing both sides can raise your immediate expense but may save you from multiple trips and mismatched lighting down the road.

Upgrades and Legal Considerations

Many Santa Fe owners consider upgrading to brighter bulbs or LED conversions for better night visibility. However, not all upgrades are equal—or legal.

• DOT-compliant bulbs: Choose bulbs labeled as meeting FMVSS/DOT or ECE regulations to avoid glare and legal issues.
• LED retrofit kits: Dropping LED bulbs into housings designed for halogens may cause glare and may not be road-legal in some regions.
• Color temperature: Bulbs between 4300K–6000K offer good visibility; extremely blue or purple bulbs can reduce performance and attract unwanted attention.
• Warranty impact: Non-OEM modifications could affect warranty coverage on related electrical components.

Before upgrading, it’s wise to check local laws and, for newer vehicles, your warranty terms, to avoid unintended consequences.

Practical Price Snapshots for Common Scenarios

To put the price ranges into context, it helps to look at realistic “all-in” scenarios for different types of Hyundai Santa Fe owners.

• 2012 Santa Fe, burned-out halogen low beam, DIY: About $20–$35 for a quality bulb; no labor if you install it yourself.
• 2015 Santa Fe Sport, cracked halogen headlight, independent shop: Around $150–$230 for an aftermarket assembly plus $80–$120 labor, totaling roughly $230–$350.
• 2018 Santa Fe with HID, OEM assembly at dealer: Often $450–$700 for the assembly, plus $120–$180 labor, so approximately $570–$880.
• 2021 Santa Fe with LED headlights, one side damaged, dealer repair: Commonly $600–$900 for the assembly and $120–$200 labor, totaling about $720–$1,100.
• 2024 Santa Fe (new redesign), LED headlight, early parts pricing: Expect around $700–$1,000+ for OEM assembly and $150–$200 labor until aftermarket options become more widespread.

These examples illustrate how the overall cost can vary from under $50 for a basic DIY bulb swap to well over $1,000 for a dealer-installed LED assembly on a new Santa Fe.

How to Get an Accurate Price for Your Exact Vehicle

Steps to Pinpoint Your Cost

Because “Hyundai Santa Fe headlight” covers multiple generations, bulb types, and trims, verifying your exact configuration is crucial to avoid ordering the wrong part or misjudging the budget.

1. Check your model year, trim, and VIN: Your VIN (on the windshield or door jamb) lets parts websites and dealers pull the exact headlight type you have.
2. Look at the existing headlight: Confirm if it’s halogen, HID, or LED and whether the low and high beams are separate bulbs or integrated.
3. Decide bulb vs. assembly: If your lens is only cloudy, consider restoration kits; if it’s cracked or full of moisture, an assembly is likely needed.
4. Compare sources: Get prices from a dealer, at least one reputable online OEM source, and a major aftermarket retailer.
5. Ask for labor estimates: Call a local independent shop and a dealer with your VIN and part choice to compare installation costs.

Investing a few minutes in these steps often narrows the expected cost to a tight range tailored to your specific Hyundai Santa Fe.

Summary

For a Hyundai Santa Fe, a headlight can cost as little as $15–$40 for a basic halogen bulb or as much as $400–$1,000+ for a modern OEM LED assembly, with $50–$200 commonly added for professional installation. Older, halogen-equipped Santa Fe models sit at the low end of this spectrum, while newer, LED-equipped trims fall at the high end. The total you’ll pay depends on your model year, whether you need just a bulb or a full assembly, and if you choose OEM, aftermarket, or used parts—and confirming these details with your VIN is the best way to get an exact price before you commit.

Can I replace my headlight myself?

Yes, you can replace your headlight yourself, especially if it’s just a bulb, which is often a quick and inexpensive DIY fix. However, replacing the entire headlight assembly is more complex and may require removing other parts like the grille. For HID or LED bulbs, it’s often safer to have a professional do it because they involve high voltages. 
Before you begin

• Check your owner’s manual: This is the best resource for specific instructions for your vehicle. 
• Gather your supplies: You’ll need the correct replacement bulb and, for some tasks, basic hand tools. 
• Buy replacement bulbs in pairs: It’s recommended to replace both bulbs at the same time to ensure even performance and avoid replacing the other soon after. 
• Wear gloves: Avoid touching the glass of the new bulb with your bare hands, as skin oils can cause it to fail prematurely. 

Steps for replacing a headlight bulb

1. Safety first: Turn off the engine and the headlights. 
2. Locate the bulb: Open the hood and find the back of the headlight assembly. 
3. Gain access: You may need to remove other components to get to the bulb. 
4. Remove the old bulb: Release the clip or connector, and then remove the old bulb from its socket. 
5. Install the new bulb: Insert the new bulb, being careful not to touch the glass, and secure it. 
6. Test the headlights: Reconnect the electrical plug and turn on the car to ensure the new bulb works correctly. 

When to see a professional

• HID or LED bulbs: These systems operate on high voltage, so it’s safer to let a professional handle the replacement. 
• Replacing the assembly: If you’re not comfortable with the process or have to remove major components like the grille and bumper, a mechanic can do it more efficiently. 
• If you’re unsure: It’s always a good idea to consult with your auto parts store or a professional mechanic if you’re uncomfortable with any step of the process. 

What is the most common problem with the Hyundai Santa Fe?

Top Hyundai Santa Fe Problems

• Hesitation.
• No Sound from Speakers.
• Engine Stalling/Shutting Down While Driving (Crankshaft Position Sensor Issues)
• Stuttering Transmission.
• Engine Failure.
• Air Bag Issues.
• Paint Issues/Paint Coming Off.
• Fuel Level Sensor and Gauge Malfunction/Failure.

How much does it cost to replace one headlight?

Replacing one headlight costs anywhere from $10 to over $1,000, depending on whether you are just replacing a bulb or the entire assembly, and the type of technology used. A simple halogen bulb can cost as little as $10-$40 for the part, while modern LED or HID assemblies can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars for the part alone. Labor costs can range from $50 to over $1,000, depending on the complexity of the job. 
Bulb vs. assembly replacement

• Bulb replacement: This is the cheaper option, but some modern cars require removing other parts to access and replace a burnt-out bulb. 
• Assembly replacement: This is necessary if the entire headlight unit is damaged or if your car has an integrated LED or HID system that cannot have its individual bulb replaced. 

Cost breakdown by bulb type

• Halogen: The cheapest option, costing about $10 to $40 for a single bulb. DIY installation can be as low as $20, but professional installation is typically $50-$100. 
• HID/Xenon: These bulbs are more expensive, ranging from $50 to $200 or more for a single bulb. Professional installation can bring the total to $100-$300. 
• LED: The most expensive option, with LED bulbs or integrated assemblies costing anywhere from $100 to over $1,000. Professional labor can add hundreds of dollars to the final price. 

Other factors to consider

• DIY vs. professional installation: If you are handy, you can save money by doing it yourself. However, some jobs are difficult and may require a professional. 
• Vehicle make and model: Some cars are more complicated than others, and this can affect the cost of both parts and labor. 
• Location: Labor rates vary depending on where you live. 

Will AutoZone change my headlight?

FAQ/People Also Ask. Will AutoZone change my headlight bulb? For bulbs purchased at AutoZone that are straightforward to change, an associate can assist you. For more complex types, we can help you find a Preferred Shop to install it for you.