How Much Does a New Car Fender Cost?

For most passenger vehicles in 2025, a new replacement fender typically costs $100–$900 for the part alone, depending on make, model, material, and whether it’s aftermarket or OEM; fully installed with paint, expect $400–$2,500 in total, with luxury or aluminum-bodied models sometimes reaching $1,500–$4,000.

What Drives the Price

Fender replacement costs span a wide range because several technical and market factors affect both the part price and the work needed to finish and fit it. The factors below explain why two seemingly similar repairs can be hundreds of dollars apart.

• Make/model and trim complexity: Common models have cheaper, readily available panels; luxury or performance cars carry higher OEM pricing and paint-matching expectations.
• Material: Steel is cheapest; aluminum, composites, and carbon fiber cost more and may require different repair techniques.
• OEM vs. aftermarket: OEM panels are usually pricier but fit and finish can be better; certified aftermarket (e.g., CAPA) offers savings with acceptable quality on many models.
• Paint and finish: Color, pearl/metallic layers, and the need to blend adjacent panels increase refinish time and materials cost.
• Labor rates and hours: Regional shop rates and the time to align panel gaps, transfer brackets, and refit liners/trim drive totals.
• Additional components: Inner liners, brackets, side markers, badges, and rust repair add parts and labor.
• Sensors/tech: Some vehicles integrate side repeater cameras or lighting into the fender area; these can require extra parts and calibration.

Taken together, these variables define whether your repair is a straightforward bolt-on and spray or a multi-step refinish and alignment job with added parts.

Typical Price Ranges (Parts Only)

Here’s what drivers can generally expect to pay for the fender panel itself in today’s market, not including paint or installation.

• Aftermarket steel fender: $100–$400
• OEM steel fender: $200–$1,500+ (higher for premium brands)
• Aluminum fender (common on some trucks/SUVs): $300–$900 aftermarket; $500–$1,600 OEM
• Fiberglass/composite fender: $200–$600
• Carbon fiber fender (performance/aftermarket): $700–$2,000+
• Recycled/salvage OEM fender (often already painted): $50–$300, availability varies by color/condition

Part selection often balances cost with fit and finish; certified aftermarket or good-condition recycled OEM can significantly reduce the total without sacrificing safety.

Installed Cost Estimates

Beyond the panel price, finishing and fitting the fender determines the final bill. The items below reflect common line items on body-shop estimates.

• Paint and materials: $200–$600 for a single panel refinish; more for tri-coat/pearl colors.
• Labor to install and align: 2–5 hours at $75–$150/hour = ~$150–$750.
• Adjacent panel blending: $150–$500 per adjacent panel when required for color match.
• Additional parts: Inner fender liner, brackets, clips, badges, seals, side markers typically add $25–$250.
• Tech and calibration: If the fender area includes cameras/lighting or proximity sensors, add $75–$400 for R&I and potential calibration.
• Shop fees/taxes: Environmental, hazardous waste, and supplies usually total $20–$80.

Combining these elements yields typical installed totals of $400–$2,500 for mainstream vehicles, with higher-end models or complex paint pushing costs upward.

Real-World Examples (2025)

The following scenarios illustrate current market pricing in North America for common vehicle types. Actual quotes vary by region and shop.

• Compact sedan (e.g., Honda Civic): Aftermarket part $150–$250 + paint $250–$450 + labor $200–$400 = ~$600–$1,100 total.
• Full-size pickup with aluminum fender (e.g., Ford F-150): OEM part $500–$900 + paint $300–$500 + labor $300–$500 = ~$1,200–$1,900 total.
• Luxury sport sedan (e.g., BMW 3 Series): OEM part $700–$1,200 + paint (often tri-coat) $400–$600 + labor $300–$500 = ~$1,600–$2,500 total.
• EV with side repeater camera in fender (e.g., Tesla Model 3/Y): OEM part $500–$1,000 + paint $350–$600 + labor $300–$500 + camera R&I/calibration $100–$250 = ~$1,250–$2,350 total.

These snapshots underscore how brand, materials, and technology features can swing totals by hundreds of dollars.

Repair vs. Replace

Not every damaged fender needs full replacement. The best route depends on the severity and whether paint is compromised.

• Paintless Dent Repair (PDR): $100–$400 for minor dents where paint isn’t cracked; fast and cost-effective.
• Conventional repair and refinish: $300–$900 for small-to-moderate damage requiring filler and repainting.
• Full replacement: $400–$2,500+ when the panel is creased, torn, corroded, or time/labor to repair exceeds replacement cost.

Shops often recommend replacement when structural integrity, rust, or sharp creases make repair impractical or risky for long-term durability.

How to Save Money

Smart choices on parts, paint strategy, and shop selection can lower your bill without sacrificing quality.

• Ask for CAPA-certified aftermarket panels when appropriate for your vehicle.
• Consider recycled OEM parts in matching color to potentially skip full repainting.
• Get two to three written estimates; compare line items for paint/blend and part sourcing.
• Discuss paint strategy; sometimes blending can be avoided with excellent color match on certain shades.
• Check your insurance deductible; small damage may be cheaper out-of-pocket than a claim.
• Use PDR for minor, paint-intact dings to avoid repainting altogether.
• If you’re handy, DIY bolt-on replacement can save labor, but plan for professional paintwork.

Balancing cost, quality, and resale value usually yields the best outcome; reputable shops will walk you through these trade-offs.

DIY at a Glance

Many fenders are bolt-on parts, but alignment and paint quality are critical. If you plan to tackle the mechanical portion yourself, expect the following steps.

1. Disconnect battery (if working near sensors/lighting), remove wheel and inner liner fasteners.
2. Unbolt the fender from the engine bay, A-pillar/door jamb, wheel arch, and bumper interface.
3. Transfer brackets, clips, badges, and any wiring or side markers from the old panel.
4. Test-fit and align gaps to hood, door, and bumper; adjust before tightening.
5. Prime, paint, and clearcoat (ideally by a professional) or install a pre-painted/recycled panel.
6. Reinstall liner and trim; verify lighting/sensors and check for rubbing or misalignment.

DIY can reduce labor costs but requires patience and precision; poor alignment or paint can diminish appearance and resale value.

Availability and Timing

For mainstream models, aftermarket or OEM fenders are often available within 1–3 business days; specialty or low-volume vehicles may take 1–2 weeks. Paint and curing typically add 1–2 days, so plan on 2–5 business days total for most shop-managed replacements.

Insurance and Part Choices

Your policy and state regulations can influence whether a shop installs OEM or aftermarket parts, and how repairs are documented.

• Policies may authorize aftermarket parts on older vehicles; some carriers require OEM on newer cars or when safety systems are involved.
• States often require disclosure and customer consent for aftermarket parts.
• Lease agreements may prefer OEM parts to meet turn-in standards.
• Keep documentation and photos of the repair for future resale or claims.

Clarify your insurer’s parts policy before authorizing work to avoid surprises on coverage and out-of-pocket costs.

Bottom Line

A new fender typically runs $100–$900 for the part and $400–$2,500 installed for most vehicles, with higher totals for luxury, aluminum, or tech-integrated models. Shop around, consider certified aftermarket or recycled parts, and align paint strategy with your budget and expectations for the best value.

How much does it cost to replace a fender on a car?

Average Cost to Replace a Fender
For example: Compact cars: $200–$600. SUVs or trucks: $800–$1,500. Luxury vehicles: $1,500 or more.

Is it worth fixing a fender?

Choosing to repair a car fender can be a cost-effective solution for minor damages. It allows vehicle owners to address aesthetic and some functional issues without the higher expense of total replacement.

Can I drive with a damaged fender?

Driving with a damaged fender can get you in trouble with the law. Your car needs to be safe for the road, so you should fix any broken fender parts before you get behind the wheel.

Is fender damage expensive?

The average fender repair cost can range from $300 for minor cosmetic touch-ups to $5,000 for more extensive damage resulting from collisions. Small vehicles generally face repair expenses below $1,500, while larger models may see costs between $1,500 to $6,000 for fender repairs.