How Much Does It Cost to Replace Headlights on a Honda Civic?

Expect to pay about $60–$200 per side to replace a basic halogen bulb on a Honda Civic, and roughly $300–$700 per side if a full halogen headlight assembly is needed. For Civics with factory LED headlights (common on 2016+ higher trims and standard on 2022+), full assembly replacement typically runs $800–$1,600 per side, including parts and labor. Prices vary by model year, part quality (OEM vs. aftermarket), and where you have the work done (dealer vs. independent shop). Below is a detailed breakdown to help you budget confidently.

What You’re Actually Replacing

“Headlight replacement” can mean swapping a bulb or replacing the entire headlight assembly (the housing with lens, reflectors/projector, and built-in components). Which you need depends on your Civic’s year and trim, and whether the issue is a burnt-out bulb, damage to the housing, or a failed LED unit.

• Bulb only: Common on older halogen-equipped Civics (2006–2015 and some 2016–2021 trims). Quick, inexpensive.
• Headlight assembly: Required if the housing is cracked/clouded, mounts are broken, or the LED unit fails in models where the LED isn’t a standalone bulb.
• Both sides: Often recommended for balanced brightness and color, especially with halogen bulbs that dim over time.

Clarifying whether you need a bulb or a complete assembly is the biggest cost determinant—and a quick call to a shop with your VIN can confirm it.

Typical Price Ranges by Civic Generation and Headlight Type

Honda migrated from halogen to LED over the last decade. Older Civics usually allow inexpensive bulb swaps; newer LED-equipped models often require replacing the whole assembly if the low beam fails.

2006–2015 Civics (mostly halogen)

Bulb replacement generally runs $60–$180 per side out the door at an independent shop, or $100–$220 at a dealer. If you need a full assembly (e.g., cracked lens), budget $250–$600 per side for parts plus $100–$250 labor, totaling about $350–$800.

2016–2021 Civics (mix of halogen and LED by trim)

Lower trims often use halogen (similar costs to above). Touring and some higher trims use LED low beams; if the LED fails, the fix is typically a complete assembly. Expect $700–$1,400 per side at an independent shop or $900–$1,700 at a dealer, depending on OEM vs. aftermarket and labor time (often 1–2 hours per side due to bumper cover removal).

2022–2025 Civics (LED standard in most markets)

Most eleventh-gen Civics have standard LED headlights. Replacement is usually a full assembly: $800–$1,600 per side at an independent shop and $1,000–$2,200 at a dealer. Labor commonly ranges 1.2–2.5 hours per side, plus headlight aiming.

Cost Breakdown: Parts vs. Labor

Here’s how the line items typically stack up as of 2025 in the U.S., noting that shop rates and taxes vary by region.

• Halogen bulb: $10–$45 part; $30–$120 labor (0.3–0.7 hr). Total roughly $40–$165.
• HID/Xenon bulb (rare on factory Civics): $50–$150 part; $40–$120 labor. Total $90–$270.
• LED “bulb/module” (where replaceable): $50–$200 part; $40–$120 labor. Total $90–$320 (not common on factory Civic low beams).
• Halogen headlight assembly (each): Aftermarket $120–$300; OEM $250–$600. Labor $120–$300 (1.0–2.0 hr). Total $300–$900.
• LED headlight assembly (each): OEM typically $600–$1,100; quality aftermarket $350–$800 (availability varies). Labor $150–$400 (1.2–2.5 hr). Total $800–$1,600+.
• Shop fees/taxes: Commonly $10–$40 extra.

If you replace both sides at once, you’ll pay twice for parts but often save some labor compared with doing each side separately.

Factors That Drive the Price

Several variables can swing the final bill up or down. Knowing them helps you get accurate quotes and avoid surprises.

• Halogen vs. LED: LED assemblies are pricier and often non-serviceable at the bulb level.
• Dealer vs. independent: Dealers tend to charge higher labor rates and use OEM parts by default.
• Assembly access: Many Civic assemblies require bumper cover removal, increasing labor time.
• Aiming and checks: Proper beam aim is essential; some shops add a small charge for aiming and scan checks.
• Aftermarket vs. OEM: Aftermarket can be cheaper; quality varies. DOT-compliant units are recommended.
• Condition of fasteners/mounts: Rusted hardware or broken tabs can add parts/labor.
• Warranty: OEM parts typically carry longer warranties; ask what’s covered on LEDs and moisture ingress.

When comparing estimates, make sure they include aiming, any bumper R&R if needed, and whether the part is OEM or aftermarket.

What Shops Actually Quote (Realistic Out-the-Door)

These are common, real-world totals you’ll see on estimates in most U.S. markets.

• Bulb swap (halogen) per side: Independent $60–$150; Dealer $120–$250.
• Halogen assembly per side: Independent $300–$700; Dealer $450–$900.
• LED assembly per side: Independent $800–$1,600; Dealer $1,000–$2,200.

Your exact figure depends on the trim, model year, part choice, and local labor rates.

Can You DIY?

DIY is practical for many halogen-bulb Civics and moderately challenging for assembly swaps that require bumper removal. LED assembly replacement is doable for experienced DIYers but takes time and care.

• Verify part: Check your owner’s manual or the bulb chart for the correct type, or supply your VIN to a parts counter.
• Access: Older halogen bulbs may be reachable from behind the headlight; newer assemblies often require removing clips and the bumper cover.
• Replace and test: Avoid touching halogen glass with bare hands; test all functions (low/high beam, DRL, turn signal).
• Aim the beams: Use a flat surface and follow Honda’s aim spec to avoid glare and ensure visibility.
• Scan for codes if needed: Not usually required, but clearing any stored lighting faults is good practice.

If you’re not comfortable removing trim or aligning beams, a professional install is worth the modest added labor cost.

How to Save Money and Avoid Redo

A few smart choices can keep costs down and improve results.

• Replace bulbs in pairs for even brightness and color.
• Choose reputable brands or OEM-equivalent assemblies that are DOT/SAE compliant.
• Ask for headlight aiming to be included in the quote.
• Get two or three quotes and ask each shop to specify OEM vs. aftermarket parts.
• If the failure followed a collision, check insurance coverage before you pay cash.
• Consider refurbished OEM assemblies when available; they can offer OEM fitment at lower cost.

Balancing price with quality helps prevent premature failures, moisture issues, or poor beam patterns.

When Replacement Is Urgent

Some symptoms mean you shouldn’t wait—both for safety and to avoid additional damage or citations.

• One or both low beams are out, dim, or flickering.
• Condensation or water inside the housing.
• Cracked lenses, broken mounts, or loose assemblies.
• Burnt connectors or melted bulb sockets.
• Dashboard lighting warnings related to exterior lamps.

Addressing these promptly ensures visibility and helps you pass inspection in states that require it.

Bottom Line

For most Honda Civics with halogen headlights, a straightforward bulb replacement is typically $60–$200 per side. If the entire halogen assembly is needed, plan on $300–$700 per side. On LED-equipped Civics—common from upper 2016–2021 trims and standard on most 2022+ models—assembly replacement usually runs $800–$1,600 per side, with dealers at the upper end. Always confirm whether you need a bulb or an assembly, specify OEM vs. aftermarket, and ensure aiming is included.

Summary

Budget $60–$200 per side for a halogen bulb swap, $300–$700 per side for a halogen assembly, and $800–$1,600 per side for an LED assembly on a Honda Civic. Your model year, trim, part choice, and shop type drive the final price; ask for an itemized quote that includes aiming and any bumper removal.

How much does it cost to replace an entire headlight?

The cost to replace an entire headlight assembly, which includes the housing, bulb, and related components, can range from $300 to $2,000+. This price variation depends on factors like the make and model of your vehicle, the type of headlight (halogen, xenon, or LED), and whether you choose an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or aftermarket replacement. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Factors Affecting Cost:

• Vehicle Make and Model: Some vehicles have more complex headlight assemblies or require specialized parts, driving up the cost. For example, premium vehicles like Mercedes or Bentleys can have assemblies costing thousands of dollars. 
• Headlight Type: LED and Xenon headlights are typically more expensive to replace than halogen headlights. 
• OEM vs. Aftermarket: OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts from the dealership are generally more expensive than aftermarket replacements. 
• Labor Costs: Replacing an entire headlight assembly can be labor-intensive, especially if the bumper or other parts need to be removed to access the assembly. Labor costs can range from $100 to $1,000 or more depending on the complexity. 
• Additional Features: Some headlight assemblies include adaptive systems or other features, which can increase the cost. 

Cost Examples:

• Halogen: . Opens in new tabHalogen headlight assemblies might start at around $150, but can go up to $300 or more. 
• Xenon/HID: . Opens in new tabXenon or HID headlight assemblies can start around $200 and go up to $1,000 or more. 
• LED: . Opens in new tabLED headlight assemblies can start at $300 and go upwards of $1,000 or more. 

Where to Find Replacement Headlights:

• Dealerships: For OEM parts, the dealership is the best place to start. 
• Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, eBay, and specialized auto parts stores offer a wide selection of both OEM and aftermarket headlights. 
• Auto Parts Stores: Stores like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts carry replacement headlight assemblies and bulbs. 

How much to replace a Honda Civic headlight?

Replacing a Honda Civic headlight bulb can cost between $66 and $107, while replacing the entire headlight assembly can be $250 to over $2,000, depending on if it’s an OEM or aftermarket part and the labor involved. The total price depends on the car’s year, the specific part needed, and whether you perform the labor yourself or pay a mechanic. 
Factors influencing the cost:

• Type of Replacement:
  • Bulb Replacement: This is the least expensive option, as you only need to replace the bulb. 
  • Headlight Assembly Replacement: If the entire headlight housing is broken, the cost will be significantly higher. 
• Part Quality:
  • OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): These are parts made by Honda and are generally more expensive. 
  • Aftermarket: These parts are made by third-party manufacturers and are typically more affordable. 
• Labor Costs: The cost of labor varies depending on the mechanic’s hourly rate and how difficult it is to access the headlight on your specific Civic model. 
• DIY vs. Mechanic: Doing the job yourself is the cheapest option if you have the basic tools and know-how, saving on labor costs. 

How to get an accurate estimate:

• Use Online Estimators: Visit sites like RepairPal to get a cost estimate based on your car’s year and location. 
• Contact Local Shops: Call your local mechanic or Honda dealership to get a personalized quote for the specific part and service needed. 
• Check Parts Websites: Browse online parts retailers like AutoZone.com to see prices for headlight assemblies for your vehicle. 

How much should it cost to get headlights replaced?

Total Cost: – For a single headlight replacement, you might expect to pay between $100 and $300, including parts and labor. – For dual headlight replacements, costs could range from $200 to $600 or more. It’s always a good idea to get quotes from multiple repair shops to find the best price for your specific vehicle.

Is it easy to change a Honda Civic headlight?

Difficulty rating: Easy! Minimal disassembly, using only basic tools.