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What Is the Average Cost to Repair Power Windows?

In the U.S. as of 2025, the average cost to repair a power window typically runs $250–$450 per door for the most common fix (replacing the regulator and/or motor). Simpler issues like a bad switch or fuse can cost $75–$150, while complex or luxury-vehicle repairs can reach $600–$1,000. Prices vary by vehicle, parts used, labor rates, and how the door is built.

Typical Costs by Repair Type

Power-window problems most often involve the regulator (the mechanism that moves the glass) and the motor, but switches, wiring, guides, and programming can also be at fault. The following price ranges reflect common U.S. shop rates and parts pricing in 2025, with labor typically billed at $95–$180 per hour.

  • Fuse/relay or reset (lockout, re-initialization): $0–$75
  • Window switch replacement: $100–$250
  • Window off-track/guide or run-channel repair: $150–$350
  • Regulator only: $200–$400
  • Motor only: $200–$350
  • Regulator + motor assembly (most common): $250–$550
  • Wiring repair in door jamb or harness: $150–$450
  • Anti-pinch calibration or module programming: $100–$250
  • Door glass replacement (if cracked/shattered): $200–$450
  • Luxury/frameless doors, convertibles, or complex modules: $500–$1,000

For many mainstream cars, the “all-in” bill for a stuck window caused by a failed regulator or motor usually lands between $250 and $450 per door. Expect higher totals on premium brands, coupes with frameless glass, or vehicles requiring programming after installation.

What Drives the Price?

Several factors determine whether your power-window repair is a quick fix or a pricier job. Understanding these can help you anticipate the estimate and choose where to service the vehicle.

  1. Parts type: Aftermarket regulators and motors are often 20–50% less than OEM; modules and switches may be OEM-only.
  2. Labor rate and book time: Shops charge roughly $95–$180/hr; door designs vary from 0.3 to 2.5+ hours of labor.
  3. Door architecture: Frameless glass, laminated front glass, or tight door packaging increases complexity.
  4. Calibration needs: Anti-pinch and one-touch functions sometimes require scan-tool programming.
  5. Diagnostic time: Expect $50–$150 for diagnosis, often credited if you proceed with the repair.
  6. Vehicle age and corrosion: Older regulators and brittle clips may break during disassembly, adding parts and time.

If your vehicle uses integrated regulator-motor modules or requires door module programming, the parts bill and labor can rise quickly compared to a basic regulator swap.

How to Tell What’s Wrong (and What to Try First)

Before authorizing an expensive repair, a few quick checks can reveal whether the issue is electrical, mechanical, or just a simple control setting. These steps can help you describe symptoms accurately to a shop and potentially avoid unnecessary parts.

  • No sound, no movement: Check window lock button, relevant fuse/relay, and try the master switch; could be switch, power feed, or module.
  • Motor hums but glass doesn’t move: Likely a failed regulator or broken cable/clips.
  • Intermittent operation: Suspect a worn switch, failing motor, or broken wires in the door-jamb boot.
  • Window tilts/binds or moves slowly: Off-track glass, dry/warped run channels, or weak motor.
  • Auto-up stops or reverses: Anti-pinch needs initialization/calibration; binding in the track can also trigger reversal.

Documenting whether you hear the motor, whether other windows work, and any recent door work or water intrusion will help a technician pinpoint the failure quickly and may reduce diagnostic charges.

Ways to Save Without Cutting Corners

You can often shave costs by being strategic about parts and where you have the work done, while still maintaining safety and reliability—especially important for regulators that hold heavy glass.

  1. Compare quotes: Get estimates from an independent shop and a dealer; independents are commonly 10–30% cheaper on labor.
  2. Choose quality aftermarket: Good aftermarket regulator-motor assemblies can be significantly cheaper than OEM with similar performance.
  3. Use mobile glass services: For glass or regulator work, mobile specialists can be cost-effective and convenient.
  4. Bundle work: If multiple windows are slow or failing, addressing them together can reduce labor overlap.
  5. Consider refurbished modules cautiously: Acceptable for switches; avoid used regulators with unknown wear.
  6. Prevent repeat failures: Replace worn run channels and lubricate tracks to reduce strain on the new regulator/motor.
  7. Check coverage: Extended warranties or service contracts may include power-window components; ask about TSBs for known failures.

DIY is feasible for some vehicles, but hidden airbags, sharp door edges, and glass alignment make professional installation worth the labor on many models—especially those with anti-pinch calibration.

How Long the Repair Takes

Most regulator/motor jobs take 1–2 hours once parts are on hand; a simple switch can be under 30 minutes. Add time for diagnostics, parts sourcing, or programming. Same-day service is common for mainstream vehicles.

Sample Real-World Scenarios

These examples illustrate typical ranges you might see on an estimate, assuming standard U.S. labor rates in 2025.

  • Compact sedan (regulator + motor): $320–$480 total
  • Full-size pickup (front regulator + motor): $380–$600 total
  • Luxury coupe with frameless glass (regulator + programming): $600–$900 total
  • Switch replacement on driver’s master panel: $140–$220 total
  • Off-track fix with run-channel service: $180–$320 total

Your actual price can fall outside these ranges based on brand, regional labor rates, and whether additional clips, vapor barriers, or trim pieces are required.

Bottom Line

Expect to pay about $250–$450 for the most common power-window repair (regulator and/or motor) per door, with quick fixes under $150 and complex or premium-vehicle jobs reaching $600–$1,000. Getting a written estimate that separates parts, labor, and programming—and asking about aftermarket options—can help you keep costs predictable and reasonable.

Summary

The average cost to repair power windows is typically $250–$450 per window for a regulator/motor fix, with simpler electrical issues at $75–$150 and high-complexity or luxury models up to $1,000. Final pricing depends on parts choice, labor rate, door design, and any required calibration. Comparing quotes and considering quality aftermarket parts can meaningfully reduce the bill without sacrificing reliability.

How much does it cost to have a power window fixed?

A: The cost of fixing a power window depends on the parts that need replacing. The cost of labor also depends on the necessary repairs and the options your vehicle is equipped with. Because of that, the total cost can vary greatly, and is typically in the range of $100 to $300 or more.

How to fix a power window that is not working at all?

To fix a non-working power window, first check for a child safety lock or blown fuse. If the window is stuck, try lubricating the tracks and gently pressing the window. If the window still doesn’t move, open the door panel and check for power at the motor, switch, and wiring for breaks. A lack of power or a faulty motor or switch may need replacement.
 
This video explains how to test a power window motor: 53s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jul 26, 2023
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

  1. Check for Child Safety Lock: Opens in new tabSome vehicles have a child safety lock that disables rear windows; ensure this isn’t engaged. 
  2. Check Fuses: Opens in new tabLocate the power window fuse in your owner’s manual’s fuse box diagram and replace if blown. 
  3. Listen for the Motor: Opens in new tabPress the switch and listen for a clicking or whirring sound. If you hear noise but the window doesn’t move, the regulator may be damaged. 
  4. Inspect Window Tracks: Opens in new tabLubricate the window tracks with a silicone-based lubricant and try to gently ease the window up or down while pressing the switch. 

This video demonstrates how to visually inspect the wires for breaks: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · May 12, 2021
If the problem persists, you’ll need to inspect the electrical components: 

  1. Remove the Door Panel: Find and remove the screws securing the inner door panel to access the window motor. 
  2. Check Wiring: In the door jamb, check the wires inside the protective boot for breaks or damage, as frequent opening and closing can break wires. 
  3. Test the Switch and Motor: 
    • Switch: If the problem affects multiple windows, the issue could be the master switch. If it only affects one window, it’s likely the motor. 
    • Motor: Connect a multimeter to the wires at the motor to check for power and ground. If you get power to the motor but it doesn’t respond, replace the motor. 
  4. Inspect the Regulator: If the motor has power but the window still doesn’t move, the mechanical regulator mechanism inside the door may be damaged or binding. 
  5. Replace the Component: Based on your diagnosis, replace the faulty fuse, motor, switch, or regulator. 

This video explains how to replace a power window motor: 48s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · May 3, 2019
Important Considerations:

  • Safety: If you are not comfortable with electrical work or removing door panels, it is best to take your car to a qualified mechanic or dealership. 
  • Specific Models: The exact procedure for removing door panels varies by vehicle, so refer to your car’s owner’s manual or a repair guide. 

How much is it to fix an electric window?

electric window repair quotes by make in London

Car Make Average Price Average Saving
Vauxhall £106.09 £77.69
BMW £114.50 £41.82
Toyota £118.17 £45.36
Peugeot £119.81 £111.56

Are electric windows expensive to fix?

A standard power window repair at a general automotive shop can cost between $400 – $600 depending on the vehicle.

T P Auto Repair

Serving San Diego since 1984, T P Auto Repair is an ASE-certified NAPA AutoCare Center and Star Smog Check Station. Known for honest service and quality repairs, we help drivers with everything from routine maintenance to advanced diagnostics.

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