How Much Do Sunroofs Cost? [New, Replacement & Repair]

When adding an aftermarket sunroof to your vehicle, finding out the total aftermarket sunroof cost is the first step. As you would expect, the total cost of adding an aftermarket sunroof will vary depending on the vehicle and the type of sunroof you want to install.

If you are installing a simple sunroof yourself, it can cost as little as $300. If, however, you are having a professional install a more complicated sunroof, it can cost as much as $2500 or more. A basic tilting glass panel sunroof costs about $300 for the parts.

The labor charge to have such a simple sunroof installed costs about $500. A more complicated motorized sunroof that slides open and tucks inside the car will cost around $1,500 for the part alone.

The labor charge to install such a sophisticated aftermarket sunroof costs about $1,000. The cost will be determined by the type of sunroof, the car model, and the necessary labor hours. The price estimate will vary on a case-by-case scenario.

In this article, we will discuss what it takes to install a sunroof in a vehicle that does not already have one. We will also cover what that procedure would cost in parts and labor for a few popular vehicles

As we’ve mentioned, the type of sunroof you get will affect the cost. These are the main ones you will encounter:

Types of Sunroof

Panoramic Roof

This is the costliest type of sunroof, but also one of the most visually impactful. Panoramic sunroofs require a complex installation and are usually best when purchased from the factory.

Pop-up Sunroof

The pop-up sunroof is usually the most affordable type. It’s detachable and manual.

• Moonroof: This is the current typical type of electronic sunroof that most vehicles on the market have.
• Spoiler: This type of sunroof is versatile because it can tilt and slide along the exterior of the vehicle.
• Factory: This is the type of sunroof that’s included in your vehicle when you purchase it. Usually, you’ll have to pay extra for this element but you won’t have to put any effort into installing it.

The Cost of Installing a Sunroof

Sunroof costs will be influenced by several factors, but primarily they’ll be determined by the type you would like to get. Here are the average costs you’ll be facing based on that criteria.

Additionally, the cost will also be decided by the type of car you have. Here’s a look at what costs to expect in total when installing a sunroof in these popular models.

Cost of Installing a Sunroof in a Dodge Charger

If you’re driving a Dodge Charger and would like to have an OEM sunroof installed, you’ll be spending around $1500, depending on your model. The Charger can accommodate a sunroof installation and some even come with factory options for one, but the price will be about the same as the aftermarket estimate.

Cost of Installing a Sunroof in a Chevrolet Camaro

A sunroof installation won’t be possible in all Camaro models without facing exorbitant costs, but if you have one that will allow it, you’ll spend around $2000. Camaros usually have special roofs that may need to be fully removed to allow for the installation of a sunroof, which would drive the prices up.

Cost of Installing a Sunroof in a Toyota Corolla

If you’re driving the ever-popular Toyota Corolla, you’ll be able to add a sunroof to it for around $1200 on average. Many of the 2020 and 2021 Corollas have factory options for sunroofs, so you can check whether you want them included as an add-on when you purchase the vehicle.

Cost of Installing a Sunroof in a Ford Mustang

Installing a sunroof in a Ford Mustang will usually take around $1800. The installation can be complex, which accounts for the price, but it can have a great effect on your car that could increase its resale value.

Cost of Installing a Sunroof in a Honda Civic

A Honda Civic is a car popular for its dependability. If you’d like to add more of a visual appeal to it, you can have a sunroof installed for around $1100. This will increase the aesthetic value of the vehicle while also boosting the light and the illusion of space in it.

Some of the newer Civic models include factory sunroofs that you can include as an add-on when you purchase. They’re not always included in the price for the vehicle, so you may have to pay extra for one.

Cost of Installing a Sunroof in a Jeep Grand Cherokee

A sunroof is a great addition to a Jeep Grand Cherokee. It highlights the great views you can get from a mid-size SUV, and it’s not a highly complex installation even OEM. You’ll usually pay around 50 for this installation on this type of Jeep. (dentalassociatesmn.com)

The Overland and Summit versions of the Grand Cherokee include the option of factory sunroofs if you’d rather buy one without going to the extra effort of installing one later.

How Much Does It Cost Add Aftermarket Sunroof?

How much an aftermarket sunroof will cost depends on the make and model of your vehicle and the type of aftermarket sunroof you want to have installed. A simple sunroof will cost around $800 for parts and labor, while a more complicated one can cost as much as $2,500 after installation.

If you install it yourself, an aftermarket sunroof can cost as little as $500. The aftermarket sunroof itself may be only $300, but it’s important to keep in mind that your actual aftermarket sunroof cost will be a little higher than that because of the materials and tools that are needed for installation. As more features are needed (power sunroof, sliding sunroof, programmable buttons), the total cost for an aftermarket sunroof will increase.

Setting Up A Sunroof

Generally speaking, most aftermarket sunroofs come as a complete drop-in set that is installed into a freshly made hole in the top of the vehicle. To install an aftermarket sunroof, the entire headliner has to be removed.

A large hole, the size of which will be specified in the aftermarket sunroof installation instructions, must be precisely cut into the roof of your vehicle After that, sheet metal has to be cut to the requirements of both the aftermarket sunroof and your car so that they fit together.

If it’s a powered sunroof, the power wires need to be run from the car’s fuse box up through the A or B pillar and into the roof. Then, the aftermarket sunroof must be bolted in place and sealed to prevent leaking.

Considering the fact that a massive hole has to be cut in the roof of your car, an aftermarket sunroof should only be installed by a professional that knows what they are doing. Because of this, the real aftermarket sunroof cost is often much higher than the cost of the parts alone.

OEM Vs Aftermarket

A sunroof should always be installed by professionals because it involves a full understanding of the roof of the particular vehicle involved. An aftermarket or OEM installation of a sunroof will require plenty of expertise. This is what usually happens during a sunroof installation:

• The headliner, one of the integral parts of the existing car roof, will be removed.
• It will then be cut to specific measurements to allow the fitting of the sunroof.
• For electric versions, wires will have to be installed and connected to the sunroof from a circuit box.
• The sunroof will then be installed in the newly cut headliner.
• The sunroof will then be bolted in and all circuitry will be connected.

Additional Factors that Influence Sunroof Costs

Apart from the factors we’ve already discussed, there will be several others that may influence the final cost of your sunroof installation. If you choose an electronic sunroof, you will pay more than for a manual one, but it may be the more practical choice in the long run.

When installing a sunroof, you should consider the best kind of warranty to get for it. Once that is sorted, check how this addition will affect your vehicle insurance.

The policy may have to be modified to include the sunroof to make sure that everything is still adhering to regulations. You may not have to face these additional costs, but you should be prepared to include sunroof repairs in your budget in the future.

While they aren’t as prone to leaks as they might seem, the cheaper sunroofs may allow leaks to filter after some wear. Repairs should only become necessary after a few years.

At that point, you may experience issues with the electronic system if you don’t have a manual one, and even with the track that holds the sides of the panel. Sunroof repairs will usually cost around $200 if they are simple enough to do yourself.

Sunroof Benefits

If you’re considering getting a sunroof, there are plenty of benefits to keep in mind. Chief among them is the increased aesthetic appeal that a sunroof adds to a car.

It also allows plenty of light to filter through the vehicle, as well as fresh air. It can also create a 360 view around the car and allows passengers an uninterrupted look at the sky, which can be impressive in any weather.

How Long Should A Sunroof Installation Take?

It takes about 3 hours for a professional to install an aftermarket sunroof. The actual amount of time it takes (and how much labor is charged) will, of course, vary depending on the vehicle and where you are having the work done.

If you are doing it yourself, however, then you can expect the process to take several days. Remember, you are going to have to figure out where everything goes, and you are going to have to do a lot of custom cutting. The good news is that there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube to help assist with how to install an aftermarket sunroof.

How Long Does a Sunroof Last?

If you’re buying a sunroof made from decent quality materials, they will usually include silicone and polycarbonate, which will make the sunroof last longer. As a result, these types of materials are expected to last up to twenty years, even with prolonged wear.

The cheaper sunroofs tend to use economic materials like neoprene and plastic, which will break quicker. These are the sunroofs that will have the most issues with leaks and those that will need to be repaired most often.

Who Can Install a Sunroof?

When seeking the services of a professional to get a sunroof installed, research the best option for you in the area and get some quotes for it. For instance, you can take your vehicle to a car shop with expertise in sunroofs, but also a car dealership or an automotive glass store.

You can find these options online based on your location and what’s most convenient to you. Make sure to get a few different quotes and decide on the best solution.

Repairing Sunroof – Typical Issues & Their Costs

Typical Issues With Sunroofs 

Similar to your windshield and side windows, many things may cause your sunroof’s glass panel to crack or shatter. The glass may have broken during a collision, or a large piece of debris may have fallen on top of your car. 

In addition to these two common reasons, it could also be something less obvious. Your sunroof glass may have broken due to someone attempting to break in, or it could even be due to extreme temperatures over a few days. 

Like your windshield, your sunroof is made from tempered glass. Unlike regular glass, tempered glass will usually break into many small pieces to prevent large, jagged shards. 

While it’s not extremely common for sunroof glass to break, a large piece of glass like a sunroof always comes with a higher risk of breakage than something like your driver’s side window. 

Sunroof glass is typically held in place by high-strength urethane, which prevents it from moving. Your car’s body can flex in certain situations, such as under extreme heat or while going too fast around a corner.

This flex may put pressure on the glass and lead to a crack since the glass does not have the same flexing abilities. 

No matter what caused your sunroof glass to crack or shatter, it’s important to get it replaced as soon as possible to prevent additional problems or further cracking over time. 

Repairing Sunroof Motor 

How are Sunroof Motor Issues Diagnosed?

If your sunroof isn’t functioning properly, don’t automatically assume that the motor is to blame. While this is a common cause, it could be something else preventing the sunroof from opening and closing properly. To be sure, bring your vehicle to a mechanic to have the issue properly diagnosed. 

Before they check the motor, your mechanic will inspect a few other parts of your sunroof assembly to see what exactly is causing the problem.

Some things could include a fuse, a build-up or corrosion or other debris, or a problem with the button itself. 

The mechanic will test the power on several different components, including both the sunroof position sensor and body control module.

If one or both of these things are not functioning the way they should, the problem is likely not the sunroof motor. 

Only once it has been determined that the sunroof motor is, in fact, the source of the problem will they begin to discuss sunroof motor replacement. 

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Sunroof Motor? 

With a mechanic’s labor costing around $90-$120 an hour, depending on where you go, labor will account for anywhere between $200-$400 of the total cost. 

While you may be able to find a lower-priced motor assembly, you typically will not be able to get the cost of labor down.

Make sure to visit a reputable, experienced mechanic to ensure the job is done correctly. If your mechanic determines that the motor is the source of your sunroof’s issues, you should expect to pay somewhere around $650-$750 for a full replacement.

Along with a new motor, you may need new wiring or additional parts, depending on the extent of the damage. In most cases, this is a job that will take an expert mechanic about 2-3 hours to complete properly.

Sunroof Replacement Kit

What Can Cause a Broken Sunroof Motor?

Your sunroof motor may stop working due to a variety of factors. Some of these include:

• A damaged fuse
• A damaged cable
• General wear and tear
• Exposed electrical wiring
• Broken motor operating gears
• Loss of electrical power to the motor
• Internal gears inside the motor seizing

Before the motor fails, you may notice noises as the roof opens and closes or a reduced response when you press the sunroof button.

While these issues may not be directly linked to the motor itself, it’s always a good idea to get it checked out at the first sign of a problem.

You’ll be able to tell that there is a problem if the motor no longer responds at all when you press the button.

At this point, it becomes necessary to have the sunroof inspected by a professional so it can be fixed as soon as possible. 

Repairing Sunroof Glass

Why Is It Important to Repair Broken Sunroof Glass?

Once your sunroof glass has begun to crack, it will continue cracking further over time due to the vibrations in your vehicle. Eventually, it may shatter completely, which poses a dangerous risk to you and any passengers inside your car. 

In addition, some of the broken glass can get into your sunroof’s tracks and damage them.

As mentioned, sunroof track replacement can be pricey. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to get it replaced as soon as possible to avoid more costly repairs in the future. 

Apart from problems with additional cracking, water damage is another concern that should encourage you to get your sunroof glass replaced.

If the cracks are big enough, or if glass and other debris end up in your drainage area, you risk a leak inside your vehicle. To prevent this kind of damage, get your sunroof inspected and repaired as soon as possible. 

How Much Does Sunroof Glass Repair Cost on Average?

The average cost range of replacing your sunroof’s glass is between $500-$700. However, this cost depends heavily on the type of sunroof you have, as well as the extent of the damage.

The table below highlights the average cost of glass replacement for different types of sunroofs.

Knowing the average cost of replacement for your specific type of sunroof will allow you to find the most reputable shops to work with and get an idea of how much to set aside for the project. 

Does Insurance Cover Sunroof Glass Replacement?

In most cases, auto glass is not covered under collision policies. However, comprehensive coverage will typically cover sunroof replacement.

Comprehensive coverage applies to all auto glass, including your sunroof.

If you get into an accident that damages your sunroof in addition to other body components, the sunroof will be covered by comprehensive coverage. However, everything else will usually be covered by collision insurance. 

In some states, you will be able to purchase full glass coverage through your insurance company.

Most comprehensive policies will require a deductible, but full glass coverage will pay for the replacement with no deductible to be met.

Conclusion

A sunroof makes any vehicle better. So, it only makes sense for someone to want to add an aftermarket sunroof to their vehicle. Once someone makes the choice to install an aftermarket sunroof, their very next question is, ‘How much does an aftermarket sunroof cost?’

Installing an aftermarket sunroof costs somewhere between $300 and $2500, but the actual aftermarket sunroof cost will vary. For example, a simple, non-powered aftermarket sunroof costs around $300 for the part. If you have to have a professional install it, the labor charge can cost $500 or more. A more complicated, motorized aftermarket sunroof will cost about $1500 for the part. The installation fee, however, for such a complicated aftermarket sunroof can cost $1000 or more.

We hope this article helped you have a better understanding of the complete aftermarket sunroof cost, considering parts and labor. Thanks for reading!