A broken car window can be such a hassle. If you cannot roll down your vehicle window, it causes many inconveniences, such as being unable to go through the drive-thru at the pharmacy, bank, or fast food establishments. You will be forced to open the door of the vehicle in order to complete tasks that are usually done more simply by rolling down the vehicle’s window.
Before you replace the window regulator, you should think about how much car window regulator replacement cost might be.
The replacement of the window regulator costs between $204 and $769, with an average price of $399. This is an average estimate and includes parts and labor costs. The part itself is fairly inexpensive and normally costs between $200 and $300. However, it can cost as much as $1,151 for vehicles like the Volkswagen Beetle. Labor costs between $100 and $130.
Even though a broken window can be annoying, it doesn’t affect how well the car can be driven. In order to fix the vehicle window so it functions properly, you will more than likely need to repair the window regulator. Repairs are a part of owning a car, even though they aren’t always easy and can sometimes be expensive.
These price ranges do not include taxes and fees. They also do not include the specific vehicle or your location. You will need to talk to a professional mechanic to get a more accurate estimate for your car.
What is a Window Regulator?
The vehicle’s window regulator is a mechanical device that moves your vehicle’s window up or down. A window regulator can be found on both power and manually operated window systems.
If your vehicle has electric windows, there is an electric motor located in each door. The window moves up or down when the driver or passenger pushes the switch on the control panel.
The electric motor operates a mechanism inside the door called the window regulator. The window regulator is attached to the window glass inside the door. If your vehicle has manual windows, the window regulator is similar to a steering crank and moves the window up or down when the crank is turned.
The window regulator is mounted inside your vehicle’s door panel. This keeps the window regulator safely hidden and out of the way of the driver or passenger.
How Do I Identify a Faulty Window Regulator?
A faulty window regulator is probably to blame if one of your vehicle’s windows will not open. If the window is moving and gets stuck as you roll it up or down, it might also be due to a faulty window regulator.
Other signs of a faulty window regulator might be clicking or grinding noises as the window moves. If the window regulator is badly broken, the window could fall into the door panel.
Therefore, the following signs will allow you to identify a faulty window regulator:
- The vehicle’s window will not move up or down.
- The vehicle’s window falls down into the door panel.
- You hear an unusual noise as the vehicle’s window moves up or down.
- The vehicle’s window is moving extraordinarily slowly.
- The vehicle’s window will not close completely.
- The vehicle’s window moves up or down in a crooked formation.
Window Regulator Replacement Cost Comparison for Popular Vehicles
We have also gotten some prices for some of the most popular cars on the road today. These prices should give you an idea of how much you can expect a window regulator replacement to cost you.
The costs of the window regulator’s replacement on some other popular vehicles are given in the table below:
| Vehicle | Window Regulator Cost | Labor Cost |
| Volkswagon Beetle | $50-$1,160 | $170-$265 |
| BMW X5 | $225-$395 | $90-$295 |
| Chevy Cruze | $80-$225 | $170-$360 |
| Nissan Altima | $150-$260 | $110-$228 |
| Toyota Camry | $90-$500 | $95-$230 |
| Dodge Dart | $55-$195 | $125-$260 |
| Honda Element | $65-$210 | $110-$280 |
| BMW X3 | $33-$400 | $105-$350 |
Ford Fusion Window Regulator Replacement
The Ford Fusion has one of the lowest prices for a window regulator replacement. The cost averages between $148 and $201. This includes labor costs of $80–$100 and parts costs of $40–$120.
Ford F-Series Window Regulator Replacement
The Ford F-Series, Ford Focus, and Nissan Altima offer another inexpensive option. The cost of the window regulator replacement averages between $235 and $281. This includes labor costs of $96–$123 and parts costs of $139–$166.
Honda Civic Window Regulator Replacement
To replace the window regulator in a Honda Civic, the cost averages between $260 and $460. This includes labor costs of $175–$222 and parts costs of $90–$240.
Chevrolet Silverado and Toyota Corolla Window Regulator Replacement
To replace the window regulator in a Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Camry, or Toyota Corolla, the cost averages between $270 and $369. This includes labor and parts.
Honda Accord Window Regulator Replacement
To replace the window regulator in a Honda Accord, the cost averages between $336 and $469. This includes labor costs of $167–211 and parts costs of $169–258.
Cost of Replacing a Window Regulator at Leading Garage Chains
We have gathered a few pricing quotes for your window regulator replacement. Please keep in mind that these prices will vary depending on your location and the make and model of your vehicle.
| Supplier | Window Regulator Cost |
| Midas | $100-$440 |
| Walmart | $20-$210 |
| Prep Boys | $95-$730 |
| Firestones | $90-$380 |
| Local Mechanic | $85-$870 |
| Mr. Tire | $161-$455 |
| NAPA | $130-$160 |
Should I drive the vehicle with a faulty window regulator?
You can drive a vehicle with a faulty window regulator; however, if the window is stuck in the open position, you should be cautious of the weather.
You should also consider the fact that your vehicle is not secure, so do not leave valuable items inside the vehicle. Also, if the window is loose, you may want to try to position it in place until you can replace the window regulator.
You should be able to complete this task by holding it in place with a strong grade of tape. This will possibly keep the window secure and keep it from falling down inside the door panel and shattering.
When Should I Have the Window Regulator Replaced?
If the window will not open or close properly or is making an abnormal noise, it is time to consider replacing or repairing the regulator.
You can hire a professional mechanic to complete this task, or you might be able to complete the project yourself to be more cost-efficient.
You can contact a local professional mechanic for a price estimate that will include parts and labor, or you can contact your local parts store for a window regulator part estimate so you can complete the project yourself and save labor costs.
Factors that Affect the Cost of a Window Regulator Replacement
When figuring out how much it will cost to fix or replace a window regulator, you should think about a few things.
Type of Window Regulator
One factor that can affect the cost of a window regulator is whether or not the vehicle has a manual or automatic window regulator system.
Automatic window regulators are newer and have more complicated parts, so fixing them will cost more.
Dismantling of the Door
A second thing that could affect how much it costs to replace a window regulator is the fact that the door must be taken apart.
Once the window regulator has been replaced, the door must be properly put back together. This task can take a few hours to complete.
Type of Problem
The problem with the window regulator is a third thing to think about when figuring out how much it will cost to fix or replace it.
The window regulator may only have a partial problem that would keep you from replacing the entire window regulator. Of course, this kind of repair would be less expensive than if the entire window regulator needed to be replaced.
Vehicle Make and Model
The cost of replacing a car also depends on what kind of car it is and what year it was made. The price of a luxury car goes up because it has expensive parts that need to be fixed by mechanics with more experience. In contrast, the components of affordable vehicles are relatively inexpensive, and pretty much every mechanic can get them replaced.
How Often Do Window Regulators Require Replacement?
Just like most vehicle parts, window regulators can become faulty over time and must be replaced. However, there is no recommended timeframe for window regulator replacement.
DIY Window Regulator Replacement
The parts you need to replace a window regulator aren’t too expensive, but it might be hard to do this job on your own. However, if you have the proper knowledge and tools, you should be able to complete this task in just a few hours. Window regulator parts are fairly easy to locate.
They can be found in most parts stores and are usually available online. It is best to begin by checking your vehicle’s manual before committing to this task. The manual will show you where the window regulator is located.
Steps for Replacing the Window Regulator
- Remove the switch panel.
- Test the motor connector.
- Remove the window.
- Replace the window regulator.
What Tools Are Required to Complete the Window Regulator Replacement?
- Socket set
- Screwdriver set
- Drill
- Vehicle manual
FAQs On Car Window Regulator Replacement Cost
How Can I Tell If My Regulator Is Faulty?
If the windows of a car malfunction while they are moved up or down with a regulator, or the windows make an unusual noise while doing so, there is likely a problem with the car window regulator or underlying motor.
How long does it take to repair a window regulator?
Based on the car’s problem, it can take between an hour and four hours to fix the broken window regulator.
How much does it cost to fix a car window mechanism?
It depends on what part of the car window mechanism isn’t working right. If the regulator is responsible, it can be replaced, costing about $4,00 on average. However, the overall cost can increase significantly if the underlying motor is damaged.
How do I know if I need a new window regulator or motor?
If the motor is damaged, the window typically stops responding to the regulator. But if the regulator is broken, the motor won’t always respond the way you want it to. It means sometimes the window will respond correctly, while at others it will behave erratically.
How does a car window regulator break?
A problem with the cable, which is part of the pulley system that moves the window up and down, is a common reason why the regulator breaks. It can be worn out over time and lead to the failure of the entire system.
Car Window Regulator Replacement Cost: Final Words
You may decide that your vehicle is not worth putting money into to replace the window regulator. If you feel that your car is not worth making repairs, or if you decide that you would prefer to invest in a different vehicle, you will want to determine the best option for selling or trading in your vehicle.
You can do this by checking with your local dealerships. You might determine that it is in your best interest to repair the window regulator before you sell the vehicle or trade it in for another.
You may even continue driving the vehicle with a faulty window regulator. However, remember to be weather-aware if you choose to do so. Also, keep in mind that the vehicle will not be able to offer a safe and secure environment for your valuables.
With the pricing options and information given, you should be able to make the best choice for your car and your wallet.