The cost to replace a new car windshield typically ranges from $250 to $1,500, with the national average falling between $400 and $600. The final price is highly dependent on your vehicle's make, model, and year, as well as the type of glass and features required. For most standard sedans, you can expect to pay on the lower end of the scale, while luxury vehicles or those with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) will be significantly more expensive.
Several key factors directly influence the cost:
- Vehicle Make and Model: Windshields for common cars like a Honda Civic or Toyota Camry are mass-produced and cheaper. Luxury brands like BMW or Mercedes-Benz, or rare models, require more expensive, often OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), glass.
- Glass Type: There are two main choices. OEM glass is made by the vehicle's manufacturer and is the most expensive option. Aftermarket glass is produced by third-party companies and is a more affordable, though sometimes slightly different, alternative.
- Advanced Features: Modern windshields are often more than just glass. If yours has features like a rain sensor, embedded heating elements for defrosting, a special acoustic layer to reduce road noise, or a camera bracket for ADAS (which requires precise calibration after installation), the cost will increase substantially.
- Labor and Calibration: The physical installation is one part. If your car has an ADAS, the camera behind the windshield must be recalibrated to ensure safety systems like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping work correctly. This process requires specialized equipment and adds $100 to $400 to the total bill.
Here's a quick reference table for estimated costs across different vehicle types:
| Vehicle Type | Example Models | Estimated Windshield Cost Range (Parts & Labor) | Key Cost Factors |
|---|
| Economy Sedan | Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla | $250 - $500 | High availability of aftermarket glass; typically no complex ADAS. |
| Standard SUV | Ford Explorer, Honda CR-V | $350 - $750 | Larger glass surface area; may include basic sensors. |
| Luxury Vehicle | BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class | $800 - $1,500+ | OEM glass required; often includes acoustic layer and complex ADAS calibration. |
| Pickup Truck | Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado | $400 - $900 | Large, often complexly shaped glass; some models have top-mounted cameras. |
Always check with your auto insurance policy, as comprehensive coverage often includes windshield repair or replacement with little to no out-of-pocket cost, depending on your deductible.
