If your car’s ceiling is sagging or showing wrinkles, you’re probably wondering what headliner replacement cost looks like in 2026 and if a quick fix will actually last. We work on headliners every week, and pricing usually comes down to the vehicle, the material, and how the job is handled.
Below, we break down cost ranges, why some headliner repair attempts fail, and how to choose between DIY and a local upholstery shop without paying twice.
What Drives the Cost of a Headliner Replacement
A fair estimate starts with a few basics. We look at the vehicle, the headliner board, the fabric choice, and any extra features that add labor time.
Vehicle Size and Complexity
Small coupes and sedans are simpler to work on. Large SUVs, vans, and wagons have longer roof spans, more trim to remove, and tighter corners. European models can run higher because clips and trim pieces are fragile or specialty parts, and adding a panoramic sunroof or third row pushes labor up.
Typical effects by vehicle type:
- Compact car: Least material, shorter labor
- Mid-size sedan: Moderate time, common parts
- Large SUV/minivan: Extra fabric, more panels, larger board removal
- Luxury models: Delicate trim, curtain airbags, and more time to protect the car’s interior
Material Options and Quality
The fabric you pick matters. Most factory headliners use foam-backed headliner fabric, and over time the foam backing breaks down into powder, which causes sagging. Reusing an old headliner or relying on spray glue over failing foam rarely lasts, which is why proper headliner replacement starts with new material.
Material choices that affect price and durability:
- Standard foam-backed cloth: Budget-friendly, OEM look, wide color range
- Premium foam-backed or suede-style: Higher cost, richer appearance, more delicate installation
- Vinyl or non-foam fabrics: Can work in utility vehicles but may show seams or reduce sound absorption
If you’re unsure how different fabrics compare, choosing the right headliner fabric can make the difference between a one-time fix and a redo.
Labor Time and Local Rates
Headliner replacement is hands-on work. The job includes removing trim, dropping the board, stripping old foam, applying new fabric, and reinstalling everything cleanly. Most jobs take 2–6 hours depending on the vehicle, and local upholstery shop rates vary by region, with rural shops often lower and large cities higher.
You’re paying for careful removal and clean rewrapping so the headliner doesn’t sag again after installation.
Extras: Sunroofs, Airbags, and Trim
Add-ons increase both time and risk during headliner repair:
- Sunroof or panoramic roof: More cutouts, switches, and drains to work around.
- Curtain airbags: Extra care around A, B, and C pillars, sometimes with more disassembly.
- Brittle trim and clips: Older vehicles may need replacement clips or visor mounts, adding small parts cost.
Headliner material is different from automotive upholstery fabric options used on seats, door panels, or trim, which is why choosing fabric made specifically for the ceiling helps avoid wrinkles and premature failure.
Typical Price Ranges: DIY Versus Shop
These are broad ranges, and specific vehicles or trim levels can land outside them.
DIY Materials and Tools
If you’re handy and have space to remove the headliner board, DIY can save money. Costs depend on the headliner fabric and adhesive you choose, and mistakes like wrinkles or overspray can add redo time.
Typical DIY expenses include:
- Foam-backed headliner fabric: $40–$120 for most cars
- High-temp adhesive spray: $20–$50 for 2–4 cans
- Scrapers, brushes, masking, new clips: $10–$30
- Replacement headliner kits or a new board: $150–$350+ (optional)
DIY totals usually land around $70–$220 for a rewrap only, or $200–$450+ if you use kits or replace the board. Using high-temperature upholstery adhesives instead of generic spray glue helps avoid sagging later.
Local Upholstery or Body Shop Pricing
For most vehicles without a sunroof, professional headliner replacement cost typically falls into these ranges:
- Compact or mid-size sedan: $250–$600
- Small SUV or hatchback: $300–$700
- Large SUV, minivan, or wagon: $350–$900
- With sunroof or panoramic roof: add $75–$250 depending on complexity
Shops usually roll material, labor, and supplies into one price. You also get fitment, color-matching help, and often a warranty against sagging from a local upholstery shop.
Dealer Service Cost Expectations
Dealers often quote higher, especially when they replace the entire headliner board as an assembly instead of rewrapping it.
- Typical dealer pricing: $500–$1,200+
- Luxury models or fragile trim: can exceed that range
If you’re comparing quotes, ask if the dealer plans to rewrap the existing board or install a full factory headliner assembly, since that choice heavily affects price.
Quick Fix or Full Replacement: Cost and Longevity
Not all fixes age the same. We see many quick repairs come back with repeat sagging once warm weather hits.
Sprays, Pins, and Patch Repairs
- Using spray glue over sagging fabric sticks cloth to crumbling foam. It can look fine for a short time, then releases because the old foam backing has already turned to dust. These quick fixes for a sagging headliner are best treated as temporary.
- Twist pins or upholstery tacks are cheap and fast. They can hold small areas in place but leave dimples and don’t stop the foam from failing across the rest of the ceiling.
- Spot patches work only on tiny corners and usually don’t blend well.
Cost: $5–$40.
Longevity: short, and repeat repairs often cost more later.
Rewrapping the Existing Board
This is the standard repair for most vehicles. The headliner board is removed, old foam is stripped off, and new foam-backed fabric is applied with high-temp adhesive. When done correctly, the finish matches the factory look and avoids wrinkles.
Costs typically run $70–$220 DIY or $250–$900 at a shop, depending on the vehicle and features. Understanding custom headliner fabric and installation choices helps explain why proper prep matters for long-term success.
Replacing the Headliner Board
Sometimes the board itself is cracked, warped, or damaged by water leaks. In those cases, rewrapping won’t hold, and replacing the board becomes the better option to avoid repeat labor.
Expect an added $150–$500+ for a new or good used board on top of rewrap costs. This step is only needed when the original board can’t support new fabric.
Headliner Repair Cost Breakdown
|
Option |
Typical Cost |
What's Included |
Pros |
Cons |
|
DIY rewrap |
$70–$220 |
Fabric, adhesive, basic tools |
Lowest price, flexible timing |
Steep learning curve, risk of wrinkles, no labor warranty |
|
DIY kit/new board |
$200–$450+ |
Pre-cut kit or replacement board |
Easier install, cleaner look |
Higher parts cost, shipping, still no labor warranty |
|
Local upholstery shop |
$250–$900 |
Material, labor, fitting, warranty |
Pro finish, color match, faster |
Higher than DIY, schedule needed |
|
Dealer service |
$500–$1,200+ |
OEM parts/process, loaner sometimes |
One-stop, OEM parts |
Highest price, long lead times |
How to Get an Accurate Quote From a Shop
A clear quote starts with good information. A few photos and basic details can narrow the price range and avoid surprises.
Details to Share for a Precise Estimate
Sharing the right details helps a local upholstery shop understand the job before it starts:
- Year, make, model, and trim
- Sunroof or panoramic roof, including how many cutouts
- Airbags in the pillars or roof area
- Current condition of the car headliner, including sagging spots, stains, or signs of water leaks
- Color preference for the new fabric
- Broken visors, dome lights, or clips that may need replacement
Photos of the ceiling and the front and rear pillars help spot trim issues, board damage, or alignment problems early.
Smart Questions to Ask Before Booking
A few direct questions can clarify what you’re paying for and how the job will be handled:
- Do you rewrap the existing headliner board or do a full replacement?
- What material are you using: foam-backed cloth, suede-style fabric, or vinyl?
- What adhesive spray do you use, and is it rated for high heat?
- How long does the installation take, and will the vehicle need to stay all day?
- What warranty do you offer if the headliner sags again?
Knowing the upholstery tools commonly used for headliner replacement also helps explain why labor time and pricing vary between shops.
Red Flags That Predict Add-On Costs
Certain issues can push the final price higher once the job begins:
- Evidence of water leaks from the sunroof or windshield
- Cracked or brittle headliner board edges
- Missing or fragile trim clips that may break during removal
- Heavy foam dust buildup that requires a full strip and clean
Catching these early helps avoid last-minute changes after the work starts.
Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Quality
Cutting corners on materials is false savings. Focus on choices that reduce repeat work and keep the headliner in place longer.
Choose Durable Fabric and High-Temp Adhesive
Foam-backed headliner fabric paired with adhesive spray holds up better in summer heat. Generic spray glue often softens and releases, which leads to sagging. If you’re doing a DIY job, check the can’s temperature rating, since adhesive breakdown usually starts with heat.
A mid-grade fabric often balances price and durability better than the cheapest roll. Using replacement foam backing instead of reusing old foam helps avoid wrinkles and early failure once the headliner is installed.
Bundle Work and Compare Mobile vs In-Shop
If visors or A/B/C pillar trim need attention, bundling the work can lower labor costs. Mobile service is convenient but may add a fee, while in-shop work gives better control over dust, alignment, and cure time, which helps the final finish.
Leverage Timing, Warranties, and Coupons
Ask about open schedule gaps. Some shops offer small discounts to fill slower time slots. A written warranty against sagging is often worth the added cost, since it protects you from paying again if the headliner needs repair.
Timeline, Warranty, and Insurance Considerations
Beyond price, it helps to plan for time without the vehicle and understand what happens if issues show up later.
Turnaround Time and Scheduling
Most standard headliners take 2–4 hours to complete. Jobs with sunroof cutouts, large SUVs, or brittle trim may take longer, especially if extra prep is needed. Many shops ask for a half day so the adhesive can set and the vehicle can be checked for rattles or loose trim.
Warranty Coverage and What It Really Means
Many upholstery shops back their work for 6–24 months against sagging or adhesive failure. This usually covers labor if the fabric lifts under normal use but doesn’t include new damage from water leaks, pets, or cargo scraping the ceiling. Knowing how foam density and headliner backing affect longevity can help set realistic expectations for warranty coverage.
When Insurance May Help (And When It Won’t)
Insurance rarely pays for a worn or sagging headliner. It may apply when damage is tied to a covered incident, such as water intrusion from a collision, vandalism, smoke damage, or broken glass that soaked the car’s interior. For normal wear or foam breakdown, headliner replacement cost is typically paid out of pocket.
Choose a Headliner Replacement That Lasts
Headliner replacement cost comes down to three things: the vehicle, the materials, and the method. Quick fixes like spray glue over a sagging spot don’t last because the foam backing has already turned to dust. A proper rewrap of the headliner board using foam-backed fabric and a high-temp adhesive usually holds up and lands around $250–$900, or $70–$220 if you’re doing it yourself. Larger vehicles, sunroofs, and damaged boards can push the price higher.
If you’re calling around, share clear details, ask about materials and warranty, and weigh DIY savings against your time and the risk of redo drafts. With the right fabric, adhesive, and a solid board, you pay once and the car’s interior looks right again.
If you need materials or want to see options in person, you can visit Midwest Fabrics at 1226 Concord St S, South St Paul, MN, or shop online when it’s more convenient.
Car Headliner Replacement Cost FAQs
What is the average headliner replacement cost in 2025?
For most vehicles, headliner replacement cost ranges from $250–$900 at a local upholstery shop, with sunroof or panoramic roof cutouts adding $75–$250. Dealers often quote $500–$1,200+ when replacing the entire headliner assembly. DIY rewraps usually run $70–$220 in materials, or $200–$450+ when using replacement headliner kits or a new board.
What factors most affect headliner replacement cost?
Several factors drive price, including vehicle size, roof complexity, fabric choice, labor time, and local shop rates. Features like sunroofs, curtain airbags, brittle trim clips, and damaged headliner boards add time and parts. Larger SUVs, luxury vehicles, and models with delicate interior trim typically cost more.
Is DIY headliner replacement worth it compared to a shop?
DIY headliner replacement is the lowest-cost option at $70–$220 for fabric and adhesive, but it takes space, patience, and careful prep to avoid wrinkles or overspray. A professional shop costs more at $250–$900, but the headliner is replaced with proper fitment, color matching, high-temp adhesive, and often a 6–24 month warranty against sagging. For many vehicles, paying more upfront helps avoid redo work later.
How long does headliner replacement take, and what warranty should I expect?
Most headliner jobs take 2–4 hours. Larger vehicles, brittle trim, or sunroof cutouts can push the job to 4–6 hours. Many upholstery shops offer a written 6–24 month warranty covering sagging or adhesive failure, but not new water leaks, pet damage, or cargo scraping the ceiling.
Can I drive with a sagging headliner, and is it safe?
You can drive short-term, but a sagging car headliner can block rear visibility or become a distraction near mirrors and dome lights. Temporary pins or cheap fixes may hold briefly, but they leave dimples and don’t stop further sagging. A proper rewrap restores both safety and appearance.
How do I make a new headliner last longer and control cost over time?
Fix water leaks from sunroof drains or windshields early, avoid harsh cleaners, and keep windows closed during heavy humidity or storms. Using foam-backed fabric with a high-temp adhesive helps prevent future sagging. Simple care and proper materials reduce repeat repairs and long-term headliner replacement cost.