The cost to fix a car radio antenna can vary quite a bit depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the specific repair needed, and where you get the work done. In general, though, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $300+ for a car radio antenna repair job.
Some of the quick factors that affect the cost include:
- Make and model of vehicle – Luxury and newer vehicles often have more complex antenna systems that are more expensive to repair.
- Type of repair needed – A full antenna replacement will cost more than just reattaching a disconnected wire.
- Where you get the work done – Dealership service centers tend to charge more than independent mechanics.
In the sections below, we’ll go into more detail on the common antenna repairs, costs, and tips for saving money.
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Common Car Radio Antenna Repairs
Here are some of the most common car radio antenna repairs and their typical price ranges:
Replace Broken or Bent Antenna
If the mast portion of your antenna is bent, broken, or missing, a full replacement is needed. This involves removing the old antenna and installing a new one. Prices for a basic replacement antenna can range from $50 to $150 or more. The cost depends on the vehicle and antenna.
Tighten Loose Antenna
Over time, the antenna can loosen where it attaches to the fender or body of the vehicle. This repair involves accessing the antenna mount and tightening or reseating it. The average cost is $50 to $100.
Replace Antenna Motor or Mast
Power antennas have an electric motor that extends and retracts the mast. If the motor fails, the mast may stop working or get stuck. Replacing the antenna motor costs $125 to $225 on average.
Fix Broken Antenna Wire
Inside the vehicle, coaxial cable runs from the radio to the antenna. If this wire gets damaged, it can cause radio reception issues. Rewiring or splicing a broken antenna cable costs $60 to $120 typically.
Replace Radio if Antenna is Internal
Some radios have a fixed, internal antenna. If this type of antenna is damaged, the entire radio unit would need to be replaced at a cost of $200 to $500 or more.
Antenna Repair Cost Estimates by Vehicle
The make and model of vehicle influences antenna repair costs significantly. Here are some examples of typical price ranges for a basic power antenna replacement on some popular vehicles:
| Vehicle | Parts Cost | Labor Time | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | $125 | 1.5 hours | $200 – $275 |
| Toyota Camry | $95 | 1.2 hours | $170 – $240 |
| Honda Civic | $75 | 0.9 hours | $140 – $190 |
| Nissan Altima | $105 | 1.4 hours | $180 – $255 |
As you can see, luxury and truck models tend to have higher antenna repair costs compared to economy sedans.
Ways to Save Money on Antenna Repairs
While a broken antenna can be annoying, there are some ways to help minimize the repair costs:
- Shop around – Getting quotes from multiple mechanics or radio specialty shops can potentially save you 50% or more.
- Do it yourself – If you have some technical skill, buy a replacement antenna online and install it yourself.
- Ask about used parts – Some shops may be able to source quality used or refurbished antennas at discounted prices.
- Consider an unofficial part – Aftermarket or unofficial antennas can be much cheaper but may not match OEM specs.
Even with these cost saving tips, you’ll still likely have to pay at least $50 to $100 or more for an antenna repair. But in some cases, you may be able to cut the cost in half from the dealership estimate.
Is it Worth Fixing a Car Radio Antenna?
Given the repair costs, is it actually worth fixing your car’s antenna? For most vehicles, it is still worth repairing or replacing a damaged antenna to restore full radio functionality. But there are a few cases where you may want to just live with the issues or try an alternative:
- On an older, high mileage car where repairs exceed the vehicle’s value
- If you primarily listen to FM channels that come in fine without the antenna
- If you stream music over Bluetooth or aux input anyway
- If you can replace the radio cheaper than the antenna repair cost
Unless one of those exceptions applies, fixing or replacing a broken power antenna is advised to get your radio working properly again.
Conclusion
Having to get your car radio antenna repaired or replaced can be an annoying and expensive fix. But in most cases, restoring full radio functionality will be worth the repair investment. Getting quotes from multiple shops can help minimize the cost, with most jobs ranging from $50 to $300 depending on the vehicle and repair needed. With some makes and models, you can reduce the price significantly by sourcing unofficial or used replacement parts. While not an essential repair, a working antenna is still important for enjoying the radio and some safety communications in most vehicles.