Car Headliner Repair Cost Guide (2026)

A car headliner keeps your vehicle’s interior looking neat while providing insulation and noise reduction. Typical car headliner repair costs range from £50 to £600.

But like any car part, over time, wear or water damage can make repairs necessary. No one wants to drive with a sagging car headliner!

Knowing typical costs, repair options, and preventive tips helps you plan and avoid bigger bills. Scroll down to find out more before you book your repair.

How much does a car headliner repair cost?

Car headliner repair costs can vary dramatically between £50 and £600+.

Minor headliner repairs, such as fixing sagging fabric or small tears, typically cost between £50 and £150. 

On the other end, more extensive work, including full replacement or complex fabric repairs, can range from £200 to £600+. These prices all depend on vehicle type, roof size, and your local labour rates.

Here are some general 2026 estimates:

You can use car repair finance to split the final fee into interest-free repayments, no matter whether your car has minor sagging or requires a completely new headliner. 

How much does it cost to replace a car roof lining?

The terms “headliner” and “roof lining” are often used interchangeably, but technically, the headliner refers to the fabric and foam assembly, while the roof lining is the complete interior panel that covers the car’s roof. 

Replacing a roof lining fully is generally more expensive than small repairs. For standard vehicles, costs are typically £200 to £400, while luxury or larger cars can see prices upwards of £500 to £700. 

Factors such as integrated electronics, sunroofs, complex designs, or panoramic roofs can add to the bill.

What is a headliner in car repair?

A car headliner is the material that covers the interior roof of your vehicle. It usually consists of a foam backing attached to a fabric layer. Besides improving the interior style, it also helps with insulation and soundproofing.

Reasons a car headliner fails

Headliners can sag, tear, or detach due to several reasons, some of which are more common than others! 

Here are the main ones to be aware of:

• Age and wear – Foam adhesives break down over time.
• Heat and humidity – Sun exposure or damp conditions weaken the headliner adhesive.
• Water leaks – Roof leaks or blocked sunroofs can cause fabric to detach.
• Poor previous repairs – Low-quality adhesives or incorrect installation can shorten lifespan.

Signs of a bad car headliner

If your headliner needs a repair, you’ll usually be able to see it pretty clearly. 

Here’s what to look for whenever you inspect your car or are next cleaning your interior:

• Sagging fabric hanging down from the roof
• Bubbling or wrinkling in the lining
• Visible stains from water leaks
• Strange odours caused by trapped moisture

Can a drooping headliner be fixed?

Yes! You don’t need to write your car off or completely scrap the liner. Small sagging areas can often be glued back into place using specialist adhesive sprays. 

In contrast, larger sections or complete detachment usually require a full replacement for a lasting solution. These are usually more obvious problems.

How to remove a headliner from a car

If you’ve noticed that your headliner looks a little off, and you have experience working on cars, the first step is to remove it. 

1. Disconnecting electrical components like lights and sunroof switches
2. Removing trim pieces around windows and roof edges
3. Carefully taking out the old headliner board
4. Replacing the fabric and foam before reinstalling
5. Allow to dry if needed

Note: This is not advised if you’ve never done it before. Save the fun for your mechanic!

Can you replace a headliner without removing it?

In some cases, minor repairs or fabric overlays can be applied without removing the board. 

However, this is usually a temporary solution and may not look seamless. It may also not keep your car properly soundproof, and might make me more prone to leaks if it rains.

For full longevity and a more finished look, professional removal and full replacement are ideal.

What materials are best for car headliner repair?

Your garage or dealership can advise on the best materials for your car.

It will usually be one of these three common headliner materials:

• Fabric with foam backing – Standard and cost-effective
• Alcantara or suede – Premium look and soft touch, usually for luxury vehicles
• Vinyl – Durable and water-resistant, often used in commercial vehicles

Why is headliner repair so expensive?

With car headline repairs, labour is the main cost driver, as removing and reinstalling a headliner is time-consuming. 

Material costs, especially for premium fabrics, also contribute to the fee. However, the most expensive factor behind some of these repairs is integrated electronics or sunroofs, as these require specialist attention.

How to prevent future headliner damage

Like with most car repairs, you can’t prevent 100% of issues. Unfortunately, accidents happen and some car parts break down with wear and time.

You can lengthen the life of your car's headliner through the following tips:

• Park in shaded areas to reduce heat exposure
• Keep the interior dry to prevent moisture damage
• Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals
• Inspect roof seals regularly for leaks

Last words

Car headliner repairs are often unavoidable as vehicles age, but early attention can prevent small sagging from turning into a full replacement. 

Make sure to stay on top of regular maintenance and prompt repairs to keep your interior looking good and feeling fresh.

Split the cost with Bumper 

Refresh the inside of your car today. A car repair loan can split the cost into interest-free repayments.

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers