The car stereo faceplate is the outer covering that gives the stereo a finished look. And an interface through which you operate the stereo.
Without it, the stereo will look unattractive or send a signal that your car doesn’t have one. Every vehicle has a unique stereo faceplate. But you may wonder why someone wants to interchange it.
Faceplates do get damaged, lost, or stolen. So you would need to change it to operate the stereo conveniently.
Sometimes, people steal the head unit and interchange it with another faceplate to look different. So the question is, are car stereo faceplates interchangeable?
Some car stereo faceplates are interchangeable. However, the faceplate must be compatible; otherwise, the functions may not work correctly. Therefore, it’s usually safer to buy an identical faceplate or replace the whole unit (not just the faceplate) as the cost can be similar anyway.
Are Car Stereo Faceplates Interchangeable?
Car stereo faceplates are interchangeable. But you must get one built for the car stereo’s head unit. Getting it, however, is somewhat challenging because of industry standards to eliminate stereo theft.
First, there is no standardized car stereo faceplate. This means not every faceplate will work on one’s model.
So you would need to contact either a manufacturer dealer or get an aftermarket faceplate built for your model. And you must provide proof that you own the stereo.
Secondly, say you have proof of ownership; getting a faceplate is expensive. You may likely spend up to 90% of the car stereo’s worth to get a replacement faceplate.
This approach will particularly discourage stereo theft. I mean, why would someone steal a head unit costing $45 and then buy a faceplate of $40 to cover it?
While many car stereos exist, there are brands known for offering quality and excellent sound. They include pioneer, Kenwood, JVC, Sony, and Alpine.
Will I get More Features if I Change my Faceplate?
You don’t get more features when you change a faceplate.
If this is the main reason you’re looking the change the faceplate, you should upgrade your whole stereo unit.
There are lots of cheap single DIN options available; many of these lower-end radios can cost less than $100 and have Bluetooth connectivity, among other features.
Interchangeable Faceplates by Brand:
Below are several brands which we’ll describe if they are or aren’t interchangeable.
Find out more.
Are Pioneer Faceplates Interchangeable?
Pioneers’ faceplates are interchangeable so long you get the one made for your model. A pioneer DEH-S1250 car stereo faceplate will likely not function properly on model DEH-S1250UB.
Pioneer faceplates are one of the most swapped aftermarket products. But issues with the backlight and functions not working often arise. Especially if it’s not built for your head unit.
To get an original Pioneer replacement, contact Pioneer if they have faceplates for your model. The popular brand is known for producing stereos with good sound, with each component properly engineered. This is why we picked Pioneer as our best single din head unit recommendation.
View a full list of other Japanese car stereo brands.
Are Kenwood Faceplates Interchangeable?
Kenwood faceplates are interchangeable. But just like other brands, you will need to switch between faceplates with these same models.
Kenwood is a king of vehicle entertainment. They produce everything that pertains to the car’s entertainment system, from the speakers to the DVD, GPS, etc. Kenwood will serve you.
Are JVC Faceplates Interchangeable?
Yes, JVC faceplates are interchangeable with even other JVC models. However, it is better if you interchange faceplates with JVC models that have the same head unit.
The problem with interchanging with other JVC models is, that many times, they will fit in, and play CDS, but other functions won’t work. The Japan-based company has a known reputation for producing quality equipment.
Are Sony Faceplates Interchangeable?
The Sony faceplates are interchangeable with the compatible head unit. While it may fit into other models with different head units, you may not use all functions. Sometimes, it plays music, but you can’t even switch songs or do other things.
Sony is one of the stereo brands you’ll find in many vehicles. They are known for producing products with cutting-edge technology.
Are Alpine Faceplates Interchangeable?
Alpine faceplates are interchangeable. However, it is best to swap them between models with the same head units. True! Faceplates from other models may fit in and will also play any CD you insert. But other functions may not work.
Alpine offers never-ending options of audio and video entertainment. And are known for keeping their customers entertained with the latest vehicle and sound system technology.
Honda, Dodge, and Jaguar are some vehicles that offer Alpine-manufactured stereos.
There are also several other brands we haven’t mentioned, but the premise is much the same. You can see a complete list of these other German and American car stereo brands here.
Conclusion
One concern to many who lost or damaged their stereo faceplates would be, are car stereo faceplates interchangeable? While faceplates are interchangeable, you must ensure you get the one designed for your model.
To get one, contact your manufacturer or dealer with proof of stereo ownership.
If none works, get a second-hand or aftermarket faceplate but be careful, so you don’t buy a stolen plate.
Lastly, replacement faceplates are expensive, so ensure the stereo is worth a new faceplate.
