# What does it cost to fix?

Typical 2026 US prices at an independent shop, with parts, labor and the dealer price on each page.

## 53 common repairs

| Repair | Independent shop | Dealer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [AC compressor replacement](/cost/ac-compressor-replacement) | $900-$2,000 | $1,400-$3,000 |
| [AC recharge](/cost/ac-recharge) | $150-$500 | $200-$700 |
| [Alternator replacement](/cost/alternator-replacement) | $450-$1,100 | $800-$1,600 |
| [Ball joint replacement](/cost/ball-joint-replacement) | $200-$650 per joint | $350-$900 |
| [Blower motor replacement](/cost/blower-motor-replacement) | $180-$500 | $300-$750 |
| [Brake caliper replacement](/cost/brake-caliper-replacement) | $220-$550 per caliper | $400-$900 |
| [Brake fluid change](/cost/brake-fluid-change) | $100-$220 | $150-$280 |
| [Brake pad replacement](/cost/brake-pad-replacement) | $150-$400 per axle | $250-$500 |
| [Brake rotor replacement](/cost/brake-rotor-replacement) | $300-$800 per axle (rotors and pads) | $500-$1,100 |
| [Camshaft position sensor replacement](/cost/camshaft-position-sensor-replacement) | $120-$350 per sensor | $200-$500 |
| [Car battery replacement](/cost/car-battery-replacement) | $150-$450 | $250-$550 |
| [Catalytic converter replacement](/cost/catalytic-converter-replacement) | $1,000-$3,000 | $1,800-$4,000 |
| [Clutch replacement](/cost/clutch-replacement) | $1,000-$2,500 | $1,500-$3,500 |
| [Control arm replacement](/cost/control-arm-replacement) | $300-$850 per arm | $500-$1,200 |
| [Coolant flush](/cost/coolant-flush) | $110-$260 | $180-$400 |
| [Crankshaft position sensor replacement](/cost/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) | $150-$500 | $250-$750 |
| [CV axle replacement](/cost/cv-axle-replacement) | $250-$700 per axle | $500-$1,100 |
| [EGR valve replacement](/cost/egr-valve-replacement) | $250-$850 | $450-$1,200 |
| [Engine replacement](/cost/engine-replacement) | $4,000-$12,000 | $7,000-$16,000 |
| [EVAP purge valve replacement](/cost/evap-purge-valve-replacement) | $120-$350 | $250-$500 |
| [Exhaust manifold gasket replacement](/cost/exhaust-manifold-gasket-replacement) | $300-$1,300 | $500-$1,900 |
| [Fuel injector replacement](/cost/fuel-injector-replacement) | $300-$1,500 | $500-$2,200 |
| [Fuel pump replacement](/cost/fuel-pump-replacement) | $450-$1,300 | $800-$1,800 |
| [Head gasket replacement](/cost/head-gasket-replacement) | $1,400-$3,000 | $2,200-$4,000 |
| [Headlight bulb replacement](/cost/headlight-bulb-replacement) | $30-$300 per bulb | $60-$450 |
| [Heater core replacement](/cost/heater-core-replacement) | $750-$2,000 | $1,200-$3,000 |
| [Ignition coil replacement](/cost/ignition-coil-replacement) | $150-$400 for one coil | $250-$550 |
| [Knock sensor replacement](/cost/knock-sensor-replacement) | $180-$950 | $300-$1,400 |
| [Mass air flow sensor replacement](/cost/mass-air-flow-sensor-replacement) | $150-$450 | $300-$650 |
| [Muffler replacement](/cost/muffler-replacement) | $200-$600 | $400-$1,200 |
| [Oil change](/cost/oil-change) | $45-$150 | $70-$180 |
| [Oxygen sensor replacement](/cost/oxygen-sensor-replacement) | $150-$450 per sensor | $300-$600 |
| [Power steering pump replacement](/cost/power-steering-pump-replacement) | $400-$900 | $600-$1,300 |
| [Rack and pinion replacement](/cost/rack-and-pinion-replacement) | $1,000-$2,500 | $1,600-$3,500 |
| [Radiator hose replacement](/cost/radiator-hose-replacement) | $150-$450 per hose | $250-$650 |
| [Radiator replacement](/cost/radiator-replacement) | $500-$1,200 | $900-$1,800 |
| [Serpentine belt replacement](/cost/serpentine-belt-replacement) | $100-$250 | $150-$350 |
| [Shocks and struts replacement](/cost/shocks-and-struts-replacement) | $350-$1,100 per axle | $600-$1,800 |
| [Spark plug replacement](/cost/spark-plug-replacement) | $120-$450 | $200-$650 |
| [Starter replacement](/cost/starter-replacement) | $350-$900 | $600-$1,300 |
| [Thermostat replacement](/cost/thermostat-replacement) | $150-$450 | $250-$600 |
| [Tie rod replacement](/cost/tie-rod-replacement) | $180-$400 per side | $280-$600 |
| [Timing belt replacement](/cost/timing-belt-replacement) | $500-$1,300 | $800-$1,800 |
| [Timing chain replacement](/cost/timing-chain-replacement) | $1,200-$3,500 | $2,000-$4,500 |
| [Tire rotation](/cost/tire-rotation) | $25-$60 | $40-$90 |
| [TPMS sensor replacement](/cost/tpms-sensor-replacement) | $90-$250 per sensor | $150-$350 |
| [Transmission fluid change](/cost/transmission-fluid-change) | $120-$350 | $200-$500 |
| [Transmission replacement](/cost/transmission-replacement) | $2,500-$7,000 | $4,000-$9,000 |
| [Valve cover gasket replacement](/cost/valve-cover-gasket-replacement) | $200-$800 | $350-$1,200 |
| [Water pump replacement](/cost/water-pump-replacement) | $400-$1,200 | $700-$1,800 |
| [Wheel alignment](/cost/wheel-alignment) | $100-$250 | $150-$300 |
| [Wheel bearing replacement](/cost/wheel-bearing-replacement) | $250-$700 per wheel | $400-$1,000 |
| [Window regulator replacement](/cost/window-regulator-replacement) | $220-$600 per door | $400-$900 |

## How we price repairs

Ranges combine typical parts prices (aftermarket to OEM) with labor at $110-$190 an hour, the usual 2026 US independent-shop rate, using standard labor-time estimates. Dealer prices use higher labor rates and OEM parts. [More on our methods](/sources).

## Frequently asked questions

### Why are dealer repairs more expensive?

Dealers usually charge a higher hourly labor rate and fit original-equipment (OEM) parts. For cars out of warranty, a good independent shop with ASE-certified technicians is often 20-40% cheaper for the same job.

### Should I get a second quote?

Yes, for any repair over a few hundred dollars. Ask each shop for a written estimate that splits parts and labor, so you can compare like for like.

### Is the diagnostic fee included in the repair price?

Usually not. Many shops charge a diagnostic fee of about $100-$200, and some credit it against the repair if you have them do the work. Ask before you agree.

## How long parts last

- [How long do alternators last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/alternator): 7-10 years
- [How long do brake pads last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/brake-pads): 30,000-70,000 miles
- [How long do brake rotors last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/brake-rotors): 30,000-70,000 miles
- [How long do car batteries last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/car-battery): 3-5 years
- [How long do catalytic converters last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/catalytic-converter): 10 years or more
- [How long does a fuel pump last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/fuel-pump): 100,000+ miles
- [How long do hybrid batteries last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/hybrid-battery): 8-15 years
- [How long do oxygen sensors last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/oxygen-sensor): 60,000-100,000+ miles
- [How long does a serpentine belt last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/serpentine-belt): 60,000-100,000 miles
- [How long do shocks and struts last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/shocks-and-struts): 50,000-100,000 miles
- [How long does a car starter last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/starter): 100,000-150,000 miles
- [How long does a timing belt last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/timing-belt): 60,000-100,000 miles
- [How long do tires last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/tires): 40,000-60,000 miles
- [How long do transmissions last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/transmission): 150,000-200,000 miles
- [How long does a water pump last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/water-pump): 60,000-100,000 miles
- [How long do wiper blades last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/wiper-blades): 6-12 months

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/cost
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.