Are Chevrolets Expensive to Maintain?
February 12, 2023

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If you own a Chevy car or are considering getting one, you will be wondering what the maintenance feels like. But are Chevys expensive to maintain?
Chevy is the most affordable brand for selling large vehicles in the US. Chevrolets are not considered luxury cars and are relatively cheap to maintain compared to the average vehicle.
The average annual repair cost for a Chevrolet car is around $649, which is roughly the same as the average for all car brands.
You should consider the costs of maintaining your vehicle when making a purchase. Some cars are more expensive to maintain yearly. Having the proper maintenance can help keep your car running smoothly.
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Are Chevrolets Expensive to Maintain?
Yes, Chevrolets are shockingly expensive to maintain. The annual repair cost for a Chevrolet is estimated to be around $649, which is higher than the average vehicle ownership cost, and it has a 15% chance of experiencing severe problems.
Since Chevrolets have typically filed the most claims with insurance companies, you are more likely to have to spend a lot of money on repairs and maintenance.
In 2020, the Chevrolet Cobalt was named one of the most expensive vehicles to maintain by Yahoo News.
Even though its base price is only around $16,000, they estimated that its annual maintenance costs for ten years could reach over $14,500, which would almost cover the cost of a new car. Another Chevrolet model, the Impala, made a list for $11,500.
Common Chevrolet Problems
Multiple Chevrolet models are known for a long list of problems.
The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado has issues with its engine and transmission, which could cost around $3,500 to fix.
Other problems across Chevrolet models include the 4WD transfer case position sensor and the selector switch failing. Issues related to this issue can make it difficult to shift between gears, which can lead to engine damage.
The issue with the transfer case can also cause problems with staying in 4WD, not engaging, or even wholly disengaging from the vehicle. If you're still driving with a failing transfer case, it can affect the drive shafts, your transmission, and your vehicle's axle.
Another issue that can affect the performance of the Chevrolet Silverado is the issue with its fuel level sensor.
Some mechanics recommend replacing the entire fuel pump module on higher-mileage models which could cost you around $1,000.
Maintenance Costs for Different Chevrolet Models
Chevrolet Spark
Over ten years, the cost of repairs and maintenance for the Chevrolet Spark is estimated to be around $6,000; almost 37% of the vehicle's sticker price.
Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax has an annual maintenance cost of $859.50, which equates to $8595 over ten years of ownership. This is around 32% of the total purchase price.
Chevrolet Malibu
Over the course of the first 10 years, a Chevrolet Malibu will cost about $6,460 for maintenance and repairs.
Are Chevrolets Reliable?
It seems Chevrolets are not very reliable, with a RepairPal reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5. This makes it 20 on the list of 32 car brands, which is not great.
The average visit to a repair shop for unscheduled repairs is about 0.4 times a year. However, only 15% of these are considered severe, which is still higher than most cars.
Chevy Spare Parts Price
Oil Change
An oil change on a Chevy typically costs around $97 to $153.
Filters
Replacing the fuel filter on a Chevy will typically cost around $55 to $133.
The cost of replacing a cabin air filter on a Chevrolet is around $60 to $80.
Tire Rotation and Replacement
Depending on the make and model of your Chevy, the cost of replacing a set of tires will typically range from around $120 to $650.
For large SUVs and the Chevy Silverado, replacing tires can be as high as $680.
Timing Belt/Chain
Replacing the timing belt on a Chevy will be around $366 to $1,000. The cost of replacing the chain will be about $801.
Headlight Bulbs
Chevy cars typically cost around $49 to $163 to replace a set of headlights, while replacing a set of bulbs generally is around $100 to $150.
Brake Pads
The cost of replacing brake pads on a Chevy typically ranges from $212 to $338 per axle.
Battery
The average cost of replacing a Chevy battery is around $100 to $250.
Cars like the Chevy Silverado and Suburban carry larger batteries, which typically set you back around the $250 mark.
Spark Plugs
The cost of replacing a set of spark plugs on a Chevy is typically around $122 to $328.
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