17 Most Expensive Car Parts to Repair
Michael Collado is a car buying expert and has been a professional automotive writer since 2009. He’s written about dealership sales, vehicle reviews and comparisons, and service and maintenance for over 100 national automotive dealerships. Previously, Collado was a copywriter at the ad agency TBWA/Chiat/Day where he worked on brand campaigns for Nissan, ABC Television, Sony PlayStation, and Energizer. His recognition in the ad industry includes awards from Communication Arts and The Clios.
Collado has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Marketing.
Your vehicle is made up of thousands of parts, and some are drastically more expensive to repair.
We like to educate our readers on vehicle maintenance costs so they can make better-informed decisions about car buying or warranty options.
We’ll answer some questions about how to repair these parts and whether it may be better to replace the vehicle.
Table of Contents
- 17 Most Expensive Car Parts to Repair
- 1). Engine and Cylinders
- 2). Hybrid Car Battery
- 3). Transmission
- 4). Airbags
- 5). Engine Control Unit
- 6). Diesel Particulate Filter
- 7). Suspension
- 8). Camshaft
- 9). Head Gasket
- 10). Catalytic Converter
- 11). Fuel Pump
- 12). Brakeline
- 13). Infotainment Screen
- 14). Timing Belt
- 15). Air Conditioning Compressor
- 16). Fuel Injector
- 17). Water Pump
- Should I Repair or Sell?
- Will An Extended Warranty Cover Repairs?
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
17 Most Expensive Car Parts to Repair
Here is the list of the 17 most expensive car parts to repair, starting from the most expensive to the least expensive.
Note that the actual repair or replacement cost will vary according to the manufacture and the model
1). Engine and Cylinders
Average Cost - $10,000
It should come as no surprise that the engine and the cylinders are the most expensive part of any vehicle. After all, it is the heart of the driving component of any car, truck, SUV, or minivan.
2). Hybrid Car Battery
Average Cost - $6,000
If you drive a hybrid car, then you need to know about the repair and replacement cost of the battery. The battery is the second more expensive part of any hybrid car.
3). Transmission
Average Cost - $4,000 - $5,000
The transmission handles all the shifting duties of a vehicle. Therefore, it will experience lots of wear. Be sure to have your transmission regularly maintained to avoid unexpected repairs.
4). Airbags
Average Cost - $2,500 - $4,000
Airbags are life savers. Of course, this kind of safety does not come cheap. However, given their importance, they are always important to have in prime shape.
5). Engine Control Unit
Average Cost - $3,000
The engine control unit regulates the function of the engine. Therefore, it is one of the most important and one of the most expensive parts of a vehicle.
6). Diesel Particulate Filter
Average Cost - $3,000
If you drive a diesel-powered vehicle, then it will have a diesel particulate filter to prevent soot from entering the environment. Therefore, it needs to be properly maintained.
7). Suspension
Average Cost - $2,500 - $3,000
A poor suspension can affect ride quality and performance. Therefore, it is an important part of the vehicle.
8). Camshaft
Average Cost - $1,500 - $3,000
The camshaft handles the opening and the closing of the valves in an engine. Therefore, it plays an important role in overall performance.
9). Head Gasket
Average Cost - $2,000 - $2,500
The head gasket helps protect the engine from outside particles. Also, the head gasket keeps fuel inside of the engine.
10). Catalytic Converter
Average Cost - $1,500 - $2,000
The catalytic converter is responsible for changing harmful compounds into safe steam, which is then sent to the exhaust.
11). Fuel Pump
Average Cost - $1,000
The fuel pump regulates how much fuel is sent to the engine. This part has a lifespan of about 100,000 miles.
12). Brakeline
Average Cost - $500 - $750
The brake line handles the communication from the brake pedal to the brake pads.
13). Infotainment Screen
Average Cost - $500
The infotainment screen is located inside the vehicle and allows you to interface with the vehicle’s infotainment system.
14). Timing Belt
Average Cost - $500 - $750
The timing belt handles the timing of the camshaft, which regulates the opening and closing of the valves.
15). Air Conditioning Compressor
Average Cost - $500
The air conditioning compressor handles compressing the refrigerant to help cool down the system in hot and humid conditions.
16). Fuel Injector
Average Cost - $500
The fuel injector regulates the injection of fuel from the fuel pump into the engine.
17). Water Pump
Average Cost - $400
The water pump will send water around the engine to help prevent it from overheating.
Should I Repair or Sell?
If the cost of the repair exceeds the value of the vehicle, then it will make sense to sell. The good news is that several car-buying services will make you an instant offer. Sites such as CarBrain, Peddle, Carvana, and WeBuyAnyCar are great places to get started.
Will An Extended Warranty Cover Repairs?
Extended car warranties can cover repair costs after your original warranty has expired. Be sure to check out our page on the best-extended warranty companies to find the right coverage for your vehicle.
