Car repair costs: the 2026 price list

By the Car Repair Atlas editorial teamUpdated October 2026How we research prices

This price list brings together the typical cost of more than 70 car repairs, with links to detailed guides that break out parts and labor. Use it to budget, or to check whether a mechanic’s estimate is in the normal range.

Typical yearly cost

$400 – $1,200maintenance and repairs per year

$1,656$400$1,200

Most carsAAA new-car average with tires

Most cars cost $400 to $1,200 a year to maintain and repair. AAA estimates about $1,656 a year for maintenance, repairs and tires on a new car driven 15,000 miles.

Engine repairs

Engine repairs
Repair	Typical cost
Head gasket replacement	$2,572–$3,386
Timing belt replacement	$918–$1,338
Timing chain replacement	$2,120–$2,764
Engine replacement	$2,000–$10,000
Engine rebuild	$2,500–$4,000
Water pump replacement	$891–$1,135
Engine (motor) mount replacement	$643–$798
Valve cover gasket replacement	$375–$514
Oil pan gasket replacement	$583–$798
Spark plug replacement	$288–$399
Ignition coil replacement	$238–$320
Turbo replacement	$2,631–$3,261

Transmission and drivetrain

Transmission and drivetrain
Repair	Typical cost
Transmission replacement	$6,238–$6,764
Transmission rebuild	$2,000–$3,500
Transmission repair	$119–$855
Transmission fluid change	$294–$356
Clutch replacement	$1,630–$2,047
CV axle replacement	$1,283–$1,381

Brakes

Brakes
Repair	Typical cost
Brake job (pads and rotors)	$250–$500
Brake pad replacement	$335–$394
Brake rotor replacement	$574–$698
Brake caliper replacement	$898–$968
Master cylinder replacement	$656–$796
Brake shoe replacement	$314–$397

Battery, starting and electrical

Battery, starting and electrical
Repair	Typical cost
Alternator replacement	$809–$1,088
Starter replacement	$565–$796
Car battery replacement	$456–$493
Hybrid battery replacement	$4,856–$5,053
EV battery replacement	$5,000–$20,000
Crankshaft sensor replacement	$230–$335
Camshaft sensor replacement	$224–$326
Check engine light diagnostic	$125–$183
Window regulator replacement	$421–$566

AC, heating and cooling

AC, heating and cooling
Repair	Typical cost
Car AC repair	$285–$988
AC compressor replacement	$1,081–$1,463
AC recharge	$285–$369
AC condenser replacement	$841–$988
AC evaporator replacement	$1,351–$1,891
Blower motor replacement	$383–$435
Radiator replacement	$1,368–$1,550
Thermostat replacement	$616–$716
Coolant flush / change	$440–$512
Heater core replacement	$1,375–$1,912

Suspension and steering

Suspension and steering
Repair	Typical cost
Shocks and struts	$1,144–$1,348
Wheel alignment	$186–$273
Tie rod replacement	$258–$300
Wheel bearing replacement	$346–$504
Ball joint replacement	$307–$452
Control arm replacement	$791–$909
Power steering pump replacement	$841–$940
Rack and pinion replacement	$2,307–$2,572

Fuel, exhaust and emissions

Fuel, exhaust and emissions
Repair	Typical cost
Catalytic converter replacement	$2,280–$2,480
Fuel pump replacement	$1,344–$1,513
Fuel filter replacement	$258–$322
O2 sensor replacement	$440–$523
Muffler replacement	$1,138–$1,190
Exhaust manifold gasket replacement	$417–$596

Maintenance and tires

Maintenance and tires
Repair	Typical cost
Oil change	$160–$188
Car maintenance per year	$428–$968
Serpentine belt replacement	$154–$212
Tire rotation	$49–$72
New tires	$548–$748
Tire pressure sensor replacement	$240–$299
Mechanic labor rates	$120–$159

Body, paint and glass

Body, paint and glass
Repair	Typical cost
Windshield replacement	$250–$1,500
Windshield chip repair	$60–$100
Car paint job	$1,000–$4,500
Car scratch repair	$150–$300
Dent repair (PDR)	$100–$500
Hail damage repair	$150–$500
Bumper repair or replacement	$300–$1,000

Labor rates

Most shops charge about $120 to $159 an hour, and dealers often charge 25% or more above independent shops. See Mechanic labor rates per hour.

How to get a fair estimate

Ask for a written estimate that lists parts, labor hours and the shop’s hourly rate before any work starts.
Ask whether the quote uses OEM, aftermarket or remanufactured parts, and what warranty comes with the parts and the labor.
Get a second quote for any repair over a few hundred dollars. Independent shops often charge less per hour than dealers.
Ask the shop to show you the old part or the reading that proves it failed, and to call you before doing extra work.
Check for recalls and warranty coverage first: many powertrain, emissions and hybrid parts carry longer factory warranties.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average cost of a car repair?

Most single repairs cost a few hundred dollars. Common jobs like brake pads, sensors and belts cost $150 to $500; alternators, starters and water pumps $565 to $1,135; and major repairs like head gaskets and transmissions $2,500 to $6,800 or more.

How much should I budget for car repairs per year?

About $400 to $1,200 a year for maintenance and repairs, depending on the car's brand and age.

Sources

Prices are national averages and typical ranges from published cost data. Your price depends on your vehicle, location, parts and shop, so get a written estimate. Car Repair Atlas is not a repair shop; read our disclaimer.