Top 5 Most Expensive Car Repairs & How to Prevent Them

Written by: Jen Wagner
Last updated: September 15, 2021

Whether you drive a compact car, SUV, Truck, or luxury vehicle, the ultimate goal of any vehicle is to get you from point A to point B as quickly and safely as possible. To do so, a vehicle needs to be reliable, and experiencing an unexpected and costly breakdown is the last thing a car owner is expecting. And without a factory warranty or other protection plan in place to cover you from the cost of those repairs, you could be left paying out-of-pocket to get your vehicle back on the road.

To avoid unexpected repair bills like these, it’s essential to understand the types of breakdowns you can expect and how much they will cost. To help you get started, here is the list of the top five most expensive car repairs that you should prepare for:

Exploring the Most Expensive Repairs for Cars

Following your car’s factory-recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual/service booklet promotes preventative upkeep and is one way to avoid big-ticket repairs. Another is keeping a car maintenance log to stay organized and prevent unnecessary services.

Still, things happen, and at some point, you might face a repair that falls under the category of the “most expensive,” such as:

1. Transmission Replacement

One of the most essential parts of your car is its transmission. It’s what moves the power from the engine to the wheels. Some transmissions are automatic. Others, however, are manual (in stick-shift vehicles) and require extra steps for a driver to operate the automobile. In other words, the way a car’s transmission works directly depends on its transmission type. And if your transmission doesn’t work, then your vehicle will not move.

How can you prevent having to replace the transmission? First, change the transmission fluid when it gets dirty. If you aren’t sure, use your car maintenance log to track replacement dates and keep up with routine maintenance. If you ignore important due dates, you might find yourself needing a total replacement, which could cost you anywhere between $4,830 and $5,023.

2. Fuel Tank Replacement

A car’s fuel tank stores engine fuel and is usually mounted to the bottom rear of the vehicle. But because of its location, it is vulnerable to rust, debris, and corrosion. So when you start the car, and there’s corrosion, it will flush into the fuel delivery system. Therefore, replacing the filter and fuel tank in the fuel tank is crucial once your check engine lights come on and your mechanic determines it’s failing.

One way to prevent rust from building up is by keeping the underbody of your vehicle clean. Get a weekly car wash that includes the underbody and a rust prevention spray. To keep your car clean, investing a small amount of money could prevent you from paying $1,254–$1,402 to replace your fuel tank.

3. Clutch Replacement

Cars with manual transmissions have a clutch, which transfers power to the transmission from the engine, making the wheels turn. If your clutch fails, you might find it challenging to press on your pedal or switch gears. In other words, your engine will rev, but your car might not move. One of the easiest ways to prevent issues with your clutch is to be less rough on your vehicle when driving. For instance, don’t ride the clutch. Instead, rest your foot in it, or release it too soon. The average cost to replace the clutch falls between $1,202 and $1,375.

4. Fuel Pump Replacement

Your car’s fuel pump transports gas to the fuel injectors from the fuel tank. It keeps your engine running smoothly. Therefore, keeping your car fueled and preventing it from running out of gas can help to avoid problems. But if you start to hear a noise or notice a leak coming from the fuel pump, schedule an appointment to have your auto shop check it as soon as possible. On average, a fuel pump replacement will cost between $787 and $948.

5. Suspension System Replacement

Your car’s ability to drive smoothly without continually feeling the impact of the bumps on the street is due to its suspension system. Not only does it absorb the energy from various road bumps, but it helps your tires connect to the road for a safe and comfortable ride. Its main parts include the springs and the shockers or dampers.

To ensure your suspension system stays in good condition, avoid driving through potholes or other road obstructions. Also, keep up with your maintenance schedule and inspection dates by taking it to a certified mechanic. If you start to feel an increase in bumps while driving, do not ignore it.

You may need to replace your shocks or struts every 40,000 or 50,000 miles if you frequently drive on unpaved roads or towing heavy loads. But for most vehicles, you might not have any issues until you reach 75,000 to 90,000 miles pending you drive under normal conditions. Still, you can prevent wear by avoiding potholes and other objects on the road. On average, it can cost between $731 and $816 to replace a car’s shocks and struts.

Looking at Repair Prices for the Most Popular Cars in America

According to data collected and determined by Edmonds throughout 2020, 10 cars are the most popular in America. Let’s review four of those 10 top-selling vehicles and identify how much it might cost you to repair their most expensive parts:

RAM 1500 Replacement Costs

Toyota Camry Replacement Costs

Honda CR-V Replacement Costs

Ford F-150 Replacement Costs

Protecting Your Wallet From Pricey Repairs

While staying up-to-date on routine maintenance is essential in extending the life of your vehicle, so is having breakdown coverage.

Without a solid plan in place, you could be left with a costly repair bill when the unexpected occurs.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Talk to your dealer to find out if your factory warranty is still active. If it’s no longer under contract, research your options to find a vehicle service plan from one of the most highly rated extended warranty companies.

Remember, the best time to buy an extended car warranty is right before your coverage expires or when purchasing a used car. The right plan could save you a lot of money. To get started, visit our website to review our top warranty program picks for car owners.