Car repair statistics 2024
Owning a car has plenty of benefits but also carries significant responsibilities. Keeping a car in good shape requires allocating funds toward routine car maintenance, as well as unexpected repairs. If you’re wondering how much you should expect to spend on auto repairs, read on for detailed information about common vehicle problems, the rising costs of maintenance and car brands with the fewest repair-related issues.
In 2023, the average cost of motor vehicle maintenance and repair in the U.S. increased by 6.5%.
Jump to insightThe cost of an average auto repair varies depending on the type of service. Basic service generally runs between $95 and $237, while the cost of major service ranges from $296 to $474.
Jump to insightThe most common categories of auto repairs include issues with the electrical system, cooling system, engine and transmission, as well as fuel-related issues.
Jump to insightAccording to J.D. Power’s annual survey, the three car brands with the fewest service issues are Lexus, Toyota and Buick.
Jump to insightAuto repair statistics
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that auto repair costs are on the rise. In 2023, vehicle maintenance and repair costs rose by 6.5%. Inflation is one reason for these rising costs, though auto repair is hardly the only consumer cost that has gotten more expensive. Another reason is that car owners are holding on to their vehicles for longer. The average age of passenger vehicles and light trucks in the U.S. increased to 12.5 years in 2023. The cost of maintenance generally increases as a vehicle ages and more parts require replacement.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimated in 2023 that the average cost of vehicle maintenance and repair came to 9.83 cents for every mile driven. The Federal Highway Administration calculated that the average vehicle in the U.S. traveled 14,489 miles in 2022, meaning that maintenance costs over the course of a year came to approximately $1,424.
How much does the average auto repair cost?
The cost of an average auto repair depends heavily on the specific type of repair needed. An air filter replacement will likely cost around $60, while replacing an engine can be as much as $10,000. Your costs will also be impacted by where you choose to have your car serviced, so it’s always a good idea to find an auto repair service company you trust.
Consumer research company J.D. Power breaks down repair costs into three service types: basic, annual and major.
- Basic service: Includes simple procedures that can generally be completed relatively quickly, such as oil changes, filter replacements and minor inspections. Costs for these services range between $95 and $237 per visit.
- Annual service: Entails more in-depth inspections, brake repair and work on heating and cooling systems. The cost of such maintenance generally runs between $157 and $355.
- Major service: Involves more comprehensive inspections and maintenance — this type of service is typically only required every other year. Work may include inspecting a car’s transmission and wiring systems, testing spark plugs and fuel lines, and replacing any parts that show signs of wear. Costs for major service to a vehicle can range from $296 to $474.
What factors affect service costs?
While it’s certainly useful to know the average cost of repairs, those numbers may overstate or understate your typical costs. In part, that’s because there are a lot of variables in auto repair costs — from the type of car being serviced and the age of the vehicle to your typical driving conditions. Below are a few of the factors that most impact vehicle service costs.
What are the most common auto repairs?
The following table shows the five most common types of car repairs performed between 2010 and 2019 at AAA-affiliated auto repair shops.
Are cars getting more expensive to repair?
The consumer price index (CPI) shows that costs for motor vehicle maintenance and repair have consistently risen in the 2020s, with a particularly sharp increase since mid-2022. Since the beginning of 2022 to June 2024, repair costs have increased nearly 25%.
Which car brands have the least repair problems?
Given the rising costs of vehicle maintenance, choosing a car that tends to have fewer issues than others is a priority for many consumers. Every year, J.D. Power surveys car owners to put together a list of the most reliable car brands. In 2024, the survey cited Lexus, Toyota and Buick as the three car brands with vehicles for which there were significantly fewer problems than others.
According to the J.D. Power survey, the average number of problems per 100 vehicles was 190, meaning that only the 11 brands listed in the table above came in as average or better.
FAQ
What is considered a major repair on a vehicle?
A major repair on a vehicle includes the rebuilding or repair of an engine or transmission, the repair of internal components, and work on the frame or body of a car.
What makes a car not worth fixing?
Insurers will not cover the costs of repairing a car if those repairs cost more than the cash value of the car. Generally, if the cost of repairing a car is more than half the value of a vehicle, it may be time to replace the vehicle rather than repair it.
What are the most expensive car repairs?
The most expensive car repairs are engine or transmission replacements. These jobs can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $10,000.
References
- “J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.” J.D. Power. Evaluated July 5, 2024.Link Here
- “Think something might be wrong with your car? Know the symptoms of the 5 most common kinds of problems.” American Automobile Association (AAA). Evaluated July 6, 2024.Link Here
- “Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair in U.S. City Average.” Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Evaluated July 6, 2024.Link Here
- Hawley, D. “How Much Does It Cost To Get Your Car Serviced?” J.D. Power. Evaluated July 5, 2024.Link Here
- “Average Age of Automobiles and Trucks in Operation in the United States.” U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Evaluated July 7, 2024.Link Here
- “Your Driving Costs - 2023.” American Automobile Association (AAA). Evaluated July 7, 2024.Link Here
- “Summary of Travel Trends: 2022 National Household Travel Survey.” U.S. Department of Transportation. Evaluated July 7, 2024.Link Here
- “What does major vehicle repair mean?” City of Woodland, California. Evaluated July 7, 2024.Link Here
- “Determining your car’s value and cost of repair.” Insurance Information Institute. Evaluated July 7, 2024.Link Here
- “At What Point Does Car Maintenance Become More Expensive Than It’s Worth?” United Financial Credit Union. Evaluated July 7, 2024.Link Here
- Hill, M. “The Facts About Car Repair and Maintenance Costs.” American Automobile Association (AAA). Evaluated July 7, 2024.Link Here
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