These are the most expensive car repairs and their prices

More than 90% of U.S. households own a car. In most places, a car is essential for everyday tasks, such as commuting to and from work, picking up children from school, shopping, and going out for dinner or a movie. If your car breaks down and the repair bill is expensive, it’s normal to feel stressed.

Still, repairs are part of the true cost of owning a car. Taking care of your car requires everything from basic maintenance to expensive repairs.

These are some of the most expensive car repairs you can face. Prices for the same repair can vary widely based on several factors, so be sure to obtain quotes from multiple shops to make sure you’re getting a good deal.

1. An engine replacement or rebuild

A car’s not a car without a working engine. The price of an engine replacement or rebuild depends on the type of damage it has incurred, the difficulty in finding the correct engine based on the car's age and model, and other factors.

Expect a replacement to cost between $5,000 and $10,000, while a rebuild runs from $2,500 to $4,000, according to ConsumerAffairs.com. Replacements can take a full day, and rebuilds may take weeks.

Maintaining your engine by changing the oil regularly can help you avoid the need to replace the engine, which is one of the most expensive car parts to fix. This is a significant fix, which may require auto repair financing to afford.

2. EV battery replacement

Electric and hybrid vehicles rely on large batteries that store energy to power their motors. Most EVs come with a battery warranty that lasts for 8 years or 100,000 miles driven. Failures during this period may be covered. Otherwise, you will need to pay for a replacement.

Batteries naturally degrade over time, but there are things you can do to extend their life. For example, avoid operating or charging a battery in extreme heat or cold. To maximize a battery’s life, try charging it to only 80% of its capacity if you won’t need the full range.

If you do need to replace your EV’s battery, data from RecurrentAuto says you should expect repair costs between $5,000 and $16,000, depending on the type of battery needed and the car you drive.

3. Transmission replacement

Your car’s transmission is a key system that shifts gears while you’re driving. It also allows you to go in reverse and put the car in park. Problems with the transmission can cause serious safety issues, so it’s essential to keep it in good shape.

Fixing or replacing a damaged transmission costs between $3,000 and $15,000, according to ConsumerAffairs.

Some common signs of a failing transmission include:

• Erratic or improper acceleration
• Delayed gear engagement
• Leaking fluid
• Loud noises when the car is in neutral
• The check engine light is illuminated

The best preventative maintenance for your transmission is replacing the transmission fluid at regular intervals. If you have a manual transmission, avoid putting too much stress on the clutch.

4. Transfer case replacement

This is an issue that some car owners may not be familiar with, as transfer cases are typically only included with all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive cars. They’re also designed to last the life of the car, which is another reason many people may be unfamiliar with them.

The transfer case helps push energy to the car axles, turning the tires, so problems with the transfer case can be serious and make a vehicle unsafe to drive.

Replacing a transfer case costs an average of $3,000 to $3,500, according to RepairPal.com. Bringing your car to a mechanic for regular maintenance can help extend the life of the transfer case and help you avoid this type of repair.

5. Catalytic converter replacement

Catalytic converters are a part of your car’s exhaust emission control system, limiting the pollutants that your car emits, such as carbon monoxide. According to the Science History Institute, they are mandatory as of the 1975 model year due to the Clean Air Act of 1970.

They contain a variety of valuable metals, so one of the top reasons for needing to replace your catalytic converter is theft.

Replacement costs $900 to $4,500, according to ConsumerAffairs.com. To limit the odds of theft, you can install an anti-theft device; park in safe, well-lit areas; or install a catalytic converter shield. Also, consider etching your car’s vehicle identification number into the converter to aid in identification should it be stolen.

6. Head gasket replacement

A car’s head gasket is the cap for the engine’s combustion chamber. Without it, the engine would leak fluids. Leaking fluid, a sweet smell, and an overheating engine are indicators of head gasket failure.

Depending on the car and engine type, ConsumerAffairs.com says the average cost to replace a head gasket is between $3,450 and $5,450.

What are the most expensive cars to repair and maintain?

Some car models are relatively inexpensive to maintain, while others have a reputation for requiring more frequent repairs and incurring higher costs to fix.

Consumer Reports regularly ranks and publishes a list of the car brands that are the most expensive to maintain and repair. In its most recent list, these were the most expensive car brands to own, based on the average amount you’d pay to maintain them over a 10-year period. The costs below include both the cost of regular maintenance and unexpected repairs needed to keep the car running for ten years.

1. Land Rover: $17,450
2. Porsche: $16,000
3. Mercedes-Benz: $13,100
4. Audi: $11,050
5. Volvo: $9,825
6. BMW: $9,800
7. Infiniti: $8,420
8. MINI: $7,875
9. Acura: $7,745
10. Ram: $7,605

The bottom line: Regular maintenance is the best defense against expensive repairs

Car repairs can be expensive, and a surprise repair bill can be a drag. You can reduce the odds of dealing with costly repairs by following your car manufacturer’s guidelines for preventative maintenance. Some inexpensive maintenance today can save you hundreds or thousands in expensive repairs tomorrow.

If you’re caught off guard by a car repair bill, consider applying for a personal loan from Rocket Loans℠.