4 Most Expensive Car Repairs for SUVs
Written by
Heather Altamirano
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Owning a car can come with serious financial headaches. The average repair cost for your vehicle is now $838, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB). But when you need a major repair, that figure skyrockets.
When shopping for an SUV, it’s important to factor in potential repair costs, ranging from maintenance fees to major overhauls. To help plan ahead, here are the four most expensive SUV repair costs to be aware of, according to automotive experts.
Transmission Replacement
Certain models are more likely to require a transmission replacement and it’s not cheap.
“A total transmission replacement may cost from $2,900 to $7,100 or more, making it one of the most expensive repairs, other than the engine itself,” said Rob Dillan, automotive expert and founder of EVhype.
Alan Gelfand, owner of German Car Depot, agreed. “SUVs require larger, more complex transmissions because their towing and all-wheel-drive systems increase transmission wear,” Gelfand explained.
SUVs that have “notoriously bad transmissions”, according to the SUV geek, include:
- 2019 Chevrolet Blazer
- 2019 Jeep Cherokee
- 2019 Kia Optima
- 2010 to 2013 Subaru Outback
- 2014 to 2016 Infiniti QX60
- 2009 to 2017 Chevrolet Traverse
- 2002 to 2017 Nissan Rogue
Hybrid Battery Replacement
Many consumers love hybrid SUVs because they strike a balance between cost savings, convenience and practicality — without requiring drivers to fully commit to an electric vehicle (EV) lifestyle. But when it’s time to replace the battery, it’s expensive.
“For hybrid or electrified SUVs, replacing a failing battery pack can cost $4,000 to $7,000 or more,” Dillan said. “Battery packs are expensive to replace due to the individual cells and electronic control systems involved.”
According to KBB, most hybrid batteries are expected to last 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles.
Air Suspension Failures
Several high-end SUVs use air suspension for comfort, but when it’s time to replace the system, it can blow your budget.
“Repair costs can exceed $3,500 to $5,000 due to the expense of parts, labor and multiple component replacements when a compressor or airbag fails,” Dillan explained.
Replacing air suspension systems is a common SUV repair that surprises many vehicle owners.
“The system delivers a comfortable, adjustable ride during its initial use, but it will eventually incur maintenance costs due to aging components,” Gelfand said. “The resale market shows that air-suspension problems lead to significant value losses that exceed all other repair costs for luxury SUVs.”
While stylish and equipped with luxury features, the Land Rover Range Rover is known for air-suspension issues, per Dillan.
Engine Replacement
When it comes to car troubles, one of the worst-case scenarios is engine replacement. It’s one of the most extreme and costly SUV repairs.
“The SUV engine replacement cost ranges from $6,000 to $10,000 because of engine size requirements and longer labor times and restricted packaging options,” Gelfand explained.
SUVs offer versatility, excellent performance and extra space, but pick the wrong one and you could end up with a hefty bill. Understanding the most common and expensive repairs can help avoid unexpected costs down the road.
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