Statistics · Updated November 3, 2026
Car Repair and Maintenance Cost Statistics 2026
Includes AAA's 2026 driving costs, BLS 2025 household spending and the September 2026 CPI
- 91statistics
- 45sources from 16 publishers
- Checkedevery figure against its original source
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Compiled by the RevRated research desk from AAA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Federal Reserve, J.D. Power, CarMD and NHTSA data.
Maintenance, repairs and tires cost 11.7 cents a mile for a new vehicle in AAA's 2026 study, about $1,755 a year. Households actually spent $1,241 on vehicle maintenance and repairs in 2025, and repair prices rose 5.8% in the year to September 2026. Each measure is shown separately below, with what it counts.
Key findings
- 11.7 cents
Maintenance, repairs and tires for a new vehicle cost 11.7 cents per mile in AAA's 2026 Your Driving Costs study.
AAA, Your Driving Costs 2026 Fact Sheet (2026) · 2026 data
- $1,241
US households spent an average of $1,241 on vehicle maintenance and repairs in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Surveys.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys, income quintiles table (2025) · 2025 data
- 5.8%
Prices for motor vehicle maintenance and repair rose 5.8% in the 12 months ending September 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI Table 2 (September 2026) · 2026 data
- 57.0%
The price index for motor vehicle maintenance and repair rose 57.0% between September 2019 and September 2026, compared with 31.2% for all consumer prices (RevRated calculation from Bureau of Labor Statistics index values).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI-U series CUUR0000SETD and CUUR0000SA0 (RevRated calculation) · 2026 data
- $554
The average check engine light repair cost a record $554 in 2025, up 33% from 2024, according to CarMD's Vehicle Health Index.
CarMD, 2026 Vehicle Health Index press release (2026) · 2025 data
- 30%
A major vehicle repair or replacement was the most common major unexpected expense in 2025: 30% of US adults had one in the prior 12 months, according to the Federal Reserve.
Federal Reserve Board, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 (2026) · 2025 data
- 6.1 cents
The US Department of Energy, using Argonne National Laboratory's 2021 analysis, estimated scheduled maintenance for a battery-electric vehicle at 6.1 cents per mile, against 10.1 cents for a conventional gas vehicle.
U.S. Department of Energy, Fact of the Week #1190 (2021) · 2021 data
- 30 million
AAA responded to more than 30 million roadside events in 2025, most commonly tows, battery issues and flat tires, according to AAA.
- 204
Three-year-old vehicles averaged 204 problems per 100 vehicles in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, up 2 from 2025.
J.D. Power, 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (2026) · 2026 data
- 169,572
The United States had 169,572 automotive repair and maintenance establishments in 2023, including car washes, according to the Census Bureau's County Business Patterns.
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 · 2023 data
- $50,620
The median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $50,620 in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025 pay) · 2025 data
How much does car maintenance cost per year?
AAA's Your Driving Costs study estimates what it costs to keep a new car maintained over its first five years. The 2026 edition was released in September 2026.
- 11.7 cents
Maintenance, repairs and tires for a new vehicle cost 11.7 cents per mile in AAA's 2026 Your Driving Costs study.
AAA, Your Driving Costs 2026 Fact Sheet (2026) · 2026 data [1]
- $1,755
At AAA's 2026 rate of 11.7 cents per mile and 15,000 miles a year, maintenance, repairs and tires cost a new-car owner about $1,755 a year (RevRated calculation from AAA figures).
AAA, Your Driving Costs 2026 Fact Sheet (2026) · 2026 data [1]
- $12,863
AAA's 2026 Your Driving Costs study put the average annual cost to own and operate a new vehicle at $12,863, or $1,071.92 per month, counting depreciation, finance, fuel, insurance, fees and maintenance.
AAA Newsroom, New Vehicle Ownership Costs Hit $12,863 Annually (2026) · 2026 data [2]
- 75,000 miles
AAA's 2026 maintenance figure is an average over a new vehicle's first five years and 75,000 miles.
AAA, Your Driving Costs 2026 Fact Sheet (2026) · 2026 data [1]
- 11.10 cents
Small sedans had the lowest maintenance, repair and tire cost of any vehicle class in AAA's 2026 study, at 11.10 cents per mile.
AAA, Your Driving Costs 2026 Brochure (2026) · 2026 data [3]
- 12.16 cents
Medium SUVs had the highest maintenance, repair and tire cost of any vehicle class in AAA's 2026 study, at 12.16 cents per mile.
AAA, Your Driving Costs 2026 Brochure (2026) · 2026 data [3]
- 11.04 cents
AAA's 2025 Your Driving Costs edition put maintenance, repairs and tires at 11.04 cents per mile.
AAA, Your Driving Costs 2025 Fact Sheet (2025) · 2025 data [4]
| Vehicle class | Maintenance, repair and tires (cents per mile) | Fuel (cents per mile) | Total cost per mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small sedan | 11.10 | 13.19 | $0.6173 |
| Medium sedan | 11.42 | 11.70 | $0.7037 |
| Subcompact SUV | 11.62 | 15.45 | $0.7168 |
| Compact SUV | 12.06 | 11.76 | $0.7780 |
| Medium SUV | 12.16 | 20.46 | $0.9632 |
| Midsize pickup | 11.26 | 22.96 | $0.8726 |
| Half-ton pickup | 11.82 | 23.87 | $1.0966 |
| 2026 weighted average | 11.73 | 17.32 | $0.8575 |
How much do households actually spend on car repairs?
The BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey records what households actually paid for vehicle maintenance and repairs, across every household, including those with older cars or none. The 2025 jump is mostly a change in how BLS measures vehicle parts.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys, series CXUCAREPAIRLB0101M. Chart: RevRated, free to reuse with a link to this page.
Show chart data
| 2015 | 837 |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 849 |
| 2017 | 954 |
| 2018 | 890 |
| 2019 | 887 |
| 2020 | 879 |
| 2021 | 975 |
| 2022 | 1,160 |
| 2023 | 975 |
| 2024 | 984 |
| 2025 | 1,241 |
- $1,241
US households spent an average of $1,241 on vehicle maintenance and repairs in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Surveys.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys, income quintiles table (2025) · 2025 data [5]
- $103
Average 2025 household spending on vehicle maintenance and repairs works out to about $103 a month (RevRated calculation from Bureau of Labor Statistics data).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys, income quintiles table (2025) · 2025 data [5]
- $653
With an average of 1.9 vehicles per household in 2025, maintenance and repair spending comes to roughly $653 per vehicle (RevRated calculation from Bureau of Labor Statistics data).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys, income quintiles table (2025) · 2025 data [5]
- 26.1%
Recorded household spending on vehicle maintenance and repairs rose 26.1% from $984 in 2024 to $1,241 in 2025 (RevRated calculation from Bureau of Labor Statistics data), but most of that rise comes from a BLS change in how vehicle parts are surveyed.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys time series, series CXUCAREPAIRLB0101M · 2025 data [6]
- $280
Recorded household spending on vehicle parts, accessories and fluids (excluding tires) rose from $45 in 2024 to $280 in 2025 after the Bureau of Labor Statistics moved that item from its Interview Survey to its Diary Survey.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys time series, series CXU480100LB0101M · 2025 data [6]
- 2.3%
Leaving out the vehicle parts line that BLS re-sourced, household maintenance and repair spending rose 2.3%, from $939 in 2024 to $961 in 2025 (RevRated calculation from Bureau of Labor Statistics data).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys time series (RevRated calculation) · 2025 data [6]
- $2,237
In 2025 the highest-income fifth of US households spent $2,237 on vehicle maintenance and repairs, against $565 for the lowest-income fifth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys, income quintiles table (2025) · 2025 data [5]
- $1,776
Households headed by someone aged 45 to 54 spent the most on vehicle maintenance and repairs in 2025, at $1,776, compared with $671 for those headed by someone under 25, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys, age of reference person table (2025) · 2025 data [7]
- $837
Ten years earlier, in 2015, US households spent an average of $837 on vehicle maintenance and repairs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys, income quintiles table (2015) · 2015 data [8]
| Income group | Maintenance and repairs (dollars a year) | Share of total spending | Vehicles per household |
|---|---|---|---|
| All households | 1,241 | 1.5% | 1.9 |
| Lowest 20 percent | 565 | 1.5% | 1.1 |
| Second 20 percent | 868 | 1.7% | 1.6 |
| Third 20 percent | 1,118 | 1.6% | 1.9 |
| Fourth 20 percent | 1,426 | 1.5% | 2.4 |
| Highest 20 percent | 2,237 | 1.4% | 2.7 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys, income quintiles table (2025)
How fast are car repair prices rising?
The Consumer Price Index tracks the price of the same repair and maintenance work over time. Repair and servicing prices have outpaced overall inflation, while parts and tires have barely moved in the last year.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI-U series CUUR0000SETD annual averages. Chart: RevRated, free to reuse with a link to this page.
Show chart data
| 2015 | 1.8% |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 1.7% |
| 2017 | 2% |
| 2018 | 2% |
| 2019 | 3.4% |
| 2020 | 3.4% |
| 2021 | 3.9% |
| 2022 | 8.2% |
| 2023 | 11.5% |
| 2024 | 6.1% |
| 2025 | 5.9% |
- 5.8%
Prices for motor vehicle maintenance and repair rose 5.8% in the 12 months ending September 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI Table 2 (September 2026) · 2026 data [9]
- 3.7%
Overall consumer prices rose 3.7% in the 12 months ending September 2026, so car maintenance and repair prices climbed faster than inflation as a whole, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index Summary (September 2026) · 2026 data [10]
- 7.8%
Prices for motor vehicle maintenance and servicing, which covers routine work such as oil changes, rose 7.8% in the 12 months ending September 2026, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI Table 2 (September 2026) · 2026 data [9]
- 3.5%
Prices for motor vehicle repair rose 3.5% in the 12 months ending September 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI Table 2 (September 2026) · 2026 data [9]
- 0.8%
Prices for motor vehicle parts and equipment rose 0.8% in the 12 months ending September 2026, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI Table 2 (September 2026) · 2026 data [9]
- 0.2%
Tire prices rose 0.2% in the 12 months ending September 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI Table 2 (September 2026) · 2026 data [9]
- 8.8%
Prices for motor oil, coolant and fluids rose 8.8% in the 12 months ending September 2026, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI Table 2 (September 2026) · 2026 data [9]
- 57.0%
The price index for motor vehicle maintenance and repair rose 57.0% between September 2019 and September 2026, compared with 31.2% for all consumer prices (RevRated calculation from Bureau of Labor Statistics index values).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI-U series CUUR0000SETD and CUUR0000SA0 (RevRated calculation) · 2026 data [11]
- 75.9%
The price index for motor vehicle repair alone rose 75.9% between September 2019 and September 2026 (RevRated calculation from Bureau of Labor Statistics index values).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI-U series CUUR0000SETD03 (RevRated calculation) · 2026 data [12]
- 11.5%
The annual average price index for motor vehicle maintenance and repair rose 11.5% in 2023, the biggest yearly increase since 1975, when it rose 12.8% (RevRated calculation from Bureau of Labor Statistics annual averages).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI-U series CUUR0000SETD annual averages (RevRated calculation) · 2023 data [13]
What are the most common car repairs?
CarMD's Vehicle Health Index tracks the repairs behind check engine lights. Its 2026 report covers repairs recommended in 2025, when the average bill hit a record.
- $554
The average check engine light repair cost a record $554 in 2025, up 33% from 2024, according to CarMD's Vehicle Health Index.
CarMD, 2026 Vehicle Health Index press release (2026) · 2025 data [14]
- 51%
Labor costs for check engine repairs rose 51% in 2025 and parts costs rose 23%, CarMD found.
CarMD, 2026 Vehicle Health Index press release (2026) · 2025 data [14]
- $1,511
Replacing a catalytic converter was the most common check engine repair in 2025, at 7.43% of repairs, and cost $1,511 on average, according to CarMD.
CarMD, 2026 Vehicle Health Index (2025 data) · 2025 data [15]
- two out of three
In a 2016 AAA survey, two out of three US drivers said they do not trust auto repair shops in general.
AAA Newsroom, Most U.S. Drivers Leery of Auto Repair Shops (2016) · 2016 data [16]
- 76%
Recommending unnecessary services was the top reason US drivers gave for not trusting repair shops, cited by 76% in AAA's 2016 survey.
AAA Newsroom, Most U.S. Drivers Leery of Auto Repair Shops (2016) · 2016 data [16]
| Rank | Repair | Average cost | Share of repairs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Replace catalytic converter(s) | $1,510.88 | 7.43% |
| 2 | Replace oxygen sensor(s) | $286.87 | 6.68% |
| 3 | Replace ignition coil(s) and spark plug(s) | $480.21 | 6.00% |
| 4 | Replace mass air flow sensor | $346.21 | 5.77% |
| 5 | Replace ignition coil(s) | $256.45 | 5.02% |
| 6 | Replace EVAP purge control valve | $172.12 | 4.93% |
| 7 | Replace fuel injector(s) | $572.27 | 2.76% |
| 8 | Replace ABS wheel speed sensor | $314.40 | 2.72% |
| 9 | Replace thermostat | $323.59 | 2.44% |
| 10 | Replace spark plug(s) | $299.47 | 1.84% |
Can Americans afford a surprise car repair?
The Federal Reserve's survey of household finances found that a major car repair or replacement was the most common large unexpected expense of 2025.
- 30%
A major vehicle repair or replacement was the most common major unexpected expense in 2025: 30% of US adults had one in the prior 12 months, according to the Federal Reserve.
Federal Reserve Board, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 (2026) · 2025 data [17]
- $1,000 to $1,999
Among US adults who had a major vehicle repair or replacement in 2025 and knew the amount, the median cost was $1,000 to $1,999, the Federal Reserve reported.
Federal Reserve Board, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 (2026) · 2025 data [17]
- 63%
In 2025, 63% of US adults said they would cover a hypothetical $400 emergency expense entirely with cash, savings or a credit card paid off at the next statement, the Federal Reserve found.
Federal Reserve Board, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 (2026) · 2025 data [18]
- 12%
In 2025, 12% of US adults said they could not pay an unexpected $400 expense by any means, down from 13% in 2024, according to the Federal Reserve.
Federal Reserve Board, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 (2026) · 2025 data [18]
- 64 million
A 2017 AAA survey estimated that 64 million American drivers could not pay for an unexpected vehicle repair without going into debt.
AAA Newsroom, One-in-Three U.S. Drivers Cannot Pay for an Unexpected Car Repair Bill (2017) · 2017 data [19]
| Type of expense | Share of adults |
|---|---|
| Major vehicle repair or replacement | 30% |
| Major house or appliance repair | 22% |
| Unexpected major medical expenses | 21% |
| Phone or computer repair or replacement | 18% |
| Legal expenses, taxes or fines | 10% |
| Other unexpected expenses | 6% |
| Higher childcare or dependent care costs | 3% |
| Any major unexpected expense | 59% |
Source: Federal Reserve Board, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025, Table 23
Do electric cars cost less to maintain?
Electric cars skip oil changes, spark plugs and timing belts, so their scheduled maintenance costs less. AAA's 2026 figures show EVs cheaper to maintain than gas models in all four classes it compared, though the gap varies.
- 6.1 cents
The US Department of Energy, using Argonne National Laboratory's 2021 analysis, estimated scheduled maintenance for a battery-electric vehicle at 6.1 cents per mile, against 10.1 cents for a conventional gas vehicle.
U.S. Department of Energy, Fact of the Week #1190 (2021) · 2021 data [20]
- 39.6%
That makes scheduled maintenance for a battery-electric vehicle 39.6% cheaper per mile than for a gas vehicle in the Department of Energy's 2021 estimate (RevRated calculation).
U.S. Department of Energy, Fact of the Week #1190 (RevRated calculation) · 2021 data [20]
- 67%
Argonne National Laboratory's 2021 study scaled repair costs for a battery-electric car at 67% of those for a gas car with the same sticker price.
Argonne National Laboratory, Comprehensive Total Cost of Ownership Quantification for Vehicles with Different Size Classes and Powertrains (2021) · 2021 data [21]
- $1,402
In AAA's 2026 study, an electric compact SUV cost $1,402 a year to maintain, compared with $1,954 for a gas compact SUV and $1,506 for a hybrid.
AAA, Your Driving Costs 2026 Brochure (2026) · 2026 data [3]
- $1,602
AAA's 2026 study found an electric medium sedan cost $1,602 a year to maintain, compared with $1,827 for a gas medium sedan and $1,619 for a hybrid.
AAA, Your Driving Costs 2026 Brochure (2026) · 2026 data [3]
- $1,618
Among pickups in AAA's 2026 study, electric models cost $1,618 a year to maintain, against $1,788 for gas and $1,539 for hybrids, while electric medium SUVs ($1,784) were close to gas ones ($1,829).
AAA, Your Driving Costs 2026 Brochure (2026) · 2026 data [3]
| Vehicle class | Electric | Gas | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium sedan | $1,602 | $1,827 | $1,619 |
| Compact SUV | $1,402 | $1,954 | $1,506 |
| Medium SUV | $1,784 | $1,829 | $1,902 |
| Pickup | $1,618 | $1,788 | $1,539 |
How often do cars break down?
AAA's roadside data is the best national guide to how often drivers get stranded. Federal crash research shows a vehicle fault is rarely the main cause of a crash.
- 30 million
AAA responded to more than 30 million roadside events in 2025, most commonly tows, battery issues and flat tires, according to AAA.
AAA Newsroom, AAA, NAPA, and Industry Partners Celebrate Car Care Month and 50 Years of AAR Excellence (2026) · 2025 data [22]
- 27 million
In 2024, AAA received over 27 million emergency roadside service calls across the United States.
AAA Newsroom, AAA Urges Drivers to Stay Proactive on Auto Repair and Maintenance (2025) · 2024 data [23]
- 13 million
Roughly 13 million of AAA's 2024 roadside calls needed a tow and about 7 million involved battery problems; together these made up roughly 74% of all calls, AAA reported.
AAA Newsroom, AAA Urges Drivers to Stay Proactive on Auto Repair and Maintenance (2025) · 2024 data [23]
- 215,000
AAA received an estimated 215,000 roadside service calls for electric vehicles in 2024, about 0.8% of all its roadside service events.
AAA Newsroom, AAA Urges Drivers to Stay Proactive on Auto Repair and Maintenance (2025) · 2024 data [23]
- 600,000
AAA responded to nearly 600,000 emergency roadside assistance calls over the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday travel period, according to AAA's 2025 Thanksgiving forecast.
AAA Newsroom, Nearly 82 Million Americans Projected to Travel over Thanksgiving (2025) · 2024 data [24]
- 860,000
During the 2024 year-end holiday period, AAA responded to more than 860,000 emergency roadside assistance calls.
AAA Newsroom, Year-End Holiday Travel Expected to Set New Record (2025) · 2024 data [25]
- twice as likely
A 2018 AAA analysis of its roadside data found that vehicles 10 years and older are twice as likely to end up stranded at the roadside as newer vehicles, and four times as likely to need a tow.
AAA Newsroom, Double Digits Means Double Trouble for Vehicle Breakdowns (2018) · 2018 data [26]
- 35%
In the crashes where NHTSA's crash causation survey (2005 to 2007) assigned the critical reason to the vehicle, tire problems accounted for about 35%.
NHTSA, Critical Reasons for Crashes Investigated in the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey (DOT HS 812 115, 2015) · 2005-2007 data [27]
- 22%
Brake problems were the critical reason in about 22% of the crashes that NHTSA's crash causation survey (2005 to 2007) assigned to the vehicle.
NHTSA, Critical Reasons for Crashes Investigated in the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey (DOT HS 812 115, 2015) · 2005-2007 data [27]
How reliable are cars, and how do owners rate service?
J.D. Power's 2026 dependability study counts problems in three-year-old vehicles. Infotainment and phone connectivity drive most of the complaints.
Source: J.D. Power, 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Chart: RevRated, free to reuse with a link to this page.
Show chart data
| Gas | 198 |
|---|---|
| Industry average | 204 |
| Hybrid | 213 |
| Battery electric | 237 |
| Plug-in hybrid | 281 |
- 204
Three-year-old vehicles averaged 204 problems per 100 vehicles in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, up 2 from 2025.
J.D. Power, 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (2026) · 2026 data [28]
- 56.7
Infotainment was the most problematic of the nine categories in J.D. Power's 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study, at 56.7 problems per 100 vehicles, followed by the vehicle exterior at 27.5.
J.D. Power, 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (2026) · 2026 data [28]
- 8.9
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity was the single most reported problem for the third year in a row in J.D. Power's 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study, at 8.9 problems per 100 vehicles.
J.D. Power, 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (2026) · 2026 data [28]
- 281
Plug-in hybrids were the least dependable powertrain in J.D. Power's 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study, at 281 problems per 100 vehicles, up 39 from 2025.
J.D. Power, 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (2026) · 2026 data [28]
- 27%
Of owners who received a software update in the prior 12 months, 27% said it improved their vehicle and 58% noticed no difference, J.D. Power's 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study found.
J.D. Power, 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (2026) · 2026 data [28]
- 868
Owners rated dealer service 868 on a 1,000-point scale in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Customer Service Index Study, up 3 points from the year before.
J.D. Power, 2026 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study (2026) · 2026 data [29]
- 1.61 hours
Mass market customers waited 1.61 hours on average for dealer maintenance work and premium customers 2.46 hours, while 62% of aftermarket service visits for similar work took under an hour, J.D. Power's 2026 Customer Service Index Study found.
J.D. Power, 2026 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study (2026) · 2026 data [29]
How many cars are recalled each year?
NHTSA records about 1,000 safety recalls a year. Recall repairs are free, but many recalled vehicles are never fixed, especially older ones.
- 29 million
More than 29 million vehicles were recalled in the United States in 2025, according to NHTSA.
NHTSA, Vehicle Safety Recalls Week (2026) · 2025 data [30]
- 997
NHTSA counted 997 safety recalls in 2025, a total that covers vehicles, car seats, tires, RVs and other equipment.
NHTSA, Vehicle Safety Recalls Week (2026) · 2025 data [30]
- 61%
NHTSA found that 61% of vehicles recalled by major light vehicle manufacturers between 2010 and 2022 had been fixed by the fifth quarter after the recall.
NHTSA, Report on Vehicle Safety Recall Completion Rates (January 2025 update) · 2010-2022 data [31]
- 87%
Recalls of newer vehicles have historically had completion rates of around 87%, and the rate falls as vehicles age, according to NHTSA's January 2025 recall completion report.
NHTSA, Report on Vehicle Safety Recall Completion Rates (January 2025 update) · 2025 data [31]
How many auto repair shops are there?
Census Bureau counts put the automotive repair and maintenance industry at about 170,000 locations, most of them small. Note that the federal industry code includes car washes.
- 169,572
The United States had 169,572 automotive repair and maintenance establishments in 2023, including car washes, according to the Census Bureau's County Business Patterns.
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 · 2023 data [32]
- 992,292
Automotive repair and maintenance establishments employed 992,292 people in 2023, according to the Census Bureau's County Business Patterns.
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 · 2023 data [32]
- 84,859
General automotive repair shops numbered 84,859 in 2023, the largest group of automotive repair and maintenance locations, according to the Census Bureau.
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 · 2023 data [33]
- 35,029
There were 35,029 automotive body, paint and interior repair shops in the United States in 2023, the Census Bureau reports.
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 · 2023 data [34]
- 9,085
The Census Bureau counted 9,085 automotive oil change and lubrication shops in 2023.
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 · 2023 data [35]
- 60.2%
Of the 169,572 automotive repair and maintenance establishments in 2023, 60.2% had fewer than five employees (RevRated calculation from Census Bureau County Business Patterns).
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 (RevRated calculation) · 2023 data [32]
- 1,038.1 thousand
The automotive repair and maintenance industry averaged 1,038.1 thousand jobs, about 1 million, in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Employment Statistics survey.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics, series CEU8081110001 · 2025 data [36]
- $49,552 million
Automotive repair and maintenance businesses with employees took in $49,552 million in revenue in the second quarter of 2026, seasonally adjusted, up 6.5% from a year earlier, according to the Census Bureau's Quarterly Services Survey (preliminary).
U.S. Census Bureau, Quarterly Services Survey, Table 1a (September 2026) · 2026 data [37]
- $189.8 billion
Employer firms in automotive repair and maintenance earned about $189.8 billion in revenue in 2025 (RevRated calculation summing the Census Bureau's four quarterly estimates, not seasonally adjusted).
U.S. Census Bureau, Quarterly Services Survey, Table 1c (RevRated calculation) · 2025 data [37]
| Type of shop | Establishments | Employees | Annual payroll |
|---|---|---|---|
| All automotive repair and maintenance | 169,572 | 992,292 | $48.7B |
| General automotive repair | 84,859 | 403,389 | $21.4B |
| Body, paint and interior repair | 35,029 | 246,720 | $15.0B |
| Car washes | 19,807 | 172,644 | $5.1B |
| Oil change and lubrication shops | 9,085 | 77,250 | $2.7B |
| Auto glass replacement shops | 7,201 | 36,983 | $1.8B |
| All other automotive repair | 5,368 | 22,057 | $1.1B |
| Other mechanical and electrical repair | 3,525 | 14,544 | $0.7B |
| Transmission repair | 3,453 | 14,704 | $0.7B |
| Exhaust system repair | 1,245 | 4,001 | $0.2B |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 (table CB2300CBP)
How many auto mechanics are there and what do they earn?
About 705,000 people work as automotive service technicians and mechanics on employer payrolls. Car dealerships employ slightly more of them than independent repair shops do.
- 704,640
There were 704,640 automotive service technicians and mechanics on US employer payrolls in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 · 2025 data [38]
- $50,620
The median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $50,620 in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025 pay) · 2025 data [39]
- $56,420
Automotive service technicians and mechanics earned a mean annual wage of $56,420 in May 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 · 2025 data [38]
- 825,800
Counting the self-employed, automotive service technicians and mechanics held 825,800 jobs in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook · 2025 data [39]
- 5%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook · 2025 data [39]
- 66,200
About 66,200 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics are projected each year from 2025 to 2035, many of them to replace workers who retire or change jobs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook · 2025 data [39]
- 264,130
Car dealerships employed 264,130 automotive service technicians and mechanics in May 2025, slightly more than the 251,720 working in automotive repair and maintenance shops, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 · 2025 data [38]
- $67,910
The District of Columbia paid automotive service technicians and mechanics the highest annual mean wage in May 2025, at $67,910, followed by Alaska and California, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 · 2025 data [40]
- 149,310
There were 149,310 automotive body and related repairers employed in May 2025, with a median annual wage of $54,890, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 · 2025 data [41]
| State | Employment | Annual mean wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 69,750 | $52,980 | $48,310 |
| California | 65,420 | $65,470 | $64,980 |
| Florida | 49,930 | $53,740 | $48,260 |
| New York | 32,020 | $59,110 | $54,120 |
| Illinois | 29,510 | $56,680 | $49,170 |
| Pennsylvania | 29,400 | $54,340 | $49,800 |
| North Carolina | 26,510 | $53,510 | $48,200 |
| Ohio | 22,640 | $54,590 | $48,710 |
| Michigan | 22,280 | $56,490 | $54,120 |
| Georgia | 22,070 | $56,600 | $49,060 |
How big is the automotive aftermarket?
The aftermarket is what drivers spend on parts, accessories, fluids and repair labor outside the new-car sale. Industry groups forecast steady growth, helped by a fleet that keeps getting older.
- $599.7 billion
The Auto Care Association forecasts that the total US aftermarket will grow 5.4% in 2026 to $599.7 billion, according to its 2027 Auto Care Factbook.
Auto Care Association, 2027 Auto Care Factbook release (2026) · 2026 data [43]
- 3.9%
The US total aftermarket grew 3.9% in 2025, according to the Auto Care Association's 2027 Auto Care Factbook.
Auto Care Association, 2027 Auto Care Factbook release (2026) · 2025 data [43]
- $676.5 billion
Total US aftermarket sales are projected to reach $676.5 billion in 2029, the Auto Care Association reported in 2026.
Auto Care Association, 2027 Auto Care Factbook release (2026) · 2026 data [43]
- $413.7 billion
US light-duty aftermarket sales, covering cars and light trucks, grew 5.7% in 2024 to $413.7 billion, according to the Auto Care Association.
Auto Care Association, 2026 Auto Care Factbook release (2025) · 2024 data [44]
- 5.2%
The 2026 Joint Channel Forecast from the Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers projects the US light-duty aftermarket will grow 5.2% in 2026.
Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, 2026 Joint Channel Market Size and Forecast · 2026 data [45]
- 12.9 years
The average age of US light-duty vehicles in operation reached a record 12.9 years, the Auto Care Association reported in its 2027 Auto Care Factbook in June 2026.
Auto Care Association, 2027 Auto Care Factbook release (2026) · 2026 data [43]
Methodology
Every figure on this page was taken from the organization that published it: AAA's Your Driving Costs studies and newsroom releases, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Consumer Expenditure Surveys, Consumer Price Index, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook and Current Employment Statistics), the Census Bureau's County Business Patterns and Quarterly Services Survey, the Federal Reserve's Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking, CarMD's Vehicle Health Index, J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability and Customer Service Index studies, NHTSA, the Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory and the Auto Care Association. We did not copy figures from other statistics roundups. Each statistic was checked against its source by a second reviewer before publishing.
The cost figures measure different things, so this page keeps them apart. AAA estimates what a new vehicle should cost to maintain over its first five years and 75,000 miles, including an extended warranty and one set of tires. The Consumer Expenditure Survey records what households actually paid in a year, averaged across every household, including those with no car or with cars still under warranty. The Consumer Price Index tracks the price of the same work over time, not how much people spend. CarMD covers only repairs triggered by a check engine light. The Federal Reserve figure counts adults who had a major unexpected vehicle repair or replacement, not routine maintenance.
Some figures need a caution. AAA changed its method for 2026, so its 2025 and 2026 figures are not directly comparable. In its 2025 release BLS moved vehicle parts, accessories and fluids from its Interview Survey to its Diary Survey, which raised recorded spending; we show the like-for-like change without that line. The Census industry code for automotive repair and maintenance includes car washes. BLS wage estimates cover employees only, while the Occupational Outlook Handbook job count includes the self-employed. The 2025 CPI annual average has no October 2025 reading because of the federal funding lapse. Figures marked RevRated calculation are our arithmetic from the quoted source numbers, and the CSV download lists each calculation.
Spot an error or a newer figure? Tell us and we will correct the page and note the change.
Cite this page
Free to quote, chart or link in articles, reports and coursework. Please credit the original source for each figure and link to this page as the compilation.
RevRated. (2026, November 3). Car Repair and Maintenance Cost Statistics 2026. https://revrated.com/car-repair-statistics/
"Car Repair and Maintenance Cost Statistics 2026." RevRated, 3 Nov. 2026, revrated.com/car-repair-statistics.
RevRated. "Car Repair and Maintenance Cost Statistics 2026." Last modified November 3, 2026. https://revrated.com/car-repair-statistics/
<a href="https://revrated.com/car-repair-statistics/">Car Repair and Maintenance Cost Statistics 2026</a> (RevRated)
Frequently asked questions
How much does car maintenance cost per year?
AAA's 2026 Your Driving Costs study puts maintenance, repairs and tires for a new vehicle at 11.7 cents a mile, which is about $1,755 a year at 15,000 miles. What households actually spend is lower, because many drive older cars, fewer miles or do the work themselves: the Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded $1,241 per household in 2025, or roughly $653 per vehicle. BLS says its 2025 figure is pushed up by a change in how it measures vehicle parts.
How much have car repair prices gone up?
The Consumer Price Index for motor vehicle maintenance and repair rose 5.8% in the 12 months to September 2026, against 3.7% for all items. Between September 2019 and September 2026 it rose 57.0%, and the repair-only index rose 75.9%. The annual average jumped 11.5% in 2023, the biggest yearly rise since 1975.
What is the most common car repair?
Among check engine light repairs, replacing a catalytic converter was the most common in 2025, at 7.43% of repairs and $1,511 on average, according to CarMD. Oxygen sensors, ignition coils and spark plugs, and mass air flow sensors followed. The average check engine repair cost a record $554 in 2025.
How often do cars break down?
AAA responded to more than 30 million roadside events in 2025, mostly tows, battery problems and flat tires. In 2024 about 13 million AAA calls needed a tow and about 7 million were battery problems. A 2018 AAA analysis found vehicles 10 years and older are twice as likely to break down as newer ones.
How many auto repair shops are there in the US?
The Census Bureau counted 169,572 automotive repair and maintenance establishments in 2023, but that industry code includes car washes. General automotive repair shops numbered 84,859, body and paint shops 35,029, and oil change shops 9,085. About 60.2% of all locations had fewer than five employees.
How big is the automotive aftermarket?
The Auto Care Association forecasts the total US aftermarket at $599.7 billion in 2026, growing 5.4%, and projects $676.5 billion in 2029. For cars and light trucks alone, the association put 2024 sales at $413.7 billion. The two totals cover different vehicle groups, so they should not be compared as growth.
Do electric cars cost less to maintain?
Usually, yes. The Department of Energy estimated scheduled maintenance at 6.1 cents a mile for a battery-electric vehicle against 10.1 cents for a gas vehicle. In AAA's 2026 figures an electric compact SUV cost $1,402 a year to maintain against $1,954 for the gas version, though in the medium SUV class the gap was small.
How many mechanics are there in the US and what do they earn?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 704,640 automotive service technicians and mechanics on employer payrolls in May 2025, and 825,800 jobs including the self-employed. Their median annual wage was $50,620. About 66,200 openings are projected each year through 2035.
Sources
- AAA, Your Driving Costs 2026 Fact Sheet (2026) newsroom.aaa.com
- AAA Newsroom, New Vehicle Ownership Costs Hit $12,863 Annually (2026) newsroom.aaa.com
- AAA, Your Driving Costs 2026 Brochure (2026) newsroom.aaa.com
- AAA, Your Driving Costs 2025 Fact Sheet (2025) newsroom.aaa.com
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys, income quintiles table (2025) bls.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys time series, series CXUCAREPAIRLB0101M download.bls.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys, age of reference person table (2025) bls.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys, income quintiles table (2015) bls.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI Table 2 (September 2026) bls.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index Summary (September 2026) bls.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI-U series CUUR0000SETD and CUUR0000SA0 (RevRated calculation) data.bls.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI-U series CUUR0000SETD03 (RevRated calculation) data.bls.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI-U series CUUR0000SETD annual averages (RevRated calculation) download.bls.gov
- CarMD, 2026 Vehicle Health Index press release (2026) prnewswire.com
- CarMD, 2026 Vehicle Health Index (RevRated calculation) carmd.com
- AAA Newsroom, Most U.S. Drivers Leery of Auto Repair Shops (2016) newsroom.aaa.com
- Federal Reserve Board, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 (2026) federalreserve.gov
- Federal Reserve Board, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 (2026) federalreserve.gov
- AAA Newsroom, One-in-Three U.S. Drivers Cannot Pay for an Unexpected Car Repair Bill (2017) newsroom.aaa.com
- U.S. Department of Energy, Fact of the Week #1190 (2021) energy.gov
- Argonne National Laboratory, Comprehensive Total Cost of Ownership Quantification for Vehicles with Different Size Classes and Powertrains (2021) osti.gov
- AAA Newsroom, AAA, NAPA, and Industry Partners Celebrate Car Care Month and 50 Years of AAR Excellence (2026) newsroom.aaa.com
- AAA Newsroom, AAA Urges Drivers to Stay Proactive on Auto Repair and Maintenance (2025) newsroom.aaa.com
- AAA Newsroom, Nearly 82 Million Americans Projected to Travel over Thanksgiving (2025) newsroom.aaa.com
- AAA Newsroom, Year-End Holiday Travel Expected to Set New Record (2025) newsroom.aaa.com
- AAA Newsroom, Double Digits Means Double Trouble for Vehicle Breakdowns (2018) newsroom.aaa.com
- NHTSA, Critical Reasons for Crashes Investigated in the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey (DOT HS 812 115, 2015) govinfo.gov
- J.D. Power, 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (2026) jdpower.com
- J.D. Power, 2026 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study (2026) jdpower.com
- NHTSA, Vehicle Safety Recalls Week (2026) nhtsa.gov
- NHTSA, Report on Vehicle Safety Recall Completion Rates (January 2025 update) nhtsa.gov
- U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 data.census.gov
- U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 data.census.gov
- U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 data.census.gov
- U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 data.census.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics, series CEU8081110001 data.bls.gov
- U.S. Census Bureau, Quarterly Services Survey, Table 1a (September 2026) census.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 data.bls.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025 pay) bls.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 data.bls.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 data.bls.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 state estimates bls.gov
- Auto Care Association, 2027 Auto Care Factbook release (2026) globenewswire.com
- Auto Care Association, 2026 Auto Care Factbook release (2025) autocare.org
- Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, 2026 Joint Channel Market Size and Forecast autocare.org