Using the numbers from CarMD, which are based on 170,000 vehicle repairs for which vehicle owners and technicians submitted details to the company’s diagnostic system compiled from 1996 to 2010, MainStreet breaks down the 10 most common car repairs and provides some insight into which can be avoided.
10. Removing Aftermarket Alarm
Percent of Fixes in 2010: 1.96%
Average Cost: $75.85
9. Replacing Intake Manifold Gaskets
Percent of Fixes in 2010: 2.05%
Average Cost: $326.74
8. Replacing Ignition Coils
Percent of Fixes in 2010: 2.58%
Average Cost: $213.16
7. Replacing Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
Robert Couse-Baker | FlickrPercent of Fixes in 2010: 2.65%
Average Cost: $132.62
6. Replacing Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve
Percent of Fixes in 2010: 2.85%
Average Cost: $288.19
5. Replacing Spark Plugs
makdune | FlickrPercent of Fixes in 2010: 3.71%
Average Cost: $311.40
4. Replacing Mass Air Flow Sensor
Percent of Fixes in 2010: 4.36%
Average Cost: $376.69
3. Replacing Catalytic Converter
Percent of Fixes in 2010: 6.40%
Average Cost: $1,001.74
2. Loose Fuel Caps
FlickrPercent of Fixes in 2010: 9.28%
Average Cost: 80 cents
1. Replacing Oxygen Sensor
Percent of Fixes in 2010: 9.43%
Average Cost: $238.71
