ABS System Repair Cost For 2023: Supplier & Labor Pricing

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The Anti-Brake Locking System or ABS System is a critical part of your car’s ability to drive in all conditions.

If you’re getting an ABS warning light or symptoms of ABS failure, it’s critical that you take steps to fix the issue immediately.

Not doing so could result in your car locking up and spinning out of control. And, you could damage the rest of the braking system, the rims, and even the transmission and suspension – resulting in thousands of dollars of repairs needed.

The average cost of ABS system repair is about $1,500 for the ABS control module and up to $2,500 for the control module and the sensors. You can expect to pay from $50-$1,500 for the module itself and $5-$200 for the wheel sensors.

You’ll also usually pay for about an hour of labor per item you have to replace, meaning you could pay $50-$1,200 in labor depending on the extent of the system.

Supplier	Labor	ABS Control Module
YourMechanic	$94-$808	$560-$1,680
Midas	$63-$504	$885-$1,662
NAPA	$70-$350	$612-$1,329
Firestones	$95-$360	$453-$1,960
Walmart	NA	$50-$982.95
Autozone	NA	$58.99-$1,327
Pep Boys	$145-$480	$550-$1,680
Amazon	NA	$209-$726

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How Much Does ABS System Repair Cost?*

ABS system repair will change in cost depending on what the issue is. For example, a simple damaged wheel sensor can cost as little as $10 for the part and then you can replace it yourself.

On the other hand, the controller is normally several hundred to over $1,000 to purchase, before the cost of labor.

Vehicle	Speed Sensor	ABS Control Module	Labor Cost
Chevy Colorado	$16-$135.99	$285-$529	$94-$210
Chevy Silverado	$18-$148	$227-$1,194	$86-$127
Honda Accord	$27-$221	$297-$579	$89-$225
Nissan Altima	$54-$220	$198-$724	$98-$189
Ford Ranger	$10-$49	$117-$598	$148-$236
Mercedes GLC	$18-$165	$255-$1,635	$178-$389
Ford F150	$11.99-$85	$300-$755	$120-$256
Toyota Highlander	$9.99-$98	$249-$1,105	$140-$290
Honda Civic	$12.39-$49.99	$649-$938	$98-$224
Toyota Camry	$24.99-$78.45	$197-$741	$97-$183

*Note: Prices are estimates and were correct at the time of writing (June 2023). Cost estimates may have changed since, our figures should be used as a starting point for your own research. In addition, the lower cost estimates are for secondhand or used parts.

What Is The ABS System?

The anti-brake locking system (ABS) uses electronic sensors and controls to automatically adjust the tension of the brakes in real time. This ensures you have the right amount of spin and traction to the wheels.

So, for example, your wheels don’t lock up when you’re driving on slick or slippery surfaces. The ABS system uses speed sensors in the wheels to make micro-adjustments to the brakes, often several times a second – so that your grip and traction on the road stay at optimum.

However, this means that the ABS system is comprised of the Control Module, speed sensors, valves, pump, and brake lines. In addition, you might have one of four different systems, including four-channel, three-channel, and one-channel.

Four-channel can adjust the traction on each wheel individually – but you don’t normally get it on low-end city cars. On the other hand, a four-wheel drive or off-road vehicle is almost certain to have this system.

However, the complexity of the ABS system will impact the cost of the ABS module if you have to replace it.

ABS System Repair Price Factors

An ABS system repair can be relatively affordable. On the other hand, you could pay over $2,000 for it. These costs depend on pricing factors like the extent of the damage, the type of system, and what you’re actually paying for parts and labor.

Type of System

There are three primary types of ABS systems:

Four-Channel – You have a wheel sensor on each wheel and the ABS system manages the traction to each wheel independently. This is the most expensive to replace because you may pay up to $200 for each wheel sensor + up to $1,600 for the sensor. However, the sensor is typically easy to access behind each wheel.
Three-Channel – You have three speed sensors, one on each front wheel and one in the rear axle. This is sometimes more expensive to repair than the four-channel system because you may have to take apart the axle housing.
Two-Channel – You either have one sensor per axle or just for the front wheels. This will vary in cost depending on, but is typically the cheapest to repair and the simplest system.

Here, the more sensors you have, the more the control module will cost. And, in the unlikely event that you have to replace all four wheel sensors, the more sensors, the more expensive the job will be.

Type of Problem

An ABS system problem can be a failed control module. On the other hand, it might be a failed power relay, low brake fluid, failed speed sensors, etc.

A speed sensor can be as little as $10 to purchase (but typically around $50) plus the cost of labor to take the wheel off. Normally, you can replace one for about $200 in total.

On the other hand, you could replace a failed relay for under $100. So, costs can vary quite a bit depending on what’s actually causing the problem with your system.

Condition of Parts

If you buy a brand new ABS control module, you’ll probably spend $650-$1,800 on it. If you go to a dealer, that will always be the case.

You can also often purchase secondhand and remanufactured ABS control modules. These can cost as little as $200. However, it won’t always be the right choice for your car.

For example, if your car is relatively new, you might not want secondhand parts. And, if your is still under warranty you definitely don’t want secondhand parts.

If you go to a dealer, you’ll have to buy new parts. But, if you go anywhere else, you might be able to work with a large range of options to save money. It’s always a good idea to discuss whether or not that’s the best choice for your car before deciding.

Cost of Labor

Mechanics typically charge between $50 and $210 across the United States, although you can get rates as low as $15. In most cases, that works out to about $50-$95 for a general mechanic, $95+ for a chain shop like Pep Boys or Midas, and from about $150 for most dealers.

An ABS control module replacement isn’t that big of a job.

In most cases, you can have the work done in less than an hour – which usually means you’ll pay for an hour of labor. On the other hand, if you have to take the wheels off to replace the speed sensors, you’re looking at 20-30 minutes per wheel.

In addition, you’ll have to factor in the cost of programming the ABS control module. Some cars also require that you take off the fender well to access the module – although many others will just have an access panel.

Finally, if your technician doesn’t have the parts on hand, you could leave your vehicle at the garage for several days, meaning you’ll have to pay a lot of fees as well.

Other Damage to System

It’s possible that your ABS control module would fail out of the blue without something else causing the damage. However, it’s also unlikely.

Here, you’ll want to consider that you might have other damage to the system. For example, if the brake fluid has been low for some time, it could result in damage to the system. That’s also true if the pump is out, if the distributor is out, if the relays are going bad, etc.

It’s often the case that you’ll have to replace the solenoid block with the ABS control module. And, in some cases, what seems like ABS system failure might just be a brake issue.

So, it’s important to have the full system inspected before getting a good quote, because there are a lot of things that can go wrong in the system.

5 Signs Of A Bad ABS System

If your ABS system is going out, it can mimic the symptoms of bad brakes. However, there are other symptoms that you can look for:

1. Warning Light is On

The ABS system is an electronic controller. When it’s not performing correctly or is unresponsive, it should trigger a warning light in the dash.

This ABS light almost always means something is wrong with the anti-braking system, so you’ll want to get it checked ASAP.

2. Skidding or Sliding

The Anti-brake Locking System primarily exists to keep wheels from locking up while you corner, navigate on slick and slippery surfaces, and use your brakes to slow and corner or to drive on different types of pavement.

If it’s going out, you may notice that the performance of your vehicle drops in these scenarios. For example, your wheels might be more prone to locking up when you drive in the rain. Or, you might skid and slide more.

And, if you’re unlucky, just part of the system will be having issues, which means you may pull or slide on just one side or wheel of the car, because that caliper isn’t behaving as expected.

3. Speedometer Isn’t Working

If the ABS system isn’t working properly, it could affect the speedometer readout. For example, it may show you the wrong speed or it may be stuck at zero.

However, this can also be a faulty speedometer and not an ABS issue.

4. Brake Pedal is Heavy or Unresponsive

If your brakes require more pressure to brake properly, the pedal is hard to push, or the brake pedal is unresponsive, it normally means that the assisted braking or brake fluid is having issues. However, that can very easily lead to ABS issues as well.

In addition, you might be having brake fluid issues because the ABS system is leaking through the pump or the pump isn’t working, or the controller isn’t kicking the pump in when it should.

5. Brakes are Locking Up

Your brakes should never lock up unless you do something severely wrong. If your brakes are locking up during normal driving or sudden braking, it means you have a problem.

At any point where your tires lock up and you skid, you should look into why.

How Do You Repair The ABS System? (Video)

The ABS control module is normally located on top of the vehicle, next to the windshield wiper fluid. In some cases, it may be located with the engine control unit – but that’s unlikely.

This accessible placement makes it relatively simple for most people to service their ABS unit themselves.

Things You’ll Need

Drain pan
Replacement brake fluid
Line wrenches (check if your car needs metric or imperial)
Flat screwdriver
Ratchet and socket set (metric or imperial)
Shop towels
Service manual for your vehicle

Process

Check your service manual to see if you have to replace the ABS unit or the ABS unit and the solenoid unit together. Many vehicle manufacturers require that you replace both at once. Then, buy the parts.
Consult your service manual to see how to detach the ABS unit from the solenoid block. In some cases, you’ll be able to unbolt the ABS unit from the solenoid block without removing the brake lines. In other cases, you’ll have to remove all the brake lines, then the solenoid block, then the ABS unit and possibly the distributor as well.
Release the line pressure following the instructions in your service manual.
Find the clip, screw, or bolt attaching the wiring harness to the control unit. It’s sometimes a good idea to mark where the system goes using white paint, or to take a photo before unplugging everything.
Use line wrenches to unthread the lines from the block. Then, pull them out and push the ends into a drain pan so they don’t drip over the engine.
Unbolt the bracket holding the ABS Unit and Solenoid block and pull both out.
Remove the bolts attaching the ABS unit to the solenoid block and pry them apart. If your unit has to be replaced together, skip this step.
Thread the new unit onto the solenoid block. If you’re replacing both, skip this step. Be sure to be careful and gentle and start threading by hand. Refer to your service manual for the appropriate torque.
Bolt the module to the solenoid block and insert it into the car. Bolt it into the bracket.
Thread the brake lines, starting by hand before switching to a line wrench, and then checking the manual for the right torque. Double-check that the torque matches that in your service manual.
Replace the electrical connectors.
If your vehicle manufacturer requires you to program the ABS unit, take it to the dealer and have them do the work.
Replace the brake fluid.

Some cars have very complex brake bleeding, some have the ABS module in a less straightforward place. However, this process is relatively the same across most cars.

Conclusion

The anti-brake locking system controls your brakes so that your wheels don’t lock up as you navigate slippery surfaces. However, if it starts to go out, the ABS can actually cause accidents by causing a wheel to lock up. Getting the issue fixed is important. Here, you’ll typically have to replace the sensors or the control module itself, which can cost $250-$2,5000 – or an average of $1,500 if you have to replace the module. You’ll also normally pay about $150-$200 in labor for replacing the module – although costs can be much lower.