How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Fuel Injector?

Expect to pay about $100–$300 for professional cleaning, $150–$500 to replace one gasoline port injector, $400–$1,200 for one direct-injection (GDI) injector, and $600–$1,800 for one diesel injector; replacing all injectors on a typical gasoline engine usually runs $400–$2,400, while a diesel V8 set can reach $2,800–$6,500. Costs vary by engine type, parts quality, and labor rates (U.S. averages in 2025).

What “fixing” a fuel injector actually means

Shops use “fix” to describe different procedures: diagnosis and testing, cleaning, resealing, or full replacement. Clogged or slightly unbalanced port injectors may respond to ultrasonic/bench cleaning and new seals. Mechanical wear, internal leaks, electrical faults, or contaminated GDI/diesel injectors usually require replacement. Modern GDI and diesel systems also add costs for single-use high-pressure lines, coding/calibration, and extra labor to access injectors.

Typical price ranges by scenario

The figures below reflect common U.S. parts-and-labor totals in 2025 at independent shops, excluding tax/shop fees. Dealer pricing and luxury/European models often run higher.

• On-car chemical cleaning (gas engines): $100–$200. Helpful for mild deposits but won’t fix mechanical or electrical injector faults.
• Bench/ultrasonic cleaning with flow testing: $20–$40 per injector for service, plus 1–2.5 hours labor to remove/reinstall ($100–$500 total on most gas engines).
• Replace one gasoline port injector: parts $50–$200; labor 0.8–2.0 hours. Typical total $150–$500.
• Replace one gasoline direct-injection (GDI) injector: parts $150–$400 (OEM often $250–$600); labor 2–5 hours. Typical total $400–$1,200.
• Replace one diesel common-rail injector: parts $250–$600 (HD truck often $400–$1,000); labor 2–4 hours. Typical total $600–$1,800.
• Replace full set, 4-cylinder gasoline port injection: parts $200–$600; labor 1.5–3 hours. Typical total $400–$1,200.
• Replace full set, 4-cylinder GDI: parts $600–$1,600; labor 3–6 hours. Typical total $900–$2,400.
• Replace full set, V6/V8 GDI: parts $900–$2,400; labor 4–8 hours. Typical total $1,400–$3,500.
• Replace full set, diesel V8 pickup: parts $2,000–$4,800; labor 6–12 hours. Typical total $2,800–$6,500.
• Diagnostic fee (scan, fuel-pressure tests, balance/leak-down): $100–$200; advanced testing can add more.

Final totals depend on access, corrosion, and parts availability; taxes and shop supplies may add 5–12%. Rust-belt vehicles, seized injectors, and luxury or European models typically skew higher.

What drives the price up or down

Several variables explain why quotes differ widely across vehicles and shops.

• Engine and injector type: GDI and diesel systems run higher pressures, often need single-use fuel lines and coding, and are harder to access.
• Labor rate and region: $95–$200 per hour is common; metro/coastal areas and dealers charge more.
• Access/packaging: Intake manifold removal, carbon buildup, or seized injectors can add hours.
• Parts quality: OEM vs. aftermarket vs. OEM remanufactured; some engines are sensitive to non-OEM parts.
• Required ancillaries: Seals, insulators, rails, high-pressure lines, and gaskets often must be replaced.
• Diagnosis accuracy: Misdiagnosed misfires (e.g., caused by coils, plugs, vacuum leaks) can lead to needless injector replacement.
• Coverage: Emissions warranty (up to 8 years/80,000 miles in the U.S.) and brand-specific extensions or recalls can offset costs.

You can influence cost by choosing parts wisely, verifying the diagnosis, and scheduling related maintenance while access is open.

Common symptoms of a failing injector

Injector issues can mimic other engine problems, but these clues often point to a fueling fault.

• Rough idle, hard starts, hesitation, or stalling; cylinder-specific misfire codes (P030X).
• Lean/rich codes (P0171/P0174 or P0172/P0175), poor fuel economy, fuel odor.
• Black smoke (over-fueling), popping/backfiring; on diesels, white/gray smoke and rough cold starts.
• Fuel in engine oil or rising oil level (danger of engine damage).
• Ticking from injector body (normal) vs. pronounced knock from over-fueling (abnormal).

Because symptoms overlap with ignition and air-intake faults, proper testing—balance, leak-down, resistance, and scan-data analysis—is key before replacing parts.

Is cleaning worth it?

On-car chemical cleaning can help mild deposits, especially on port-injected engines, but won’t fix electrical failures, internal leaks, or severe clogging. Bench ultrasonic cleaning with flow testing offers proof of improvement and is the only cleaning that can restore flow balance reliably. For GDI and diesel injectors, replacement is more common due to higher failure modes and the need for precise spray patterns and sealing at very high pressures.

Ways to save money

Strategic choices can reduce the bill without compromising reliability.

• Verify the diagnosis: ask for a cylinder balance/leak test or a swap test to confirm the fault follows the injector.
• Replace seals/insulators if the injector tests good but is leaking externally.
• Consider OEM remanufactured injectors for cost savings with factory specs and warranty.
• Bundle work that requires the same access (spark plugs, intake gaskets, carbon cleaning on GDI) to avoid duplicate labor.
• Use a reputable independent specialist; dealers typically cost more but may have warranty leverage.
• Check emissions warranty, TSBs, or goodwill/extended coverage that can cover injectors on some models.
• If one injector fails at high mileage, pricing a full set may be cheaper long-term than repeating labor later.

Ask your shop for parts options, a line-item estimate, and whether any single-use lines or gaskets are included to avoid surprises.

DIY considerations

DIY can cut labor, but safety and procedure are critical. Always depressurize the fuel system, disconnect the battery, and work fire-safe. GDI systems use single-use high-pressure lines and torque-angle specs; many diesels require coding new injectors with a scan tool. Expect to buy seals, clips, and possibly rail/line components. If you lack the tools or data, professional service is safer and often cheaper than redoing a failed repair.

Turnaround time

Simple port-injector jobs and on-car cleaning can be same-day. GDI/diesel replacement typically takes half a day to a full day; seized injectors or parts delays can extend repairs to multiple days.

Bottom line

Most drivers spend $150–$500 to replace a single gasoline port injector and $400–$1,200 for a single GDI injector, with full-set replacement on gas engines typically $400–$2,400. Diesel injectors are costlier, often $600–$1,800 each and $2,800–$6,500 for a V8 set. Get a clear diagnosis, ask about parts choices and single-use components, and check for warranty coverage to control costs.

Summary

Fixing a fuel injector ranges from a few hundred dollars for cleaning or a single port injector to several thousand for full GDI or diesel sets. Final price hinges on engine type, access, labor rates, and parts selection. Confirm the fault, compare estimates, and leverage warranties or reman options to keep the repair affordable and reliable.

Is it worth fixing fuel injectors?

If the injectors are in good condition and only need minor cleaning, then cleaning is usually sufficient. However, if they are severely clogged or damaged, replacement is likely the better option for long-term performance and reliability.

What are the symptoms of a bad fuel injector?

Symptoms of a bad fuel injector include a lit check engine light, rough idling, engine misfires, poor engine performance, reduced fuel economy, difficulty starting the engine, and sometimes a strong smell of fuel. You may also experience a sluggish response to acceleration or a feeling of the engine stalling or sputtering.
 
Common Symptoms

• Check Engine Light: The engine’s computer can detect an imbalance in the air-fuel ratio and will illuminate the check engine light. 
• Rough Idle: The engine may shake or vibrate while at a stop, like at a red light, due to inconsistent fuel delivery. 
• Engine Misfires: The engine might hesitate or sputter, feeling like it’s struggling to complete its combustion cycle because a cylinder isn’t getting enough fuel. 
• Poor Performance: Your car may feel sluggish, have reduced power, or hesitate when you press the gas pedal. 
• Reduced Fuel Economy: The engine can waste fuel by either leaking it or not properly atomizing it for combustion, leading to more frequent trips to the gas station. 
• Difficulty Starting: If injectors aren’t delivering the right amount of fuel, the engine may struggle to start or even fail to start at all. 
• Smell of Gasoline: A leaking injector can create a dangerous fuel smell under the hood. 

What to Do
If you notice these signs, it’s important to have them checked by a mechanic. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to further engine problems and damage to other components.

How expensive is it to replace fuel injectors?

Replacing fuel injectors can cost anywhere from $500 to over $2,500, though the exact price depends heavily on your vehicle’s make and model, the number of injectors needed, and labor costs in your area. Individual parts can range from under $40 to several hundred dollars, with luxury or diesel vehicles having higher costs. You should also factor in labor, which can range from $150 to over $300, and the potential need for other related components. 
This video explains the factors affecting fuel injector replacement cost and provides examples: 49sLearnToDIY360YouTube · Jan 23, 2025
Factors influencing the cost:

• Vehicle Make and Model: Luxury and high-performance vehicles often have more expensive parts and may require more complex labor. 
• Number of Injectors: Most engines have multiple injectors, and it is often recommended to replace them in sets, increasing the total part cost. 
• Part Quality: The cost of individual fuel injectors varies greatly, from inexpensive aftermarket options to high-end parts for specific engines. 
• Labor Costs: Labor charges vary depending on your location and the repair shop’s hourly rate, which can range from approximately $50 to $200 per hour. 
• Related Costs: Be aware of potential additional expenses such as taxes, necessary gaskets, or other components that may be needed during the replacement. 

Tips for managing costs:

• Check Your Warranty: Many new vehicles have their fuel injectors covered by the manufacturer’s powertrain or bumper-to-bumper warranty, which can cover parts, labor, or both. 
• Get Multiple Quotes: Contact several local repair shops to get different price estimates for both parts and labor. 
• Consider Fuel Injector Cleaning: In some cases, carbon buildup is the cause of poor injector performance. A fuel system cleaning with additives may be a less expensive alternative to replacement. 

Can you drive a car with a bad fuel injector?

No, you should not drive a car with a bad fuel injector because it can cause a rough engine, poor fuel economy, and dangerous misfires, all of which can lead to costly damage to your catalytic converter or other internal engine components. The severity of the symptoms depends on the extent of the injector’s malfunction, but driving with a faulty injector is never recommended. 
Why you shouldn’t drive with a bad fuel injector

• Catalytic Converter Damage: The primary risk is an overheating catalytic converter, which is a very expensive component to replace. 
• Engine Damage: An imbalanced air-fuel mixture from a faulty injector can cause the engine to run too lean (lack of fuel) or too rich (excess fuel), leading to engine overheating or excessive carbon buildup and damage to internal parts. 
• Engine Misfires and Stalling: The engine can run roughly, misfire, or stall due to a lack of fuel or an improper mixture. 
• Poor Performance: You will experience a loss of engine power and poor acceleration. 
• Increased Fuel Consumption: The engine will burn fuel inefficiently, leading to worse gas mileage. 

What to do if you suspect a bad fuel injector

• Get it checked immediately: Don’t delay, as driving with a bad injector can cause more significant and expensive damage. 
• Check the Check Engine Light: A flashing or illuminated Check Engine Light can signal a faulty fuel injector. 
• Avoid driving: It’s best to have the vehicle towed to a mechanic to prevent further damage.