How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Fuel Injection System?

Expect to pay roughly $600–$1,400 for most gasoline port-fuel-injection cars if you’re replacing a full set of injectors, $1,200–$4,500 for modern gasoline direct-injection systems, and $3,000–$8,000 or more for diesel trucks. Replacing a single injector can be as low as $150–$400 on port-injected gas engines and $300–$900 on direct-injected engines. Costs swing widely with vehicle type, parts pricing, labor time, and whether the job includes other components like the high-pressure pump, fuel rail, lines, and seals.

What “fuel injection replacement” usually means

Shops and owners often use “replace the fuel injection system” to mean different things. Sometimes it’s just one faulty injector; other times it’s a full set of injectors, new seals, and a rail. On direct-injection gasoline engines and diesels, the “system” also includes a high-pressure pump and hard lines that may need replacement, plus calibration or coding. Clarifying the scope is crucial to understanding your final bill.

PFI vs. GDI vs. Diesel: the big differences

Port fuel injection (PFI) sprays fuel into the intake ports and is typically cheaper and simpler to service. Gasoline direct injection (GDI) sprays straight into the cylinder at very high pressure, adding cost and labor. Diesel common-rail systems operate at even higher pressures and often require more expensive parts and procedures, especially after a pump failure.

Typical price ranges by scenario (parts and labor, USD)

The following ranges reflect common U.S. retail pricing in 2025 for parts plus professional labor, assuming no unusual complications. Your vehicle, region, and shop rate will affect the final number.

• Gasoline PFI – single injector: $150–$400
• Gasoline PFI – full set (4–6 injectors): $600–$1,400 (some V6/V8 can run $800–$1,800)
• Gasoline GDI – single injector: $300–$900
• Gasoline GDI – full set: $1,200–$4,500
• High-pressure fuel pump (GDI): $600–$1,500
• Throttle-body injector unit (older TBI systems): $300–$800
• Fuel rail and lines (gasoline, if needed): $400–$1,000
• Diesel common-rail – single injector: $400–$1,000
• Diesel common-rail – full set (6–8 injectors): $3,000–$8,000+
• High-pressure diesel pump (CP3/CP4 etc.): $1,800–$3,500
• Comprehensive overhaul after contamination or pump failure (diesel): $4,000–$10,000+ depending on scope

Most gasoline cars land toward the lower half of these ranges, while luxury, European, direct-injected, and diesel platforms trend higher due to parts prices and added labor.

Cost breakdown: parts vs. labor

Understanding where the money goes helps you evaluate quotes and decide what to replace proactively.

• Parts: PFI injectors often cost $50–$200 each; GDI injectors $150–$400 each; diesel injectors $250–$600 each. High-pressure pumps add $250–$800 (gasoline GDI) or $900–$2,000+ (diesel).
• Labor hours: PFI injector jobs can be 1.5–3.0 hours for a full set; GDI and diesel can run 3–8+ hours depending on access and procedures.
• Shop rate: Commonly $100–$200/hour in the U.S., higher at dealerships or in large metros.
• Programming/calibration: Some GDI and diesel injectors require coding; expect 0.5–1.0 additional hour plus scan-tool fees.
• Ancillaries: Seals, O-rings, clips, gaskets, and sometimes fuel lines are replaced as a best practice to prevent leaks.

The same parts on different vehicles can require very different labor times. Tight engine bays, intake removal, cowl removal, or additional cleaning will push labor upward.

Factors that swing the price

Several variables can move an estimate hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

• Engine type and access: V6/V8 configurations, transverse layouts, and buried rails increase labor.
• Direct injection carbon buildup: Many GDI engines need intake-valve cleaning while you’re in there.
• OEM vs. aftermarket: OEM injectors often cost more but may be required to avoid drivability issues.
• Core charges and reman quality: Remanufactured injectors can save money if sourced from reputable builders; core returns reduce cost.
• Regional labor rates: Coastal metros and dealer service departments typically charge more.
• Vehicle brand: European luxury models (BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Volvo) and some trucks carry higher parts prices and coding requirements.
• Contamination events: Metal or water in fuel can necessitate lines, rail, and tank cleaning or replacement.
• Warranty/recalls/TSBs: Some platforms have extended coverage or updated parts; check before paying out of pocket.

If your estimate seems high, ask the shop to explain which of these factors apply to your case and whether any are optional versus required.

Can cleaning or repair save money?

Not every injector issue demands replacement. Professional cleaning and testing can restore flow if the problem is clogging rather than electrical failure or leakage.

• On-car injector cleaning (PFI): $80–$200; helpful for mild clogging, less effective for severe issues or GDI.
• Off-car ultrasonic cleaning and flow testing: $25–$40 per injector; often the best-value diagnostic for PFI injectors.
• GDI intake-valve walnut blasting (carbon cleaning): $300–$600; addresses misfires/rough idle due to valve deposits, not failed injectors.
• Seal and filter basket service (where applicable): Low cost, sometimes resolves drips or minor leaks on PFI.

Cleaning won’t fix cracked housings, bad coils, or worn pintles. If an injector fails electrically or leaks externally, replacement is the safe option.

Signs you may need injector or system replacement

Before authorizing a major repair, confirm symptoms and fault codes point to the injection system and not ignition, vacuum, or compression issues.

• Rough idle, hard starts, misfires under load
• Poor fuel economy, fuel smell, or visible leaks
• Check Engine Light with codes such as P020X (injector circuit), P030X (misfire), P0171/P0172 (lean/rich), or manufacturer-specific injector balance codes
• Fuel contamination or metal debris found in filter or rail (especially on diesels and GDI after pump failure)

A proper diagnostic should include fuel pressure testing, injector balance or contribution testing, and, where applicable, current ramping or scope checks of injector circuits.

How to get a reliable estimate

A clear, line-item quote helps you compare apples to apples across shops and avoid surprise add-ons.

1. Ask the shop to define the scope: single injector, full set, or “system” (injectors, pump, rail, lines, cleaning).
2. Request part numbers and brand (OEM or aftermarket/reman) and whether coding is required.
3. Get labor hours and shop rate in writing, including diagnostic fees and programming charges.
4. Confirm what ancillary parts are included: seals, gaskets, rails, and new lines where required by the manufacturer.
5. Inquire about recommended while-you’re-in-there services, like intake-valve cleaning on GDI.
6. Compare at least two quotes from reputable shops and check warranty terms (12/12 is common; 24/24 or longer is better).

Well-documented estimates reduce the risk of scope creep and make it easier to judge value, not just price.

Time in the shop

Simple PFI injector jobs can be done same day. Many GDI and diesel jobs take a day or two, especially if parts must be ordered, coding is required, or carbon cleaning and fuel-system decontamination are added.

Bottom line

Replacing fuel injectors on a typical gasoline PFI car often falls between $600 and $1,400 for a full set, while modern GDI systems typically run $1,200–$4,500 and diesel trucks $3,000–$8,000+. The exact price depends on parts choice, labor time, system complexity, and whether additional components like high-pressure pumps and lines are included. Get a clear scope, insist on line-item quotes, and consider cleaning or testing where appropriate.

Summary

Fuel injection replacement costs vary widely: PFI is generally the least expensive, GDI sits in the middle, and diesel systems cost the most. Expect $150–$400 to replace a single PFI injector, $300–$900 for a single GDI injector, $600–$1,400 for a PFI set, $1,200–$4,500 for a GDI set, and $3,000–$8,000+ for diesel sets, with high-pressure pumps and decontamination driving costs higher. Clarify the scope, verify diagnostics, and compare detailed quotes to control your budget.

How much does it cost to replace a fuel injection system?

However, on average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $2,500 for this fuel injector replacement. Some individual fuel injectors can under $40 each while others are several hundred apiece. As with any vehicle repair, find a reliable mechanic who will provide you with an honest assessment and a fair price.

Can I drive with a bad fuel injector?

It can cause your catalytic converter to overheat. And if your catalytic converter overheats fails. That’s really hard on the pocketbook.

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.

How long does a fuel injection system last?

50,000 to 100,000 miles
You’ve probably wondered how long your car’s fuel injectors can last, especially when you start noticing slight changes in your engine’s performance. Typically, they should serve you well for 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on whether you drive a gasoline or diesel engine.