What Is the Most Expensive Job on a Car?

The costliest single job on a car is typically an engine replacement for gasoline/diesel vehicles or a high‑voltage battery pack replacement for electric vehicles; depending on the model, each can run from several thousand dollars into the tens of thousands. In serious crashes, structural body repairs with airbag replacement can exceed both, but those situations often result in the car being declared a total loss rather than repaired.

The Top Contenders for the Highest Repair Bill

While exact costs vary by make, model, region, and shop rate, a handful of repairs consistently sit at the top of the price spectrum due to parts cost, labor hours, and specialized procedures.

• Engine replacement or full rebuild (ICE vehicles)
• High‑voltage battery pack replacement (EVs and some hybrids)
• Major structural collision repairs, especially with airbag deployment and ADAS recalibration
• Transmission replacement (automatic, DCT, or complex CVT units)
• Complete professional respray with bodywork and corrosion repair (particularly on premium/exotic models)

These jobs are expensive because they involve the vehicle’s largest and most complex components, require many labor hours, and often demand special tools, software, and calibrations.

Typical Cost Ranges in 2025

The ranges below reflect mainstream passenger vehicles in North America and Europe; luxury, performance, and exotic models can far exceed these figures, and regional labor rates or parts availability can move the numbers significantly.

• Engine replacement/rebuild: about $4,000–$8,000 for many 4‑cylinder cars; $7,000–$15,000 for V6/V8 or luxury; $20,000+ for high‑performance or exotic applications.
• EV high‑voltage battery pack: roughly $8,000–$18,000 for compact/midsize EVs; $15,000–$30,000+ for larger trucks/SUVs and premium brands, including labor, cooling parts, and software coding.
• Major collision with structural work and airbags: commonly $10,000–$25,000+ once frames, panels, paint, multiple airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and sensor recalibrations are included; often approaches or exceeds the car’s value.
• Transmission replacement: around $3,500–$7,500 for many conventional automatics/CVTs; $7,000–$15,000+ for high‑end multi‑speed or dual‑clutch units.
• Full respray with body/paint correction: approximately $5,000–$15,000 for quality work on mainstream cars; $15,000–$30,000+ for tri‑coat finishes and premium vehicles, especially with rust remediation.

When multiple systems are involved—such as an engine plus cooling system, or collision work plus ADAS calibration—the total can escalate quickly beyond the base part/labor quotes.

Why These Jobs Cost So Much

High-cost automotive jobs combine expensive hardware with long labor times and modern electronics that must be programmed and calibrated to factory specifications.

• Component price: Engines, battery packs, and transmissions are the most expensive parts on most vehicles.
• Labor hours: Removal, installation, and ancillary work (mounts, lines, fluids, belts, seals) can span dozens of hours.
• Diagnostics and calibration: Post-repair programming and ADAS sensor calibration add specialized steps and equipment costs.
• Access complexity: Tight engine bays, aluminum or bonded panels, and integrated subframes increase time and risk.
• Quality standards: OEM parts, corrosion protection, and paint-matching requirements are stringent on modern cars.
• Brand effect: Luxury and performance marques often require pricier parts, dealer-only tools, and higher shop rates.

The combination of premium parts, extended labor, and digital calibration is what pushes these jobs to the top of the cost scale.

EV vs. Gas: How the “Most Expensive” Differs

For internal-combustion cars, the engine is the priciest single-component job in most scenarios, with transmissions close behind. In electric vehicles, the high‑voltage battery pack typically claims the top spot due to cell cost, safety protocols, and integration. Severe crash repairs can surpass either category but are often uneconomical, leading insurers to total the car rather than authorize repair.

Repair or Replace? When a Car Becomes a Total Loss

Insurers usually declare a vehicle a total loss when the repair estimate approaches a set percentage of the car’s actual cash value (commonly 60–80%, depending on jurisdiction and policy). Understanding this threshold helps owners decide whether to proceed with major work or pivot to replacement.

• If structural rails are bent, multiple airbags have deployed, and panels need repainting, repair costs often exceed value on older or mid-market cars.
• Late-model, high-value vehicles are more likely to be repaired if the projected bill remains below the insurer’s total-loss threshold.
• Manufacturer warranties, recalls, or goodwill programs can materially change the math, particularly for EV batteries and known defect repairs.

When estimates nears the total-loss threshold, it’s wise to obtain a second opinion and discuss vehicle value and settlement options with your insurer.

Ways to Avoid Reaching the Most Expensive Repairs

Preventive maintenance and early intervention can dramatically reduce the likelihood of facing a four- or five-figure repair bill.

1. Stay on schedule for oil, coolant, and transmission fluid services; overheating and lubrication failures destroy engines and gearboxes.
2. Address warning lights and leaks immediately; ignoring misfires, low coolant, or battery warnings often multiplies damage.
3. For EVs, follow battery care best practices—avoid frequent 0–100% cycles, keep software up to date, and maintain thermal systems.
4. Fix small collision damage and rust early to prevent structural corrosion and costly panel replacement.
5. Use high-quality parts and fluids that meet OEM specifications to protect warranties and component longevity.
6. Consider extended warranties or service contracts if they credibly cover engines, batteries, and transmissions.
7. Get a pre-purchase inspection for used cars to catch hidden issues (cooling, timing chains, battery state of health).

While no plan eliminates risk, attentive upkeep and quick responses to early symptoms are the best defenses against top-tier repair costs.

What to Ask Your Shop If You Face a Big Job

If you’re staring at a major estimate, asking targeted questions can clarify options and reduce surprises at delivery.

• Are the parts new OEM, remanufactured, or aftermarket? What are the warranties on each?
• Is there a long-block/short-block or module-level repair alternative versus full replacement?
• What line items cover programming, ADAS calibration, fluids, mounts, belts, and ancillary parts?
• Can you provide an itemized, written estimate and a not-to-exceed amount?
• What’s the turnaround time, and are there supply-chain constraints?
• Will you return old parts or provide photos of internal damage for verification?
• For EVs: What’s the battery state-of-health, isolation test result, and is a module-level repair possible?

Clear documentation, defined scope, and warranty details help you compare quotes and choose the best repair path—or decide to move on from the vehicle.

Bottom Line

For most gasoline and diesel cars, the engine replacement is the priciest single repair, while for EVs, the high‑voltage battery leads the list. Major collision repairs can exceed both but often lead to a total loss. Exact costs depend on brand, parts choices, labor rates, and the need for calibrations; preventive maintenance and informed decision-making are your best tools for avoiding or mitigating these big-ticket jobs.

Summary

The most expensive job on a car is usually an engine replacement (ICE) or a high‑voltage battery replacement (EV), each commonly running from the mid‑four figures into the tens of thousands, with luxury and performance models costing even more. Severe crash repairs with airbags and ADAS can surpass those totals but frequently total the vehicle. Costs are driven by parts prices, extensive labor, and digital calibration requirements; staying on top of maintenance and asking the right questions can keep you out of the costliest scenarios.

What is the highest paying job to do with cars?

10 high-paying jobs in the automotive industry

1. Automotive service manager.
2. Auto body technician.
3. Auto estimator.
4. Car sales executive.
5. Industrial designer.
6. Truck driver.
7. Mechanical designer.
8. Diesel technician.

What is the most expensive thing on a vehicle?

Engine Failure. The engine is the most expensive car part to repair. Due to insufficient lubrication in the motor caused by inadequate oil levels and quality, moving parts overheat and damage each other. The consequences of engine failure may be catastrophic.

What’s the most expensive thing to fix on a car?

The most expensive things to fix on a car are often the engine, transmission, or the high-voltage battery pack in a hybrid or electric vehicle. Engine and transmission replacements can cost upwards of $10,000 or more due to the complexity and labor involved. Hybrid/EV battery replacements are also costly, ranging from $4,000 to over $17,000, depending on the vehicle and battery size. 
Here are some common high-cost car repairs:
Internal Components 

• Engine Replacement/Rebuild: Opens in new tabThis is frequently the most expensive repair because it involves the largest and most complex part of the vehicle. A full replacement can cost anywhere from $5,000 to over $16,000, including labor and associated parts like belts and hoses.
• Transmission Replacement: Opens in new tabSimilar to the engine, replacing a transmission is labor-intensive and can cost between $3,000 and $7,000 for new or rebuilt units.
• Hybrid/EV Battery Packs: Opens in new tabModern vehicles with these batteries face a common, high-cost repair due to the expense of replacing the entire battery pack. Costs vary widely but can be substantial.

Emissions and Safety Components 

• Catalytic Converter Replacement: Opens in new tabThese parts are expensive due to the valuable precious metals they contain, like platinum and rhodium.
• Airbag Systems: Opens in new tabFollowing an accident, replacing deployed airbags, sensors, and resetting the module can easily run into several thousand dollars.

Other High-Cost Repairs

• Cylinder Head Replacement: Opens in new tabA necessary fix when there’s major engine damage, this repair requires extensive labor to disassemble and reassemble the engine. 
• Hybrid Inverter Assembly: Opens in new tabFor hybrid vehicles, the inverter is a critical component that, if it fails, requires expensive replacement. 

What is the highest paying job that works on cars?

High Paying Automotive Jobs

• Automotive Shop Foreman.
• Automotive Diagnostic Technician.
• Automotive Service Manager.
• Master Mechanic.
• Transmission Specialist.
• Auto Inspector.
• Automotive Manager. Salary range: $45,500-$78,500 per year.
• Auto Body Estimator. Salary range: $50,000-$77,000 per year.