The Vehicles That Cost the Most to Repair in 2025

The most expensive vehicles to repair are ultra-luxury and exotics (Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Bentley, Rolls-Royce), European luxury SUVs and high-performance sedans (Range Rover, Porsche, Mercedes-AMG, BMW M), and premium EVs (notably Tesla Model S/X, Rivian, Lucid Air), with heavy-duty diesel pickups also incurring steep bills for major powertrain or emissions work. These segments combine costly parts, complex technology, specialized labor, and, in the case of EVs and ADAS-heavy models, pricier collision repairs and calibrations.

How “expensive to repair” is defined in 2025

Repair expense can mean different things depending on context: out-of-warranty maintenance and repairs over time; the average size of insurance-paid collision claims; and the cost and availability of major components such as batteries, air suspension, turbos, or carbon-ceramic brakes. Analysts and shop networks track severity (average dollars per repair), labor hours, cycle time (how long a vehicle is in the shop), and parts availability. In 2024–2025 data, luxury, exotic, and tech-heavy vehicles consistently post higher severities and longer repair times than mainstream models.

Who pays the most at the shop: categories and examples

The following categories routinely top the charts for high repair bills due to premium materials, sophisticated systems, and limited repair networks. Examples are representative, not exhaustive, and costs vary by region and model year.

• Ultra-luxury and exotics: Ferrari (488, F8), Lamborghini (Huracán, Aventador), McLaren (570S, 720S), Bentley (Continental, Bentayga), Rolls-Royce (Ghost, Cullinan)
• European luxury SUVs and flagships: Land Rover/Range Rover (Range Rover, Range Rover Sport), Porsche (Cayenne, Macan), Mercedes-Benz (S-Class, AMG GT/AMG SUVs), BMW (7 Series, M5/M SUVs), Audi (A8, RS models)
• Premium electric vehicles (EVs): Tesla (Model S, Model X), Porsche Taycan, Lucid Air, Rivian R1T/R1S, Mercedes EQS, BMW i7
• High-performance sports cars: Porsche 911 and GT variants, Nissan GT-R, Chevrolet Corvette Z06/ZR1 (carbon-ceramic brake and aero repairs elevate costs)
• Heavy-duty diesel pickups: Ford Super Duty 6.7L Power Stroke, Ram HD 6.7L Cummins, Chevy/GMC HD 6.6L Duramax (major emissions-system and transmission work can be very costly)
• Aluminum- or carbon-intensive vehicles: Jaguar and Range Rover aluminum bodies, Tesla S/X, BMW i models, and carbon-body exotics increase collision complexity and cost

Across these groups, the mix of specialized parts, advanced electronics, and limited qualified technicians elevates both parts prices and labor time, pushing routine maintenance and collision repairs well above mainstream averages.

Why these vehicles cost more to fix

Several technical and market factors drive up both routine and collision repair costs for the vehicles above. Understanding these drivers can help predict ownership costs before you buy.

• Specialized parts and materials: Carbon fiber, aluminum, magnesium, and carbon-ceramic brakes cost far more than steel and iron components and often require replacement rather than repair.
• Complex electronics and ADAS: Advanced driver-assistance systems, lidar/radar arrays, night vision, and 3D cameras require costly sensors and post-repair calibration that can add hundreds to thousands of dollars per job.
• Powertrain sophistication: Twin-turbo V8s/V12s, hybrid systems, multi-clutch transmissions, and high-voltage EV architectures increase diagnostic time and parts prices.
• Labor and tooling: Many luxury and exotic repairs require factory diagnostic software, special tools, or brand-certified facilities, raising labor rates and limiting shop options.
• Battery and high-voltage repairs (EVs): Out-of-warranty battery modules and packs often run to five figures, and structural or coolant-loop damage can make repairs particularly expensive.
• Body construction and finishes: Tight panel tolerances, multi-layer paint, and integrated sensor bumpers increase refinish and replacement costs after even minor collisions.
• Parts availability and logistics: Low-volume models and startups can face long lead times, extending rental costs and shop cycle times while parts ship from overseas or centralized hubs.

In combination, these factors yield higher repair severity, more frequent component replacement, and longer time in the shop—costs that owners feel directly out of warranty, and indirectly via higher insurance premiums.

What the latest data shows in 2024–2025

Maintenance and non-collision repairs

Independent estimate aggregators continue to show higher annual repair costs for European luxury brands. RepairPal’s brand data places Land Rover, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz toward the top for out-of-warranty averages, with many models clustering around roughly $900–$1,200 per year in typical maintenance/repair—higher than mainstream brands. Air suspension, complex cooling systems, and turbocharging are common cost drivers.

Collision and insurance-paid claims

Claims and body-shop analytics from large networks (such as CCC Intelligent Solutions and Mitchell) report higher average repair costs and longer cycle times for luxury and EV segments versus internal-combustion mainstream vehicles. Aluminum-intensive bodies (Tesla Model S/X, Range Rover, Jaguar) and vehicles with dense sensor suites require more labor and calibration, raising both severity and rental days. Carbon-ceramic brake and aero-component repairs on performance models also inflate claim totals.

EV-specific considerations

Premium EVs continue to post above-average collision severities due to parts pricing, battery-pack protection requirements, and ADAS calibration. While most EV maintenance is light early on, out-of-warranty high-voltage component repairs and battery-module replacements can run into five figures. Luxury EVs from Tesla, Porsche, Lucid, and Rivian are particularly costly when structural components, thermal systems, or packs are involved.

How to keep repair costs under control

You can mitigate high repair exposure by selecting the right trim, planning warranties, and choosing shops wisely. The following tactics help lower the risk and impact of big bills.

• Buy the simplest spec that meets your needs: Smaller wheels, steel springs instead of air suspension, and fewer complex options reduce failure points and collision costs.
• Prioritize warranty coverage: Consider certified pre-owned (CPO) programs or reputable extended service contracts that cover electronics, air suspension, and high-voltage components.
• Check the repair network before buying: Ensure there are brand-certified collision and EV-capable shops within practical distance, and ask about parts lead times.
• Compare insurance quotes by VIN: Vehicles expensive to repair often carry higher premiums; shop coverage before finalizing a purchase.
• Follow preventive maintenance: Timely fluid, filter, and software updates can prevent cascading failures in turbo, hybrid, and diesel emissions systems.
• Use OE or high-quality parts strategically: For safety and ADAS, OE parts are often required; for non-critical items, quality aftermarket options can save money where appropriate.
• Mind wheel/tire choices: Low-profile, high-performance tires and forged wheels are costly; downsizing can reduce replacement and pothole-related expenses.

While you can’t eliminate premium repair costs on complex vehicles, planning around coverage, parts availability, and specification can meaningfully reduce long-term outlays.

Bottom line and buying considerations

If minimizing repair costs is a priority, steer clear of ultra-luxury and exotic marques, aluminum- and carbon-intensive bodies, and tech-saturated flagships unless strong warranty coverage or budget reserves are in place. Among EVs, mainstream models with robust repair networks tend to be less expensive to fix than luxury EVs with structural battery designs and dense sensor suites. For trucks, heavy-duty diesels deliver capability but can inflict big-ticket repair and emissions-system bills when out of warranty.

Summary

The vehicles most expensive to repair in 2025 are ultra-luxury and exotics, European luxury SUVs and performance sedans, and premium EVs—followed by heavy-duty diesel pickups for major powertrain issues. Costs are driven by specialized materials, advanced electronics and ADAS, high-voltage components, and limited repair networks. Prospective owners can temper risk by choosing simpler specs, securing strong warranty coverage, verifying local repair capacity, and pricing insurance by VIN before purchase.

Which car is least expensive to fix?

What Cars Are Cheapest to Maintain?

• Toyota Corolla.
• Toyota Prius.
• Honda Fit.
• Mitsubishi Mirage.
• Toyota Yaris.
• Honda Civic.
• Nissan Sentra. The Nissan Sentra is another budget-friendly sedan that’s both dependable and relatively cheap to maintain.
• Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 is the company’s first entry on this list.

What car is the most expensive to repair?

The most expensive cars to repair are typically high-end luxury and performance brands like Porsche, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW. These vehicles have higher costs due to their complex technology, expensive, specialized parts, and the need for skilled technicians for repairs, which can make even routine maintenance significantly more costly than for a mainstream brand.
 
Key Reasons for High Repair Costs

• Specialized Parts: Opens in new tabLuxury and performance cars use high-tech components that are often more expensive and harder to find than parts for standard vehicles. 
• Complex Technology: Opens in new tabVehicles with advanced features, such as sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems, high-performance engines, and complex electronics, require specialized tools and knowledge to repair. 
• Labor Costs: Opens in new tabThe specialized nature of these vehicles means they require skilled technicians, which increases labor costs for repairs. 
• Brand Reputation: Opens in new tabThe premium brand associated with these vehicles often translates to a higher price for maintenance and repairs across the board, even for simple tasks. 

Examples of High-Cost Brands

• Porsche: Opens in new tabKnown for expensive parts and high maintenance costs. 
• Land Rover: Opens in new tabExperiences high costs due to reliability issues and the expense of parts and labor for its complex luxury SUVs. 
• Mercedes-Benz: Opens in new tabEven basic repairs can be significantly more expensive due to the premium nature of the brand’s components and design. 
• Audi: Opens in new tabHigh-performance engines and complex all-wheel-drive systems contribute to the high cost of repairs for Audi vehicles. 
• BMW: Opens in new tabFrequent electrical issues and high parts costs can lead to significant long-term expenses. 

Which car has the highest maintenance?

20 Most Expensive Cars to Maintain

• BMW X3.
• Ram 1500. 10-Year Cost: $17,677.
• BMW X2. 10-Year Cost: $17,602.
• BMW X1. 10-Year Cost: $17,516.
• Land Rover Range Rover Sport. 10-Year Cost: $16,989.
• Land Rover Range Rover Velar. 10-Year Cost: $16,755.
• Mercedes-Benz G-Class. 10-Year Cost: $16,561.
• Porsche Panamera. 10-Year Cost: $16,531.

What is the hardest car to maintain?

If you have one of the cars below, we recommend either spending thousands on repairs with specialty mechanics or getting rid of it entirely!

• The MINI Cooper.
• Renault Le Car.
• Toyota MR2.
• Nissan 300ZX.
• Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser.