Last Updated on August 15, 2022
Shocks and struts are an important part of your vehicle’s suspension. While you may never need to replace them, they do wear out over time and can eventually fail.
Expect most shocks or struts to last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. So what is the average cost to replace shocks and struts on your car when they go bad?
Related: Shocks vs Struts (What’s the Difference?)
The Importance of Shocks and Struts
The first thing you need to understand is the importance of the shocks and struts and why exactly you need to replace them. Most modern day vehicles have struts up front and shocks in the rear.
However, some may have the same type all around. Struts are the entire suspension assembly while shocks function as part of the entire suspension.
The suspension system of your car has two main functions.
- Vehicle Performance – First, it manages road handling, helps with braking, and minimizes body roll while cornering. All these things help assure the safety of the passengers while driving.
- Comfort – Secondly, a suspension system maximizes the comfort of the driver and any other passengers as it minimizes noise, vibrations, and bumps.
Shocks and struts play a major role in the suspension system of your vehicle, making their wear and tear have a negative impact on not just comfort, but safety.
Damaged shocks and struts affect the way the car tires meet the road resulting in poor performance, dangerous swaying and body roll, poor braking, and unsteady handling and holding of the road.
Related: 5 Signs of a Bad Strut Mount
Average Cost To Replace Struts and Shocks
Strut Replacement Cost
When replacing struts, you want to do so in pairs even if you think one of them is still good. Otherwise you can have serious handling and suspension issues that can cause unsafe driving conditions and even expensive damage.
The price you’ll pay to replace struts can vary quite a bit depending on brand of struts (usually either KYB, Monroe, Gabriel, or Bilstein), the make and model of your vehicle, and where you have the strut replacement done.
On average, expect to pay somewhere between $450 and $900 to replace a pair of struts. An individual strut assembly will cost about $150 to $300 so you’re looking at around $300 to $600 for parts alone. Labor alone will set you back about $150 to $300 for the pair.
Going to a car dealership for a strut replacement can cost significantly more and you can almost be assured of paying at least $1,000 as a typical front strut replacement cost. For this type of service, it makes sense to shop around and ideally go with a trustworthy independent mechanic to get the best price.
It is worth noting that a wheel alignment should be performed after having new struts installed. A two-wheel alignment will add another $40 to $80 and if all four struts are replaced, a four-wheel alignment ($80 to $160) is necessary.
See Also: MacPherson vs Double Wishbone Suspension
Shock Replacement Cost
Like struts, you want to replace shocks in pairs. The cost to replace shocks is going to be slightly less than struts since they are generally not as complicated as struts.
The average total cost to replace a pair of shocks will run about $250 to $580. An individual shock absorber will cost around $50 to $140 so parts alone will set you back between $100 and $280. A couple hours of labor to do the job is an additional $150 to $300.
If needing to replace all 4 shocks (or struts), simply multiple the above total costs by two to get an estimate.
Related: Symptoms of Bad Shock Absorbers
Keep in mind that the cost for some vehicles (especially luxury vehicles like Mercedes Benz, Audi, BMW, or Lexus) will be more than average. The same applies to sports cars or other vehicles that use more advanced shock or strut assemblies.
Can I Replace Shocks or Struts Myself?
It depends. Replacement of shocks is pretty straightforward. The hardest part will be dealing with possible rust or seized bolts due to them being exposed to the elements. But you can easily save a couple hundred dollars off a typical shock replacement cost.
Struts come as either individual parts or complete assemblies. If the spring is separate from the strut, a spring compressor is required to compress the spring for removal and installation. If you don’t know what you’re doing, the highly compressed spring could pop loose and cause a traumatic injury.
Struts that come as assemblies are much easier to replace since the spring is part of the assembly. A pair of strut assemblies can be replaced by the average DIY mechanic in under two hours.
But if the spring is separate, it’s best to let the professionals handle the replacement.
Got an estimate for alternator for 9 hundred my mechanic fixed it for 4 hundred. For struts no idea depends where you go. Friend just paid 8 hundred for 2 struts with labor included.
Appreciate the comment. $800 for a pair of struts sounds high but it always depends on the vehicle make/model.
As I look through the comments I realize what an Angel my mechanic is, I have come to him for the past 4 years and wouldn’t change him for the world, today on my way to drop off my kid to school I hear a loud boom, long story short… Took my car to him and he changed both rear shocks and struts for. + taxes + labor all for $525 , I don’t know if it’s because he has noticed that I am a single mother and could see the terror in my face when I went in this morning, all I can say is that I feel blessed 😇 his shop has the best ratings and it’s for a reason
Having an honest mechanic that you know you can trust is so important. Sorry your suspension went out but glad he got you taken care of for a good price.
Rear struts are cheaper than front struts.
$525 is great price and you please provide his contact info? thx
Where is his shop?
I just got quote of 600.00 pound to replace too shocks on xtype jag 2.5sport 05 plate is this average price
Sounds reasonable but I would call around to ask a few shops if you aren’t sure.
Today, I was just quoted $1700, parts and labor, to replace my front and rear struts along with a swing piece?
What is your make and model? Are they replacing the whole strut assembly (shocks and springs)? Any additional parts or labor?
I was advised today after having my brakes checked that I would soon need the shocks and struts on my 2005 Honda Cr-v done, full set. I was given a parts and labor total of $1400 (not including supplies and taxes). With 111,000 miles on my 14 yr old vehicle, this would be the most expensive repair I’ve ever had. Although I am aware hiw important it is to have this done, for me, I’m not sure it would be worth holding on to this vehicle. I’m not a wealthy woman by any means and don’t know if it’s worth the expense since I’m not looking to keep this vehicle much longer anyway. $1400 is a down payment on a newer car.
$1400 sounds about what a dealership would charge. Go get an estimate from an independent shop. You should be able to get both sets of assemblies for around $500 at most. Labor shouldn’t be more than 2-3 hours.
i was quoted $650 for my front struts only from a mom n pop place. So maybe 1400 for a full set is right?
Hannah, it will depend on the vehicle and the shop rate.
If it helps, I’m getting front shock and struts for $690, rear shock and struts for $189, w/ front pads and rotors for $298. In Dallas Ft. Worth, using nubrakes.com.
How much would you be willing to dispose of it?
On a 14 yr old vehicle, $1400 would be priciest repair?? My 2010 has cost me $4k in repairs in just past 2 years… your post made me miss my Honda! 😉
Dated response I know but when I read anything this outlandish am prone to sticking my nose in a little bit….Your mileage is about right or a bit over for the swap-out and just gonna guess this is your Daily Driver right?
Even if you go to a mid-grade coil-over @80-90 bucks on all four corners (your purchase) and figure $300.00 for the labor and then $125.00 for the full alignment you are neighboring in the $800.00+ range. The coil over will save you money on labor v.s the spring compression segment because it’s fully loaded and more like a plug ‘n play.
The shorter response might be run don’t walk away from this shop and the gouge being presented to you. Oh just finished the four corners on a ’90 Accord with 70K in a coil over set-up for $525.00 via some liberal discounts. Deals are out there especially in the present day environment so ya need to shop the job around a little bit..
Agree. My 2000 Civic SI isn’t “cheap” with repairs here and there, but definitely cheaper than a car payment and hike in insurance rates. I only drive about 500 miles a month on average. On the rare occasion I need to make a road trip, I share expenses with a friend or rent a car.
My only issue is finding a mechanic I can really trust. Was going to a place I thought was good but A) things weren’t really repaired or B) each time I took it in, something else broke. Hmmm…
I’m now looking for shocks/struts replacement.
That is disappointing. It can be tricky to find a trustworthy mechanic, but once you do it’s worth it. If you have a friend who turns wrenches, ask him or her to evaluate the work that was done so you know it was done right at that particular shop. If corners were cut, keep searching. Good mechanics who do the job right are out there.
If the car is still reliable, I think it’s worth is the cost you don’t have to make car payments and if it’s a used car, you might run across other unforeseen problems. My car is over 20 years old (Honda Accord) and I’m sure I saved a lot of money not replacing my old car, it’s not pretty, but does the job just fine.
I have a 22 year old camry I agree with you
I have a 12 year old Chevy Tahoe with 145k miles. The current Kelly Blue Book value is between $7k and $9k. Even if I spent $3k, it’s worth having a safe car for another year or two (divide $3k with 24 months). Now there may be other incidental repairs but a newer pre-owned vehicle may have repairs over the next few years plus the monthly payment. So if the car still has a strong engine and transmission, which mine has, then don’t balk on the cost.
It’s true, I’ve rarely seen a used vehicle that didn’t need some work immediately after purchase. It’s often minor stuff, but it all adds up.
Find a different mechanic they are ripping people off for strut replacement. I just replaced all four on my 2009 Ford Flex for little over $300. There’s YouTube videos all over showing you exactly how to do this repair. It’s actually not that hard if you get the whole strut assembly from rockauto.com or a different auto website and find someone to do it with a few basic tools.
Thanks for sharing the knowledge and awareness to the community – Appreciate it
after I replaced my shocks and struts, I can feel every bump on the road. there’s more noise and vibration coming from the front. Has the part really been replaced or did I get gipped?
This is normal for the first 100 miles or so as the parts get broken in. If it doesn’t improve, take it back to the shop but I doubt you’ll need to.
I am sorry to hear that. I hope your mechanics replace you some good parts. Some bad shops can just throw you some eBay china parts or something totally trashy and can jeopardize your comfort and safety even more worse than your 10 yr old OEM parts.
Cost to replace front McPhersons and rear shocks with wheel alignment at dealership was $1,900. Even after 500 miles the rear of the car would “dog track” (sideways drift) when going over even slightly ribbed roadway. My brother was the first to notice this. On one occasion, the car almost jumped a lane which was a near accident. Took car back to dealership and was told both rear shocks failed. Really? Dealership fixed both rear shocks without extra charge. But, I am sure they had initially used cheap replacement parts, non-OEM. Beware, many dealerships are flat out greedy operations. If you can find a relatively honest independent mechanic, consider yourself lucky.
Great point. Dealership mechanics are still mechanics and some are better than others. Just because they work at a dealership doesn’t mean they are the best of the best. I doubt they used non-OEM since a dealer reputation is vital but a faulty installation is more likely.
What is your estimate to replace struts on a 2009 mercedes e350 wagon 4matic
vehicle has 91000 miles. I hear squeaking noise after driving not in the beginning in the right front. A mechanic said he thought it faulty valving in the shock.
Check rock auto.com then YouTube the repair. It’s not hard and will cost a quarter the cost of these mechanics. I did all four on a Ford Flex for around $300. Just get the whole strut assembly so you don’t have to worry about messing with the coil/spring. These mechanics are ripping people off.
It only cost 50 dollars EACH it’s an easy work 25 minutes to replace one
This is HIGHLY dependent on vehicle and skill of the car owner. You definitely don’t want a beginner attempting to remove a compressed spring.
When that spring releases it can lead to traumatic injury. They need a special tool to compress and release gradually.
Yes, you need a good spring compressor and some courage. I wouldn’t recommend this job for the inexperienced or faint at heart.
Just got a quote of 450 for struts on my Accord 2007 with 280k miles on it. Is it worthy?
That’s not a bad deal at all. As long as the car is running fine, go for it.
Replacing struts on my 2014 Ford Expedition. Mileage: 28,000.
Was told my suspension was shot. It was very noticeable. What would your approximate estimate be?
Is 1260.00 a good price yo replace front struts on a 2011 kia optima EX 108,000 miles ?
That sounds pretty high to me. It may be best to get a quote from another shop.
My garage qouted me 800.00 per strut. Ouch.
Saturn Vue XE 2008
To change rear shocks
Remove rear wheels.
Shocks are insight o e bolt and nut on top of shock sane on bottom. Should take 30 minutes. FIRESTONE estimate
$450.00..Thats CRAZY!
I’ve been quoted $1400 for the following on a 2001 Honda CR-V….is this about right or too much?:
-Rear trailing arm bushes broken
-L/H/F link pins worn
-Front struts soft
Sounds a little on the high side to me.
I recently got an estimate for Rear Suspension Strut Asse, Front Right and Left Suspension St & Str, Strut R&R Both and Strut Assembly R & L Both on my 2010 Honda Accord with 74,000 miles. Parts cost $1,234.40, labor $455.96 for a total of $1,690.36. Doesn’t include taxes and shop fee. Is this a reasonable estimate?
That sounds about right (assuming the “shop fee” is nominal). That’s a lot of replacement parts.
Rear struts replacement on 2011 Honda CRV $200.00 Labor, is that a lot?
That sounds pretty reasonable to me.
Thank You
Michigan mom n pop shop quoted me $650 for Front Struts, No alignment. Honda Civic 07. I’m waiting on Midas to call back and give me an estimate.
Hi, I just got an estimate for front suspension and strut replacement of honda civic ex 2011 w/ 89k mileage. Is this estimate ok?
Estimate is $1297. Labor alone is $675 parts are < $600
That sounds about right, depending on which front suspension components are being replaced at the same time as the struts. It adds up fast.
Thank you.
On my ’98 4 cyl Honda Accord 170K, it costs me about $400 dollars on labor to replace all 4 shocks and struts (SF Bay Area). The parts, KYB set, cost me $455, so a total of $855 + tax. I went to a place earlier that does lifetime wheel alignments, so I’ll get my wheels aligned there. I believe I paid $180 for a lifetime wheel alignment. Not sure how that compares with other people’s costs.
My 2011 Ford Expedition XLT is bucking like a wild bronco. It has over 120K miles. Took it to the shop and was told I needed a full “Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly” replacement in the front and back of our vehicle. They quoted me $4800, with the alignment and taxes. I declined the service and started calling around. They called me back and said they would be able to cut down costs and do it for $2250. Based on what I am reading here, this still sounds outrageous.
Sounds like a sketchy shop to cut the price like that. At the very least, I would get a quote from a different shop or two so you have a ballpark estimate of what it should cost.
The parts will cost a certain amount that usually isn’t too flexible. It mostly depends on the quality of the parts they’re buying. Labor costs a certain amount on top of that to keep the lights on and pay the shop technicians (say, $100/hr for sake of argument). If they are able to slash the price in half, know that they were probably overcharging you a lot in the first quote.
Almost bailed on my estimate of $595 for 4 KYB’s and full alignment for 1999 Tahoe out the door. I though I was getting robbed until I read some of the costs here. Now I feel like I’m the thief. Also getting 4 Michelin Defenders first in Las Vegas.
That sounds pretty reasonable to me.
i’m in Vegas too, where was that?!?
07 cadillac escalade replace cost for right front shockv
07 cadillac escalade replace cost for power running boards
If your mechanic allows you to buy your own parts check out Rock Auto. On my 2004 Ford Exploder it cost me only $100.00 with shipping for Motorcraft struts for the front since they were on closeout Private label package. I was afraid they wouldnt be Motorcraft since the Non private label package struts are around $200.00 each. But they are legit they just crossed off the Motorcraft engraving with an engraving gun. $100.00 a pair for the rears also all 4 are made in U.S.A that wasnt crossed out. But they only have a 30 day warranty compared to limited lifetime for the regular package with a ford sticker.
Local Honda Dealer cost on a 2012 Honda Civic LX rear shock replacement was $380.00. Car has 85K miles. Required fix for state inspection.
Sounds about right.
I have a 2013 Chevrolet Traverse. Dealership quoted me a price of 4,000 to replace 4 struts, then dropped it down to 3,000. The same place replaced 2 of my struts the last week in Dec. of 2017. Now they’re saying I need all 4 replaced. What should I do? No shaking on oil leaks.
That seems awfully high. I’d get a second opinion.
I have a Kia Forte 2015, my brother suggests struts and shocks. I am no where near as “rich” as he is. Hmmm maybe he’ll hep. He said about 1400. Too much for my budget if we want to pay mortgage rent and utilities.
2008 FORD FOCUS — WAS INFORMED I SHOULD GET THE REAR SHOCKS REPLACED SOMETIME SOON. EST. PRICE? WHATS TOO HIGH?
Depending on the quality of your shocks, I would expect somewhere around $500-800. Get a quote from the dealership, and you’ll know the high end of what you can expect to pay.
I need both R and L front struts/shocks/control arms replaced due to accident damage. Got an estimate of $1,200. Brand KYB.
Should I go ahead or shop around? Los Angeles area.
That sounds like a lot of work, so it may be a reasonable price. What year, make, and model?
Honda Accord EX 2003 – Front and rear struts replaced for Labor charge of $700.00 – provided my own parts (OEM equiv – Unitiy). Alignment not needed. – Running beautifully – feels like right out of the showroom. – no joke.
Hi, I got the estimate $800 of the replacement of both front strut assemblies for 2008 Toyota Corolla with 104K miles. The reason was because of the leaking on the strut assemblies. Is the price reasonable and is it ok just replace the strut assemblies not strut mounts?
Additionally, I also need to get transmission fluid, coolant fluid, break fluid changed. Do you guys think it’s ok just get them done at the place like Firestone?
That sounds about right. I’d defer to the shop whether or not those mounts need replacing. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t.
A fluid replacement at Firestone is probably fine.
Hi, I am glad I found this website.
I have 2009 Acura TSX 147k miles. I need to get front and back struts replaced and 2 tires with alignment for high $1400. Is this reasonable?
Thanks.
That sounds reasonable to me.
Thank you.
I have a quote of $1200 to replace both front shock &/or strut assemblies for a RWD 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Is this reasonable in the Las Vegas area?
Sounds like it might be a bit high, but since you said “&/or” I wonder if that is a general quote because they don’t know exactly which parts will need to be replaced until they take it apart. In the case where several parts need replacing, I could see it costing $1200.
Just do it yourself. It’s more satisfying knowing you saved hundreds or in your case probably close to a $1000. I just replaced all four of mine on a 2009 Ford Flex. Youtube it. It’s not as hard as you might think. Just get the pre assembled struts with everything all together from rock auto. It cost me around $300 for all four and took only a weekend.
I have a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD 3.5 V6. I have a quote for a complete replacement of both front strut assembly, and rear shock. Add in wheel alignment, tire rotation, and an air filter. My quote is 1700$. This sounded high to me,…opinion?
That sounds about right. That’s a lot of work that needs to be done.
Wheel rotation is usually covered for free by the place you brought the tires so check that. Wheel alignment costs around $100. Strut replacement for both front tires and air filter replacement are cheap and not that hard to replace. Rockauto.com for the parts will probably cost around $250 maybe $300 for everything. Look for the whole strut assembly including the coil if you do it yourself. Become self reliant, these auto mechanics are ripping everyone off. So total for everything will be less than $500. You can borrow basic tools from advanced auto or auto zone with a deposit so that can save money there but a few basic tools is all you would need if doing it yourself. It feels better in the end to fix it yourself. It’s self gratifying.
Front struts for a 2015 Chevy Tahoe, they are saying $1876. This is the dealership.
That sounds high, but dealerships almost always charge more and OEM parts cost more than aftermarket parts.
Rockauto.com enter info. You’ll be surprised. Then YouTube it looking for your exact vehicle and procedure for the replacement. It’s not too hard. If you can do a oil change you can replace all four struts easily five times for what they are charging. Or look at Chris fix it on YouTube. He explains everything plain and simple.
How much would all the parts struts, shocks, tie rod ends, sway bar and the suspension cost. Throw much would labor be broken it down. For a 2007Honda CR V
Hi Bill, best to call a couple local shops in your area for an exact quote on this. That will get you the most accurate information.
I have a 2013 Jaguar XK that needs front shocks replaced. What cost should I expect
I think the parts on that car are going to be much more expensive than the labor. Expect to pay north of $800, but call around to a few shops who work on European cars for a better estimate.
I have a 2007 BMW 328xi. I’ve been quoted $2500-$2600 for the complete front suspension (control arms, struts, wheel alignment) plus an extra 500 for tie rods, inner and outer. It sounds incredibly high but I can’t seem to find anyone else in my area.
That sounds high but I am not as familiar with German cars. I would ask around on a BMW forum or Facebook page.
I was quoted $1,700 to replace front and rear struts (parts & labor) and the alignment on a 2018 Subaru Forester.
Seems like an OK price but I thought I’d throw it to the board to check?
Was this a dealership or independent shop?