Same job at other shop types (everything else as set above): Independent shop (~$100/hr) $599–$1,107 · Chain shop / franchise (~$120/hr) $666–$1,199 (the headline above) · Dealership (~$175/hr) $854–$1,450. Each figure applies that shop type's hourly labor rate (market estimates, shown above) to the calculator's own hours and parts assumptions. It is modeled, not a quote.
Check a quote against these ranges
This sets your number beside published ranges and owner-written bills. It is not a verdict: ask the shop what the quote includes (parts grade, labor hours, fees, tax). It runs in your browser and nothing you type is sent anywhere.
How serious did it get for owners?
4% of the 832 complaints report a tow, the most common serious outcome; the other outcomes counted below are rarer, and an owner can file without mentioning one.
What it shows: Towed is the largest at 33, followed by Crash reported at 27; the smallest shown is Death reported at 1.
Counts below are complaints filed with NHTSA, not failure rates: a longer bar means more owners reported it.
Is your car affected?
What it shows: The most common band for complaints about this repair is under 50,000 (70%), against 60% for all complaints: the biggest difference between the two.
Is it urgent, and what do owners notice first?
832 owner complaints name this part.
Owners most often describe "noise", in 22% of these complaints.
Which other parts do owners name in the same complaint?
Among the 832 owner complaints naming this part, brake rotor is named in 36% of them, more than any other part.
Owners name the brake rotor most often in the same complaint, which is not proof that one caused the other. Ask the shop whether it checked the brake rotor too, so you are not quoted twice for one visit.
How fast were owners driving when it happened?
25-44 mph is the largest group at 32%, out of 400 complaints.
Owners reported it most often at town speeds. Tell the shop what speed it happens at, because that narrows the diagnosis.
Which model years show up most in the complaints?
2015 is the most common model year in 832 complaints naming this part (16%); 4 model years account for 56%.
What it shows: 2015 is the largest at 134 (16%), followed by 2016 at 115 (14%); the smallest shown is 2025 at 14 (2%).
What do state inspectors fail cars for?
Among 8,738,476 initial safety inspections in North Carolina in 2017, brake components caused 1.9 failed items per 1,000 inspections, fewer than any of the other three parts the state reports.
What it shows: Tires is the largest at 8.5, followed by Lights at 5.2; the smallest shown is Brake components at 1.9.
Have recalls for this part told owners to stop driving?
NHTSA recall notices for this part told owners "do not drive the vehicle" in 2 recall campaigns, covering 27,125 vehicles.
Recalls for this part that told owners to stop driving or park outside. Do not drive the vehicle: 2 recall (27,125).
Do brake caliper replacement problems track annual snowfall across states?
Annual snowfall (inches)
Complaints against what the makes sold would predict (1.0× = expected)
left map: lower to higherright map: green fewer complaints than expected, red morefurthest from the pattern: CT, IL, IN, MA, SCfewer than 10 complaints
This describes states, not any one car, and it does not show that the left measure produces the right one.
Every state with 10 or more complaints, most over-reported first: state, annual snowfall (inches), complaints against expected, complaints filed.
- CT 39 · 1.91× · 18
- NY 72 · 1.71× · 71
- SC 1 · 1.47× · 21
- IN 20 · 1.46× · 21
- MI 66 · 1.36× · 39
- MD 17 · 1.33× · 26
- NJ 24 · 1.29× · 32
- MO 11 · 1.23× · 18
- OH 23 · 1.13× · 34
- CO 49 · 1.10× · 18
- WI 48 · 1.05× · 14
- WA 14 · 1.02× · 20
- KY 8 · 1.02× · 10
- AZ 0 · 1.01× · 20
- PA 36 · 0.97× · 33
- TN 3 · 0.96× · 16
- VA 12 · 0.91× · 24
- MA 49 · 0.90× · 16
- FL 0 · 0.88× · 58
- CA 0 · 0.87× · 85
- NC 3 · 0.79× · 22
- GA 0 · 0.78× · 23
- TX 0 · 0.71× · 51
- IL 20 · 0.70× · 20
What it shows: States with more annual snowfall (inches) tend to sit higher on the chart across 24 states: a pattern in the data, not proof of cause.
- A moderate pattern, probably real but not certain: about 1 in 27 patterns this clear turn out to be false alarms. Dropping any one state leaves the annual snowfall pattern intact.
Are the parts for this repair getting more expensive, or only the labor?
The federal producer price index for new disc brake assemblies and parts rose 36.7% from December 2019 to January 2026, while the consumer price index for motor vehicle repair, labor and parts together, rose 55.2% (BLS, national).
What it shows: Motor vehicle repair, labor and parts together is the largest at +55.2%, followed by New disc brake assemblies and parts at +36.7%; the smallest shown is All motor vehicle parts at +17.4%.
Has the replacement part I am buying been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 equipment recalls that name brake caliper since 2015 (service brakes and parking brake), covering 186,714 items sold as parts rather than whole vehicles; the largest, by Trw Automotive Inc in 2018, covered 179,179.
| Year | Maker and product | NHTSA component | Defect | Items |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Trw Automotive Inc: Brake Caliper Assembly | service brakes, hydraulic | TRW Automotive Inc (TRW) has submitted a Defect Information Report based upon decisions made by Volkswagen. | 179,179 |
| 2019 | Zf North America, Inc.: Brake Caliper | foundation components disc | certain Brake calipers. The brake calipers may have been manufactured with the incorrect assembly fluid. | 6,377 |
| 2025 | Motorcar Parts Of America, Inc.: Brake Caliper | foundation components disc | certain brake calipers with part numbers BC155111 and BC155110 sold as replacement parts for 2008-2025 Ford. | 440 |
| 2020 | Liquidspring Llc: 4500, 5500 | service brakes | certain Compressible Liquid Adaptive Suspension Systems (C.L.A.S.S.), part numbers DS135RS3A, DS135RS3AF. | 397 |
| 2017 | Liquidspring Llc: C.L.A.S.S.11326 | foundation components hoses. | certain Compressible Liquid Adaptive Suspension Systems (C.L.A.S.S.), part number 11326, model numbers. | 321 |
Has this part been recalled abroad on cars that may share it?
Manufacturers filed 22 foreign recall campaigns that name brake caliper with NHTSA since 2015; the latest, from Ford Motor Company in 2025-10. These are recalls abroad, and they apply to U.S. cars only if the same model is sold here.
| Filed | Manufacturer | Foreign recall no. | What the filing says |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-12 | Hyundai Motor America | 272 | Total number of vehicles potentially containing the defect: 4,489 Description of the defect/noncompliance: The rear righthand ("RH") brake calipers in the subject vehicles may have been produced with insufficient hardness during the casting process. |
| 2023-09 | Toyota Motor Corporation | 191 | Description of Problem: The subject vehicles were equipped with accessory brake calipers installed at Lexus dealerships in Japan through the "Kinto Factory" program. |
| 2025-10 | Ford Motor Company | 159 | A loss of communication with the assembly tool resulted in one or more brake caliper mounting bolts potentially not meeting correct torque specifications. |
| 2023-05 | Mitsubishi Motors. | 083 | (MMSCAN), and certain 2023 MY Outlander PHEV vehicles sold in Japan by MMC are subject to a safety recall campaign involving the rear brake calipers. |
| 2022-04 | Mercedes-Benz | 049 | Mercedes-Benz AG has determined that on certain C-Class (206 platform) vehicles, the bolts for a rear brake caliper might not meet torque specifications and could affect up to a maximum of one brake caliper per vehicle. |
How many recalled cars are actually fixed, so should I check mine?
Across 6 NHTSA recalls coded to this part filed 2015 to 2024, 89.8% of the 162,959 recalled vehicles had been repaired after 8 quarters, against 66.2% for all recalls, which leaves about 16,569 vehicles still carrying the defect.
| Year | Vehicles | Recalled vehicles | Repaired | Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Ford Escape, Bronco Sport | 114,666 | 87.9% | foundation components disc |
| 2020 | Mazda Mazda3, Cx-30 | 24,037 | 97.0% | foundation components disc |
| 2021 | Nissan Rogue | 14,054 | 93.9% | foundation components disc |
| 2020 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, Sprinter 2500; | 9,094 | 89.8% | foundation components disc |
| 2023 | Ford F-59, F-53 | 644 | 75.1% | foundation components disc |
| 2020 | Chevrolet Bolt Ev | 464 | 94.0% | foundation components disc |
If this part was recalled, is the repair free?
Federal law (49 U.S.C. 30120) requires a maker to fix a recalled defect without charge for cars first bought within 15 calendar years (tires within 5), and NHTSA lists 33 recall campaigns for parts matched to a brake caliper replacement since model year 2015, covering about 720,182 vehicles.
| Rule or count | What it says |
|---|---|
| Age limits | The free-remedy duty does not apply to a car first bought more than 15 calendar years, or a tire first bought more than 5 calendar years, before the recall notice. |
| Failure to fix | A repair not done adequately within 60 days of presentation is prima facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time; the maker must then replace the vehicle or refund the purchase price less depreciation. |
| Free remedy | A maker must fix a recall defect without charge. |
| NHTSA recalls matched to a brake caliper replacement since model year 2015 | 33 recall campaigns covering about 720,182 vehicles |
How many miles does a car of my age really drive in a year?
In the 2022 National Household Travel Survey, US vehicles aged 10-14 years are driven an average 15,415 miles a year against 12,170 for vehicles aged 0-2 years, so 50,000 miles of brake wear comes up in about 3.2 years at the faster pace and 4.1 years at the slower one (reported mileage, survey-weighted).
What it shows: 10-14 is the largest at 15,415, followed by 0-2 at 12,170; the smallest shown is 0-2 at 12,170.
How often does this part fail a real inspection, by car age?
In 181,256 New Jersey initial inspections in 2025 of vehicles sent through the safety lane, 6.4% of cars aged 16+ years failed the brake test against 0.5% of cars under 3 years, about 13 times as often (record counts, not a sample).
What it shows: 16+ is the largest at 6.4%, followed by <3 at 0.5%; the smallest shown is <3 at 0.5%.
Is it recalled or covered?
| Recall number | Vehicles | Cars recalled | What the recall says |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V-576 | Chevrolet Impala 2018–2019; Chevrolet Volt 2018–2019; Cadillac XTS 2018–2019 and 7 more | 210,628 | A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18V-523 | Dodge Grand Caravan 2018–2019; Jeep Cherokee 2019; Dodge Journey 2018 and 1 more | 154,335 | A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 21V-922 | Ford Escape 2021–2022; Ford Bronco Sport 2021–2022 | 114,666 | During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V-777 | Honda HR-V 2016–2019; Honda Odyssey 2018–2019; Acura MDX 2017–2019 and 1 more | 64,785 | A reduction of braking performance increases the risk of a crash. |
| 15V-278 | GMC Canyon 2015; Chevrolet Colorado 2015 | 24,380 | If the vehicle experiences a brake fluid leak it can increase the stopping distance, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. |
| 20V-346 | Mazda Mazda3 2020; Mazda CX-30 2020 | 24,037 | Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. |
| 16V-168 | Dodge Durango 2015–2016; Jeep Grand Cherokee 2015–2016 | 21,183 | A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 20V-116 | GMC Sierra 1500 2020; Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2020 | 20,352 | Broken caliper bolts can reduce brake performance or interfere with wheel rotation and increase the risk of a crash. |
25 more recalls name this part, on smaller fleets. The car finder at the top checks yours.
A bulletin is a repair procedure a maker sends its dealers, not a safety defect: if your maker is listed, ask the dealer whether one covers your car and quote its number.
| Maker | Vehicles | Bulletin number | Date | What it says |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge | Charger 2022–2023 | 9100896 | Sep 2, 2026 | CALIPER ASSEMBLY Disc Brake Only applies to brake sales code BR9. |
| Jeep | Wrangler 4xe 2022–2026; Wrangler 2022–2026 | 109607 | Feb 11, 2026 | The bulletin file gives no description beyond its title (caliper assembly). |
| Land Rover | Defender 2020–2025; Range Rover Sport 2023–2025 and 2 more | TUCC_AUG2025_37 | Aug 15, 2025 | When pushing the rear brake caliper pistons back during a brake service, the caliper piston dust boot may become twisted or distorted if a twist method is used to retract the piston. |
| Land Rover | Discovery 2017–2025; Defender 2020–2025 and 2 more | SSM76375 - 04AUG25 | Aug 4, 2025 | Rear brake caliper piston dust boot distortion. |
| Jeep | Grand Cherokee 4xe 2025; Grand Cherokee 2025 and 1 more | 05-002-25 | Jul 4, 2025 | Front Caliper Bolts Loose Customers may comment on the following: A noise coming from the front of the vehicle. |
| Jeep | Wagoneer S 2025 | 9100567 | Apr 24, 2025 | "electric park brake actuator when replacing electric park brake actuator (epb) please replace entire caliper unit (caliper and epb actuator) and return entire unit for engineering. |
54 more bulletins name this part; the car finder at the top checks yours, and the NHTSA bulletin file linked below lists them all.
Manufacturer warranty extensions naming this part (1)
| Maker | Vehicles | Date | Notice number | What the maker extended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep | Wrangler 2007–2010 | Jun 4, 2018 | 05-022 | Front brake caliper hoses corroded at crimps causing fluid. |
What do owners say?
4 complaints quoted word for word, each with its NHTSA number.
To date, I have had to replace three brake calipers and the emergency brake, at a cost of over $2,500.
All rotors, pads and calipers need to be changed after only 15,000 miles on this new vehicle.
At 15k miles the driver's side rear brake caliper failed, causing the brake to drag and overheat during a 400 mile holiday roadtrip.
Dealer replaced brakes at 17000 miles (cost not covered) and stated rear pads worn to 3/32 and 4/32 and frozen in the calipers along with deep scoring on rotor surfaces.
Check your car
Brake caliper replacement costs $666–$1,199 for the front axle on a midsize car, with the caliper and pads included. Part grade, shop type and whether you do one axle or both move that range most.
What does the estimate cover, and what does it leave out?
The estimate is for one axle, midsize or standard vehicle, with the calipers and new brake pads.
It leaves out new rotors, a brake fluid flush, and anything a shop finds once the wheel is off, such as a corroded brake hose. Rotors and calipers often wear together, so ask whether the quote includes them. Our estimate does not.
How much does each choice change the price?
Three choices move the number: which axle, which part grade, and which shop. Each row changes one setting from the default.
| Setting | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Default: front axle, default part, default shop | $666–$1,199 |
| Rear axle only | $666–$1,199 |
| Both axles | $1,333–$2,398 |
| New aftermarket calipers | $806–$1,548 |
| OEM / dealer original calipers | $1,005–$2,047 |
| Independent shop (about $100/hr) | $599–$1,107 |
| Dealership (about $175/hr) | $854–$1,450 |
Sources
Data shown on this page
- NHTSA owner complaint file (2015-2019 · 2020-2024 · 2025-2026) downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA recall file downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA service bulletin file (2015-2019 · 2020-2024 · 2025-2026) downloaded 2026-10-05
- North Carolina Division of Air Quality, Vehicle Safety and Emissions Inspection Frequency Study data from 2017
- NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, joined to NHTSA owner complaints downloaded 2026-10-12
- BLS Producer Price Index, commodity data for motor vehicle parts (series WPU141205041C); BLS Consumer Price Index item SETD for the repair row downloaded January 2026
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, Foreign Campaigns (filings under 49 CFR 579.11, public API) downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall quarterly reports (basis of the Annual List of Recall Completion Rates) downloaded 2026-10-05
- 49 U.S.C. 30120 (Remedies for defects and noncompliance), text via Cornell Legal Information Institute; NHTSA recall campaigns data from 2026
- FHWA, 2022 NextGen National Household Travel Survey, vehicle file downloaded 2026-10
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Vehicle Inspection Data downloaded 2026-10
Terms: US government data, public domain.
Observed: records as filed; owner reports are unverified and are not failure rates. Derived: computed from the records; an association, not a cause. Rule: a published legal rule, not a measurement; whether it covers a given repair depends on the car and the facts. Reported: figures as reported by the publisher, not independently verified.
What is our own estimate
The price range comes from our calculator's formula. Its parts prices, labor hours per job and shop-rate tiers are CalcScrape estimates, not a published price dataset. Checked against RepairPal's range ($898–$968) on 2026-10-10: our default's midpoint is 0% below the middle of that range. Price evidence grade C: one outside published range; the hours and parts prices behind the estimate are CalcScrape assumptions and have not been checked against repair invoices. Methodology