The national estimate is adjusted by your state's overall price level (BEA Regional Price Parities, 2022, U.S.=100). This is a cost-of-living proxy applied to the national brake fluid flush price — not a per-state brake fluid flush quote.
Check your estimate against 1,347 NHTSA owner complaints
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, analyzed by CalcScrape. Unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales volume. Method
Labor estimate loading…
This page is for owners pricing a brake fluid flush, especially Ford F-150, Edge, Fusion and Expedition owners, whose models drew the most complaints. Below the calculator, 1,347 NHTSA owner complaints show which model years reported problems most often, the mileage when fluid problems appeared (median 55,000) and which brake parts failed along with the fluid.
A full four-wheel brake fluid flush with DOT 3 costs about $82 to $112 at a $120/hr shop. The shop's labor rate moves the price most: $70 to $97 at $100/hr and $115 to $153 at $175/hr. Vehicles that need DOT 4 LV or DOT 5.1 run $94 to $135.
In 1,347 NHTSA owner complaints about brake fluid, 47% described a leak, not just old fluid. The 22 owners who reported what they paid had a median bill of $1000, because a brake master cylinder (25% of complaints) or a brake hose (22%) often had to be replaced along with the flush.
Brake bleed (1 caliper) at $33-$55 up to Full flush plus ABS purge at $165-$195
Compares brake fluid service cost by service type for a midsize car, using this calculator's own pricing model.
| Service type | Total cost |
|---|---|
| Brake bleed (1 caliper) | $33-$55 |
| Full flush (4-wheel) | $82-$112 |
| Full flush plus ABS purge | $165-$195 |
What owners reported to NHTSA about the brake fluid flush
“Contacted a repair shop, who removed and replaced both front brake hoses and flushed the brake fluid for a whopping $510.03.”
“Joseph(Rep) then said the $120 he quoted to fix brakes & out the door he will cancel and apply $129 for Brake Fluid Change.”
“They reprogrammed the brakes, put on new brake pads, milled the router and replaced the brake fluid, informing us this was needed, charging us $1210.”
Owners also checked on the NHTSA form: 44 crashes, 21 fires and 21injuries. A report does not always say the brake fluid flush caused it.
Find your car: 71 models named in 3 or more complaints
| Model | Complaints | Worst model years | Median mileage | Median amount owners wrote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | 362 | 2015, 2016, 2018 | 53,300 mi | $1,100 (3 reports) |
| Ford Edge | 112 | 2015, 2016, 2017 | 79,236 mi | — |
| Ford Fusion | 93 | 2015, 2016, 2017 | 87,120 mi | — |
| Ford Expedition | 78 | 2015, 2016, 2017 | 73,000 mi | — |
| Toyota Tacoma | 38 | 2017, 2018, 2019 | 8,943 mi | — |
| Toyota Corolla | 18 | 2019, 2020, 2021 | 65,000 mi | — |
| RAM 2500 | 17 | 2016, 2017, 2018 | 58,000 mi | — |
| RAM 1500 | 14 | 2015, 2016, 2025 | 38,000 mi | — |
| Lincoln MKZ | 14 | 2015, 2016, 2017 | 71,000 mi | — |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 13 | 2015, 2016, 2019 | 18,000 mi | — |
| Lincoln Mkx | 13 | 2016, 2017 | 75,000 mi | — |
| Nissan Rogue | 12 | 2017, 2019, 2023 | 50,000 mi | — |
| Toyota Camry | 12 | 2016, 2018, 2020 | 84,729 mi | — |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 12 | 2015, 2016, 2017 | 33,000 mi | — |
| Honda CR-V | 11 | 2018, 2019, 2021 | — | — |
| Honda Accord | 11 | 2017, 2018, 2019 | — | — |
| Buick Envision | 11 | 2016, 2017, 2019 | 60,000 mi | — |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 10 | 2018, 2020, 2024 | 1,819 mi | — |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 9 | 2018, 2019, 2020 | 12,022 mi | — |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | 9 | 2015, 2016, 2018 | 62,000 mi | — |
| Jeep Cherokee | 8 | 2015, 2016, 2019 | 31,000 mi | — |
| Toyota Highlander | 7 | 2016, 2018, 2019 | 28,000 mi | — |
| Volkswagen Passat | 7 | 2015, 2016, 2017 | 49,000 mi | — |
| GMC Acadia | 7 | 2017, 2020, 2021 | 40,000 mi | — |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | 7 | 2015, 2016, 2017 | — | — |
| Lincoln Navigator | 7 | 2016, 2017, 2022 | 75,000 mi | — |
| Chevrolet Trax | 7 | 2015, 2017, 2024 | — | — |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 7 | 2015, 2017, 2020 | — | — |
| Kia Sorento | 7 | 2015, 2017, 2020 | — | — |
| Kia Soul | 7 | 2015, 2016, 2020 | 40,000 mi | — |
| Tesla Model 3 | 7 | 2018, 2019 | — | — |
| Chevrolet Cruze | 6 | 2015, 2017, 2018 | 45,000 mi | — |
| Honda Odyssey | 6 | 2015, 2016, 2020 | 33,000 mi | — |
| Ford Escape | 6 | 2015, 2016, 2017 | 26,000 mi | — |
| Ford Explorer | 6 | 2016, 2018, 2020 | — | — |
| Ford Mustang | 6 | 2016, 2017, 2021 | 41,331 mi | — |
| Toyota RAV4 | 5 | 2015, 2016, 2018 | — | — |
| Dodge Dart | 5 | 2015 | 50,000 mi | — |
| Honda Pilot | 5 | 2015, 2016, 2019 | — | — |
| GMC Yukon | 5 | 2015, 2023 | — | — |
| Toyota Prius | 5 | 2015, 2016 | 63,000 mi | — |
| Hyundai Elantra | 5 | 2015, 2016, 2018 | — | — |
| RAM 3500 | 5 | 2015, 2018, 2022 | — | — |
| GMC Terrain | 5 | 2019, 2020, 2024 | — | — |
| Jeep Wrangler | 5 | 2016, 2017, 2018 | — | — |
| Jeep Wagoneer | 5 | 2022, 2023 | — | — |
| Ford Transit | 4 | 2015, 2017 | 52,000 mi | — |
| Nissan Maxima | 4 | 2016, 2017, 2018 | 45,000 mi | — |
| Hyundai Sonata | 4 | 2015, 2017 | — | — |
| Kia Optima | 4 | 2015, 2017 | — | — |
| Land Rover Discovery Sport | 4 | 2016, 2017, 2019 | — | — |
| Tesla Model Y | 4 | 2021, 2022, 2023 | — | — |
| Ford Bronco | 4 | 2021, 2022, 2023 | — | — |
| Kia Telluride | 4 | 2021, 2022, 2024 | — | — |
| Nissan Altima | 3 | 2015, 2016, 2023 | — | — |
| Volkswagen Gti | 3 | 2015, 2016, 2018 | — | — |
| Cadillac XT5 | 3 | 2017, 2019 | 27,300 mi | — |
| GMC Sierra 2500 | 3 | 2015, 2016, 2021 | — | — |
| Nissan Sentra | 3 | 2015, 2016, 2022 | — | — |
| GMC Yukon XL | 3 | 2015, 2017 | — | — |
| Chrysler Pacifica | 3 | 2018, 2021, 2022 | — | — |
| Dodge Charger | 3 | 2015, 2019 | — | — |
| Ford Focus | 3 | 2015, 2016, 2018 | — | — |
| Nissan Leaf | 3 | 2016, 2018, 2019 | — | — |
| Ford F-250 SD | 3 | 2020, 2021, 2022 | — | — |
| Acura Ilx | 3 | 2016, 2019 | — | — |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Sport | 3 | 2015, 2016, 2018 | — | — |
| Hyundai Tucson | 3 | 2017, 2022, 2023 | — | — |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 3 | 2019, 2020 | — | — |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 3 | 2021, 2022 | — | — |
| Ford Bronco Sport | 3 | 2021, 2022, 2024 | — | — |
Complaints by model year
How fast the car was going when it failed (median 35 mph, 772 reports with a speed)
From the 772 complaints that recorded a speed.
Everything owners described with the brake fluid flush
3 safety recalls involving the brake fluid flush (71,869 vehicles, 2015+ models)
Check whether your car is in one of these 3 campaigns: nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Recall | Vehicles (2015+ models) | Defect and consequence | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25V859000 2025-12 | Acura Ilx 2016–2020 | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicles. Contaminated brake fluid may cause a seal inside the brake master cylinder to deform, which can cause an internal brake fluid leak and reduce brake function. Reduced brake function can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. | 70,658 |
| 21V840000 2021-10 | Hyundai Palisade 2021 | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Palisade vehicles. The brake fluid may be contaminated, which can cause the brake master cylinder inner-cup seals to swell, and reduce braking performance. Reduced braking performance can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. | 995 |
| 17V823000 2017-12 | Alfa Romeo Giulia 2018; Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2018 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio vehicles. The braking system on these vehicles may have been filled with contaminated brake fluid, possibly damaging the system and affecting its performance. A reduction in braking performance can increase the risk of a crash. | 216 |
14 manufacturer service bulletins mention the brake fluid flush
Service bulletins (TSBs) are the automaker's repair instructions for a known issue, filed with NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall and does not mean every vehicle has the problem; it can mean a known fix, updated part or extended coverage. Ask the shop whether one applies to your VIN.
| Bulletin | Vehicles | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 9100615 2025-06 | JeepWagoneer 2022–2025; Grand Cherokee 2022–2025 | Power brake booster To avoid potential charge-back, only use MOPAR approved brake fluid per the service manual. When filling the brake reservoir, use clean equipment and gloves during repair to avoid cross-contamination. |
| REVISION 2 P0A08 2022-12 | NissanQuest 2015 | Brake Fluid Flush Voluntary Service Campaign UPDATE December 16, 2022 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin. |
| REVISION 1 P0A08 2022-09 | NissanQuest 2015 | Brake Fluid Flush Voluntary Service Campaign UPDATE September 2, 2022 Please discard earlier versions of this bulletin. |
| NTB21-047A 2021-06 | NissanQuest 2015 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN BRAKE FLUID FLUSH AND ABS ACTUATOR INSPECTION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin. |
| P0A08 2010-2014 2021-06 | NissanQuest 2015 | Brake Fluid Flush Voluntary Service Campaign Dealer Announcement: Nissan is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the Antilock Braking System (ABS) actuator on 320,616 specific… |
| NTB21-047 2021-06 | NissanQuest 2015 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN BRAKE FLUID FLUSH AND ABS ACTUATOR INSPECTION INTRODUCTION Nissan is conducting this voluntary service campaign, on certain specific model year 2010- 2014 Murano, 2011-2014 Murano… |
| 19VWUSMN111220 2020-11 | VolkswagenAtlas 2019; Tiguan 2019; Jetta 2019; Gti 2019 | "Additional Maintenance Items section: Brake Fluid: Change REPLACED interval with the following: ""3 years after registration and then every 2 years regardless of mileage""" |
| B621019 2019-12 | BmwX6 2020; 750i 2019; 750li 2016–2019; 740li 2016–2017 | INCORRECT CONDITION BASED SERVICE DATA FOR BRAKE FLUID SERVICE. "Brake fluid service due since 12/2001" is displayed in the instrument cluster although the vehicle is only a maximum of 1 year old. |
| 122-S6Q2R-06 2018-05 | PorscheTaycan 2020–2021; Macan S 2015–2020; Cayenne S E-Hybrid 2015–2020; 911 Carrera 2015–2020 | Resubmitting at request of Mr. Bernard Hardgrave. Advanced technical information on brake fluid for all Porsche vehicles. |
| WTC-64 2016-05 | SubaruLegacy 2015; Outback 2015 | The brake fluid used during the production of the potentially affected vehicles may have contained excess moisture. Excess moisture in brake fluid may cause a gelatinous material to form in the brake system. |
| WTC-64OLM 2016-05 | SubaruLegacy 2015; Outback 2015 | Memo to retailers: Owner Notification - Subaru Recall Campaign: WTC-64 VDC System Filter Clogged. The brake fluid used during the production of the potentially affected vehicles may have contained excess moisture. |
| PIT5249 2014-01 | GmcYukon 2015; Yukon Xl 2015; Sierra 2015 | This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that there is a new DOT 3 brake fluid for the 2014 Silverado and Sierra 1500. Technician can order the new DOT 3 brake fluid from their parts department. |
| PIT5249 2014-01 | ChevroletSilverado 2015; Suburban 2015; Tahoe 2015 | This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that there is a new DOT 3 brake fluid for the 2014 Silverado and Sierra 1500. Technician can order the new DOT 3 brake fluid from their parts department. |
| PIT5249 2014-01 | CadillacEscalade 2015; Escalade Esv 2015 | This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that there is a new DOT 3 brake fluid for the 2014 Silverado and Sierra 1500. Technician can order the new DOT 3 brake fluid from their parts department. |
Odometer spread across 714 brake fluid flush complaints
Median odometer by model year: 2015: 56,000 mi (251 reports) · 2016: 52,000 mi (223 reports) · 2017: 71,000 mi (121 reports) · 2018: 66,000 mi (49 reports) · 2019: 17,000 mi (26 reports) · 2020: 2,816 mi (17 reports) · 2021: 35,000 mi (13 reports). Newer model years have had less time to rack up miles, so their medians run lower.
This is the mileage owners reported when they filed, not a failure probability.
What broke, and what happened next, in brake fluid flush complaints
What happened after it failed (number of complaints):
When brake fluid flush failures were reported, year by year, with recall dates
Complaints by the year the failure happened. The current year is partial. A recall in the same year is shown for context, not as a cause.
What this page's numbers are based on, and what they leave out
- 1,347 NHTSA owner complaints naming the brake fluid flush (2015–2025 models), including 22 in which owners stated an amount paid or quoted (middle half $495–$1,400, full range $50–$7,000).
- 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 14 manufacturer service bulletins that mention this part.
- The calculator's estimate: typical labor hours and parts ranges for this job, adjusted by state using government wage and price-level data.
- 717 complaints mention a dealer and 121 an independent shop.
- Not included: a quote for your exact vehicle, diagnostic fees, taxes, dealer markup, or secondary damage (for example engine damage after overheating). Owner-reported amounts often include those extras, which is why they run higher than the calculator.
More of what owners told NHTSA
“The cost to repair this $2764 the part cannot be replace without a $150 Brake Fluid exchange.”
“While driving on interstate i355 at 70 miles per hour without requiring brakes, I got a chime and then a message on the dash that my brake fluid reservoir was low, then my brake light went on.”
“'the brake fluid is low stop safely' message came on at less than 87 miles on the odometer while the engine was running on my driveway.”
“Honda World changed brake fluid and recalibrated the brakes on 9/24/21 per service requirements at 7823 miles.”
“Upon driving another 3-4 miles the brake pedal went to floor again and low brake fluid light came on dash.”
Unverified owner reports, counted by keyword in the complaint text and not adjusted for how many of each model were sold. How we process NHTSA complaints · check recalls for your VIN.
Ford F-150 leads brake fluid complaints, and two master cylinder recalls cover 2015-2018 trucks
The Ford F-150 has more brake fluid complaints than any other model, with 362 owner reports peaking on 2015, 2016 and 2018 models. The typical F-150 complaint came at 53,300 miles. The three F-150 owners who reported a cost had a median of $1100.
One 2015 F-150 owner told NHTSA: "While driving on Interstate I355 at 70 miles per hour without requiring brakes, I got a chime and then a message on the dash that my brake fluid reservoir was low, then my brake light went on."
Brake master cylinder and brake hose show up in far more brake fluid complaints than chance would predict
The brake master cylinder is named in 25% of brake fluid complaints and appears far more often than it does in complaints overall, a lift of 91.9. Brake hoses come next at 22% (lift 87.9), then the brake booster at 16%. The most common symptom owners describe is a fluid leak, in 47% of reports. That suggests most of these complaints are about fluid escaping, not fluid wearing out.
That explains the gap in cost. Owners who reported a figure paid a median of $1000, and the middle half of them paid between $495 and $1400. The calculator's four-wheel flush is $82–$112 at a $120/hr shop. Those owner figures usually include a part.
Fusion, MKZ, Edge and MKX brake fluid leaks trace to hose recalls 23V162000 and 25V544000
Ford Fusion owners filed 93 brake fluid complaints and Ford Edge owners filed 112. Both groups peaked on 2015-2017 models. These owners reported failures later than most: a median of 87,120 miles for the Fusion and 79,236 for the Edge.
Kia Sorento brake fluid can leak into the ABS control unit, and two recalls cite fire risk
For these models, low fluid is not a reason for a routine flush. A flush does nothing for a leak inside the control unit.
Toyota Tacoma brake fluid complaints came at a median of 8,943 miles
Tacoma owners filed 38 brake fluid complaints, peaking on 2017-2019 models, at a median of 8,943 miles. The median across all brake fluid complaints is 55,000. When fluid trouble shows up this early, the fluid was not old, so a flush is unlikely to be the right repair. The Chevrolet Traverse shows the same early pattern, with a median of 1,819 miles.
Brake fluid complaints led to 156 reports of lost braking and a tow in 8% of cases
Owners described losing steering or braking in 156 complaints, and filed 44 crash reports and 21 injury reports. A report shows what the owner described, not a proven cause. 8% of owners needed a tow. 27% of the failures that listed a speed happened at 55 mph or faster. If the fluid warning light comes on, which owners mention in 33% of complaints, the car may need a tow and a leak repair rather than a drive to the shop for a flush.
Nissan Quest brake fluid flush campaign P0A08 and a Jeep Wagoneer brake fluid bulletin
Nissan's service bulletin P0A08 is a Brake Fluid Flush Voluntary Service Campaign for the 2015 Quest, last revised in December 2022. If you own a 2015 Quest, ask a Nissan dealer whether your VIN is still open under the campaign before paying for a flush. Jeep bulletin 9100615 for 2022-2025 Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee models tells technicians to use only MOPAR-approved brake fluid when servicing the power brake booster. A flush quote for these models should name that fluid.
Brake fluid flush calculator: where a $165–$195 ABS purge quote fits
At a $120/hr shop, a four-wheel flush with DOT 3 fluid runs $82–$112. Adding an ABS purge raises it to $165–$195. Brake fluid complaints name dealers 717 times and independent shops 121 times. At a $175/hr dealer rate, a plain flush comes to $115–$153. A 2019 Nissan Rogue owner reported a $129 brake fluid change, which is inside that dealer range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my brake fluid quote include new brake hoses?
Brake hoses are named in 22% of brake fluid complaints, and fluid leaks are the most common symptom owners describe. A 2016 Ford Edge owner paid $510.03 for front hoses plus a flush.
Content Sources
- BLS Occupational Employment Statistics — Original URL (https://www.bls.gov/oes/) redirects. Updated to data.bls.gov portal.
- BEA Regional Price Parities by State and Metro Area
- FMVSS Standard No. 116 - Motor Vehicle Brake Fluids — Federal standard for brake fluid moisture content limits and DOT specifications.
- BLS OES - Automotive Service Technicians & Mechanics