Same job at other shop types (everything else as set above): Independent $625–$1330 · Chain shop $688–$1414 (the headline above) · Dealer $861–$1645. 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?
3% of the 1,535 complaints report crash, the most common serious outcome; the other outcomes counted below are rarer, and an owner can file without mentioning one.
What it shows: Crash reported is the largest at 49, followed by Towed at 46; 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?
Is it urgent, and what do owners notice first?
1,535 owner complaints name this part.
What it shows: Noise is the largest at 24%, followed by Recall mentioned at 20%; the smallest shown is Warning light at 6%.
Which other parts do owners name in the same complaint?
Among the 1,535 owner complaints naming this part, strut is named in 38% of them, more than any other part.
Owners name the strut most often in the same complaint, which is not proof that one caused the other. Ask the shop whether it checked the strut too, so you are not quoted twice for one visit.
How fast were owners driving when it happened?
55 mph or faster is the largest group at 46%, out of 729 complaints.
Owners reported it most often at highway speed. 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 1,535 complaints naming this part (19%); 4 model years account for 50%.
What it shows: 2015 is the largest at 288 (19%), followed by 2016 at 165 (11%); the smallest shown is 2025 at 34 (2%).
Do shock or strut replacement problems track days per year that cross freezing, median station across states?
Days per year that cross freezing (low at or below 32F, high above 32F), median station
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: AZ, KS, MD, ME, MO, NH, NJ, NV, OK, OR, WIfewer 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, days per year that cross freezing (low at or below 32f, high above 32f), median station, complaints against expected, complaints filed.
- NH 116 · 2.28× · 19
- ME 110 · 1.87× · 13
- KS 102 · 1.48× · 17
- WV 102 · 1.44× · 13
- OK 75 · 1.44× · 23
- MA 108 · 1.32× · 43
- PA 102 · 1.21× · 71
- IL 87 · 1.21× · 65
- MD 80 · 1.21× · 45
- NM 133 · 1.17× · 10
- KY 85 · 1.16× · 22
- AZ 45 · 1.16× · 42
- VA 91 · 1.15× · 58
- CO 154 · 1.14× · 34
- CT 105 · 1.11× · 19
- MN 87 · 1.10× · 23
- NY 97 · 1.07× · 78
- MI 96 · 1.07× · 56
- OH 88 · 1.07× · 60
- TX 39 · 1.05× · 139
- IN 86 · 1.01× · 27
- TN 77 · 1.00× · 32
- LA 25 · 0.99× · 19
- AL 52 · 0.96× · 22
- GA 46 · 0.94× · 53
- WA 81 · 0.90× · 32
- CA 17 · 0.90× · 162
- FL 3 · 0.90× · 108
- MO 87 · 0.87× · 24
- AR 63 · 0.87× · 11
- NC 70 · 0.82× · 43
- NV 146 · 0.80× · 12
- SC 53 · 0.71× · 19
- WI 92 · 0.68× · 17
- OR 73 · 0.67× · 11
- NJ 96 · 0.52× · 23
What it shows: States with more days per year that cross freezing (low at or below 32f, high above 32f), median station tend to sit higher on the chart across 36 states: a pattern in the data, not proof of cause.
- A moderate pattern, probably real but not certain: about 1 in 17 patterns this clear turn out to be false alarms. Weak spot: hold annual snowfall equal and only 39% of the days per year that cross freezing, median station pattern remains, so part of it may be that factor.
Do shock or strut replacement problems track annual snowfall across states?
What it shows: States with more annual snowfall (inches) tend to sit higher on the chart across 36 states: a pattern in the data, not proof of cause.
- A moderate pattern, probably real but not certain: about 1 in 14 patterns this clear turn out to be false alarms. Weak spot: hold days per year that cross freezing, median station equal and only 26% of the annual snowfall pattern remains, so part of it may be that factor.
Are the parts for this repair getting more expensive, or only the labor?
The federal producer price index for new steering and suspension parts rose 10.9% from December 2019 to August 2026, while the consumer price index for motor vehicle repair, labor and parts together, rose 55.2% (BLS, national).
Prices of new steering and suspension parts, as shops buy them from makers, since December 2019, against consumer prices for motor vehicle repair. New steering and suspension parts: +10.9%; All motor vehicle parts: +17.4%; Motor vehicle repair, labor and parts together: +55.2%.
What do owners who wrote down a dollar amount say they paid?
Among 30 NHTSA owner complaints about this part that name one component and one repair, the middle dollar amount an owner wrote was $1,700, with a quarter at $789 or less and a quarter at $2,000 or more; these are selected owner reports, not a representative price.
| Measure | Amount or count |
|---|---|
| A quarter of owners wrote this much or more | $2,000 |
| Middle amount owners wrote | $1,700 |
| A quarter of owners wrote this much or less | $789 |
| All complaints naming the part with any dollar amount, before the filter | 90 |
| Complaints with one component, no repeat or tow wording, and a dollar amount | 30 |
Which counties have the roughest roads?
FHWA's road-condition records show poor ride quality (above 170 inches per mile of roughness) on 89.1% of measured road miles in District of Columbia, DC, 74.1% in Baltimore city, MD and 65.4% in Marion County, WV, against 13.8% in the median county.
What it shows: District of Columbia, DC is the largest at 89.1%, followed by Baltimore city, MD at 74.1%; the smallest shown is New Castle County, DE at 51.9%.
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 20 recall campaigns for parts matched to a shock or strut replacement since model year 2015, covering about 234,118 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 shock or strut replacement since model year 2015 | 20 recall campaigns covering about 234,118 vehicles |
How often does this part fail a real inspection, by car age?
In 181,687 New Jersey initial inspections in 2025 of vehicles sent through the safety lane, 1.0% of cars aged 16+ years failed the steering and suspension test against 0.0% of cars under 3 years (record counts, not a sample).
What it shows: 16+ is the largest at 1.0%, followed by <3 at 0.0%; the smallest shown is <3 at 0.0%.
How rough are the roads your suspension has to take?
Road ride quality by state: share of measured highway miles rated poor: highest in RI (31%), lowest in AL (2%).
Smoother roads (2%)MiddleRougher roads (31%)No value
What it shows: RI is the highest at 31% and AL the lowest at 2%, across 50 states.
Is it recalled or covered?
| Recall number | Vehicles | Cars recalled | What the recall says |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25V-025 | Ford Bronco 2021–2024 | 149,449 | An external reservoir that detaches from a vehicle can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V-514 | Toyota Tacoma Hybrid 2024; Toyota Tacoma 2024–2025 | 48,280 | An oil reservoir that detaches can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 14V-392 | Chrysler 200 2015 | 20,347 | Damage to the tire or reduced braking increases the risk of a vehicle crash. |
| 18V-262 | Volkswagen Tiguan 2018 | 7,430 | If the lower loop of the rear shock absorber detaches, there may be a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V-238 | Lexus NX250 2022; Lexus NX350H 2022; Lexus NX450H+ 2022 and 1 more | 4,215 | A separated shock absorber can cause a loss of vehicle stability, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V-367 | Toyota Yaris 2015 | 3,106 | A damaged strut mounting bearing may cause the strut rod to separate, causing a loss of vehicle stability and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V-439 | Lincoln Nautilus 2023 | 366 | A damaged brake hose can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V-415 | Porsche Taycan 2025; Porsche Panamera 2026; Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid 2025 | 284 | An air suspension strut failure may cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
12 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi | Outlander 2022–2024; Outlander Phev 2023 | TSB-24-34-001 | Aug 19, 2026 | This revised Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions on how to remedy fluid leaks from the Rear Shock Absorber. |
| Toyota | BZ4X 2023–2025 | T-SB-0043-26 | Aug 5, 2026 | Some 2023 2025 model year bZ4X vehicles may exhibit a creaking noise coming from the strut mounting bearing of the front suspension when turning. |
| Jeep | Compass 2026 | 02-006-26 | Jun 12, 2026 | Not applicable to vehicles built for US market. |
| RAM | 1500 2019–2026 | 112652 | Jun 10, 2026 | The bulletin file gives no description beyond its title (shock absorber). |
| Porsche | Cayenne S E-Hybrid 2015–2020; Macan 2015–2026 and 114 more | D781 | Apr 18, 2026 | Parts information for parts withdrawal involving (992513031K) Shock absorber (spring cyl.). |
| BMW | 750i 2015–2020; 745e 2020–2022 and 2 more | B010522 | Mar 27, 2026 | The front and rear air suspension strut assemblies limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 8 years /80,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIA | Telluride 2020–2024 | Sep 26, 2024 | WTY040_TSB_R1 | Self-leveling rear shock absorber noise or stiff. |
What do owners say?
4 complaints quoted word for word, each with its NHTSA number.
At our yearly check up, we just discovered our rear shocks need replacing at a cost of $1,100.00 a shock, 2,200 for the pair.
At approximately 55,000 miles the service tech found that all four struts were leaking and required $4,500 to repair and replace.
Imagine my shock when I was told it would cost $1,530.83 to repair.
I have now spent almost $1000 dollars on a new adjustable track bar, premium shocks and a dual steering stabilizer to try and remedy this issue.
Check your car
Shock or strut replacement cost runs $688–$1,414 for a front pair of struts with an alignment, in our calculator. Shock absorbers alone are cheaper, at $262–$516 for a front pair.
What is the typical shock or strut replacement cost?
The typical shock or strut replacement cost is $688–$1,414 for a front pair of struts, alignment included. That's the calculator's default, at a shop type in the middle of the range. Every setting moves it, as this table shows.
| What you change | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Default: front pair of struts + alignment | $688–$1,414 |
| Shock absorbers only, front pair | $262–$516 |
| Quick-strut assemblies, front pair + alignment | $680–$1,470 |
| Rear pair of struts + alignment | $650–$1,364 |
| Independent shop | $625–$1,330 |
| Dealership | $861–$1,645 |
These are ranges, not quotes. Your car, your zip code and the parts your shop picks all move the final number. Our methodology page explains where the figures come from.
Before you say yes, ask the shop to write down which parts are on the quote: the strut, the mount, the spring, and the alignment. Four line items are easier to compare than one total.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace shocks or struts?
About $688–$1,414 for a front pair of struts with an alignment in our calculator. A front pair of shock absorbers alone is $262–$516. Your car and your shop move the number.
Is it cheaper to replace shocks or struts?
Shocks. Our front pair of shock absorbers estimates at $262–$516, against $688–$1,414 for struts with an alignment. Which you need depends on your car, not your budget.
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
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020 (annual), joined to NHTSA owner complaints downloaded 2026-10-12
- BLS Producer Price Index, commodity data for motor vehicle parts (series WPU14120502); BLS Consumer Price Index item SETD for the repair row downloaded August 2026
- FHWA Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) national section data, roughness (IRI) by county; poor-ride cut from the FHWA Conditions and Performance Report data from 2026
- 49 U.S.C. 30120 (Remedies for defects and noncompliance), text via Cornell Legal Information Institute; NHTSA recall campaigns data from 2026
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Vehicle Inspection Data downloaded 2026-10
- FHWA Highway Statistics HM-64, road length by measured pavement roughness data from 2024
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.
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 ($1,102–$1,304) on 2026-10-10: our default's midpoint is 13% 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