ABS, airbag and electrical: repair costs

Safety systems and the modules and wiring behind them. Typical ranges for the Boston area.

• ABS control module repair or replacement$550 to $1,775. The ABS module manages braking during slips. A bad one causes the ABS and traction lights, and sometimes brake pedal feel issues.
• Airbag clockspring replacement$250 to $730. The clockspring is a coiled ribbon in the steering column that keeps the airbag, horn and controls connected as the wheel turns. A bad one turns on the airbag light.
• Seat belt pretensioner / buckle replacement$260 to $830. A seat belt pretensioner tightens the belt in a crash. A faulty one or its buckle sensor can turn on the airbag light or leave the belt not working correctly.
• Airbag / occupant sensor replacement$240 to $800. An airbag crash sensor or seat occupant sensor is replaced. A fault causes the airbag warning light or a passenger airbag off light.
• ECU / engine control module replacement$430 to $2,350. The engine computer controls fuel, spark and more. A bad one can cause no-start, stalling, or odd electrical issues. It's replaced or repaired and programmed.
• CAN bus wiring repair$190 to $1,275. The CAN bus is the network that lets the car's computers talk. Damaged wires or connectors cause multiple warning lights, communication codes and odd behavior.

Other repair types

• Diagnostics
• Maintenance
• Brakes
• Battery, alternator and starter
• Engine, timing and cooling
• Ignition, fuel and air
• Emissions
• Suspension, tires and alignment
• A/C and heating
• Transmission
• EV and hybrid

Typical range, estimate. Prices updated October 2026. Not a repair shop, estimates only.