How much does it cost to fix a bad ABS module?

Typical total cost to fix a bad ABS module ranges from about $500 to $1,500, depending on the parts chosen and labor, with dealer work often higher.

What drives the price

Costs hinge on four main factors: the type of part used, the labor required, whether programming or relearning is needed, and diagnostic fees. Below are the common options and their typical price ranges.

• Parts options
  
  
  
  • Remanufactured ABS control module: commonly $200–$600
  
  
  • New OEM (brand-new) ABS module: commonly $500–$1,200
  
  
  • Used or salvaged module: commonly $100–$400
  
  
  
  


• Labor costs
  
  
  
  • Typically 1–3 hours, with shop rates around $75–$150 per hour
  
  
  
  


• Programming and relearn
  
  
  
  • Independent shops: roughly $50–$150
  
  
  • Dealership or specialized shops: roughly $150–$350
  
  
  
  


• Diagnostics and shop fees
  
  
  
  • Often $50–$100, sometimes waived if you proceed with the repair
  
  
  
  


• Additional factors
  
  
  
  • Vehicle make/model, installation complexity, and region can push costs higher, especially for luxury or imported vehicles
  
  
  
  

In short, the total price reflects both the part and the labor, plus any required programming and regional pricing differences. Plan for a range rather than a single fixed number.

Typical cost scenarios

The following scenarios illustrate common price ranges you might encounter when replacing or repairing an ABS module.

• Remanufactured module at an independent shop: Parts $250–$600; labor $75–$450; programming $0–$150; total roughly $325–$1,200


• New OEM module at an independent shop: Parts $600–$1,200; labor $75–$450; programming $50–$150; total roughly $725–$1,800


• Dealer replacement with programming: Parts $800–$1,500; labor $100–$400; programming $150–$350; total roughly $1,050–$2,250


• Do-it-yourself salvage module with professional reflash (if applicable): Parts $100–$400; minimal labor; programming may still be required; total roughly $100–$500 (plus potential rework costs)

Prices vary by vehicle type and region, and some cars require dealer-only programming, which can increase the total cost. Always obtain a written estimate that itemizes parts, labor, and programming before authorizing work.

Ways to save money

If you’re watching costs, consider these approaches before committing to a repair plan.

• Get quotes from multiple independent shops to compare parts and labor


• Ask whether the estimate includes programming and diagnostics


• Ask about remanufactured versus new OEM parts and the warranty terms


• Check if your vehicle’s ABS issue could be resolved by addressing related components (sensors, wiring) first

Careful shopping and understanding whether programming is required can help avoid surprises when the ABS light comes on and a module replacement becomes necessary.

Summary

Replacing a faulty ABS module is typically a multi-hundred to multi-thousand-dollar proposition, with most repairs landing between roughly $500 and $1,500. The final price hinges on the part choice (remanufactured vs. new OEM vs. used), labor time, programming requirements, and regional shop rates. To manage costs, compare quotes, verify what the estimate covers, and confirm whether programming is included or billed separately. A clear decision about parts and the need for programming will yield the most accurate total.

Can I drive with a bad ABS module?

You can technically drive with a bad ABS module, but it's not recommended because the anti-lock braking function will be disabled, and you risk the wheels locking up during hard braking. While your standard brakes will still work, the lack of ABS can make it harder to steer during an emergency stop, and you should drive with extra caution until the module can be repaired. 
Risks and symptoms of a bad ABS module

• Loss of anti-lock function: The primary risk is that the wheels can lock up during hard braking, which could cause you to lose steering control, especially on slippery surfaces. 
• Brake pedal issues: The brake pedal may feel unresponsive or require more pressure to stop the car effectively. 
• Dashboard warning light: The ABS light on your dashboard will likely be illuminated, indicating the system is offline. 
• Other warning signs: You might hear strange noises like grinding or buzzing, or the speedometer could become inaccurate. 

This video explains the symptoms of a bad ABS module: 58sVehicle FreakYouTube · Feb 23, 2024
What you should do

• Drive with caution: If you must drive, be extremely careful, especially in wet or emergency conditions. 
• Avoid hard braking: Try to avoid sudden stops and anticipate stops well in advance to prevent wheel lock-up. 
• Get it inspected and repaired: It is best to have the module diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to restore full braking capability and safety. 

This video explains how to identify a bad ABS module and the potential risks: 59sCar FixYouTube · Apr 7, 2025

Are ABS modules expensive to replace?

The average cost for ABS module replacement is $1174 to $1301. Enter your vehicle's information to see how much ABS module replacement costs in your local area.

Can an ABS module be repaired?

The answer is that technically the ABS module can in some cases be repaired. It is not likely that a normal driver can do so - and it would definitely be best done so by a professional.

How to know if an ABS control module is bad?

Symptoms of a bad ABS module include the illuminated ABS warning light on the dashboard, spongy or unresponsive brake pedals, brake lock-up, and other warning lights like the check engine or traction control lights. Other signs can include erratic ABS activation, a pulsating brake pedal, or a stuck caliper causing a brake to drag. You should address these issues immediately as they can compromise braking performance and safety. 
Common symptoms 

• Illuminated ABS warning light: This is a common and direct indicator that the system has detected a fault. 
• Spongy or unresponsive brake pedal: The brake pedal may feel soft or require more pressure to achieve the same level of braking. 
• Erratic ABS activation: The ABS may engage unexpectedly and erratically, or the brake pedal may pulsate without a hard brake application. 
• Brake lock-up: The wheels may lock up during braking because the anti-lock function is not working correctly. 
• Other warning lights: The check engine light or traction control light may also illuminate, sometimes along with the ABS light. 
• Brake drag: A stuck caliper or other brake component, potentially caused by the ABS module's fault, can cause a brake to drag and overheat. 

What to do

• Do not drive the vehicle if possible: A failing ABS module can compromise your braking ability and other safety systems. It's best to have the vehicle towed to a mechanic to avoid further damage or risk. 
• Have it diagnosed immediately: A professional can use an OBD-II scanner to read specific diagnostic trouble codes from the ABS module and identify the problem. 
• Perform a visual inspection: Look for physical damage, loose connections, or corrosion around the ABS module and wiring before assuming a component failure.