How much should it cost to replace an injector?

On average, replacing a single fuel injector typically costs about $200 to $700 when you factor in parts and labor. If you need to replace all injectors on a four-cylinder engine, you’re looking at roughly $800 to $2,000, with higher costs possible on luxury or late-model vehicles.

Fuel injectors are precision components that deliver fuel to the engine in exact amounts. Replacing one usually requires removing or loosening the intake and fuel rail, disconnecting electrical connectors, and testing the system after installation. Prices vary by vehicle, injector type (OEM vs aftermarket), regional labor rates, and whether additional parts or repairs are needed.

What you’re paying for when you replace an injector

Prices generally come from three components: parts, labor, and potential extra parts or services. The following breakdown helps explain typical charges you might see on a bill.

• Parts: Injector unit itself. OEM/new injectors typically cost more than aftermarket versions. Expect roughly $70–$350 per injector depending on the vehicle and supplier.


• Labor: Time to remove the old injector, install the new one, and reassemble components. Most shops bill between 1 and 3 hours per injector, at rates of about $75–$150 per hour. This translates to roughly $75–$450 per injector.


• Additional parts and services: Gasket or seal kits, O-rings, fuel rail hardware, diagnostic testing, and potential fuel line or rail resealing. These extras typically add $20–$100 per injector or per job.

In practice, most single-injector replacements fall in the $200–$700 range when you include parts and labor, while replacing multiple injectors increases the total substantially.

Costs by engine configuration

Costs scale with the number of injectors in your engine, since more units means more parts and more labor. Here is a rough guide by common engine layouts.

• 4-cylinder engine (4 injectors): typically $800–$2,000 total.


• 6-cylinder engine (6 injectors): typically $1,200–$3,000 total.


• 8-cylinder engine (8 injectors): typically $1,600–$4,000 total.

These ranges assume replacement with standard new injectors and typical labor rates. If the vehicle requires removal of the intake manifold, processing of a high-pressure fuel system, or replacement of related components, the price can rise.

Ways to save money and avoid surprises

Before you commit to a replacement, consider these approaches to keep costs reasonable and avoid unexpected charges.

• Get a diagnostic first: Ensure the injector is truly the faulty component and not a related issue such as spark plugs, coils, or a vacuum leak.


• Shop around: Obtain itemized quotes from multiple shops to compare parts, labor rates, and included services.


• Ask about remanufactured or refurbished injectors: In some cases these can be cheaper and come with warranties; confirm compatibility with your vehicle.


• Check for warranties: Some parts carry a limited warranty; verify what is covered and for how long.


• Consider bundled work: If you’re replacing several injectors, ask if a multi-injector package or kit is available, which can reduce labor time.


• Plan for related components: Be prepared for possible replacement of O-rings, seals, or fuel rails if they show wear.

Being proactive about diagnostics and shopping around can help you avoid overpaying for injector work while ensuring your engine runs reliably again.

What to expect at the shop

Most shops will start with a diagnostic check to confirm injector failure, followed by a detailed estimate that itemizes parts and labor. If the engine has multiple misfires or low fuel pressure, the technician may recommend replacing additional injectors or related fuel-system components. After installation, a test run and engine code scan are typically performed to ensure proper operation.

Summary

Replacing an injector is usually a moderate to substantial automotive repair cost, with single-injector jobs commonly ranging from about $200 to $700 and full injector replacements for all cylinders in the $800 to $2,000 range for many cars. Costs vary by engine size, vehicle model, parts choice (OEM vs aftermarket), and local labor rates. To keep costs predictable, get diagnostic confirmation, obtain multiple quotes, and consider warranty coverage and bundled options when replacing injectors.

Can you drive a car with a bad injector?

No, it is not recommended to drive with a bad fuel injector as it can lead to various issues, from poor performance to severe engine damage and safety hazards. The most significant risks include engine misfires, a damaged catalytic converter, and potentially catastrophic engine failure like hydrolocking, so it is best to get the vehicle inspected and repaired immediately. 
This video explains the risks of driving with a bad fuel injector: 49sMercie J Auto Care, llcYouTube · Nov 12, 2025
Risks of driving with a bad fuel injector

• Poor engine performance: You may experience engine misfires, stalling, and a decrease in fuel efficiency. The engine may also feel rough and vibrate. 
• Damage to other components: An incorrect air-fuel mixture can cause the catalytic converter to overheat and fail, which is an expensive repair. Driving with a leaking injector can also dilute the engine oil. 
• Catastrophic engine damage: If an injector leaks too much fuel, it can cause the engine to hydrolock. This occurs when liquid fuel fills the cylinder, and because liquids are incompressible, it can lead to bent connecting rods and other severe internal engine damage. 
• Safety concerns: External fuel leaks from a bad injector can create a fire hazard. 

What you should do instead

• Avoid driving the vehicle if possible. 
• If you must drive, do so for the shortest distance necessary to get to a repair shop. 
• Have the car inspected and repaired by a professional mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage. 

You can watch this video to see what happens when an engine hydro locks: 51sMercie J Auto Care, llcYouTube · Jul 1, 2024

Is it worth replacing a fuel injector?

Yes, it's true that replacing old, worn fuel injectors is an easy way to improve an engine's efficiency. If you have an older vehicle with a set of worn fuel injectors, replacing them will help your engine run like new. You may even notice that your vehicle accelerates better.

What are the symptoms of a failing injector?

Symptoms of a bad fuel injector include a rough idle, engine misfires, a loss of power or poor acceleration, a check engine light, and decreased fuel economy. Other signs can include difficulty starting the engine, stalling, a noticeable smell of fuel, and even smoke from the exhaust. 
Engine performance

• Rough or unstable idle: The engine shakes or sputters when it's supposed to be idling steadily. 
• Engine misfires: You may feel a shudder or a hesitation when the engine is running. 
• Stalling: The engine may stall, especially when you are slowing down or at a stop. 
• Poor acceleration: The vehicle may hesitate, stumble, or feel sluggish when you try to accelerate. 
• Loss of power: The engine may struggle to gain speed, particularly when going uphill. 
• Engine vibration: A bad injector can cause the engine to vibrate. 

Fuel and emissions

• Poor fuel economy: You may notice your car is using more gas than usual. 
• Fuel odor: A distinct smell of gasoline might be noticeable around the car. 
• Increased emissions: A failing injector can cause your vehicle to fail an emissions test. 
• Smoke from the tailpipe: Some issues can cause black smoke to come out of the exhaust. 

Warnings and starting issues

• Check engine light: This is a common indicator of a fuel-related problem and can be confirmed with an OBD2 scanner. 
• Difficulty starting: The engine may be hard to start or may not start at all. 

How expensive is it to replace an injector?

The cost to replace a fuel injector can range from $350 to over $2,500, depending on the vehicle, the number of injectors being replaced, and the labor costs. A single injector replacement typically costs less, while replacing all injectors on a vehicle with more cylinders, or on a luxury or diesel vehicle, will be more expensive. 
You can watch this video to learn about the cost of fuel injector replacement: 53sLearnToDIY360YouTube · Jun 12, 2025
Factors influencing the cost

• Number of cylinders and injectors: Replacing all four injectors on a four-cylinder engine is more expensive than replacing just one, and a larger engine with more cylinders will naturally have a higher cost. 
• Vehicle make and model: Luxury and high-performance vehicles will have higher parts and labor costs than economy models. 
• Type of injector: Direct injection or high-pressure injectors cost more than standard port fuel injectors. 
• Labor costs: Labor rates vary by location and shop, and the time it takes to replace an injector can be longer if it's difficult to access. 
• Parts: The cost of the new injector can vary significantly based on whether it's an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part or an aftermarket one, and its quality. 

How to estimate the cost

• Single injector replacement: Expect to pay between approximately $350 and $1,200 for a single injector, but this can vary widely based on the factors above. 
• Multiple injectors: Replacing the entire set will be more expensive, with some costs potentially exceeding $2,000 or more. 
• Diesel vs. gasoline: Diesel injector replacement costs are often higher, sometimes ranging from $500 to $2,500 for multiple injectors. 

This video explains the cost factors of fuel injector replacement in detail: 41sTalkingTechTrendsYouTube · Mar 19, 2025