How much to fix a control arm on a Honda Civic?

Typically, replacing a front lower control arm on a Honda Civic costs about $300 to $900 per arm, including parts and labor. Alignment is usually extra.

The price varies by model year, region, and whether you replace a single arm or both, and by whether you choose aftermarket parts or OEM dealer parts. Control arms connect the suspension to the vehicle frame and house critical components such as bushings and ball joints; wear can lead to clunks, poor alignment, and uneven tire wear. Labor rates, part quality, and any required related repairs all influence the final bill.

What determines the price

Several factors influence the total cost of fixing a control arm. The choice between upper and lower arms, the number of arms replaced, whether a ball joint is included, the quality of parts (aftermarket versus OEM), and the labor rate in your area all play a role. Always factor in the cost of a wheel alignment after the work is completed.

• Arm type and position: lower arms are more common to fail and may be cheaper to replace than upper arms; prices rise if both sides are needed.


• Part quality: aftermarket parts are typically cheaper than dealer OEM parts; some repairs use OEM parts for warranty coverage or fitment, which increases the price.


• Labor rates and region: urban areas and dealer shops tend to bill more per hour than independent garages.


• Additional services: wheel alignment, inspection for related suspension wear, and potential replacement of worn bushings or joints add to the total.

Understanding these factors helps set expectations and prompts getting multiple quotes to compare total costs.

Typical price ranges for common scenarios

Below are general ranges you’ll commonly see in the United States as of 2024–2025. Exact prices depend on your Civic model year, whether the shop uses aftermarket or OEM parts, and local labor rates.

• Front lower control arm replacement (one arm) with ball joint: approximately $350–$700 with aftermarket parts; $500–$900 with dealer OEM parts. Labor typically $150–$300, plus alignment of $60–$120.


• Front upper control arm replacement (one arm): roughly $300–$650 with aftermarket parts; $500–$900 with OEM parts. Labor around $150–$320; alignment $60–$120.


• Both front arms replaced (both sides): generally $700–$1,400 with aftermarket parts; $1,000–$2,000 with OEM parts. Labor scales with two sides; alignment fee usually applies once.


• Control arm bushings replaced (when a shop can do it separately): $100–$300 for parts and $150–$350 for labor, if the work is feasible without replacing the entire arm; many shops prefer full arms for reliability.

Prices vary and many shops will provide a written quote itemizing parts, labor, and alignment before you authorize the work.

Other costs to consider

In addition to the core repair, you should expect an alignment to restore proper tire wear and handling. Some shops may perform a preliminary inspection to check related components, which can reveal needed driveshaft, tie-rod, or CV joint work that could affect total costs.

Ways to save money and get a fair quote

Getting the best value starts with shopping around and understanding what you’re getting. Consider these approaches before authorizing work.

• Get quotes from multiple shops and ask for itemized estimates that separate parts, labor, and alignment.


• Ask for aftermarket parts as a baseline and compare with OEM parts to see if the price difference is worth the warranty and fitment.


• If you’re near a dealer with a loyalty program or warranty, compare the dealership price with independent shops.


• For non-critical wear (like minor bushing wear), ask if a partial repair or one-arm replacement is feasible; in some cases, this can save money, though reliability should be considered.

Always confirm the expected turnaround time and whether the shop offers a warranty on parts and labor.

What to expect from a repair shop

Expect a diagnostic inspection to verify control arm wear, test drives to confirm handling shifts, and an alignment check after replacement. A reputable shop will provide a written estimate, explain the parts choice, and describe any related repairs recommended to prevent future failures.

Summary

Replacing a control arm on a Honda Civic typically costs between roughly 300 and 900 dollars per arm, depending on whether the part is aftermarket or OEM, the arm type, and the shop’s labor rate. Always include an alignment in the total, and consider getting multiple quotes to compare parts and total cost. Plan for potential additional work if related suspension components show wear, and factor in the value of a warranty when comparing options.

How much to replace the control arm on a Honda Civic?

The total cost to replace a Honda Civic control arm typically ranges from $394 to over $1,390, depending on whether parts are integrated or replaced separately, the labor rate, and your location. A part can cost between $50$ 50$50 and $150$ 150$150 for an independent shop to around $334$ 334$334 or more at a dealership, while labor can range from about $175$ 175$175 to over $432$ 432$432. You will also need to factor in a wheel alignment, which can add another $165$ 165$165 or more to the total.
 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: Control arms themselves can cost between $50$ 50$50 and $150$ 150$150 for a single one, though they are sometimes sold with ball joints or in kits, which could drive up the price to $334$ 334$334 or more. 
• Labor: This varies significantly. For a single control arm, it can take 1 to 3 hours of labor. You can expect to pay around $175$ 175$175 for labor at an independent shop, while some estimates have shown over $432$ 432$432 at other shops. 
• Wheel Alignment: This is a crucial follow-up service to ensure the new control arm is properly aligned. It typically costs an additional $165$ 165$165 or more. 
• Other potential costs: Depending on your specific situation, other components like sway bar links may also need replacement, which could add to the overall cost. 

How to get an accurate estimate

• Get a quote from an independent mechanic: You can often find lower prices from independent shops compared to dealerships. 
• Ask for an itemized estimate: Make sure you know exactly what is included in the quote before authorizing any work. 
• Shop around: Get quotes from a few different shops to compare pricing. Some estimates have shown potential savings of hundreds of dollars. 
• Consider a DIY replacement: If you are mechanically inclined and have the necessary tools, you can save on labor costs. However, this is not recommended unless you are experienced. 

Why replacing a control arm is important

• A failing control arm can lead to a loss of control and further damage to your vehicle's suspension components, such as struts, brakes, and tires.
• Addressing this repair promptly can prevent further damage, which may be more costly in the long run, and will ensure the safety of your vehicle. 

Can I drive a car with a bad control arm?

No, you should not drive with a bad control arm because it is extremely dangerous and can lead to a complete loss of steering control, especially at high speeds or during turns. While minor wear may allow for very limited short-distance driving, any symptoms like clunking noises, steering wheel vibration, or poor handling mean you should avoid driving and have the vehicle repaired immediately to prevent further damage and accidents.
 
This video explains the symptoms of a bad control arm: 1mFixITYouTube · Jul 26, 2024
Dangers of driving with a bad control arm

• Loss of control: A bad or broken control arm can compromise your ability to steer, making it unsafe to drive, especially when turning or driving at high speeds. 
• Component failure: Continued use can lead to complete failure, which could cause wheel detachment from the suspension system, leading to a serious accident. 
• Further damage: Driving with a bad control arm can cause other suspension components, such as ball joints and the steering rack, to wear out prematurely and fail, leading to much more expensive repairs. 
• Vibration and instability: You may experience vibrations, "death wobble" (violent steering wheel shaking), and poor handling, which are all signs of a compromised suspension system. 

What to do

• Do not drive: If you suspect your control arm is bad, do not drive the vehicle. 
• Get it towed: Have the vehicle towed to a trusted mechanic for inspection and repair. 
• Have it inspected: A professional can properly diagnose the problem and replace the necessary parts to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive again. 

How expensive is it to fix a control arm?

The average cost to replace a control arm is between $400 and $1,000, but it can range from under $300 to over $1,700, depending on the vehicle, parts, and labor rates. This total typically includes parts and labor for the control arm replacement, and an alignment is also necessary afterward, adding another $100 or more to the final price.
 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: Control arm parts can cost from about $80 for a basic model to over $400 for a specialty vehicle. Some complex control arm assemblies, especially for high-end cars, can be much more expensive.
• Labor: The labor cost is often the largest portion of the expense. It typically ranges from $150 to $300 or more, depending on the shop and how long the repair takes.
• Alignment: An alignment is crucial after a control arm replacement to ensure proper wheel alignment, and this typically costs $100 and up. 

Factors that influence the total cost

• Vehicle Make and Model: The cost of parts and labor varies significantly between different makes and models. A basic control arm for a common car will be cheaper than a specialized or heavy-duty one for a truck or luxury vehicle. 
• Part vs. Labor: The parts themselves are often only a portion of the total cost. Labor is a major factor, with some jobs requiring two to three hours per arm. 
• Type of Control Arm: Some control arms are simpler, while others are part of a larger assembly that includes ball joints and other components. 
• Location: Labor rates can vary based on your geographic location. 

How to save money

• DIY: If you have the right tools and skills, you can save on labor costs by replacing the control arm yourself. 
• Shop Around: Get quotes from multiple shops, including independent mechanics, to find a competitive price for both parts and labor. 
• Consider Aftermarket Parts: Some aftermarket parts may be more affordable than OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts, but it's important to check the quality of the aftermarket part. 

Is it worth replacing a control arm?

Yes, it is absolutely worth replacing bad control arms. It is a critical safety issue, as a complete failure can lead to a loss of steering control. It also prevents costly damage to your tires and other suspension parts.