$658–$1,415 Total for midsize/standard vehicle · parts + 1.5–3.0 hr labor at $120/hr
Show the calculation

  • Brake booster (midsize/standard): $299–$698
  • Labor (1.5–3.0 hr at $120/hr): $359–$717

Total: $658–$1,415

What does this cost in your state?

California is the costliest state and Arkansas the cheapest; each square shows that state's midpoint of the estimate.

Source: CalcScrape calculator model scaled by BEA Regional Price Parities · data from 2024

Counts below are complaints filed with NHTSA, not failure rates: a longer bar means more owners reported it.

Is your car affected?

43% of these complaints came in under 50,000 miles, against 60% of all complaintsOdometer when the owner filed · 1106 NHTSA complaints name this part; the middle half of the 484 that state mileage fall between 39,000 and 72,000 miles, the middle one at 53,000
43% of these complaints came in under 50,000 miles, against 60% of all complaintsThis repairAll complaintsUnder 50,00043%60%50,000-100,00046%29%100,000-150,0009%9%Over 150,0002%2%

What it shows: The most common band for complaints about this repair is 50,000-100,000 (46%). The biggest difference from all complaints is under 50,000: 43% against 60%.

26% were on cars under 3 years old, against 40% of all complaintsVehicle age when the owner filed · 1106 NHTSA complaints name this part
26% were on cars under 3 years old, against 40% of all complaintsThis repairAll complaintsUnder 3 years old26%40%3-5 years45%35%6-9 years24%23%10 years or older5%2%

What it shows: The most common band for complaints about this repair is 3-5 years (45%). The biggest difference from all complaints is under 3 years old: 26% against 40%.

Source: NHTSA owner complaint files, 2020–2024 · complaints 2015–2019 · complaints 2025–2026 · file downloaded 2026-10-05

Is it urgent, and what do owners notice first?

1,106 owner complaints name this part.

What owners describeShare of these complaints that describe each symptom; one complaint can describe several

Owners say the dealer could not fix or repeat the problem. If it comes back after a repair, ask what was tested before you pay again.

Source: NHTSA owner complaint files, 2020–2024 · complaints 2015–2019 · complaints 2025–2026 · file downloaded 2026-10-05

Which trouble codes do owners report?

P0556 Brake Booster Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance leads at 6.

Trouble codes owners quote in complaints about this part. P0556: Brake Booster Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance: 6 complaints (1%).

Source: NHTSA owner complaint files · file downloaded 2026-10-05

What do owners say it led to?

Among the 1,106 owner complaints naming this part, owners most often say lost steering or braking followed.

Source: NHTSA owner complaint files · file downloaded 2026-10-05

Which other parts do owners name in the same complaint?

Among the 1,106 owner complaints naming this part, brake master cylinder is named in 27% of them, more than any other part.

Source: NHTSA owner complaint files · file downloaded 2026-10-05

How fast were owners driving when it happened?

25-44 mph leads at 32%.

Source: NHTSA owner complaint files · file downloaded 2026-10-05

How serious did it get for owners?

Among the 1,106 owner complaints naming this part, being towed is the outcome owners report most often.

Source: NHTSA owner complaint files · file downloaded 2026-10-05

Which model years show up most in the complaints?

Among the 1,106 owner complaints naming this part that state a model year, complaints cluster in a few model years instead of spreading evenly.

Source: NHTSA owner complaint files · file downloaded 2026-10-05

What do state inspectors fail cars for?

Among 8,738,476 initial safety inspections in North Carolina in 2017, brake components caused 1.9 failed items per 1,000 inspections, the fewest of the four components the state reports.

Source: North Carolina Division of Air Quality, Vehicle Safety and Emissions Inspection Frequency Study · data from 2017

Have recalls for this part told owners to stop driving?

Recalls for this part that told owners to stop driving or park outside. Do not drive the vehicle: 2 recall (18,310).

Source: NHTSA recalls database, DO_NOT_DRIVE and PARK_OUTSIDE fields · file downloaded 2026-10-06

Do brake booster replacement problems track share of households with three or more vehicles across states?

Across U.S. states, NHTSA owner complaints about brake booster replacement run higher where share of households with three or more vehicles is higher, after adjusting for the makes sold in each state. This is an association across states, not proof that share of households with three or more vehicles causes this repair.

Do brake booster replacement problems track elevation range from lowest to highest point across states?

Across U.S. states, NHTSA owner complaints about brake booster replacement run higher where elevation range from lowest to highest point is higher, after adjusting for the makes sold in each state. This is an association across states, not proof that elevation range from lowest to highest point causes this repair.

Do brake booster replacement problems track quarterly job separations as a share of auto repair shop employment across states?

Across U.S. states, NHTSA owner complaints about brake booster replacement run higher where quarterly job separations as a share of auto repair shop employment is higher, after adjusting for the makes sold in each state. This is an association across states, not proof that quarterly job separations as a share of auto repair shop employment causes this repair.

Are the parts for this repair getting more expensive, or only the labor?

The federal producer price index for new brake systems rose 36.2% from December 2019 to August 2026, while the consumer price index for motor vehicle repair, labor and parts together, rose 55.2% (BLS, national).

Source: BLS Producer Price Index, commodity data for motor vehicle parts (series WPU14120504); BLS Consumer Price Index item SETD for the repair row · file downloaded August 2026

Has the replacement part I am buying been recalled?

NHTSA lists 3 equipment recalls that name brake booster since 2015 (service brakes and parking brake), covering 170,730 items sold as parts rather than whole vehicles; the largest, by Veoneer Brake Systems, Llc in 2023, covered 137,033.

Largest NHTSA equipment recalls that name brake booster since 2015: the maker, the product and the defect
YearMaker and productNHTSA componentDefectItems
2023Veoneer Brake Systems, Llc: Brake Booster Assemblyservice brakescertain Brake Booster assemblies with part numbers 4600A-TBA-A000, 4600A-TBA-A100, 4600A-TBF-A110.137,033
2024Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.: Mkc1 Brake Unitpedals and linkagescertain MK C1 EVO brake systems with part number 10-1202.33,596
2024Chrysler (Fca Us, Llc): Anti-Lock Brake Systempedals and linkagescertain Mopar anti-lock brake control units with part numbers 68473794AA, 68473795AA, 68505330AA, and.101

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall flat file (equipment recalls, report type E) · file downloaded 2026-10-05

Has this part been recalled abroad on cars that may share it?

Manufacturers filed 29 foreign recall campaigns that name brake booster with NHTSA since 2015 (matched by the filing text); the latest, from Toyota Motor Corporation in 2025-11.

Recent foreign recall campaigns that name brake booster filed with NHTSA since 2015, with the line of the filing that names it (recalls abroad, not U.S. recalls)
FiledManufacturerForeign recall no.What the filing says
2021-11Toyota Motor Corporation253Description of Problem: The subject vehicles use a specific mechanical vacuum pump and a brake booster to provide power brake assist to the driver.
2024-10Mitsubishi Motors.246As a result, negative pressure may not be supplied to the brake booster, limiting its assistance and potentially increasing stopping distance.
2025-11Toyota Motor Corporation198Date: November 17, 2025 Foreign Safety Recall / Other Safety Campaign Report Subject: Brake actuator issue on certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles 1.
2022-08Volkswagen Group.128248-754-5000 Phone Washington, DC 20590 248-754-5093 Fax August 03, 2022 Date Subject: Notification of Recall Pursuant to 49 CFR Part 579.11 (a) Brake booster symbol � instrument cluster Dear Mr.
2022-08Bentley Motors.126Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Notification of Recall Pursuant to 49 CFR Part 579.11 (a) Brake Booster Symbol Dear Mr.
2023-03Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)046573.6(c)(3) Total Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 257,087 Honda Foreign Recall March 16, 2023 Page 2 573.6(c)(5) Defect Description: The brake pedal operation data will not be recorded in the Event Data Recorder (EDR) unit in the event of a collision.
2021-03Subaru.043Washington, DC 20590 RE: Foreign Non-Compliance Recall Campaign Report � Abnormal stroke value of the electric brake booster input rod for certain 2021MY Outback vehicles Dear Mr.
2021-02Volvo Car02120590 Submittal of TREAD report form per 49 CFR, Part 579, subpart B Subject: R10070 � BRAKE BOOSTER NUTS Dear Mr.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, Foreign Campaigns (filings under 49 CFR 579.11, public API) · file downloaded 2026-10-05

How many lives have brake improvements saved?

NHTSA estimates dual master cylinders and front disc brakes (FMVSS 105 and 135) saved 217 car occupants and 201 light-truck occupants in 2012 alone, and 15,560 occupants from 1960 to 2012.

Lives NHTSA estimates were saved by this safety technology, 2012 and 1960 to 2012
TechnologyCar occupants saved in 2012Light truck occupants saved in 2012Car occupants saved 1960 to 2012Light truck occupants saved 1960 to 2012
dual master cylinders and front disc brakes (FMVSS 105 and 135)21720110,5595,001
electronic stability control (FMVSS 126), the system brake work keeps working5008242,4203,604

Source: NHTSA, Lives Saved by Vehicle Safety Technologies and Associated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, 1960 to 2012 (DOT HS 812 069) · data from 2015

How many recalled cars are actually fixed, so should I check mine?

Across 9 NHTSA recalls that name brake booster filed 2015 to 2024, 65.2% of the 1,084,052 recalled vehicles had been repaired after 8 quarters, against 66.2% for all recalls, which leaves about 377,203 vehicles still carrying the defect.

Recall completion after 8 quarters, recalls that name brake booster filed 2015 to 2024: the largest campaigns
YearVehiclesRecalled vehiclesRepairedComponent
2022Mercedes-Benz R350, Ml350;350,29445.6%power assist vacuum
2020Ford F-150292,31168.9%power assist
2022Ford F-150, Expedition; Lincoln Navigator195,86473.1%foundation components master.
2023Honda Passport, Ridgeline; Acura Mdx124,07785.7%foundation components master.
2023Kia Sportage98,94491.6%power assist
2024Mercedes Benz Ml550, R320;15,6042.8%power assist vacuum
2022Nissan Rogue Hybrid5,90469.5%power assist hydraulic
2020Volkswagen Arteon73297.4%service brakes

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall quarterly reports (basis of the Annual List of Recall Completion Rates) · file downloaded 2026-10-05

Which metro areas have the most stop-and-go freeway traffic?

FHWA's 2022 urbanized-area table shows the most crowded freeway lanes in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA (22,026 vehicles per lane a day), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA and Las Vegas-Henderson, NV, against a median of 10,257 across 493 urbanized areas.

Urbanized areas of 500,000 or more residents with the most traffic per freeway lane (average daily vehicles per lane, FHWA 2022)
Urbanized areaVehicles per freeway lane per dayFreeway lane-miles
Riverside-San Bernardino, CA22,0261,292
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA21,2455,780
Las Vegas-Henderson, NV19,820650
Chicago, IL-IN19,2463,005
Miami, FL19,0232,579
San Francisco-Oakland, CA18,6741,903
Concord, CA18,541497
San Diego, CA18,4372,016
New Orleans, LA18,409390
Baton Rouge, LA18,398342
Median of all 493 urbanized areas10,257

Source: FHWA Highway Statistics 2022, Table HM-72 (urbanized areas: roadway miles, daily vehicle miles, freeway lane-miles) · data from 2022

How much traffic do New York state roads carry in each county?

New York State DOT's 2019 traffic counts average 12,562 vehicles a day per station in Bronx County, 12,095 in New York and 12,074 in Queens, against 2,542 in the median county; this is one state, not a national figure.

Source: New York State DOT, Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) Beginning 1977 (NYS Open Data 6amx-2pbv) · data from 2019

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 brake booster replacement since model year 2015, covering about 891,008 vehicles.

The federal free-remedy rule for recalled defects, and this page's own recall count (brake booster replacement)
Rule or countWhat it says
Age limitsThe 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 fixA 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 remedyA maker must fix a recall defect without charge.
NHTSA recalls matched to a brake booster replacement since model year 201520 recall campaigns covering about 891,008 vehicles

Source: 49 U.S.C. 30120 (Remedies for defects and noncompliance), text via Cornell Legal Information Institute; NHTSA recall campaigns · data from 2026

How many miles does a car of my age really drive in a year?

In the 2022 National Household Travel Survey, US vehicles aged 10-14 years are driven an average 15,415 miles a year against 12,170 for vehicles aged 0-2 years, so 50,000 miles of brake wear comes up in about 3.2 years at the faster pace and 4.1 years at the slower one (reported mileage, survey-weighted).

Source: FHWA, 2022 NextGen National Household Travel Survey, vehicle file · file downloaded 2026-10

How often does this part fail a real inspection, by car age?

In 181,256 New Jersey initial inspections in 2025 of vehicles sent through the safety lane, 6.4% of cars aged 16+ years failed the brake test against 0.5% of cars under 3 years, about 13 times as often (record counts, not a sample).

Source: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Vehicle Inspection Data · file downloaded 2026-10

Is it recalled or covered?

Safety recalls that name this part
Recall numberVehiclesCars recalledWhat the recall says
25V-488Ford F-150 2025; Ford Expedition 2025; Ford Bronco 2025 and 2 more312,120An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.
20V-332Ford F-150 2015–2017292,311A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel and feel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, possibly requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle.
23V-458Honda Passport 2021–2023; Honda Ridgeline 2020–2023; Honda Pilot 2021–2022 and 2 more124,077Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
23V-410KIA Sportage 202398,944A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
17V-063Hyundai Elantra 201733,803A loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
26V-090Ford Transit 202515,965A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
22V-549Nissan Rogue Hybrid 2017–20195,904A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
25V-401Ford F-250 SD 2025; Ford F-350 SD 2025; Ford F-450 SD 20252,345A sudden loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.

12 more recalls name this part, on smaller fleets. The car finder at the top checks yours.

Source: NHTSA recall file · file downloaded 2026-10-05

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.

Service bulletins that name this part
MakerVehiclesBulletin numberDateWhat it says
KIATelluride 2027TSB_SC377Aug 4, 2026Technical service bulletin: Brake booster pushrod adjustment (SC377) - This bulletin provides information for adjusting the brake booster pushrod on certain 2027MY Telluride (LQ2) vehicles produced from January 2, 2026, through April 22, 2026.
Porsche718 Cayman GT4 RS 2024; 718 Boxster GTS 2021–2024 and 8 more2309.3Apr 17, 2026Instructions on advanced technical information for 718 GTS 4.0 - Brake Booster (Power Brake) Warning in Instrument.
BMWX7 2025; X5 2025 and 1 moreInVeh-InApp-CommMar 25, 2026It was determined that your vehicle was fitted with a brake booster that potentially has a faulty hydraulic valve.
PorscheCayenne 2024–2026; Cayenne E-Hybrid 2024–2026 and 22 more105-25-2Jan 13, 2026Technical information for Active Malfunction Indicator Light in Conjunction with Fault Memory Entries Regarding Brake Booster "U01B400".
JeepRenegade 2024–2025; Compass 2024–202505-004-25Dec 10, 2025Not applicable to vehicles built for US market.
JeepWagoneer 2022–2025; Grand Cherokee 2022–20259100615Jun 23, 2025Power brake booster To avoid potential charge-back, only use MOPAR approved brake fluid per the service manual.

54 more bulletins name this part; the car finder at the top checks yours, and the NHTSA bulletin file linked below lists them all.

Source: NHTSA service bulletin files · bulletins 2020–2024 · bulletins 2025–2026 · file downloaded 2026-10-05

Manufacturer warranty extensions naming this part (2)

MakerVehiclesDateNotice numberWhat the maker extended
FordEdge 2010–2014Mar 5, 202413N02 S3Brake booster.
ToyotaHighlander Hybrid 2008–2010Sep 16, 2019ZKC_Toyota POL19Brake actuator assembly and brake booster pump assembly internal.

Source: NHTSA manufacturer bulletin files · bulletins 2020–2024 · file downloaded 2026-10-05

What do owners say?

4 complaints quoted word for word, each with its NHTSA number.

After taking it to the dealership to get look at now the telling me my camshaft broke to pieces which will cost with the vacuum booster $24000 with only 70 miles.
2019 Chevrolet Equinox · NHTSA #11591875
They diagnosed the issue and informed me of the below needed repair… Brake - Hydraulic Brake Booster Pump: Brake booster no holding vacuum $1,274.73 I am aware that there were some recalls associated with this for my year model that did not involve my VIN.
2019 Toyota Camry · NHTSA #11471375
I took it to a Toyota dealership and they diagnosed a faulty brake booster pump with a price of $2500 to replace.
2018 Toyota Highlander · NHTSA #11464075

Paid $700

My brake boosters went out and I paid $700 now something odd is happening to my brakes with the air or pressure.
2017 Chevrolet Malibu · NHTSA #11256803

Source: NHTSA owner complaint files, 2020–2024 · complaints 2015–2019 · complaints 2025–2026 · file downloaded 2026-10-05

Check your car

Your VIN goes from your browser straight to NHTSA. We never receive or store it.

Brake booster replacement costs $658–$1,415 on a midsize car, covering the part plus 1.5–3.0 hours of labor at $120 an hour. Vehicle class, booster type and the shop's hourly rate move that range most.

What does the estimate cover, and what does it leave out?

The estimate is the part plus 1.5–3.0 hours of labor at $120 an hour, for a midsize or standard vehicle with a standard booster.

It leaves out a brake bleed, new brake fluid, and any related part the shop finds failed. On many vehicles the master cylinder has to come off to reach the booster, so ask whether bleeding is in the quote. On a hydraulic booster, ask whether the power steering system is being flushed too.

How much does each choice change the price?

Three settings move the number: vehicle class, booster type and shop type. Each row changes one setting from the default.

Setting Estimate
Default: midsize, standard booster, $120/hr shop $658–$1,415
Economy vehicle $518–$1,116
SUV or truck $857–$1,714
Luxury or performance vehicle $1,056–$2,113
Hydraulic booster $807–$1,764
Electronic booster (e-boost) $1,016–$2,252
Independent shop (about $100/hr) $598–$1,295
Dealership (about $175/hr) $823–$1,744

Should you replace the booster or just fix a hose or valve?

Replace the booster when the diaphragm has failed or the pushrod and housing are damaged. If the fault is a cracked vacuum hose or a bad check valve, the repair costs far less than the table above.

Ask the shop which one it found, and to show you the part. A shop that quotes a full booster should be able to say how it ruled out the hose and the check valve.

How do you know it is the booster, and how urgent is it?

Suspect the booster if the brake pedal turns hard, the pedal sits higher than usual, stopping takes more distance, or you hear a hiss at the pedal. You can check a vacuum booster at home: press the pedal several times with the engine off, hold light pressure, then start the engine. The pedal should sink slightly under your foot. If it stays hard, vacuum assist is missing.

A hard pedal is a safety problem, because you still stop but with much more leg force. Do not wait it out. Have it inspected the same week, and tow it if the pedal is very hard or braking feels weak.

How do you get a fair quote?

Ask for the quote itemized by booster, master cylinder if replaced, brake fluid and bleed, and labor. Ask whether the booster is new, remanufactured or original equipment. Then ask what test showed the booster, not a hose, was at fault.

Run the same job through the calculator with your vehicle class and shop type. For the default job, an independent quote under $598 or a dealer quote over $1,744 deserves a second opinion.

Sources

Data shown on this page

Terms: US government data, public domain.

Observed: records as filed; owner reports are unverified and are not failure rates. Modeled: our estimate, not a quote. 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. Reported: figures as reported by the publisher, not independently verified.

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 ($965–$1,108) on 2026-10-06: our default's midpoint is 0% above the middle of that range. Methodology