What does this cost in your state?
California is the costliest state and Arkansas the cheapest.
Lower-cost states ($361)MiddleHigher-cost states ($459)
What it shows: CA is the highest at $459 and AR the lowest at $361, across 51 states.
Counts below are complaints filed with NHTSA, not failure rates: a longer bar means more owners reported it.
Is your car affected?
What it shows: The most common band for complaints about this repair is under 50,000 (71%), against 60% for all complaints: the biggest difference between the two.
What it shows: The most common band for complaints about this repair is under 3 years old (52%), against 40% for all complaints: the biggest difference between the two.
Is it urgent, and what do owners notice first?
1,157 owner complaints name this part.
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.
Which other parts do owners name in the same complaint?
Among the 1,157 owner complaints naming this part, brake rotor is named in 48% of them, more than any other part.
Owners name the brake rotor most often in the same complaint, which is not proof that one caused the other. Ask the shop whether it checked the brake rotor too, so you are not quoted twice for one visit.
How fast were owners driving when it happened?
25-44 mph is the largest group at 28%, out of 474 complaints.
Owners reported it most often at town speeds. Tell the shop what speed it happens at, because that narrows the diagnosis.
How serious did it get for owners?
Only 4% of the 1,157 complaints report a tow, the most common serious outcome; most describe the problem without an injury, crash, fire or tow.
What it shows: Towed is the largest at 46, followed by Crash reported at 31; the smallest shown is Fire reported at 7.
How serious are the crashes where this part is cited?
In NHTSA's crash sample (CRSS, 2019–2022), 2.0% of police-reported crashes that cite brake system ended in a serious or fatal injury, against 2.3% of all police-reported crashes. A crash that cites a system is not necessarily a crash that system caused.
What it shows: No Apparent Injury is the largest at 66.9%, followed by Possible Injury at 17.6%; the smallest shown is Suspected Serious Injury at 2.0%.
How often do roadside inspectors find this part defective, and how often is the truck pulled off the road?
Among 5,376,769 roadside inspections of commercial trucks, inspectors wrote 43.7 brakes violations per 100 inspections, and 21.1% of them took the truck out of service on the spot.
What it shows: Tires is the largest at 62.4%, followed by Brakes at 21.1%; the smallest shown is Exhaust at 4.8%.
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, fewer than any of the other three parts the state reports.
What it shows: Tires is the largest at 8.5, followed by Lights at 5.2; the smallest shown is Brake components at 1.9.
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).
Prices of new brake systems, as shops buy them from makers, since December 2019, against consumer prices for motor vehicle repair. New brake systems: +36.2%; All motor vehicle parts: +17.4%; Motor vehicle repair, labor and parts together: +55.2%.
Has the replacement part I am buying been recalled?
NHTSA lists 60 equipment recalls that name brake since 2015 (service brakes and parking brake), covering 7,260,561 items sold as parts rather than whole vehicles; the largest, by Mando America Corporation in 2023, covered 3,372,743.
| Year | Maker and product | NHTSA component | Defect | Items |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Mando America Corporation: Anti-Lock Brake System | antilock/traction. | HL Mando Corporation (Mando) has submitted a Part 573 Recall Report based upon recall determinations made. | 3,372,743 |
| 2021 | Mando America Corporation: Anti-Lock Brake System | antilock/traction. | certain Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) modules, part number 58920-D3530, 58920-D9100, 58920-F6210, 58920-B1010. | 1,639,930 |
| 2021 | Mando America Corporation: Anti-Lock Brake System | antilock/traction. | certain Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) modules. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid. | 1,254,941 |
| 2016 | Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems Llc: Sr-5 | parking brake | certain SR-5 Trailer Spring Brake Valves manufactured January 1, 2014, to March 4, 2016. | 194,410 |
| 2018 | Trw Automotive Inc: Brake Caliper Assembly | service brakes, hydraulic | TRW Automotive Inc (TRW) has submitted a Defect Information Report based upon decisions made by Volkswagen. | 179,179 |
| 2023 | Veoneer Brake Systems, Llc: Brake Booster Assembly | service brakes | certain Brake Booster assemblies with part numbers 4600A-TBA-A000, 4600A-TBA-A100, 4600A-TBF-A110. | 137,033 |
| 2024 | Chrysler (Fca Us, Llc): Hydraulic Control Unit | antilock/traction. | certain MOPAR Brake Hydraulic Control Units (HCU) with part numbers 68195569AA and 68143491AA. | 84,923 |
| 2018 | Brembo S.P.A.: Front Master Cylinder | foundation components master. | certain motorcycle front brake master cylinders, part numbers 10.4623.62 and 10.4623.63. | 80,081 |
| 2016 | Robert Bosch Llc: Taurus, Taurus Sho | foundation components disc | certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598. | 49,635 |
| 2024 | Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.: Mkc1 Brake Unit | pedals and linkages | certain MK C1 EVO brake systems with part number 10-1202. | 33,596 |
Has this part been recalled abroad on cars that may share it?
Manufacturers filed 240 foreign recall campaigns that name brake with NHTSA since 2015; the latest, from Ford Motor Company in 2026-09. These are recalls abroad, and they apply to U.S. cars only if the same model is sold here.
| Filed | Manufacturer | Foreign recall no. | What the filing says |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12 | Toyota Motor Corporation | 213 | Description of Problem: The subject vehicles are originally equipped with a towing converter which enables the activation of the brake and turn signal lamps on a connected trailer based on the driver's inputs. |
| 2025-10 | Ford Motor Company | 159 | A loss of communication with the assembly tool resulted in one or more brake caliper mounting bolts potentially not meeting correct torque specifications. |
| 2025-10 | Daimler Vans | 154 | MBAG has determined that on certain Sprinter (907 platform) vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 5.0 tons, a brake connection flange might not have been properly welded to the support tube of the rear axle. |
| 2026-09 | Ford Motor Company | 142 | A design change to the brake tube bundle secondary flex line, which added a heat sleeve, caused brake fluid to leak at the upper and lower connections. |
| 2025-09 | Toyota Motor Corporation | 138 | Subject vehicles are equipped with a Pre- Collision System (PCS), which can automatically give warnings to a driver and engage the service brakes to lessen the severity of an impact when the radar sensor and camera detects the possibility of a frontal. |
| 2025-08 | Chrysler (FCA US) | 113 | Postal Code: 559000-000 Description of Defect: Vehicles built with the incorrect size spare tire assembly may create instability in brake and handling performance. |
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.
| Period | Car occupants saved | Light truck occupants saved |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 to 2012 | 10,559 | 5,001 |
| 1960 to 2012, stability control (FMVSS 126) | 2,420 | 3,604 |
| In 2012, stability control (FMVSS 126) | 500 | 824 |
| In 2012 | 217 | 201 |
How many recalled cars are actually fixed, so should I check mine?
Across 98 NHTSA recalls that name brake filed 2015 to 2024, 60.0% of the 14,548,663 recalled vehicles had been repaired after 8 quarters, against 66.2% for all recalls, which leaves about 5,820,183 vehicles still carrying the defect.
What it shows: Hyundai 2020 is the largest at 86.8%, followed by Kia 2023 at 48.7%; the smallest shown is Mercury 2019 at 31.0%.
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 area | Vehicles per freeway lane per day | Freeway lane-miles |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino, CA | 22,026 | 1,292 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 21,245 | 5,780 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson, NV | 19,820 | 650 |
| Chicago, IL-IN | 19,246 | 3,005 |
| Miami, FL | 19,023 | 2,579 |
| San Francisco-Oakland, CA | 18,674 | 1,903 |
| Concord, CA | 18,541 | 497 |
| San Diego, CA | 18,437 | 2,016 |
| New Orleans, LA | 18,409 | 390 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 18,398 | 342 |
| Median of all 493 urbanized areas | 10,257 |
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 2 recall campaigns for parts matched to a brake pad replacement since model year 2015, covering about 16,293 vehicles.
| Rule or count | What it says |
|---|---|
| Age limits | The 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 fix | A 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 remedy | A maker must fix a recall defect without charge. |
| NHTSA recalls matched to a brake pad replacement since model year 2015 | 2 recall campaigns covering about 16,293 vehicles |
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).
What it shows: 10-14 is the largest at 15,415, followed by 0-2 at 12,170; the smallest shown is 0-2 at 12,170.
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).
What it shows: 16+ is the largest at 6.4%, followed by <3 at 0.5%; the smallest shown is <3 at 0.5%.
Is it recalled or covered?
| Recall number | Vehicles | Cars recalled | What the recall says |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25V-693 | Ford Escape 2020 | 13,451 | Reduced brake function can require the driver to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V-201 | Jaguar E-Pace 2021–2024 | 2,842 | Driving with worn brake pads can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash. |
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.
| Maker | Vehicles | Bulletin number | Date | What it says |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda | CX-90 2024–2026; CX-90 Plug-IN Hybrid 2024–2026 | CSP14 Owner Ltr e | Aug 25, 2026 | CSP14 2024-2026 CX-90 Subject: Mazda Rear Brake Pad Customer Service Program Limited Warranty Extension (CSP14 CX-90 models) - Phase 1 Mailing May 2026 In late April we announced two Customer Service Programs (CSP14 & CSP15) where certain vehicles are covered. |
| Porsche | 911 Carrera GTS 2022–2024; 911 2020–2026 and 12 more | GR13D800 | Jul 21, 2026 | Parts withdrawal - 1 set of brake pads for disk. |
| Jeep | Wagoneer 2022–2026; Grand Cherokee 2021–2026 and 3 more | 113123 | Jun 29, 2026 | Spring kit - disc brake. |
| Subaru | Crosstrek 2024–2026; Forester 2025 and 1 more | 06-97-26R | Jun 11, 2026 | "This bulletin announces a design change to the front brake pads with a new friction material and shape that is intended to enhance the removal of rust and debris that can accumulate on the rotor surface, causing unevenness.(This is an revised version. |
| Mazda | CX-90 2024–2026; CX-70 2025–2026 and 2 more | CSP14 CSP15 Dlr Ltr a | May 29, 2026 | CSP14 CSP15 Subject: Mazda Rear Brake Pad Customer Service Program Limited Warranty Extension (CSP14 CX-90 models) - Phase 1 Mailing May 2026 In late April we announced two Customer Service Programs (CSP14 & CSP15) where certain vehicles are covered under. |
| Subaru | Impreza 2024–2026; Crosstrek 2024–2026 and 1 more | 06-97-26 | Apr 30, 2026 | This bulletin announces a design change to the front brake pads which have been redesigned with a new friction material and shape to enhance the removal of rust and debris that can accumulate on the rotor surface, causing unevenness. |
55 more bulletins name this part; the car finder at the top checks yours, and the NHTSA bulletin file linked below lists them all.
Manufacturer warranty extensions naming this part (3)
| Maker | Vehicles | Date | Notice number | What the maker extended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda | CX-90 2024–2026 | Sep 3, 2026 | CSP14 | Rear brake pad premature wear. |
| Mazda | CX-90 2024–2026 | Aug 5, 2026 | CSP14 | Rear brake pad defects under limited warranty extension. |
| Volkswagen | Jetta 2020–2025; Taos 2022–2025 | Mar 5, 2025 | VWP 22 18 | Rear brake pad defects on Jetta and Taos vehicles. |
What do owners say?
4 complaints quoted word for word, each with its NHTSA number.
They reprogrammed the brakes, put on new brake pads, milled the router and replaced the brake fluid, informing us this was needed, charging us $1210.
I had to have it towed to repair shop for a complete brake job for $1800.00.
They want me to pay out of pocket for this brake pad kit (to the tune of $200+ after labor) when all I did was replace the brakes with what they came up with.
Last spring had $700.00 brake job on my daughters car at toyota dealer we have delt with for years.I happen to drive it one day and found brakes spongy and went within one inch of floor to stop.
Check your car
Plan on $289–$541 for brake pad replacement cost when the shop does pads and rotors on one axle. That's our estimate for a midsize car at the calculator's default settings, so treat a quote well outside it as a reason to ask questions.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace brake pads?
One axle, pads only, runs $178–$323 in our calculator. With rotors it's $289–$541, and both axles with rotors is $577–$1,083. Those are estimates for a midsize car, not a quote. Your car, pad grade and shop type move the number.
How much does a brake job cost at a dealership?
A dealership lands at $370–$652 for front pads and rotors, against $259–$501 at an independent shop. Get a second quote if the dealer's is your only one.
Sources
Data shown on this page
- NHTSA owner complaint file (2015-2019 · 2020-2024 · 2025-2026) file downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA recall file file downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA service bulletin file (2015-2019 · 2020-2024 · 2025-2026) file downloaded 2026-10-05
- CalcScrape calculator model scaled by BEA Regional Price Parities data from 2024
- NHTSA Crash Report Sampling System (CRSS), 2019–2022 pooled data from 2022
- FMCSA roadside inspections and violations, U.S. DOT data.transportation.gov file downloaded 2026-10-05
- North Carolina Division of Air Quality, Vehicle Safety and Emissions Inspection Frequency Study data from 2017
- 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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, Foreign Campaigns (filings under 49 CFR 579.11, public API) file downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA, Lives Saved by Vehicle Safety Technologies and Associated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, 1960 to 2012 (DOT HS 812 069) data from 2015
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall quarterly reports (basis of the Annual List of Recall Completion Rates) file downloaded 2026-10-05
- FHWA Highway Statistics 2022, Table HM-72 (urbanized areas: roadway miles, daily vehicle miles, freeway lane-miles) data from 2022
- 49 U.S.C. 30120 (Remedies for defects and noncompliance), text via Cornell Legal Information Institute; NHTSA recall campaigns data from 2026
- FHWA, 2022 NextGen National Household Travel Survey, vehicle file file downloaded 2026-10
- New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Vehicle Inspection Data file downloaded 2026-10
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 ($335–$394) on 2026-10-10: our default's midpoint is 14% above the middle of that range. Methodology