How much does a Fuel System repair cost?

Depending on what parts of the fuel system need to be replaced, you can expect a fuel system repair or replacement to cost anywhere from £100 to well over £1500.
Repairs related to the fuel system of a vehicle are generally on the higher side with a fuel sensor ranging from £200 to £300 and a turbocharger replacement averaging around £900.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of fuel system repairs. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of fuel system repairs and replacements.

Average cost of a fuel system repair by location

There will be a difference in pricing for fuel system repair and replacement depending on the vehicle's make, model, and year. In addition to the part prices, the hourly labour charges vary throughout the UK, so the cost may also vary by location.

Average cost of a fuel system repair by manufacturer

How do you know if your fuel system needs to be repaired?

The fuel system of a vehicle has many elements to it such as fuel filters, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulators, fuel pump and fuel tank, turbocharger, throttle body and TPS and more. If faulty, symptoms of each component will vary but keep an eye on these common signs that can suggest your fuel system needs a repair or replacement.

• Engine running rough
• Engine sputtering during high speeds
• Strong smell of fuel from engine bay
• Issues starting up the car
• Poor fuel efficiency
• Check engine light on
• Fuel leaking from around the vehicle
• Reduced engine power

Engine sputtering

An indicator of a faulty fuel pump is a sputtering engine — especially during higher speeds. Continually driving at high speeds and experiencing sudden engine sputtering could indicate a fuel pump issue.

Rough engine

If you notice that the engine runs rough, with abrupt power peaks along with poor fuel economy then this can suggest an issue with the fuel injectors.

Strong smell of fuel

A sudden strong smell from the engine bay along with lower-than-usual fuel economy can point towards a faulty fuel injector or a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator.

Difficulty starting the car

The car will struggle to start and run because the fuel pump cannot push enough fuel through to the engine. When a fuel pump wears out, it loses its pressure, starving the engine of fuel.

Frequently asked questions about fuel system repair cost

Is it worth replacing the fuel pump?

Replacing a fuel pump can be expensive but it’s an important component of the fuel system that connects the fuel tank to the engine. Due to continuous use, the fuel pump can wear and eventually fail, resulting in an unstable flow of fuel to the engine.

If you experience problems with the fuel system it is advisable to have the fuel system and the fuel pump inspected and, if necessary, have the fuel pump replaced.

Can you drive with a clogged fuel filter?

While you technically can drive with a clogged fuel filter for a short period of time, keep in mind that it will likely cause further damage to the fuel system. The fuel filter is responsible for filtering out impurities in the fuel, and if it is clogged, it can cause your car to run poorly, and it can damage your car's components. It is best to replace a clogged fuel filter so as to cause minimal damage to the engine.

How long does a fuel system repair take?

The time it takes to carry out exhaust system repair depends on the type of repair, extent of damage as well as the make and model of the car. For example, a repair such as a fuel filter change can take about an hour whereas a bigger replacement job such as a fuel tank can take 3 hours.

Can I carry out a fuel system repair myself?

Fuel system repairs can be a complex task and require advanced auto repair knowledge and skills along with special tools and equipment.
Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend fuel system repairs are only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price upfront.

What else could be the problem if my fuel system isn’t the problem?

If you’re experiencing issues with fuel efficiency, then it could be an indication that the tyres are underinflated, air filters are clogged, fuel is contaminated, etc. If there are problems with the engine starting it could be a problem with one of the components in the ignition system.