Cars generally have two or more oxygen sensors that monitor the exhaust coming out of the engine and check if there’s any leftover oxygen. This data is relayed to your car’s computer, which helps optimize the air-fuel mixture for optimal engine performance.
How much does it cost to replace an oxygen sensor?
If your oxygen sensor stops working, a repair costs between $200 to $600 when factoring in the costs of parts and labor. Keep in mind that your car most likely has an upstream and a downstream oxygen sensor—and that the former tends to be more expensive to replace. Here’s a quick explanation of the differences between them.
| Upstream O2 sensor | Downstream O2 sensor | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Before catalytic converter | After catalytic converter |
| Function | Adjusts fuel injector pulse width for more efficient engine performance and economy. | Monitors catalytic converter’s effectiveness in reducing harmful emissions. |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Parts
The price of parts varies depending on how many oxygen sensors you need replaced and whether you buy an OEM part or an aftermarket part. This price sets the basis for your overall oxygen sensor replacement. Let’s take a look at the price of oxygen sensors for various vehicles:
| Car | Part | Price ($) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Ford F-150 | Oxygen Sensor HEGO DY1185 (for 3.5L V6) | 131.90 | Ford Parts |
| 2015 Ford F-150 | Oxygen sensor HEGO DY1299 (for 5.0L) | 93.92 | Ford Parts |
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 | Oxygen Sensor (#89465-0R040) | 153.99 MSRP | Toyota Parts Center Online |
| 2014 Kia Soul | Sensor Assy – Oxygen 392102B410 | Varies between $188 – $235 | Kia |
You can also consider buying an aftermarket oxygen sensor to save on the price of parts. Here’s a comparison of two upstream oxygen sensors (meaning they’re located before the catalytic converter) compared to the genuine part in the final row:
| Part | Price ($) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| NTK Oxygen Sensor 27018 | 66.99 | Autozone |
| Denso Exact Fit Oxygen Sensor 234-5176 | 96.99 | Autozone |
| Ford Motorcraft Oxygen sensor HEGO DY1299 | 93.92 | Ford Parts |
How long does it take to replace an oxygen sensor?
The time needed to swap out your oxygen sensors depends on how many you need to swap out—but generally, it will take between 45 minutes to three hours of your mechanic’s time.
Across the United States, labor rates range from $110 to $175 per hour, meaning the labor cost for your repair can range from $82.50 for 45 minutes at the lowest rate to $525 for three hours at the highest rate.
What happens if I don’t replace my oxygen sensor?
Oxygen sensors are vital to your engine’s overall performance and health—not to mention they help protect the environment by reducing emissions. Without a properly functioning oxygen sensor, you could encounter issues with your engine such as:
- Illuminated check engine light.
- Increased fuel consumption and more trips to the pump.
- Poor engine performance, leading to misfiring, rough operation, and stalling.
Keep in mind:Many states require a successful emissions test to register or renew your registration, so it’s important to replace your oxygen sensor as soon as possible to avoid fines or delayed renewal.
Can I replace an oxygen sensor myself?
Theoretically, replacing an oxygen sensor is a simple process of removing and replacing the individual part. However, you will need specialized tools to help you with the process, including an OBD-II scanner or another scan tool to pinpoint which oxygen sensor is faulty. Here are a few aspects that require caution:
- Since oxygen sensors are exposed to the elements, they can seize in place, especially older versions.
- Some vehicles have these sensors located in easy-to-access places, but others are a lot more difficult.
Xuyun Zeng is a content strategist with a wide-ranging content background including tech, journalism, cars and health care. After graduating with highest honors in journalism, Xuyun led a newspaper to win eight awards, helped start an award-winning film industry podcast and has written over a hundred articles about cars repair, state laws and insurance. Prior to joining Jerry, Xuyun worked as a freelance SEO consultant with a mission to create the best content that will help readers and grow organic traffic.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
