Question: I drove over a giant board sitting in the middle of my lane when I got onto the interstate, and I saw it too late and couldn’t slow down. Nothing seemed wrong when I looked under my car later, but now it doesn’t feel right when I’m driving. I think something under my car does need to be repaired. How much does it cost to repair undercarriage damage?
Answer: The undercarriage of your car consists of a number of different components, many of which provide crucial support and stability to your vehicle. Depending on the extent of the undercarriage damage, repair costs can be fairly expensive, potentially running thousands of dollars.
Undercarriage damage repair costs
Here’s an idea of what it can cost to repair some of the different parts that make up the undercarriage:
- Engine splash shield: The splash shield is a plastic panel that helps protect your engine from debris and other contaminants. Replacing it can cost up to $500.
- Exhaust system: The exhaust comprises pipes that move harmful fumes away from the engine and to the rear of the vehicle. Repairing your exhaust pipe can cost around $300, but replacing the exhaust system could cost $1,500 or more.
- Gas tank: Your fuel tank could be punctured or cracked if you scrape the bottom of your car. A new gas tank can cost $1,000 or more.
- Brake lines: A brake line replacement might cost anywhere from $300 to $2,000, depending on your car.
- Axles: Your axles help turn your wheels and support the weight of your car. Replacing the front and rear axles can cost as much as $2,000.
- Transmission system: Replacing your transmission can cost up to $4,000.
- Shocks and Struts: New shock absorbers and shocks for your vehicle can cost between $450 and $1,100.
- Suspension: Your suspension helps cushion your car while you’re driving. Suspension repairs are usually fairly complex and can easily cost $1,500 or more.
- Frame: If the frame of your vehicle is damaged, you could pay thousands of dollars in repair costs, and in some cases, it could even cost more to repair than the car is worth.
If you have a full coverage policy, your car insurance company may be able to help you with the cost of these repairs if the damage occurred because you hit a pothole, road debris, or another vehicle.
What are some of the signs of undercarriage damage?
If the undercarriage of your car has been damaged, you might not be able to see it unless you get down on the ground and look up at the bottom of the vehicle. When you do, you might see:
- Rust
- Scratches, scrapes, cracks, or dents
- Hanging parts
- Leaking fluid
When you’re driving, you might also notice issues like:
- Difficulty steering or the vehicle pulls to one side
- Rattling sounds coming from beneath the car
- Unusual tire wear
What causes undercarriage damage?
Your vehicle might sustain undercarriage damage due to a significant impact, like hitting a deep pothole or debris on the road. However, rough road conditions or wear and tear can also be a factor—regularly driving on muddy, salted, or gravel roads can lead to rust and damage to your undercarriage.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Giselle Gomez is an editor with over a decade of experience editing content across personal finance, education, travel, and sports. In editing for Jerry, Giselle’s focus is on making sure content is consumer and SEO-friendly and helping readers understand all things car ownership. In prior roles, she worked as a content strategist, syndication editor, and writer. Her work is featured in AP, NerdWallet.com, BestColleges.com, and more. Giselle holds a master’s degree from Arizona State University.
