Ignition, fuel and air
Mass airflow sensor replacement: what it costs
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $70 | $250 |
| Labor: 0.5 to 0.8 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $55 | $120 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $15 |
| Total, rounded | $120 | $390 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
The mass airflow (MAF) sensor measures air entering the engine. A bad one causes rough idle, stalling, poor mileage, and hesitation.
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What is usually included
- New MAF sensor
- Inspect air intake and filter
- Clear codes
- Test drive
What moves the price
- Sensor price by brand
- Sensor with housing
- Cleaning first versus replacement
- Air filter replaced too
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Was the sensor cleaned or tested first?
- Is it an OEM-quality part?
- Did you check for air leaks?
- Is the air filter clean?
Can you do it yourself?
An easy DIY with a screwdriver; never touch the sensor wires with anything.
Shopping for the part? Search car parts on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Make sure the part fits your car before buying.
Common questions
Can a MAF sensor be cleaned?
Sometimes. A cleaner made for MAF sensors can fix a dirty one. If the sensor is damaged or cleaning does not help, it needs to be replaced.
What symptoms does a bad one cause?
Rough idle, hesitation, stalling, poor mileage and a check engine light. The engine computer gets the wrong air reading and mixes the wrong amount of fuel.
Could an air leak cause the same issue?
Yes. A cracked intake hose or loose clamp after the sensor lets in extra air and can set similar codes. A good shop checks for leaks before selling a new sensor.
How much does mass airflow sensor replacement cost?
A typical range across the US is $120 to $390. That is an estimate from parts prices, labor hours and the local labor rate, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $130 to $410 |
| New York City area | $130 to $400 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $130 to $410 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $120 to $390 |
| Houston area, Texas | $120 to $390 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $120 to $390 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $120 to $390 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $120 to $390 |
| Miami area, Florida | $120 to $390 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $130 to $410 |
Check-engine codes that lead to this repair
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