Stabilitrak Repair Cost: Everything You Need To Know
Photo by Hans Isaacson on Unsplash
There are a lot of things happening in modern vehicles all at once. A lot of different systems need to be perfectly coordinated and work together to help make sure you’re moving and in control of the vehicle.
One of those systems, at least in some modern vehicles, is Stabilitrak. Often compared with the traction control system, Stabilitrak is one of many programs and systems that helps keep you safe.
But, like all the different moving parts of your vehicle, Stabilitrak can also need repair and can cause problems when it isn’t properly cared for.
Here’s what you need to know about Stabilitrak, how much it will cost to repair and how often you need to repair it.
Let’s get started!
What Is Stabilitrak?
The first thing you need to know is that Stabilitrak isn’t any one particular part of your vehicle. Instead, it’s a system that uses a lot of different monitoring systems to keep track of the position of your vehicle, the orientation of your wheels, and the coordination between different moving parts of your vehicle.
That sounds really complicated, but it’s not as bad as you’d think.
At the end of the day, the Stabilitrak works to make sure you’re moving in a straight line and to keep turns more controlled.
Moving in a straight line and maintaining control over turns is important because it improved both safety and efficiency. When the Stabilitrak stops working, not only does it get harder to control the vehicle, but your vehicle’s computer system might actually direct the tires and other components to go in the wrong directions.
This system is often compared with traction control systems, and while they work in similar ways, the systems are very different. Traction control systems are designed to help make sure your wheels aren’t spinning and that you’ve got power where you need it on different surfaces.
The Stabilitrak system doesn’t care about what parts of the vehicle have power, as long as they have the right orientation and are controlled and safe on the road.
However, one of the problems with Stabilitrak, especially in vehicles that don’t have a specific warning signal for Stabilitrak problems, is that it’s involved with a wide variety of systems which means there are a lot of symptoms and problems with Stabilitrak can mimic a lot of other common car issues, which can make this a hard problem to diagnose.
NOT JUST FOR CAR SHOPPING
The CoPilot app isn’t just for buying a car - our new CoPilot for Owning tool will help you keep track of recalls and gives you advice on which scheduled maintenance tasks are most important.
How Much Do Stabilitrak Repairs Cost?
Despite being such a complicated system, Stabilitrak repairs are surprisingly affordable.
A typical Stabilitrak repair costs between $80-$200. That’s not bad for a car repair, especially considering how complex these systems can be.
How Often Do You Need To Repair Stabilitrak?
Unfortunately, because this is a computer issue as much or more than a components issue, Stabilitrak doesn’t have a specific timeline for needing repair.
The good news is that this is a rare problem and not typically something that you’re going to need to worry about.
Also, a true repair isn’t always necessary when Stabilitrak starts to have problems. You’re relatively likely to be able to reset the Stabilitrak system and keep going on as if it had never happened.
Signs That Your Vehicle’s Stabilitrak Needs Repair
Because this problem is one of the most complicated systems your car has, there are a wide variety of different symptoms.
So, all of the symptoms on this list can also point to other problems. If your vehicle doesn’t have a specific code or warning sign for the Stabilitrak system, you’ll typically figure out that the problem is Stabilitrak by process of elimination.
It’s also important for you to know that this is by no means a complete list of the signs and symptoms of Stabilitrak problems.
Loss Of Engine Power
Loss of engine power or feeling like your engine is struggling to give you the power you’re asking for is one of the most common symptoms of Stabilitrak problems, especially on its own or in combination with other problems like uneven tire wear.
That means that if your vehicle is struggling to get up to speed, maintain speed, or handle hills on the road, you might be dealing with a loss of engine power.
Intermittent losses of engine power, where it sometimes seems to struggle and sometimes seems fine, especially without changing gears, can also be a specific sign of Stabilitrak problems.
THE BEST TWO-SEATER CARS
If you’re in the market for a speedy two-seater, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the best two-seater cars on the market today.
Steering System Repair Codes
There are a wide variety of repair codes that can be associated with Stabilitrak problems without actually being a code that says “Something Is Wrong With Stabilitrak.”
Any code related to something that Stabilitrak controls might be an indicator that something is wrong with Stabilitrak, especially if your mechanic checks the part and sees that nothing is actually wrong.
For instance, Pedal Position Sensor codes, ABS codes, and engine oil pressure codes can all be signs of Stabilitrak trouble.
However, it’s just as important to know that Stabilitrak isn’t always going to cause a repair code to pop. There’s just as much chance that Stabilitrak will stop working silently, so you need to look for other symptoms as well.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light isn’t a terribly common warning sign that something is wrong with Stabilitrak, but it can be one of the symptoms that helps you or your mechanic figure out what’s going on.
This might be the oil pressure sensor, but it can also be related to a range of other codes and warnings that all connect to your check engine light.
Again, since this doesn’t always happen, you can’t assume that Stabilitrak is okay just because the check engine light didn’t come on.
Stabilitrak Off Warning Message
This warning sign is just about the only one that is definitively about Stabilitrak and tells you that something is wrong with Stabilitrak.
However, since not all vehicles have a specific sensor or code for this problem, you can’t assume you’ll get a warning for this particular system.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
This is another one of the most common signs of issues with Stabilitrak, even though it’s also a sign of a lot of other problems that are more common.
Decreased fuel efficiency or using more fuel for the same trip length can be a sign that your vehicle isn’t operating as efficiently. Since Stabilitrak is all about keeping the wheels working together and making sure the stabilizing systems aren’t creating unnecessary friction, efficiency is one of the first things that go when the programs stop working.
Stabilitrak FAQs
Q: What does it mean when my car says “Service Stabilitrak?”
A: The “Service StabiliTrak” warning light may come on for several reasons. Perhaps the most obvious is that there’s a problem with your StabiliTrak system, such as a faulty control module or sensor. The warning light may also indicate that there’s an issue with your brakes, like low brake fluid levels and a faulty brake control module. To determine what’s wrong with your StabiliTrak system, it’s best to consult with a qualified mechanic.
Q: Can you drive with the “Service Stabilitrak” on?
A: An illuminated “Service StabiliTrak” warning light indicates that there’s an issue with your car’s traction control. Hence, we can’t recommend driving your vehicle with a “Service Stabilitrak” warning light on due to safety. This tech helps with your vehicle’s traction and stability, and you’re risking road accidents with a malfunctioning system. It’s best to stop driving and call a qualified mechanic as soon as you see the light come on.
Q: How much does it cost to repair my car’s Stabilitrak?
A: Thankfully, Stabilitrak repairs are relatively inexpensive and will only cost you around $80-$200. So there’s not much excuse to get it repaired right away.
WHAT TO DO IF A DEALER REFUSES TO CANCEL EXTENDED WARRANTY
Car buying can occasionally be frustrating, especially if you’re purchasing your vehicle through a dealership. We’re here to tell you how to navigate a situation in which a dealer refuses to cancel your extended warranty.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
