New data – with van life special report – highlights importance of addressing dashboard lights early for environment, safety and money savings, especially as gas prices rise IRVINE, Calif., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CarMD, a leading provider of vehicle health data and technology, today released its 2026 CarMD® Vehicle Health Index™ report, revealing the average cost to address a check engine light climbed to a record $554 in 2025, a 33% increase from the previous year. Driving with the check engine light on harms vehicle efficiency and the environment – something to be aware of on Earth Day and every day. The rise reflects increases in car repair parts and labor. Labor costs grew 51%, driven by more time‑intensive procedures and increasingly complex systems, while parts costs rose 23%, influenced by material pricing, multi‑component repairs, and, in some cases, tariffs of imported components being passed on to consumers. These factors, combined with the aging U.S. vehicle fleet, contributed to the highest repair costs recorded since CarMD began publishing its annual study of check engine repair trends. "Keeping up with routine maintenance and addressing dashboard warning lights early are two simple ways to help keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently as it ages," said David Rich, CarMD vice president of automotive technology. "Even small issues can reduce fuel economy, which is something drivers are paying close attention to as gas prices rise." Breakdown of the 10 Most Common Dashboard Warning Light Repairs in 2025 - Catalytic Converter, $1,511 - Oxygen (O₂) Sensor, $287 - Ignition Coil & Spark Plug(s), $480 - Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Replacement, $346 - Ignition Coil, $256 - EVAP Canister Purge Control Valve, $172 - Fuel Injector(s), $572 - ABS Wheel Speed Sensor, $314 - Thermostat, $324 - Spark Plug(s), $299 CarMD's data underlines