Also called: gear oil change, diff service
Across 20 popular vehicles
The differential has its own oil, separate from the engine and transmission. Rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles have at least one, and limited-slip differentials need a friction modifier added or a specific fluid, which raises the price.
A single national average hides the thing you actually want to know, which is whether your car sits at the cheap or expensive end. Usually it is access rather than the part that moves the price: the same component can take an hour on one engine layout and most of a day on another.
| Vehicle | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Mazda CX-5 | $44–$59 | $65–$89 | $109–$148 |
| 2012 Honda CR-V | $51–$68 | $62–$85 | $113–$153 |
| 2016 Mazda Mazda3 | $45–$60 | $68–$92 | $113–$152 |
| 2011 Honda Civic | $53–$72 | $64–$86 | $117–$158 |
| 2014 Nissan Rogue | $54–$74 | $66–$89 | $120–$163 |
| 2017 Hyundai Elantra | $61–$84 | $61–$84 | $122–$168 |
| 2022 Hyundai Tucson | $64–$86 | $64–$86 | $128–$172 |
| 2019 Toyota Camry | $53–$71 | $80–$108 | $133–$179 |
| 2008 Ford Escape | $61–$84 | $75–$102 | $136–$186 |
| 2023 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid | $56–$68 | $86–$102 | $142–$170 |
| 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee | $65–$89 | $80–$108 | $145–$197 |
| 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | $59–$71 | $88–$106 | $147–$177 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 | $67–$91 | $82–$112 | $149–$203 |
| 2000 Dodge RAM 1500 | $69–$94 | $85–$115 | $154–$209 |
| 2020 Toyota Tacoma | $62–$84 | $94–$127 | $156–$211 |
| 2015 Ford Mustang | $76–$103 | $93–$126 | $169–$229 |
| 2023 Ford F-150 | $76–$92 | $95–$110 | $171–$202 |
| 2012 Jeep Wrangler | $77–$104 | $95–$128 | $172–$232 |
| 2017 RAM 1500 | $96–$131 | $78–$106 | $174–$237 |
| 2015 GMC Sierra 2500hd | $98–$132 | $98–$132 | $196–$264 |
Swipe sideways to see all columns.
The ranges above cover a spread of vehicles. Enter a VIN and the report gives the estimate for that exact year, make, model and trim, alongside what the car has actually been through: accidents, title brands, odometer readings and open recalls.
Neglected differential oil is one of the quieter ways to destroy an expensive component. On a vehicle that tows or goes off-road, the interval is much shorter.
Expect $105–$264 in total: $44–$132 for parts and $61–$132 for labor. Figures are drawn from 20 popular vehicles, so your car may sit at either end.
A whine or howl from under the car that changes with speed. A clunk when pulling away or changing direction. Oil weeping from the differential cover or pinion seal.
Access is usually the reason rather than the part itself. Across the vehicles we sampled, a 2016 Mazda CX-5 comes to $109–$148 while a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500hd comes to $196–$264 for the same job.
Enter your VIN. The report includes the repair cost estimates for that specific year, make, model and trim, alongside its history: accidents, title brands, odometer readings and open recalls.
About these figures. Parts and labor ranges are supplied by a licensed vehicle-data provider and reflect a sample of 20 popular vehicles as of 2026-09-17. They are estimates for comparison, not quotes. What you actually pay depends on your vehicle, your local labor rate, whether the shop fits original-equipment or aftermarket parts, and what else is found once the job starts. Always get a written quote before authorising work.