PCV Valve Replacement Cost
PCV Valve Replacement typically costs $43–$358 across economy, mainstream and premium vehicles, including reference parts and labor. The PCV valve vents gases from the engine's crankcase back into the intake.
| Vehicle type | Parts | Labor hours | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| economy | $10–$52 | 0.3–1.02 | $43–$241 |
| mainstream | $24–$66 | 0.54–1.26 | $83–$299 |
| premium | $38–$80 | 0.78–1.5 | $124–$358 |
Labor uses the configured national band of $110–$185/hour. Vehicle windows narrow both reference parts and hours; pickup, full-size SUV and van access can require more labor. This table is a reference estimate, not a complete quote analysis.
Last reviewed November 3, 2026 · Content updated November 3, 2026
Priced per: one separate PCV valve (valve-cover-integrated designs are priced differently)
What the PCV valve does
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) draws blow-by gases from the crankcase and burns them in the engine. A one-way valve controls that flow. When it sticks open or closed, pressure and vacuum in the engine change.
On older and many current engines, the PCV valve is a small part pressed into the valve cover or a hose. On some newer engines it is built into the valve cover or intake manifold.
Symptoms
Signs include rough idle, a whistling or hissing sound, higher oil consumption, oil leaks from seals pushed by crankcase pressure, oil in the air intake and lean-condition codes such as P0171 or P0174.
Vacuum leaks and other intake problems cause similar symptoms. A simple test of the valve or crankcase pressure should support the recommendation.
What drives the price
Our reference parts band is $10 to $80 for a separate valve, with labor of 0.3 to 1.5 hours. Easy-to-reach valves take minutes. Valves under the intake manifold or behind engine covers take longer.
Some engines also need a PCV hose or grommet replaced, which is a small additional part.
Exception: valve-cover-integrated PCV on some Toyotas and others
Some Toyota Camry and Corolla engines, along with several other makes, build the PCV valve or oil separator into the valve cover. On those, the 'PCV' repair is really a valve cover replacement with gaskets, and estimates of $217 to $457 are common. That job is outside this reference. If your quote is in that range, ask whether your engine uses an integrated design.
What’s included
- One PCV valve
- Grommet or hose clamp if needed
- Access and replacement labor
- Idle check and code clearing
What’s often done at the same time
No other published repair is paired with this reference. Ask whether the estimate includes related access work and avoid adding unrelated services without supporting findings.
Signs you need it
- Rough or unstable idle
- Whistling or hissing from the engine
- Higher oil consumption or oil in the intake
- Lean codes such as P0171/P0174
How shops can pad this quote
- Charging a valve cover replacement when your engine uses a separate, replaceable valve
- Bundling an intake or throttle-body cleaning without a symptom tied to it
- Billing an hour of labor for a valve that pulls straight out of the valve cover
- Replacing every crankcase hose without showing cracks or leaks
Questions to ask the shop
- Is the PCV valve a separate part on my engine, or built into the valve cover?
- What test showed the valve has failed?
- What has to be removed to reach it?
- Is any hose or grommet being replaced, and why?
Cost by vehicle type
Economy cars and many trucks have a separate PCV valve pushed into the valve cover, which is a short, inexpensive job near the bottom of the table. Mainstream V6 engines sometimes place the valve under the intake plenum, which raises labor. Premium and European engines more often use an oil separator or a valve integrated into another component, which is a different and more expensive repair.
Before comparing your quote, confirm whether it is for the valve alone or for an assembly such as a valve cover or oil separator.
What a fair quote usually looks like
A clear estimate names the part — valve, hose, grommet, or valve cover assembly — and gives labor hours. If the quote is for the valve cover assembly, it should also list the valve cover gasket and any spark plug tube seals included in the job.
Related symptoms worth checking
If the engine also shows oil leaks, the PCV issue may have contributed. Fixing the valve first is often sensible before replacing gaskets, because a stuck valve can cause new seals to leak again.
Is a PCV valve replacement worth it?
On engines with a separate valve, yes — it is inexpensive maintenance that helps protect seals and gaskets from crankcase pressure. Some manufacturers list it in the maintenance schedule; others replace it only when it tests bad.
DIY difficulty
Easy on many older and truck engines: pull the valve from its grommet and push in a new one. Harder when it sits under the intake. Not a DIY job when it is integrated into the valve cover unless you are comfortable replacing gaskets.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a PCV valve replacement cost?
For a separate valve, our reference uses $10–$80 in parts and 0.3–1.5 labor hours. The table shows totals by vehicle type.
Why is my PCV quote over $300?
On some engines, including several Toyota Camry and Corolla engines, the valve is built into the valve cover, so the whole cover is replaced. That job is outside this range.
Can a bad PCV valve cause oil leaks?
Yes. A stuck valve can raise crankcase pressure and push oil past seals and gaskets.
How often should the PCV valve be replaced?
Follow your owner's manual. Many engines replace it only when it tests bad.
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AI-generated estimate based on typical labor times and parts prices. Actual prices vary by shop, region, vehicle condition and parts used. This is not a mechanic inspection. Read the disclaimer.