How Much to Fix Vehicle Stability Assist System

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA system) is especially important in adverse weather conditions when road surfaces are slick and reduced visibility.

It can also be helpful in emergencies, such as when a tire blows out or when another driver cuts you off unexpectedly.

Most modern vehicles are equipped with this valuable safety feature, and it’s important to understand how it works to make the most of its benefits.

But did you know that the VSA system can fail in the worst-case scenario? So how much does it cost to fix a VSA system?

It costs approximately $1300-$1700 to fix a faulty VSA system. However, this largely varies from state to state and the service center you visit. If you’re going to change the VSA system, you shouldn’t spend more than the average cost.

What is Vehicle Stability Assist?

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is an electronic stability control system that helps to improve vehicle stability and traction by reducing engine power and applying brakes when it detects wheel slip or a potential loss of control.

VSA can help drivers maintain control in adverse driving conditions, such as slippery roads or making sudden turns.

It can also help avoid or reduce the severity of accidents and can be particularly useful in preventing rollover accidents.

How Does VSA System Work?

How Does Vehicle Stabilization Assist Work?

Vehicle stabilization assist is a system that helps to stabilize a vehicle during cornering. It does this by automatically applying the brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power.

This can help the driver maintain control of the vehicle, especially when driving on slippery or uneven surfaces.

The system uses sensors to monitor the vehicle’s speed and steering angle. This can help to prevent the vehicle from skidding out of control.

Vehicle stabilization assist is just one of many safety features that modern vehicles are equipped with. Other systems, such as electronic stability control (ESC), can also help to prevent accidents and improve vehicle handling.

How Much Does it Cost to Fix VSA System

As I mentioned earlier, it costs approximately $1300-$1700 to fix a faulty VSA system. However, this largely varies from state to state and the service center you visit. If you’re going to change the VSA system, you shouldn’t spend more than the average cost.

However, there is no definite answer for the cost of repairing a Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system. However, some factors that will affect the overall cost include the type and extent of damage and the make and model of the car.

Generally speaking, it is usually cheaper to repair minor damage than to replace major components. For example, if only a sensor or fuse needs to be replaced, the cost will be relatively low.

On the other hand, if the entire VSA system needs to be replaced, the cost will be significantly higher. Ultimately, the best way to determine the exact cost of repairs is to consult with a qualified mechanic or dealership.

Aftermarket VSA system will cost you $300-$700, depending on the make and the model of your car.

What Causes Vehicle Stability Assist Failure

Tire Size

Your car’s tires should be of the same type and size for your VSA to serve you well. Replacing one or more of your tires with varied sizes and types may cause a VSA system malfunction.

Since compact tires are lightweight and dense, you should turn off the VSA when using them. You must use winter tires of the same size as those provided by the supplier, as not doing so will lead to the VSA’s failure.

Faulty Braking System

The VSA system manipulates your engine power output and the brake system to steer and transaction your car automatically when needed.

In case your brake system fails due to corrosion, wear and tear, or any relevant reason, the VSA will not be able to help you. You should regularly service your brakes to avoid this problem.

Faulty Sensors

To function properly, the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system relies on two sensors:

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), also known as the Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS)

This sensor oversees and modulates the speed of your car wheels. When driving on a steep hill or slippery surface, the sensors improve traction by automatically increasing or decreasing engine output.

When taking a corner, one of your wheels might be rotating slower than the other, thus not synchronizing with your steering angle. The Wheel Speed Sensor kicks in to correct this issue.

When the ABS sensor lights turn on simultaneously with the VSA lights, this indicates that the ABS is faulty and is not sending signals to the VSA. When this occurs, the above functionalities will not be executed as needed leading to a failure of the VSA system.

Steering Angle Sensor

This sensor ensures that your car is precisely pointed in the direction you desire. It sends data to the VSA so that in case you are understeering or oversteering when taking a corner, the VSA can take control and ensure the car takes the corner correctly.

When the VSA light turns on, that is a sign that the Steering Angle Sensor might be faulty, thereby hindering the VSA system from functioning properly.

Faulty VSA Switch or lights.

The VSA button/switch is used to turn on or off the VSA system. It completes the circuit when the VSA system kicks in to control traction and wheel speed. In case the switch does not work, then the VSA will not automatically turn on.

You can extract the VSA switch and use a digital multimeter to test for the continuity of the switch. Furthermore, the VSA lights will give incorrect signals if the circuit is faulty. For example, the VSA lights will stay off even after pressing the VSA button to turn the VSA system on.

Worn Out Tires

The lining of your tires should be grip to reduce the chances of skidding when taking a corner.

Since the VSA system is programmed to aid with corner maneuvering, in case your tires are worn out, the VSA system will fail despite executing the needed commands.

When driving on a steep hill, the VSA is supposed to increase your engine output and maintain a steady up-drive speed. Having worn-out tires may make this difficult due to low friction between the tires and the road.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens when vehicle stability assist fails?

If your vehicle stability assist system fails, it will no longer be able to help you maintain control of your vehicle. This could lead to a loss of control and an accident. It is important to have your vehicle stability assist system checked by a qualified mechanic if you think it may be failing.