How Long Does a Speed Sensor Last?

Today’s cars are equipped with a very wide range of sensors. Yours has a mass airflow sensor, at least one oxygen sensor, and many others. The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is usually located on the transmission’s output shaft (although it can be located in other areas). It’s responsible for sending a signal to the car’s computer that tells it how fast the vehicle is traveling.

The speed sensor is also tied into the car’s anti-lock braking system and helps provide information that is used in determining when ABS should be activated and when it shouldn’t be.

The speed sensor is in use any time your car is in motion. Thus, it’s exposed to a lot of wear and tear. The sensor’s location at the end of the transmission also means that it’s exposed to high levels of heat, and it can also be contaminated or even damaged by water, dirt and debris from the road, although this is rare. Other problems stem from conductive inner surface wear, dirt contamination in the lubrication grease and other issues.

In terms of lifespan, there is no way to predict how long your car’s speed sensor will last. In theory, it can last the life of the vehicle, but that doesn’t always happen. Premature failure isn’t unheard of.

If your car’s speed sensor begins to fail, you’ll notice a very wide range of possible symptoms. These include:

  • Inconsistent speedometer readings (the needle does not maintain a reading even though you’re driving at a steady speed)

  • Check Engine light is on

  • The transmission sounds like it is revving very high before shifting

  • The speedometer doesn’t work

  • The overdrive light flashes

  • The transmission struggles to shift into the highest gear

  • The ABS light is on in the dash

If you notice these or any other symptoms that seem to point to the vehicle speed sensor, YourMechanic can help. One of our mobile mechanics can visit your home or office, inspect the vehicle speed sensor, wiring and other potential causes, and repair the problem.


Next Step

Schedule Speed Sensor Replacement

The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Speed Sensor Replacement. YourMechanic’s technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. We currently cover over 2,000 cities and have 100k+ 5-star reviews... LEARN MORE

SEE PRICING & SCHEDULING

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Recent Speed Sensor Replacement reviews

Excellent Rating

(39)

Rating Summary
37
0
0
0
2
37
0
0
0
2

Jeff

34 years of experience
441 reviews
Jeff
34 years of experience
Toyota Highlander V6-3.3L - Speed Sensor - Rocklin, California
Jeff was great! Experienced, timely and a good communicator. My service need was not dire, as I could drive my car without the part replacement. But Your Mechanic had set up four appointments before the correct part was available and installed (Jeff came out twice). He was apologetic and frustrated about the delay in obtaining the right part, but got the job done. I am a satisfied customer.
Ford Focus - Speed Sensor - Sacramento, California
Jeff was friendly, knowledgeable & fixed my car quickly. Really enjoyed meeting him! Both my dad & I plan to book him for all our future automotive needs.

Tony

36 years of experience
79 reviews
Tony
36 years of experience
Toyota Tacoma L4-2.7L - Speed Sensor - Atlanta, Georgia
Tony was prompt, professional, and saved me some money by trying the less expensive maintenance option first. Very happy with the service!

Johnny

34 years of experience
392 reviews
Johnny
34 years of experience
Mitsubishi Galant L4-2.4L - Speed Sensor - Carmichael, California
Johnny is a great mechanic with great experience. He’s very well knowledgeable about cars. I would use his service again.

Nicholas

12 years of experience
691 reviews
Nicholas
12 years of experience
Jeep Grand Cherokee L6-4.0L - Speed Sensor - Durham, North Carolina
Was in contact before appointment and during Appointment, Nicolas professional opinion had my best interest did a great job very professional would definitely use him again

Need Help With Your Car?

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

GET A QUOTE

Related articles

How Long Does an Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Fluid Level Sensor Last?
Your Your ABS system works both by means of electricity and hydraulic pressure. Fluid levels need to be monitored at all times, and that is the job of the ABS fluid level sensor. Located in the master cylinder, the ABS...
How to Replace an Ambient Temperature Sensor
The ambient temperature sensor monitors the car's temperature inside and out. This sensor allows the AC to maintain comfortable cabin temperatures.
P0337 OBD-II Trouble Code: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low Input
P0337 means that the crankshaft is suffering because of low voltage. This could be due to sensor not being aligned properly or electrical problems.

Related questions

What Sensors Make the ABS Work?
When we are discussing ABS systems it is good to note the year and make of your vehicle because ABS systems have evolved quite a bit over the years, but you also have to know how the ABS system works....
Bad crank sensor
Hello. Just about anything is possible but it is unlikely. I have seen crank sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-crankshaft-position-sensor) go bad and cause many issues, but if you are not having any other issues then I think that it is unlikely. If I...
Gas gauge malfunctioning and Service Engine Light on
Thank you for asking about your 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 HD. More than likely, the problem is the fuel sensor, which is built into the fuel sending unit. This assembly is mounted in the gas tank. This is a common...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com