DPF • Pricing • MOT compliance
How Much Does DPF Replacement Cost? UK Guide (2026)
DPF replacement often costs £1,000–£2,000+ in the UK, and some vans and premium models can cost more. The key point: many “blocked DPF” cases can be solved with professional cleaning if you act early.
Expect £1,000–£3,500 for DPF replacement (vehicle dependent). Cleaning usually costs far less, so it’s worth checking if your filter can be saved before replacing anything.
What this guide helps you decide
A diesel particulate filter (DPF) traps soot so your vehicle meets emissions rules. When the DPF blocks, you can get warning lights, limp mode, rising fuel use, and failed regenerations.
This page gives you:
- Realistic UK price ranges for replacement
- What pushes the cost up (parts, access, sensors, labour)
- Clear signs the DPF may be beyond recovery
- A simple way to check if cleaning makes sense first
If you want the cheaper option first, start here: professional DPF cleaning. We confirm soot load and pressure readings before recommending parts.
DPF replacement cost in the UK
Most replacements fall between £1,000 and £3,500. The swing comes from part cost (OEM vs aftermarket), how awkward the filter is to access, and whether sensors and fittings need replacing at the same time.
| Vehicle type | Typical price range | What tends to drive the cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small diesel car | £1,000–£1,800 | Part price and access |
| Family hatch / saloon | £1,200–£2,200 | Sensor condition and labour time |
| Large car / SUV | £1,800–£3,000 | Complex exhaust layout, higher part cost |
| Vans / commercial | £1,800–£3,500+ | Size of DPF, usage patterns, extra fittings |
| Premium models (OEM parts) | £2,500–£4,000+ | OEM parts, packaging, labour time |
Prices are a guide, not a quote. Final cost depends on the vehicle, access, and what we find during diagnostics.
What affects the price
1) Make, model, and access
Some DPFs sit tight against heat shields, subframes, and sensors. More strip-down time means more labour.
2) OEM vs quality aftermarket
OEM parts cost more but usually match the original spec. Quality aftermarket can work well if it meets emissions standards. Avoid bargain units that fail early.
3) Sensors, gaskets, and fittings
Pressure and temperature sensors, clamps, and gaskets often come off damaged or seized. Replacing them can prevent repeat issues.
4) Why the DPF blocked
If an EGR fault, boost leak, injector issue, or bad sensor caused high soot, replacing the DPF alone won’t stop it happening again.
When DPF cleaning can avoid replacement
A replacement is usually only needed when the DPF is physically damaged (cracked core, melted substrate), or the filter cannot flow even after proper cleaning. Many “replacement” quotes happen when the DPF is simply overloaded with soot.
Cleaning is often possible when
- The DPF shows blockage symptoms but no signs of physical failure
- Regenerations keep failing after lots of short trips
- Pressure readings suggest restriction, not a broken core
- The issue appeared after a period of town driving
Replacement is more likely when
- The DPF core is cracked or melted
- Ash load is too high for the filter to recover
- There’s repeated failure after proper off-vehicle cleaning
- There’s internal collapse or severe contamination
Before replacing anything, use our DPF cleaning service. If your filter needs deeper work, we also offer off-vehicle DPF cleaning.
When replacement is the only option
If the DPF is damaged, replacement becomes the safe route. Cleaning won’t fix cracked or melted substrates. We see this after extreme heat events, repeated failed regenerations, or long-term driving with warnings ignored.
Common warning signs
- DPF light stays on even after correct diagnostics and attempts to recover
- Frequent limp mode and heavy restriction feel
- Strong exhaust heat smell or repeated regen attempts
- Multiple emissions warnings at the same time
What to fix alongside it
- Pressure and temperature sensors if readings look wrong
- Boost leaks and EGR issues that push soot up
- Oil and filter if the vehicle has diluted oil from regen cycles
- Any engine faults that caused high soot in the first place
Driving with a severely blocked DPF can damage the turbo and raise engine stress. It can also lead to an MOT emissions failure if the system can’t control soot and smoke.
How to reduce the bill without taking risks
Start with evidence, not guesses
Don’t replace a DPF based on a dashboard light alone. Proper diagnostics check soot load, pressure readings, and regen history.
Compare like-for-like quotes
Ask what’s included: VAT, sensors, gaskets, reset procedures, and warranty on parts and labour.
Avoid cheap fixes that waste money
Additives and “quick cleans” can help mild soot issues, but they won’t solve heavy restriction or ash loading. If you keep getting the light back, you need proper testing.
Change habits that block DPFs
- Use the correct low-ash oil
- Don’t ignore warning lights
- Mix in longer runs so regeneration can complete
- Fix faults that raise soot levels
Want a straight answer on whether you need a new DPF?
We’re based at Unit 2, 2 Cutts Street, Wood Terrace, Hanley, ST1 4LX. Serving Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, the Moorlands, and Cheshire East.
FAQs
Can a blocked DPF be cleaned instead of replaced?
Often, yes. If the core isn’t damaged, cleaning can restore flow and performance. Diagnostics should confirm soot load and pressure readings first.
How long does a DPF replacement take?
Most jobs take 2–5 hours depending on access. Some vehicles need extra time if sensors and fittings are seized or corroded.
Will a faulty DPF fail an MOT?
A badly blocked or failed DPF can lead to emissions issues and an MOT fail. A missing or tampered DPF is also an MOT fail.
What causes DPFs to block quickly?
Lots of short trips, repeated failed regenerations, and engine faults that increase soot. Fixing the root cause matters as much as the filter itself.
What should I do first if I’m quoted a replacement?
Ask for the soot load, differential pressure readings, and regen history. If the core isn’t damaged, explore professional cleaning first.
