Drive with caution — fix soon.
P0103 means the engine computer is reading a higher-than-expected voltage signal from the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, which measures how much air is entering the engine. This can be caused by a dirty or failing sensor, a wiring problem, or unmetered air leaks that confuse the readings. When the MAF signal is wrong, the computer miscalculates the fuel mixture, leading to drivability problems and higher emissions.
$120 – $380
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
For short trips, usually yes, but you shouldn't rely on it. Hesitation or stalling from a bad MAF reading can be unsafe in traffic, so it's best to get it diagnosed quickly and avoid long drives until then.
Repairs typically run from $120 to $380. Sometimes cleaning the sensor solves it cheaply, but a full MAF sensor replacement on certain vehicles can be pricier.
It's a moderate concern that can affect how the car drives. It won't usually cause immediate damage, but the drivability issues and poor fuel economy make it worth fixing soon.
Indirectly, yes. A clogged filter or contamination can leave residue on the MAF sensor and throw off its readings, so cleaning the sensor and replacing the air filter is often part of the fix.