Boston Drivers Fed Up With Potholes, Vehicle Repairs From Winter Weather

Boston drivers have had a bad winter with potholes. Several decent-sized potholes lurk on the city's roadways, costing vehicle owners thousands of dollars in repair work.

NBC10 Boston spoke with Scott Nou, who was hit not by another driver but by a $3,800 repair bill for damages to the control arm, engine mount, radiator, and tire on his Toyota Camry. Nou described the pothole he encountered on Massachusetts Avenue as unexpected. The loud sound that accompanied his vehicle's impact with the crater jarred him.

In addition to vehicle repair costs, Nou has had to pay for a rental, Uber, and other out-of-pocket, unplanned costs.

NBC10 Boston also spoke with Robert Shklyar of World Auto Body, who confirmed this winter has been particularly harsh on Boston's roadways. “It's pretty bad,” he said. “We've been seeing a good amount of bent rims, tire damage, and suspension damage.”

The combination of bitterly cold temperatures, frequent bouts of precipitation, vehicles repeatedly passing over a road surface, and just enough warmth can expand cracks in road surfaces, forming potholes.

Boston 25 News found another particularly poor roadway pockmarked with potholes: Route 109 between Millis and Medfield. On Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, the media outlet reported that a Millis Department of Public Works crew had begun filling some of the gaps in the road surface. However, even after applying nearly 2 tons of asphalt, the crew still hadn't wrapped up.

Jefferson Street in Dedham is another road notorious for potholes this winter. Tamar Irving, whose parents live on the street, said she frequently encounters craters on her neighborhood visits.

“It seems that they'll do some pothole filling but not actually repair a big enough section where it stays filled,” she said. “So then there are problems later with it opening back up.”