# Starter replacement cost - **Typical cost:** $350-$900 - **Parts:** $150-$450 - **Labor:** 1-3 hours - **Dealer:** $600-$1,300 ## Quick answer Replacing a starter usually costs $350 to $900 at an independent shop. The starter itself is moderately priced, and labor depends on where it sits. On some engines it bolts on from underneath in an hour; on others it is under the intake manifold and takes several hours. ## What is starter motor and why does it need replacing? The starter is a small, powerful electric motor that cranks the engine until it fires. When you turn the key or press the start button, a solenoid on the starter pushes a small gear into the ring gear on the flywheel or flexplate and connects battery power to the motor. Once the engine starts, the gear pulls back. Cars with engine start-stop use heavier-duty starters built for many more starts. Starters wear out from use. The brushes and commutator wear, the solenoid contacts burn and pit, and the drive gear and its one-way clutch wear down, especially in cars that make many short trips. Heat from a nearby exhaust, oil leaks dripping onto the starter and corroded battery cables that make it draw more current shorten its life. Common signs are a single click with no cranking, grinding or whirring and starting that works only some of the time. There is no set replacement interval, and many original starters last well over 100,000 miles. ## How much does starter replacement cost? | | Typical cost | | --- | --- | | Parts | $150-$450 | | Labor | $150-$450 (1-3 hours) | | Total at an independent shop | $350-$900 | | Total at a dealer | $600-$1,300 | | Do it yourself (parts only) | $150-$450 | ## Cost by vehicle type | Vehicle | Typical cost | | --- | --- | | Compact car | $350-$600 | | Midsize sedan | $400-$700 | | Small SUV/crossover | $400-$750 | | Full-size truck/SUV | $450-$850 | | Luxury/European | $600-$900 | Ranges are for an independent shop. Expect the high end or more for European luxury makes and dealer service. ## What changes the price? - **Starter location.** A starter reachable from underneath can be swapped in about an hour. One buried under the intake manifold, as on some V8 and V6 engines, or behind the exhaust, can take several hours and adds gaskets to the bill. - **New or remanufactured.** Remanufactured starters cost less, are tested and usually carry a warranty. New original-equipment starters cost the most. Most parts include a core charge that is refunded when the old starter is returned. - **Start-stop systems.** Cars with engine start-stop use heavier-duty starters built for many more starts. Those starters cost more, and some cars use a belt-driven starter-generator instead, which is a different and more expensive part. - **Related repairs.** Corroded battery cables, a damaged flywheel or flexplate ring gear, or a failing ignition switch found during the job add to the bill. A worn ring gear is expensive because the transmission may have to come out. ## Can you do it yourself? Difficulty: **Moderate**, about 1-3 hours. Parts cost $150-$450, so doing it yourself saves the labor ($150-$450). ## What happens during the job? 1. Test the battery, cables and connections, and measure voltage at the starter while cranking. 2. Check the ignition switch, neutral safety or clutch switch and starter relay so a control fault is not mistaken for a bad starter. 3. Disconnect the battery, then remove any heat shields, intake parts or brackets that block the starter. 4. Unbolt the old starter, inspect the flywheel or flexplate teeth and install the new or remanufactured starter. 5. Reconnect and tighten the cables, reconnect the battery and test several starts, hot and cold if possible. ## What should a fair quote include? - Testing the battery and cables before condemning the starter - The starter and core return - Cleaning or replacing corroded cable ends - A start test after install ## How to pay less for starter replacement - Have the battery and cables tested free at a parts store first, since a weak battery or corroded cable is a more common cause. - Choose a quality remanufactured starter with a warranty instead of a new original-equipment unit. - Return the old starter so the core charge is refunded. - Ask the shop how the starter is reached on your car; if it bolts on from underneath, this can be a reasonable DIY job. - Clean or replace corroded cable ends during the job, which costs little and prevents a repeat no-start. ## Signs you need it - Single loud click when you turn the key, but no cranking - Grinding or whirring noise when starting - Engine cranks slowly even with a good battery - Starting works some times and not others ## Which models get the most electrical complaints? | Model | Electrical complaints to NHTSA | All complaints | | --- | --- | --- | | [Subaru Outback](/vehicles/subaru-outback) | 1,882 | 5,788 | | [Honda Pilot](/vehicles/honda-pilot) | 1,692 | 5,776 | | [Jeep Cherokee](/vehicles/jeep-cherokee) | 1,566 | 7,486 | | [Jeep Grand Cherokee](/vehicles/jeep-grand-cherokee) | 1,533 | 5,477 | | [Jeep Wrangler](/vehicles/jeep-wrangler) | 1,470 | 6,195 | | [Honda Accord](/vehicles/honda-accord) | 1,390 | 5,912 | | [Ram 1500](/vehicles/ram-1500) | 1,367 | 7,390 | | [Honda CR-V](/vehicles/honda-cr-v) | 1,288 | 8,952 | | [Chevrolet Silverado](/vehicles/chevrolet-silverado) | 1,254 | 7,658 | | [Chrysler Pacifica](/vehicles/chrysler-pacifica) | 1,254 | 4,083 | Owner complaints filed with NHTSA in the electrical category for 2015-2026 models of 63 popular cars. Counts follow sales as well as reliability, so compare each with the model's total. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much does it cost to replace a starter? Expect $350 to $900 at an independent shop in 2026. Dealers usually charge $600 to $1,300. Labor varies most, because some starters take an hour and others take several. The starter itself usually costs $150 to $450, and a core charge is refunded when the old one is returned. ### Is it the starter or the battery? Test the battery first; it is the more common cause. If the battery tests good and you hear one click with no cranking, the starter or its wiring is likely. Slow cranking can be either one. Many parts stores test both the battery and starter for free. ### Can a bad starter be repaired instead of replaced? Sometimes, but it is rarely worth it now. A remanufactured starter with a warranty usually costs about the same as rebuilding one. A few shops still rebuild starters for older or rare vehicles. Check the cables and connections before buying any part. ### What are the signs of a bad starter? A single loud click with no cranking, grinding or whirring when you start, slow cranking with a good battery and starting that works only some of the time are common signs. Smoke or a burning smell from under the car while cranking means stop and have it checked. ### How long does a starter replacement take? Most shops need about 1 to 3 hours. Starters that bolt on from underneath are near the low end. Starters under the intake manifold or behind exhaust parts take the longest. Testing the battery and wiring first adds a little time but avoids replacing a good starter. ### Can I replace a starter myself? Often, yes, if it is reachable from underneath. Disconnect the battery first, since the starter cable is always live. You need jack stands and basic sockets, and the job usually takes one to three hours. If the intake or exhaust must come off, a shop is the better choice. ### How long does a starter last? There is no set replacement interval, and many original starters last well over 100,000 miles. Lots of short trips, start-stop use without the right starter, heat from the exhaust and oil leaks wear them sooner. Weak batteries and corroded cables also strain the starter. ### Can tapping the starter make it work? Sometimes. Tapping the starter can briefly free worn brushes or a sticking solenoid, which is a sign it is failing. It may get you home once, but it is not a repair. If tapping works, plan to replace the starter soon before it leaves you stranded. ### Why does my car click but not start? Rapid clicking usually means a weak battery or poor connection. A single loud click often points to the starter solenoid or motor. A loose or corroded cable can cause either. Test the battery and clean the terminals first, then have the starter tested if the battery is good. ### Does a starter come with a warranty? Most do. Remanufactured starters often come with a warranty from the parts maker, and many shops add their own parts and labor warranty. Terms vary, so ask what is covered and for how long before you approve the job, and keep the receipt. ## Sources - [Car Care Council: Car care guide](https://www.carcare.org/car-care-guide/) ## How long it lasts - [How long does a car starter last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/starter) ## Symptoms - [Why does my car click but not start?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/car-clicks-but-wont-start) - [Why won't my car start?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/car-wont-start) - [Why does my car squeal when I start it?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/squealing-noise-when-starting) ## Other repair costs - [Thermostat replacement cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/thermostat-replacement): $150-$450 - [Spark plug replacement cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/spark-plug-replacement): $120-$450 - [Tie rod replacement cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/tie-rod-replacement): $180-$400 - [Shocks and struts replacement cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/shocks-and-struts-replacement): $350-$1,100 - [Timing belt replacement cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/timing-belt-replacement): $500-$1,300 - [Serpentine belt replacement cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/serpentine-belt-replacement): $100-$250 - [Timing chain replacement cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/timing-chain-replacement): $1,200-$3,500 - [Radiator replacement cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/radiator-replacement): $500-$1,200 - [Tire rotation cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/tire-rotation): $25-$60 - [Radiator hose replacement cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/radiator-hose-replacement): $150-$450 --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/cost/starter-replacement Updated: 2026-11-03 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.