Starter Replacement Costs

How much does a starter cost to replace?

The average cost to replace a starter hovers around $650 for standard vehicles, according to RepairPal, but your cost will mostly depend on what type of vehicle you drive. Estimates for our sample cars ranged from roughly $400 for a Ford F-150 to around $2,000 for a Porsche Cayenne.

“Starters typically range from about $450 [to] around $2,000 to $2,500, depending on where the manufacturer decides to place the starter,” according to Sean Kim, an experienced mechanic in the Atlanta area.

The total cost is determined by adding up the cost of the parts to replace it and the labor costs for the time it takes a technician to do the work. According to RepairPal, you'll typically pay between $191 and $280 for labor and the replacement parts for a starter will cost between $375 and $516. Labor costs can vary by your car, as we'll get into below, but also your local labor rates and ZIP code and if you're getting the work done at a dealership vs. an independent shop. Make sure to check quotes in your area to find a reputable mechanic at a good price.

Starter replacement costs by vehicle type

As you might expect, it’s typically cheaper to replace the starter on a basic vehicle than on a luxury car. Parts and labor are almost always more expensive on a luxury vehicle to begin with, and on top of that, it may take your mechanic extra labor hours just to access your starter based on how your engine is set up.

Here are some average costs for six vehicle types across the spectrum, broken down by parts and labor:

Factors that affect the cost of a starter replacement

Three main factors affect the cost of replacing a starter:

1. Your vehicle make

2. Your vehicle model

3. The location of the starter in your engine bay

4. If you choose original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or an aftermarket starter

For vehicles with easily accessible starters, such as the Honda Civic and Ford F-150, labor only accounts for about a third of starter replacement costs. However, you might end up paying more in labor than in parts for a car with cramped engine bays, such as BMWs.

OEM parts are often more expensive than aftermarket alternatives, but they are genuine parts from your automaker. You can count on them being durable and fitting properly in your car since they were designed for your exact vehicle. Aftermarket parts are often a budget-friendly option, but may be less reliable than OEM parts. Make sure to balance your risk tolerance with the cost savings when you choose which type of parts are right for you.

Additionally, if your car can't make it to the repair shop, you'll need to add in the cost of towing it there, if it's not covered by your insurance. You may also have to pay a diagnostic fee for the mechanic to determine what's wrong with your vehicle and confirm that your starter needs replaced. Ask your shop about any other fees they may charge, and add in your local taxes when you calculate the cost of your starter replacement.

Whether or not a starter is new or refurbished doesn’t really factor into the cost since replacing dead starters with refurbished ones is the industry norm. Brand-new starters are typically reserved for repairs covered under factory bumper-to-bumper warranties.

» READ MORE: Average car maintenance costs

How long does it take to replace a starter?

Most mechanics can replace the starter on a simple car in a couple of hours. On complex vehicles with dense engine bays, it may take several labor hours just to reach your starter in the first place. The amount of time it takes will affect how much you pay in labor.

“Some cars, the starter is easily accessible and warrant about an hour or two to replace. On some cars, it’s buried underneath the intake manifold and, depending on the model, can take up to eight or more hours to replace,” said Kim.

As a consumer, hearing that a repair may take eight or more hours is all the more reason to shop around and get multiple quotes. Some mechanics who are less experienced at working on complex luxury vehicles may quote you for 10 or more hours of labor, while a highly experienced BMW mechanic may only require five, saving you $500 or more in the process.

Signs you need a new starter

If you hear clicking, grinding or screeching (or receive no feedback at all) when trying to start your car, it could be a sign that the starter has died. In rare cases, you might also smell smoke when trying to start your car, which is a sign that oil has leaked onto the starter.

Failure to start could also be due to a bad battery, broken alternator or other issues, though, so it’s best to have a mechanic conduct a formal diagnosis.

Here are some common warning signs that your starter is on the fritz:

• Rapid clicking: A fast clicking sound when you turn the key or press the start button often means the starter isn’t engaging properly.
• No crank at all: If the engine doesn’t turn over but the battery is charged, the starter motor or solenoid may have failed.
• Intermittent starting: The engine starts sometimes but not others, suggesting worn internal components or a failing electrical connection.
• Dashboard lights but no start: If your lights illuminate normally but nothing happens when you try to start the engine, the starter may be unable to draw enough power to engage.

These symptoms usually worsen over time, so addressing them early can prevent a no-start situation.

Common causes of starter failure

Any number of things can cause a starter to fail, including corrosion, damage, poor fitment and overheating. Some mechanics say that if your vehicle isn’t starting, it’s best not to “crank” it longer than a few seconds at a time, or you’ll risk overheating your starter. Here are some common causes of starter failure:

• Electrical issues: Corroded battery terminals, damaged wiring or weak connections can keep the starter from receiving enough power.
• Normal wear and tear: Brushes, bearings and solenoids naturally wear out after years of use, especially in high-mileage vehicles.
• Poor maintenance: Neglecting battery care or allowing oil leaks to go unresolved can put extra strain on starter components.
• Harsh environments: Extreme cold, heat or moisture can increase internal resistance and shorten the starter’s lifespan.

Can you repair a starter?

Technically speaking, you can repair a starter, but many mechanics will advise against it.

You’re generally better off replacing a starter than trying to fix your existing one.

The cost to repair your existing starter is pretty similar to the cost of replacing it, and replacements tend to have far better results. If your repair job doesn’t stick, you could end up right back where you began: stranded and spending $75-plus to tow your car to the shop.

Instead, many mechanics will tell you that the most cost-effective option is installing a starter that’s been remanufactured or refurbished. In fact, that’s the only option in most cases because brand-new starters are typically reserved for warranty repairs.

If your mechanic suggests fitting a refurbished/rebuilt starter specifically to save on costs, be sure to ask if it comes with a warranty. Some rebuilt starters come without warranties for a reason — they were rebuilt to a poor standard and have a high failure rate.

Are starters covered under warranty?

Starter motors are typically covered under factory bumper-to-bumper warranties.

However, starters tend to be excluded from powertrain warranties because they’re considered electrical components that aren’t part of the core powertrain itself. That’s arguably a bit silly since your powertrain can’t start without a starter, but it is the industry norm.

Just keep in mind that warranties of all kinds only cover factory defects that arise during your coverage term. If your starter failed due to a collision, weather damage, a failed DIY project, off-roading, racing or towing beyond the rated capacity of your vehicle, your warranty claim will likely be denied.

In a general sense, if there’s some outside “cause” to a part failing, it won’t be covered under warranty. But if your starter fails and you genuinely have no idea why, there’s a much better chance it’ll be covered and you’ll get the repair done for free (minus any deductible).

Extended warranty coverage

When it comes to extended warranties, many mid-tier plans cover starter motors. That means you don’t necessarily need to pay for a top-tier plan if all you want is coverage for your starter and powertrain.

Extended warranties usually don’t cover preexisting conditions, so you’re probably out of luck if your starter is already bad.

The Secure Plus plan from Endurance and the Powertrain Plus plan from olive are two examples of plans that cover your powertrain, electrical systems and more for less than the cost of a top-shelf exclusionary plan.

» MORE: What does a car warranty cover?

DIY vs. professional starter replacement

The typical cost of a starter motor on a Honda, for example, is between $300 and $700, and you can potentially skip the labor costs entirely if you handle the installation on your own, saving yourself between $191 and $280, according to RepairPal labor cost data.

In some cars, the starter is easy to reach and replace with basic tools. However, the complexity of the repair varies widely depending on the vehicle.

If you’re confident in your mechanical skills and your vehicle’s starter is relatively accessible, DIY replacement can be a great option. Just make sure to disconnect the battery before starting the job and follow vehicle-specific repair guides.

Replacing a starter yourself can save money, but it’s not always a practical choice. If you're don't typically work on cars, taking on this replacement yourself might not be the best option for you.

When to call a pro

If you own a car with a starter that’s in a hard-to-access spot that may require removing major engine components, it’s best to call a pro.

Hiring a professional is usually the safer and more efficient choice for vehicles with tightly packed engine bays or components that require special tools or lifting the engine. You’ll benefit from their expertise whether you choose the dealership or an independent mechanic shop. You'll also avoid risks like damaging other components or incorrectly installing the starter.

Ultimately, whether you choose to DIY or go with a professional, be honest about your abilities and always prioritize safety.

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