Timing belt replacement cost
Expect to pay between $860 and $1,260 to replace your timing belt
+2 more
Your timing belt makes sure the different parts of your engine move in sync, and if it starts to fail, you’ll want to replace it as soon as possible. But what will that cost? Will your warranty help? And is it true that you typically have to replace your water pump and your timing belt at the same time?
Total timing belt replacement costs are usually between $860 and $1,260. The parts are typically priced between $285 and $401, and labor costs range from $581 to $852. On the higher end, Andrianna in Florida recently told us it cost $1,473 to fix her timing belt cover, and Paul in Washington said it cost about $1,500.
The make and model of your car greatly impacts the overall cost. On the low end, the estimated timing belt replacement costs on a 2004 Jeep Wrangler are only around $400.
Timing belts usually cost around $1,000 to replace, but like almost any car repair, your bill will depend on what you drive.
Jump to insightYour powertrain warranty may cover the cost if your vehicle is only a few years old.
Jump to insightA timing belt is a rubber loop that snakes around the outside of your engine, synchronizing multiple components.
Jump to insightSome mechanics recommend replacing other belt-driven components at the same time you replace your timing belt to save on labor, but that isn’t always necessary.
Jump to insightHow much does it cost to replace a timing belt?
As you might expect, parts tend to be more expensive for luxury vehicles, and the difficulty of accessing your vehicle’s timing belt can have a huge impact on your overall cost. To illustrate, here are some timing belt replacement cost estimates for different vehicles from RepairPal.
Timing belt replacement costs by vehicle
| Vehicle | Average parts cost | Average labor cost | Average total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Jeep Wrangler | $213 to $260 | $168 to $204 | $381 to $464 |
| 2005 Honda Civic | $97 to $137 | $412 to $590 | $511 to $728 |
| 2006 Volvo S80 | $372 to $494 | $404 to $535 | $776 to $1,029 |
| 2008 Lexus RX400h | $164 to $226 | $443 to $612 | $607 to $838 |
| 2009 Toyota 4Runner | $436 to $702 | $532 to $857 | $968 to $1,559 |
| 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | $390 to $780 | $693 to $1,387 | $1,083 to $2,167 |
Signs of a bad timing belt
When your engine runs rough, emits a rhythmic “ticking” sound or simply won’t start at all, it might be time for a new timing belt. Those symptoms could mean different things, however, so it’s always best to let your mechanic tell you what’s wrong — not the other way around.
Timing belts tend to last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles
If the timing belt breaks completely, your engine likely won’t turn over at all. You might hear the starter engage, but the engine won’t crank because the camshaft isn’t rotating. When your engine’s timing is off, it can lead to reduced power, sluggish performance, or difficulty accelerating, especially when going uphill or merging onto highways.
Are timing belt replacements covered under warranty?
The most basic powertrain warranties usually cover timing belts because they’re essential for making your vehicle move. If your vehicle is under five years old and has fewer than 60,000 miles on the odometer, there’s a good chance that you’re still covered under your manufacturer’s warranty (even if you’re not the original owner).
Your warranty may not cover a timing belt replacement if it’s considered preventive maintenance.
When it comes to extended car warranties, many providers include timing belt coverage in their base-level plans, but not all.
If your extended warranty covers timing belts, it still won’t cover preexisting conditions. That means you have to sign up before your timing belt starts causing problems. Warranties also won’t cover repairs needed due to:
- Damage from collisions, weather, animals, vandalism or other causes
- Abuse or misuse, like racing, off-roading or towing too much
- Neglect, like leaving your car to sit for months or failing to stick with the routine maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual
Think of it like this: If you’ve been keeping up with regular maintenance and your timing belt still fails for seemingly no reason at all, it’s more likely to be covered under warranty.
» SEE IF YOU’RE COVERED: Car warranty check by VIN
FAQ
What does a timing belt do?
As its name implies, a timing belt ensures that multiple engine components (like your crankshaft, camshaft and water pump) all work in sync. You can think of it as the conductor to your engine’s orchestra.
A timing chain performs the same exact job, except it’s made of metal and typically housed inside of the engine. Timing belts are typically located outside the engine block, making them more accessible than timing chains.
When should you replace your timing belt?
In general, timing belts tend to last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. However, you should listen to your mechanic’s recommendations about replacing it if you’re lucky enough to have a technician you trust.
» RELATED: Timing chain replacement cost
What happens when a timing belt breaks?
When a timing belt breaks or snaps, there’s nothing to synchronize your engine’s critical components. As a result, multiple parts of your engine can essentially crash into each other, risking instant and catastrophic engine failure.
That’s why it’s smart to get to a trusted mechanic ASAP if your engine is giving off any of the telltale signs of a failing belt.
Do I have to replace my timing belt and water pump at the same time?
When you replace your timing belt, your mechanic might recommend replacing your water pump and other components along with it.
The reason many mechanics recommend replacing these parts at the same time is that a lot of them tend to have similar life spans. In other words, if your belt is failing at 80,000 miles, your water pump might be on its way out, too.
Sure, you could always replace your timing belt and water pump separately, but if you do them at the same time, you could save around $400 in labor costs. Your mechanic has to dig pretty deep to replace your timing belt or your water pump, “and we might as well replace both while we’re in there,” said Sean Kim, an experienced Atlanta-area mechanic.
That being said, any time a shop insists that you have to replace multiple parts at once, it’s best to get a second opinion before paying. Kim said, “I’d always check for validity unless it's a reputable shop that you're familiar with.”
» MORE: 10 most expensive car repairs
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- RepairPal, “Timing Belt Replacement Cost.” Accessed May 29, 2025.
