Starter Replacement Cost in 2026
$350 – $750
Starter replacement costs $350 to $750 at a US repair shop — the starter itself runs $150–$400 and labor takes 1–2 hours. A remanufactured starter cuts the bill to $250–$500; European and luxury vehicles typically run $600–$1,000.
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Starter replacement cost by option
| Repair type | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Remanufactured starter (installed) | $250 – $500 |
| New aftermarket starter (installed) | $350 – $650 |
| OEM starter (dealership) | $500 – $900 |
| Starter solenoid / relay only | $150 – $300 |
| European / luxury vehicle starter | $600 – $1,000 |
Starter replacement cost by vehicle (2026)
| Vehicle | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series | $230 – $430 | $170 – $250 | $400 – $680 |
| BMW 5 Series | $230 – $430 | $170 – $250 | $400 – $680 |
| BMW X3 | $230 – $430 | $170 – $250 | $400 – $680 |
| Chevrolet Silverado | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
| Chevrolet Malibu | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
| Ford F-150 | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
| Ford Escape | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
| Ford Explorer | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
| Ford Mustang | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
| Honda Civic | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
| Honda Accord | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
| Honda CR-V | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
| Hyundai Elantra | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
| Hyundai Sonata | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
| Jeep Wrangler | $180 – $340 | $130 – $200 | $310 – $540 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $180 – $340 | $130 – $200 | $310 – $540 |
| Jeep Cherokee | $180 – $340 | $130 – $200 | $310 – $540 |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | $230 – $430 | $170 – $250 | $400 – $680 |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | $230 – $430 | $170 – $250 | $400 – $680 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | $230 – $430 | $170 – $250 | $400 – $680 |
| Nissan Altima | $170 – $320 | $130 – $190 | $300 – $510 |
| Nissan Rogue | $170 – $320 | $130 – $190 | $300 – $510 |
| Nissan Sentra | $170 – $320 | $130 – $190 | $300 – $510 |
| Toyota Camry | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
| Toyota Corolla | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
| Toyota Tacoma | $170 – $310 | $120 – $180 | $290 – $490 |
What affects the price
- Engine layout — on some transverse V6 and turbo engines the starter is buried under the intake manifold, doubling labor time.
- New vs remanufactured — quality reman starters cost 30–50% less and usually carry the same warranty.
- Vehicle make — European brands price higher on both parts and labor.
- Related parts — corroded battery cables or a damaged flywheel ring gear add $50–$400.
- Diagnosis first — a weak battery, bad relay, or failed ignition switch mimics a dead starter and costs far less.
Symptoms of a bad or failing starter
- Single click or rapid clicking when turning the key
- Engine cranks slowly or not at all despite a charged battery
- Grinding noise during cranking
- Intermittent no-start that comes and goes
- Dash lights work but the starter stays silent
- Smoke or a burning smell after repeated start attempts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I jump-start a car with a bad starter?▾
No. Jump-starting helps only when the battery is weak. If a jump does nothing and you hear a single click, the starter itself (or its wiring) is the problem.
How long does starter replacement take?▾
1–2 hours on most cars, up to 4 hours on engines where the starter sits under the intake manifold or exhaust components.
Can a starter be rebuilt instead of replaced?▾
Yes — that's what a remanufactured starter is. Shops install reman units for $250–$500, which is usually the best value.
Is it safe to keep driving with a failing starter?▾
It won't damage the engine, but a failing starter can leave you stranded without warning. Replace it at the first symptoms rather than waiting for a full failure.
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All prices are estimated US national averages for 2026 (parts + labor) and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual quotes vary by vehicle, region, and shop.