How Much Does Starter Replacement Cost?
Expect to pay $230 to $800 at an independent shop for a typical car, and up to $975 at a dealership. If you turn the key and hear a single click (or nothing at all) while the dash lights stay bright, the starter is a prime suspect.
- Parts$120–$400
- Labor$110–$400
- Shop time1–2.5 hours
- DIY difficultyIntermediate (3/5)
Estimate your cost
Starter Replacement cost by vehicle type
| Vehicle | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact / economy car | $120–$400 | $110–$400 | $230–$800 |
| Midsize sedan / crossover | $140–$460 | $120–$440 | $260–$900 |
| Truck / full-size SUV | $155–$520 | $125–$460 | $285–$980 |
| Luxury / European | $215–$720 | $145–$520 | $360–$1,240 |
Independent shop vs. dealer vs. chain
| Where | Hourly rate | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| Independent shop | $110–$160 | $260–$900 |
| Chain (Midas, Firestone…) | $120–$175 | $270–$940 |
| Dealership | $160–$230 | $315–$1,095 |
What does it do?
The starter is a small, powerful electric motor that spins the engine until it fires. It only runs for a few seconds each time you start the car.
Signs you need this repair
- Single loud click when turning the key
- Grinding or whirring noise without the engine turning
- Intermittent no-start that works after tapping the starter
- Dash lights stay bright but the engine does not crank
Can you do it yourself?
Difficulty: Intermediate (3/5). Two bolts and a couple of wires, but access is often tight underneath the car. Some V6 and V8 engines place it under the intake manifold.
Doing it yourself saves the labor portion, roughly $110–$400, so you would pay only for parts ($120–$400).
Is it worth fixing?
Yes, if the starter is confirmed bad. The part is moderately priced and the car is unusable without it. Make sure a weak battery or bad cable is ruled out first.
How to save money
- Rule out a weak battery or corroded cable first: both mimic starter failure.
- A remanufactured starter with a lifetime warranty is usually the best value.
- Get the old unit bench-tested for free at most parts stores.
Questions to ask your mechanic
- Did you rule out the battery, cables and starter relay?
- Is the starter new or remanufactured, and what is the warranty?
- Is the starter easy to reach on my engine, or is the intake in the way?
Frequently asked questions
How long does a starter last?
Around 100,000 to 150,000 miles. Frequent short trips with many starts wear it faster.
Can a car start with a bad starter?
Sometimes, intermittently. A failing solenoid may work on the third or fourth try, but it will eventually stop completely.
Battery, alternator or starter?
Dim or no lights point to the battery; bright lights with a click point to the starter; a car that dies while driving points to the alternator.
Related repair costs
Helpful guides
Sources and methodology
Estimates combine typical book labor times, current aftermarket and OEM parts prices, and 2026 US shop labor rates. See exactly how we calculate them.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (pay and duties)
- Federal Trade Commission: Auto Repair Basics (estimates, warranties, your rights)
- NHTSA: Check for recalls before paying for a repair
- ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence): technician certification