Starter Replacement Costs

The average cost for starter replacement is $728 to $820. Enter your vehicle's information to see how much starter repair costs in your local area.

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What You Should Know About Starter Replacement Costs

Cost Factors
Signs of a Bad Starter
Common Causes of Starter Problems
Repair or Replace Starter

Replacing an engine’s starter isn’t something many people think of until they’re on the side of the road, desperately trying to get their car to start. As the name indicates, the starter “starts” the car’s engine by using the electricity stored by the battery.

Understanding what makes a starter tick and associated costs can save you time, money, and headaches if you need to replace it.

Factors Affecting Starter Replacement Costs

It’s important to understand a few factors when determining starter replacement costs, as the price can vary depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and type of starter you’ll purchase.

Labor is typically the biggest expense for starter replacements. A certified or experienced professional should install the new starter. The labor costs will vary depending on where the starter is located in your car. If you can see it under the engine, replacing it will cost less labor than when installed underneath many other parts, making it harder to access.

You can choose between aftermarket (third-party manufacturers) or original equipment manufacturers (OEM) for replacement starters. Aftermarket parts are typically cheaper but tend to have differences in fit and performance. An OEM part will offer you an exact match for your starter but will cost more. Often OEM parts have warranties, whereas some aftermarket parts do not.

Signs of a Bad Starter

When your vehicle’s starter starts to malfunction, it can indicate a larger problem. So, you must deal with any underlying issues as soon as possible. You could risk damaging your car and wallet even more if you don’t.

Here are a few signs to look out for:

Grinding noises: If you hear a grinding noise when starting your car, it could be a sign that the starter needs replacing.
“Click-click” sound: Your starter may produce this sound if there is an electrical issue.
Unusual odors: A burning smell from the starter may indicate it is overheating.

If you have a bad starter, there’s a good chance your car won’t even start, which means you won’t be able to drive it or jump-start it.

Common Causes of Starter Failure

Car starters can fail for various reasons, but there are a few common problems behind most starter motor issues. Here are a few examples:

Loose or corroded connections: These can create an electrical fault that may cause performance issues or lead to the complete failure of the starter.
Wear and tear: Wear and tear on the internal gears of the starter can reduce its lifespan.
Lack of maintenance: Ignoring routine vehicle servicing and inspection could lead to starter motor failure.

Should I Repair or Replace My Starter?

Repair

Pros:

More affordable option
Parts may be easier to find

Cons:

Repairing may not be reliable
Repairs may have a limited warranty
More damage can occur to engine parts

Replace

Pros:

Improved reliability and safety
Better car performance
It can be more cost-effective in the long-run

Cons:

Upfront cost is high
Repair time is longer, depending on the location of the starter
Finding the exact model of the starter

See Our Other Car Repair and Maintenance Costs

Content has been reviewed by Gary Hardesty, Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader in-house service and maintenance expert and an A.S.E. certified master technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Starter, and What Does It Do?

A starter is an electric motor that helps start your vehicle’s engine.

What Are the Main Parts of a Starter?

The main components of a starter are its solenoid, brushes, armature, gear set, and field coil.

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Starter?

Replacing a starter can take anywhere from one hour to several hours, depending on the make and the level of specialists that completes the job.

Can I Replace the Starter, or Do I Need a Mechanic?

Replacing a starter yourself is possible but only recommended if you have the experience and tools to do it safely. It’s best to enlist the help of a qualified mechanic or technician who can get the job done quickly and correctly.

How Can I Prevent Starter Failure in the Future?

To reduce the chances of starter motor failure, make sure that you follow your car manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance plan. Regular maintenance goes a long way in ensuring that all components function properly and that faulty parts cause no damage. Also, be careful not to pressure wash the engine bay because water entering a starter can cause it to fail.