Quick answer: a starter replacement usually costs $565 to $796 at a repair shop (RepairPal national average), with parts about $375 to $516 and labor about $191 to $280. Car Talk puts most mainstream cars at $600 to $900 and luxury models at $900 to $1,400. If you do it yourself, the part alone can cost as little as $80 to $350.
Table of Contents
Starter Replacement Cost Breakdown
| Cost item | Typical price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Starter part (shop price) | $375–$516 | RepairPal |
| Labor | $191–$280 | RepairPal |
| Total at a shop (average) | $565–$796 | RepairPal |
| Total, mainstream cars | $600–$900 | Car Talk (March 2026) |
| Total, luxury models | $900–$1,400 | Car Talk (March 2026) |
| New starter bought at a parts store | $80 to over $350 | AutoZone |
| Labor on hard-to-reach starters | Up to $1,100 or more | AutoZone |
Prices exclude tax. Labor is the big variable: on some engines the starter is easy to reach from underneath, while on others the mechanic has to remove the intake manifold or other parts first.
Starter Replacement Cost by Car Model
RepairPal’s estimates for popular U.S. models, parts and labor included:
| Vehicle | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | $413–$490 |
| Toyota Camry | $438–$637 |
| Toyota Corolla | $457–$616 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $488–$770 |
| Honda Civic | $547–$966 |
| Nissan Altima | $574–$785 |
| Honda Accord | $676–$959 |
| Honda CR-V | $804–$1,130 |
New vs Remanufactured Starter
Most shops install a remanufactured starter, which is a used unit rebuilt with new wear parts. Car Talk says this is the norm and that these usually come with a warranty of 30 days to a year. A brand-new starter costs more and is mostly used when the car is still under the factory warranty. For an older car, a quality remanufactured starter with a lifetime or 1-year warranty is usually the best value.
Signs Your Starter Is Failing
- A single click when you turn the key or press start, but the engine does not turn over.
- Grinding or screeching when the engine starts.
- It starts sometimes and not others. Intermittent problems often get worse over time.
- Nothing happens at all, even though the dash lights and radio work.
Starter, Battery or Alternator? How to Tell
| What you notice | Most likely cause |
|---|---|
| Engine cranks slowly, lights are dim | Weak or dead battery |
| Rapid clicking, lights flicker | Weak battery or bad battery connection |
| One loud click, lights stay bright, no crank | Starter (or starter relay/solenoid) |
| Car starts with a jump but dies again later | Alternator not charging the battery |
| Battery warning light on while driving | Alternator or charging system |
Check the easy things first: clean, tight battery terminals and a battery test. Many parts stores, including AutoZone, test batteries and starters for free.
Can You Drive With a Bad Starter?
Once the engine is running, the car does not need the starter, so you can drive it. The problem is starting it again. If your starter is failing, avoid turning the engine off in places where you could get stuck, and get it fixed soon. Tapping the starter to get one more start is a temporary trick at best.
Can You Replace a Starter Yourself?
On many cars and trucks, yes. AutoZone calls it a reasonable DIY job if you have the right tools and some experience. You will need to disconnect the battery first, safely raise the car, and remove two or three bolts and the wiring. On engines where the starter is buried under other parts, a shop is the better choice.
How to Avoid Overpaying
- Confirm it is really the starter: get the battery and starter tested first.
- Ask whether the quote uses a remanufactured or new part, and what the warranty is.
- Compare an independent shop with the dealer; dealer labor rates are usually higher.
- Ask how many labor hours the shop is charging, and compare that with another quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a starter?
Most drivers pay about $565 to $796 at a shop, according to RepairPal. Mainstream cars run about $600 to $900 and luxury models $900 to $1,400, according to Car Talk.
How long does a starter replacement take?
On many cars it takes about 1 to 3 hours. On engines where the starter is hard to reach, it can take longer, which is why labor costs vary so much.
How long does a starter last?
There is no fixed lifespan: many starters last for many years, and some last the life of the car. Car Talk notes that starters in modern cars with stop-start systems are built to handle the extra starts.
Is it worth replacing a starter on an old car?
Usually yes. A starter is a one-time repair of a few hundred dollars and does not mean the rest of the car is failing. Compare the cost with what the car is worth before deciding.
Can a bad starter drain the battery?
It can. A starter that draws too much current or a stuck solenoid can drain the battery, which is why both are often tested together.
Will AutoZone replace my starter?
AutoZone is a parts store, not a repair shop. It sells starters and tests them for free, so you would install the new one yourself or take it to a mechanic.
Is your car worth fixing? Check its value with our car depreciation calculator. More repair price guides: TPMS sensor, brake pads and rotors, struts and AC compressor.
Prices are estimates for general information only, compiled from the sources below in September 2026. Your price depends on your vehicle, location and shop. Always get a written quote before work begins.
Last updated: September 2026
Sources and further reading
- RepairPal — Starter replacement cost estimate
- Car Talk — How much does it cost to fix a starter?
- AutoZone — How much does a starter replacement cost?
- AutoZone — How to replace a starter
This article was researched and fact-checked by the AutoExpertsHub editorial team against the sources above. Learn how we work in our Editorial Policy. Spotted an error? Let us know.
