Starter replacement cost
Most shops charge $120–$480 in labor, plus $120–$400 for the starter motor.
Updated November 2026
Where good SwaxFix bids tend to land: the low end, because shops compete for the job.
See what shops near you will actually charge.
Free to post. Shops bid blind: they see your car, never you. Buy the part yourself, shops bid on labor only. Already have a quote? Check if it’s fair.What the job involves
The shop disconnects the battery, unbolts the starter from the transmission bell housing and installs the new one. On some V6 and V8 engines the starter sits under the intake, which is why labor varies so much.
Signs you need it
- Single loud click and no crank with a good battery
- Grinding or whirring when you turn the key
- Starts only sometimes
- Dash lights work fine but the engine will not turn over
What changes the price
- Remanufactured starters save a lot
- Starters under the intake manifold take several hours
- Corroded cables or a bad ground can mimic a bad starter, so test first
Shop or do it yourself?
Moderate. Easy on many four-cylinders, hard on some V6s.
Questions drivers ask
How much does starter replacement cost?
At a typical shop, labor runs $120 to $480 (about 1 hr to 3 hr of work), and the starter motor costs about $120 to $400. That puts most jobs between $240 and $880 total. With SwaxFix you can buy the part yourself and have local shops bid on the labor only.
Is it the starter or the battery?
If the lights are bright and you hear one click, it points to the starter or its connections. If everything is dim or clicks rapidly, it is usually the battery.
Does tapping the starter work?
Sometimes, as a temporary trick, because it frees worn contacts. It means the starter is on its way out.
How long does a starter last?
Often 100,000 to 150,000 miles.
Find a shop
Want to compare shops first? Browse auto repair near me, or post your job and let them come to you.