How much does starter motor replacement cost?

Typically $350–$700 at a US independent shop — about $150–$400 in parts and $120–$300 in labor for a mainstream vehicle. Your exact cost depends on your year, make, model, and engine. The free AI Mechanic gives a vehicle-specific estimate.

What makes starter replacement cheaper or more expensive?

Starter location/access; New vs remanufactured; Some V6/V8 require intake removal.

Starter motor replacement cost

A starter replacement typically costs $350–$700 at a US independent shop for a mainstream vehicle — but your exact cost depends on your year, make, model, and engine.

Parts: $150–$400
Labor: $120–$300
Total: $350–$700

A single click (or nothing) when you turn the key, with a healthy battery, usually points to the starter. A quick test rules out the battery and connections before you replace it.

What affects the price

Starter location/access
New vs remanufactured
Some V6/V8 require intake removal

DIY vs. shop

Intermediate DIY where the starter is reachable, saving $120–300.

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Ranges like this are a starting point. Tell the AI Mechanic your year, make, model, and the symptom or OBD2 code — it estimates the cost for your exact vehicle, flags the likely cheap fix before the expensive one, and tells you when a shop is genuinely the right call.

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More repair costs

catalytic converter $900–$2,500 alternator $400–$900 brake pads $150–$350 brake rotors $300–$600 timing belt $500–$1,000 spark plugs $150–$400