™How much do spark plugs and ignition coils cost to replace?
Short answer: National averages are roughly $288 to $399 for a spark plug replacement and $238 to $320 for an ignition coil replacement, before taxes and fees. Spark plugs are usually scheduled maintenance; a coil is normally replaced when testing shows it has failed, often because of a misfire on one cylinder.
Fair price range
| Job | Typical total | Labor | Parts | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark plug replacement | $288 – $399 | $184 – $270 | $104 – $129 | RepairPal |
| Ignition coil replacement | $238 – $320 | $74 – $109 | $164 – $211 | RepairPal |
| Spark plug replacement: mobile-mechanic quotes, 6 example vehicles | $260 – $835 | – | – | YourMechanic |
| Ignition coil replacement: mobile-mechanic quotes, 6 example vehicles | $295 – $3,015 | – | – | YourMechanic |
Sources: RepairPal national averages, estimates last updated September 3, 2026 (checked October 23, 2026); YourMechanic figures are its own mobile-mechanic quotes for the example vehicles on its page (checked October 25, 2026), not a national average. Totals exclude taxes and shop fees and don’t reflect your location; your vehicle, region and shop can put you well outside these ranges.
On many newer engines the coils sit on top of the plugs and come off anyway to reach them, so a plugs-and-coil job together usually shares labor. The coil average doesn’t say how many coils it covers, so check whether your quote is for one coil or a full set.
What drives the price
- Number of cylinders. A V6 or V8 needs more plugs, and possibly more coils, than a four-cylinder.
- Access. Rear plugs and coils on some engines are hard to reach, and some jobs even need engine mounts removed.
- Plug type. Long-life iridium or platinum plugs cost more per plug but last much longer.
- Diagnosis. Reading misfire codes and confirming which cylinder can add a diagnostic fee.
What’s normal, and what’s worth questioning
- Replacing plugs at the mileage in your owner’s manual is normal maintenance.
- Replacing a coil after a misfire code on one cylinder, confirmed by swapping that coil to another cylinder or testing it, is a normal repair.
- Replacing the plugs at the same time as a failed coil can make sense if they’re near their interval, since the labor overlaps.
- Worth questioning: all coils replaced when only one cylinder misfired and nothing else was tested, plugs replaced well before the interval in your manual, or a vague “tune-up” package with no line items.
Do it yourself
Handy with tools? Here’s roughly what the parts cost if you do the work at home. Example vehicle: 2015 Toyota Camry 2.5L; prices checked October 28, 2026.
| Part | Parts price | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genuine Toyota iridium spark plugs, part 90919-01233 (Denso SK16HR11), set of 4 | $49 | $12.34 each, online dealer price; confirm fitment by VIN | Elmhurst Toyota Parts |
Parts only, before tax and shipping. Prices change often and vary a lot by vehicle; look up your exact year, engine and VIN.
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate on most four-cylinder engines; much harder on V6 engines where the rear plugs sit under the intake.
- Time
- Roughly 30 minutes to 1 hour on an easy four-cylinder.
Tools you’ll likely need
- Spark plug socket (5/8 inch on many Toyotas) and a 6-inch extension
- Ratchet and 10 mm socket for the coil bolts
- Torque wrench (plugs are easy to overtighten)
- Spark plug gap gauge
- Dielectric grease for the coil boots
Where to buy parts
- Online aftermarket: RockAuto (wide choice, often the lowest prices; shipping takes a few days).
- Local parts stores: AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly and NAPA (same-day pickup, easy core returns, and many test your old part free).
- Genuine (OEM) parts: your dealer’s parts counter, or the carmaker’s online parts store (for example Mopar, GM Genuine Parts, Ford Parts or Toyota Parts), searched by your VIN.
- European cars: brand specialists like FCP Euro (BMW, VW, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes) carry OEM and OE-supplier parts.
Watch how it’s done
Search YouTube for “spark plug replacement” videos → Add your year, make and model to the search for a closer match. Watch two or three before you start, since video quality varies.
At your own risk. Disconnect the negative battery cable before you start, work on a cool engine, and never work under a car held up only by a jack. If anything doesn’t match the video or feels unsafe, stop and call a shop. This is general information, not professional instructions.
Questions to ask the shop
- Which misfire code did you find, and on which cylinder?
- How did you confirm it’s the coil and not the plug or an injector (for example, swapping the coil to another cylinder)?
- Is this quote for one coil or all of them? What would just the failed one cost?
- What does my owner’s manual say about the spark plug interval, and how many miles are on the current plugs?
- Are these OEM-spec plugs and coils, and what’s the warranty?
More questions by repair type →
Frequently asked questions
How often should spark plugs be replaced?
It depends on the engine and plug type. Many modern engines use long-life plugs with much longer intervals than older cars. Your owner’s manual lists the interval; use that rather than a shop’s generic schedule.
Should I replace all the ignition coils if one fails?
It isn’t required. Replacing only the failed coil is common and usually cheapest today. On a high-mileage engine some owners choose to do all of them to avoid repeat visits; it’s your call, so ask for both prices.
What are the signs of a bad ignition coil?
A rough idle, hesitation, a check engine light (flashing if the misfire is severe) and a misfire code for one cylinder, such as P0303 for cylinder 3.
Can I drive with a misfire?
A steady check engine light with a mild misfire should be checked soon. A flashing check engine light means a severe misfire that can damage the catalytic converter, so drive gently and get it checked right away.
Related guides
- Check engine light flashing
- Check engine light (steady)
- Catalytic converter replacement cost
- Oxygen sensor replacement cost
- Is this repair quote fair? (free checklist)
Sources
- RepairPal: spark plug replacement cost
- RepairPal: ignition coil replacement cost
- Elmhurst Toyota Parts: genuine Toyota iridium spark plug 90919-01233 (Denso SK16HR11)
- YourMechanic: spark plug replacement pricing for various cars (mobile-mechanic quotes for 6 example vehicles, checked October 25, 2026)
- YourMechanic: ignition coil replacement pricing for various cars (mobile-mechanic quotes for 6 example vehicles, checked October 25, 2026)
- NHTSA: check your vehicle for recalls
Also worth checking: open recalls on your vehicle (NHTSA, above) before paying for a repair. A recall repair is free at a dealer.
General information from someone with automotive sales and service-writer experience, not professional mechanical advice and not a substitute for an inspection by a qualified technician. Cost ranges are national averages from the sources listed and vary by vehicle, region and shop.