How much does a starter replacement cost?
Short answer: RepairPal’s national average for a starter replacement is roughly $565 to $796 before taxes and fees. A clicking or no-crank problem is often the battery or a cable, so make sure the starting system was tested before you pay for a starter.
Fair price range
| Job | Typical total | Labor | Parts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter replacement | $565 – $796 | $191 – $280 | $375 – $516 |
| Battery replacement (the more common cause of a no-start) | $456 – $493 | $61 – $90 | $394 – $403 |
Source: RepairPal national averages, estimates last updated September 3, 2026 (checked October 18, 2026). Totals exclude taxes and shop fees and don’t reflect your location; your vehicle, region and shop can put you well outside these ranges.
Starters tucked under the intake manifold or behind other parts take much longer to replace, which is why some vehicles run well above the average.
What drives the price
- Access. From a quick bolt-on to hours of disassembly.
- New vs. remanufactured. Remanufactured starters are common and cheaper.
- Testing. A starting and charging system test should come first.
- Related fixes. Battery cables, grounds, ignition switch or neutral safety switch.
What’s normal, and what’s worth questioning
- A battery and starting system test that rules out the battery and cables supports the repair.
- Remanufactured starters with a solid warranty are a reasonable choice.
- Worth questioning: a starter and a battery both replaced with no test results, or no check of the battery cables and grounds.
Questions to ask the shop
- What did the battery and starting system tests show?
- Did you check the battery cables, terminals and ground connections?
- Is the replacement new or remanufactured, and what’s the warranty?
- What labor time are you using for my vehicle?
- Is there a core charge, and is it included?
More questions by repair type →
Frequently asked questions
What are signs of a bad starter?
A single loud click with no crank, grinding when starting, intermittent no-starts, or the engine cranking slowly even with a good battery. Rapid clicking more often points to a weak battery.
Can I tell if it’s the battery or the starter?
If the lights are dim or the dash flickers and you hear rapid clicking, the battery is the usual suspect. If everything electrical works normally but you get one click or nothing, the starter or its circuit is more likely. A test confirms it.
Can a starter fail suddenly?
Yes. Starters can work intermittently for a while and then stop. Tapping the starter sometimes gets a few more starts, but that’s a sign it needs attention soon.
Is a remanufactured starter OK?
Usually. Remanufactured starters are widely used. Compare the warranty terms.
Related guides
- Car clicks but won’t start
- Alternator replacement cost
- Battery / charging light
- Is this repair quote fair? (free checklist)
Sources
- RepairPal: starter replacement cost
- RepairPal: battery replacement cost
- 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.