How Much Does an Ignition Coil Cost in 2025?

An ignition coil typically costs $30–$150 for most cars in the U.S., $100–$250 for premium OEM parts or performance coils, and $150–$400+ for multi-coil “packs.” Installed, expect $120–$400 to replace a single easy-to-access coil, and $350–$1,600 to replace a full set depending on cylinder count, vehicle make, and labor rates. Here’s how those numbers break down—and what drives them.

What You’ll Pay for the Part

Parts pricing varies by vehicle, coil type, and brand. The list below outlines typical retail price ranges you’ll see at parts stores or online in 2025.

• Single coil (coil-on-plug) aftermarket: $30–$120 each
• Single coil OEM brand (dealer or OE supplier): $70–$200 each
• Performance/high-output or German luxury applications: $120–$250 each
• Multi-coil “pack” or rail/module (1 unit serving multiple cylinders): $150–$400+ per pack

Most mainstream vehicles fall near the middle of these ranges. Luxury, turbocharged, or performance models often command higher prices, while economy cars tend to be cheaper.

Installed Cost (Parts + Labor)

Total replacement cost depends on labor time (often 0.5–1.5 hours for a single coil) and local shop rates ($100–$200 per hour in many U.S. markets). The scenarios below summarize common totals you might encounter.

• One easy-access coil: $120–$250 total (parts + labor)
• One coil with limited access (buried under intake or covers): $200–$400 total
• Full set, 4-cylinder (four coils): $250–$600 parts + $100–$250 labor = $350–$850 total
• Full set, V6 (six coils): $300–$900 parts + $120–$300 labor = $450–$1,200 total
• Full set, V8 (eight coils): $400–$1,200 parts + $150–$400 labor = $550–$1,600 total

If spark plugs or coil boots are due, shops often bundle these during coil service, which can add $50–$200+ in parts but may save labor later.

What Affects the Price

Several factors influence how much you’ll pay, from brand choices to the design of your engine. The items below are the biggest drivers of variability.

• Vehicle make and model: European luxury/performance models usually cost more.
• Coil design: Individual coil-on-plug vs. multi-coil pack/rail modules.
• OEM vs. aftermarket: OEM tends to cost more but may match factory durability/spec.
• Access and labor time: Some engines require removing covers or intake pieces.
• Shop rate and parts markup: Urban and dealer rates are typically higher.
• Add-ons: New spark plugs, boots, or gaskets done concurrently increase the total.

Checking your owner’s manual for maintenance intervals and asking for an itemized estimate can help you understand—and control—these cost drivers.

Symptoms and When Replacement Makes Sense

Ignition coils commonly fail with mileage, heat, and vibration. Recognizing the symptoms can help you budget before the problem worsens.

• Rough idle, hesitation, or loss of power—especially under load
• Poor fuel economy and raw fuel smell from the exhaust
• Check Engine Light with misfire codes (e.g., P0301–P0308)
• Hard starts or stalling; intermittent performance issues

Have a technician scan for codes and perform a coil swap test where applicable. Misfires left unresolved can damage catalytic converters—making timely coil replacement cost-effective.

DIY vs. Professional

Many coil-on-plug replacements are DIY-friendly with basic tools, while coil packs or hard-to-reach rear-bank coils may justify professional service. Consider the points below when deciding.

• Tools and care: Follow torque specs, avoid over-tightening, and use dielectric grease on boots as recommended.
• Savings: DIY can save $100–$300+ in labor on single-coil jobs.
• Complexity: Some engines require intake removal or special procedures—best left to a shop.

If you’re replacing multiple coils, consider doing spark plugs at the same time for long-term reliability and fewer repeat labor charges.

Regional Pricing Notes

Prices vary by market. Here are general 2025 benchmarks outside the U.S.

• UK: £25–£120 per coil aftermarket; £60–£180 OEM; installed £90–£300 for one coil; full set typically £250–£900.
• EU: €30–€200 per coil; shop labor commonly €60–€150/hour; totals similar to UK depending on country and vehicle class.

Taxes (VAT), import costs, and brand availability can add noticeable variance by country and even by city.

Bottom Line

Plan on $30–$150 for a typical ignition coil, $100–$250 for premium/OEM units, and $150–$400+ for coil packs. Installed, single-coil jobs usually run $120–$400, while full-set replacements range from $350 up to about $1,600 depending on engine, access, and labor rates. Request an itemized estimate and consider pairing coil service with new plugs to maximize value.

Can I drive with a bad ignition coil?

No, you should not drive with a bad ignition coil, as it can lead to serious and expensive damage to your engine and catalytic converter, even if the car still runs. Driving with a failing ignition coil causes the engine to misfire, sending unburned fuel into the exhaust system. This can overheat and destroy the catalytic converter, damage oxygen sensors, and even cause engine bearing failure. It’s best to get the ignition coil replaced as soon as you notice symptoms like engine misfires, rough idling, or poor acceleration to avoid more significant problems. 
Why you shouldn’t drive with a bad ignition coil:

• Catalytic Converter Damage: Unburned fuel from misfiring cylinders enters the exhaust and ignites in the hot catalytic converter, causing extreme temperatures and potentially destroying it. 
• Engine Component Damage: Unburnt fuel can wash away lubricating oil from cylinder walls and dilute the engine oil, leading to damage to pistons, rings, bearings, and the crankshaft. 
• Increased Engine Stress: A misfiring cylinder effectively acts as a brake, putting additional stress on other engine components, which can lead to catastrophic failure. 
• Poor Performance: You will experience engine misfires, a rough idle, and poor acceleration, making the vehicle difficult and unsafe to drive. 

What to do instead:

• Address the Issue Immediately: Opens in new tabIf you notice any symptoms of a failing ignition coil, such as the Check Engine Light or rough engine operation, get your car serviced as soon as possible. 
• Avoid Driving: Opens in new tabDo not drive the vehicle for extended distances or durations if you suspect a bad ignition coil. 
• Consider a Tow: Opens in new tabIt may be necessary to tow your vehicle to a mechanic to prevent further damage and ensure your safety. 

How much does it cost to replace an ignition coil?

An ignition coil replacement generally costs between $230 and $330, but this can vary significantly based on the vehicle’s make and model, the specific type of ignition coil (e.g., conventional vs. coil-on-plug), and whether it’s a DIY job or professional service. The total cost includes the price of the part itself, which can range from about $50 to $600, and labor costs, which often range from $75 to $150 per hour.
 
Factors influencing the cost:

• Vehicle’s Year, Make, and Model: The type of ignition coil and its complexity varies, impacting the price of the part. 
• Type of Ignition Coil: Conventional coils are less expensive than coil-on-plug (COP) or distributorless ignition system (DIS) coils. 
• Parts Quality: Using a cheap, aftermarket part may be less expensive upfront but could fail sooner than an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part, according to this Reddit thread. 
• DIY vs. Professional Service: Doing the repair yourself can save on labor costs, but you’ll need the right tools and technical knowledge. 
• Location: Labor rates can vary depending on the shop and your geographic location. 

What to expect in a repair estimate:

• Parts: The ignition coil itself, which can range from $50 to over $600, depending on the model. 
• Labor: The cost for the mechanic’s time, typically charged by the hour, can vary widely. 
• Taxes and Fees: These are usually added to the final bill and are not included in the estimate. 

Are ignition coils worth replacing?

Replacing ignition coils is good only when symptoms of failure are present, as they are not typical routine maintenance items and can fail prematurely. If one coil fails, it is often recommended to replace the entire set for long-term reliability, especially if you plan to keep the vehicle for a while, according to this YouTube video and this Quora post. However, if your budget is limited, you can start by replacing the failed coil, but be aware that other coils may fail soon after. 
When to Replace Ignition Coils

• Symptoms of Failure: You should replace ignition coils if you notice symptoms like a rough idle, poor engine performance, misfires, or a check engine light that indicates a misfire. 
• Preventative Measures: To help coils last longer, replace spark plugs on schedule, as worn spark plugs can force coils to work harder and fail prematurely. 

Replacing One vs. All Coils

• Replace All: If you want the best long-term reliability and plan to keep the vehicle for a while, replacing the entire set of ignition coils is a good idea. 
• Replace One: If your budget is a concern, you can replace just the failed coil. However, if one coil has failed, the others have experienced similar conditions and could also fail soon. 

Considerations for Replacing Coils

• Brand Reputation: Choose reputable brands, such as Denzo or Hitachi, to ensure good quality parts. 
• Cost: Replacing all ignition coils can be expensive, so weigh the cost against the benefits of preventative replacement. 
• Vehicle Age and History: For older vehicles, coils might have already seen significant use, making replacement more necessary. 

What are the symptoms of a failing ignition coil?

Symptoms of a failing ignition coil include a Check Engine Light, engine misfires and rough idling, stalling, loss of power, poor fuel economy, difficulty starting the engine, and exhaust backfiring or a smell of gas. These issues occur because the coil fails to deliver enough voltage to the spark plugs, preventing proper combustion. 
Common Symptoms

• Check Engine Light: A blinking or steady Check Engine light often indicates a misfire, which is a common sign of a failing ignition coil. 
• Engine Misfires/Rough Idling: You may notice a jerky or stuttering motion while driving, or the engine may feel unstable and vibrate when idling. 
• Stalling: The engine might cut off or stall when you come to a stop. 
• Loss of Power: The vehicle may feel sluggish, especially during acceleration, due to incomplete combustion in the cylinders. 
• Poor Fuel Economy: With less efficient combustion, your car will consume more fuel, leading to lower gas mileage. 
• Difficulty Starting: The engine may crank longer or fail to start altogether. 
• Exhaust Backfiring: You might hear a sputtering or coughing sound from the engine or tailpipe. 
• Smell of Gas: An incomplete combustion process can send unignited fuel into the exhaust, creating a gas smell. 

What’s Happening Inside the Engine
A failing ignition coil cannot provide the proper voltage to the spark plug. This leads to: 

• Incomplete Combustion: The fuel-air mixture in the cylinder doesn’t ignite correctly. 
• Misfires: The spark plug fails to do its job, causing the engine to misfire. 
• Engine Performance Issues: The misfires disrupt the smooth operation of the engine, resulting in the symptoms listed above.