How Much Does It Cost to Fix an Ignition Coil?

Expect to pay about $150–$400 to replace a single ignition coil on a typical car in the U.S. (parts $60–$200, labor $80–$200), plus $50–$150 if a separate diagnostic is needed. Replacing a coil pack or multiple coils usually runs $300–$800, and on some luxury or tightly packaged engines the total can reach $600–$1,000 due to higher parts prices or extra labor. Costs vary by vehicle, region, and whether related items like spark plugs or boots are serviced at the same time.

What You’re Paying For

Ignition coil repair pricing breaks down into several components. Understanding each helps you compare quotes and decide whether to bundle related maintenance.

• Parts: Individual coil-on-plug units typically cost $60–$200 each (aftermarket vs. OEM), while older-style coil packs often run $150–$350.
• Labor: Usually 0.5–1.0 hour per accessible coil; 1.5–3.0 hours if intake components must be removed. U.S. shop rates commonly range $100–$175/hr.
• Diagnostics: Many shops charge $50–$150 to confirm the fault and pinpoint the failed coil (codes often include P035X or P030X).
• Shop supplies, taxes, and fees: Typically 5–15% of the invoice depending on local rules and shop policy.
• Related parts (if needed): Spark plugs ($8–$30 each), plug boots, intake gaskets (if removal required), and connectors can add cost but may prevent repeat labor later.

Taken together, these line items explain why the same repair can vary widely—from a quick, low-cost fix to a more involved job on complex engines or when additional parts are due.

Typical Price Scenarios

Here are realistic ranges for common situations as quoted by independent shops and dealerships in 2025 across most U.S. markets.

• Single coil-on-plug replacement (mainstream sedan/SUV): $150–$350 total.
• Single coil on European luxury/performance models: $300–$700; up to $600–$1,000 if intake or cowl removal is required and OEM parts are used.
• Coil pack replacement (older designs): $200–$600 total.
• All coils and spark plugs on a 4‑cylinder: $400–$900 depending on brand and access.
• All coils and spark plugs on a V6/V8: $600–$1,500+ depending on engine layout and parts choice.
• Mobile mechanic service: Often similar parts pricing; labor may be $20–$50 less per hour than a dealer, though diagnostic fees still apply.

Your vehicle’s engine layout and the shop you choose heavily influence where your bill will land within these ranges.

Key Factors That Affect the Cost

Several variables drive price differences between vehicles and shops. Knowing them helps you interpret estimates and avoid surprises.

• Engine access: Transverse V6s, turbo motors, and some luxury models require extra disassembly to reach rear-bank coils.
• Number of coils: Many modern engines use one coil per cylinder; replacing multiples adds parts and labor.
• Parts choice: OEM coils cost more than quality aftermarket; some models require dealer-only parts.
• Labor rate and region: Urban and coastal markets typically have higher hourly rates.
• Underlying causes: Oil in plug wells, cracked boots, or a failing plug can take out a coil; fixing root causes may add parts and time.
• Additional materials: Intake gaskets, dielectric grease, anti-seize, and new fasteners may be needed.
• Shop type: Dealerships tend to charge more than independents; both should provide a written warranty.

When comparing quotes, verify what’s included—especially diagnostics, parts brand, and whether spark plugs or boots are being replaced concurrently.

Symptoms and When to Replace

Coil failures often appear suddenly, but early signs can prevent collateral damage like a ruined catalytic converter.

• Check engine light with misfire codes (P0301–P0308) or coil circuit codes (P0351–P0358).
• Rough idle, shaking, hesitation, or stalling under load.
• Loss of power, poor fuel economy, or a raw-fuel/sulfur smell from the exhaust.
• Hard starts or no-start in severe cases.

Driving long with a misfire can overheat and damage the catalytic converter—an expensive repair—so prompt diagnosis and coil replacement are recommended.

Can You Keep Driving?

You can usually drive a short distance to a shop if the vehicle is drivable, but avoid heavy throttle and long trips. If the engine is shaking badly, flashing MIL is present, or you smell fuel, have the car towed to prevent catalytic converter damage.

DIY vs. Professional: Cost and Considerations

Many engines allow straightforward DIY coil replacement; others require significant teardown. Consider your tools, access, and comfort level.

• DIY parts cost: $60–$200 per coil; $8–$30 per spark plug; $5–$15 per boot (if separate). A basic OBD-II scanner runs $25–$100.
• Tools: Ratchet set, extensions, Torx/Allen bits as needed, torque wrench, dielectric grease. For some models, intake removal tools and new gaskets are required.
• Process (high level): Confirm the bad cylinder via scan; swap coils between cylinders to verify; replace coil (and plug/boot if due); torque to spec; clear codes; test drive.
• Risks: Breaking brittle connectors, cross-threading plugs, or missing a root cause. On engines requiring intake removal, air leaks from reusing old gaskets can trigger new faults.

DIY can save labor costs, but professional service adds warranty coverage and experienced diagnostics—valuable if misfires are intermittent or access is tight.

Ways to Save Without Cutting Corners

Smart bundling and parts choices can knock a meaningful amount off the final bill while improving long-term reliability.

• Replace spark plugs and boots with the coil if they’re due—this prevents repeat labor and new misfires.
• Confirm the fault: Ask for coil swapping or evidence (codes, misfire counters) before approving multi-coil replacements.
• Quality aftermarket: Reputable brands can match OEM performance at lower cost; avoid no-name coils.
• Ask about promos: Many shops offer seasonal coupons; parts retailers often run discounts on ignition components.
• Check warranties and TSBs: Some models have extended coverage or bulletins for known coil issues.
• Protect the catalytic converter: Don’t keep driving with a misfire—preventing cat damage can save thousands.

These steps help balance price, reliability, and future maintenance, often lowering total ownership cost.

Warranty and Coverage

Ignition coils are usually considered wear-related electrical components, but limited coverage may apply in certain cases.

• Manufacturer warranty: Typically 3yr/36k miles (bumper-to-bumper) covers coils; beyond that, coverage varies.

• Emissions warranty: The federal 2yr/24k emissions warranty may cover related components in some cases; the 8yr/80k “high-cost emissions” coverage generally does not include coils.
• Extended service contracts: Many plans cover coils; check deductibles and diagnostic provisions.
• Parts warranty: OEM often 12mo/12k; quality aftermarket commonly 12–36 months. Keep receipts.

Bring warranty proof to the shop; if a known defect exists, ask the dealer to check for goodwill or special policy adjustments.

How Long the Repair Takes

Time varies with engine design and how quickly the fault is identified.

• Diagnosis: 0.3–0.8 hour for code scan, misfire isolation, and confirmation.
• Replacement: 0.5–1.0 hour per accessible coil; 1.5–3.0 hours if intake or cowl removal is required.
• Total downtime: Often 1–3 hours for a single coil, assuming parts are in stock.

Scheduling and parts availability are usually the biggest variables; same-day repairs are common for mainstream models.

Summary

Replacing a single ignition coil typically costs $150–$400 in the U.S., with higher totals for luxury models, coil packs, or multiple coils. Parts quality, labor time, and access drive price. Address misfires promptly to avoid catalytic converter damage, and consider replacing spark plugs and boots at the same time if they’re due. Comparing detailed, like-for-like estimates—and verifying the diagnosis—offers the best balance of cost and reliability.

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. 

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. 

Is it expensive to fix an ignition coil?

Average Cost for Ignition Coil Replacement
The average cost to replace an ignition coil is between $230 and $330, according to RepairPal. This cost includes both labor and parts. Labor is estimated at $75 to $100, while the cost of parts typically ranges from about $155 to $230.

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.