How Much It Costs to Replace Ignition Coils in Your Car

Expect to pay about $150 to $400 per coil installed at a typical U.S. repair shop, or $350 to $1,000 for a 4‑cylinder set and $500 to $1,500+ for V6/V8 engines. Parts usually run $30 to $250 per coil (aftermarket to OEM), and labor averages $90 to $180 per hour depending on access and region. Prices vary widely by vehicle, engine layout, and whether related parts like spark plugs are serviced at the same time.

Cost at a Glance

The following points summarize what most drivers pay today, based on engine type and whether you replace one coil or the full set.

• Single coil replacement (coil-on-plug): $150–$400 installed
• Full set, 4‑cylinder (4 coils): $350–$1,000 installed
• Full set, V6 (6 coils): $500–$1,200+ installed
• Full set, V8 (8 coils): $600–$1,500+ installed
• Coil pack (one unit serving multiple cylinders): $200–$500 installed
• Labor time: roughly 0.5–2.0 hours total for easy access; 2–4+ hours if intake/plenum removal is required
• Labor rates: typically $90–$180/hr at independent shops; dealer rates can be higher

These ranges reflect typical U.S. prices in 2025; luxury models, difficult access, and OEM-only parts can push totals to the upper end.

What Drives the Price

Several variables determine your final bill. The list below outlines the major factors that influence part and labor costs.

• Vehicle make/model: European luxury and some performance models use pricier OEM coils.
• Engine layout: V6/V8 engines with rear-bank coils under the intake increase labor time.
• Coil type: Coil-on-plug (one per cylinder) vs. a single multi-tower coil pack.
• Parts choice: Aftermarket (often $30–$120 per coil) vs. OEM ($80–$250+ per coil).
• Related maintenance: Spark plugs, boots, and gaskets added during the same visit.
• Shop type and region: Dealer vs. independent, urban vs. rural labor rates.

In practice, parts choice and access are the biggest levers: easy-access engines with quality aftermarket coils cost far less than tightly packaged engines requiring intake removal and OEM components.

Typical Totals by Engine Type

Below are realistic ranges by engine configuration, assuming mainstream models and a mix of aftermarket and OEM parts.

• 4‑cylinder: $350–$1,000 for a full set; $150–$400 for one coil
• V6: $500–$1,200+ for a full set; $180–$450 for one coil
• V8: $600–$1,500+ for a full set; $200–$500 for one coil
• Turbo/performance/luxury: Add 10–40% due to parts pricing and access complexity

If a rear bank sits under a plenum or intake manifold, expect higher labor and possible gasket charges.

Parts vs. Labor Breakdown

Parts Pricing

Ignition coil pricing varies by brand, warranty, and application. Here’s how the market generally shakes out.

• Aftermarket coils: $30–$120 each (common brands are often reliable when matched to OEM spec)
• OEM coils: $80–$250+ each (some German and premium Japanese makes trend higher)
• Coil packs (single unit): $80–$300
• Boots/insulators: $5–$15 each

For many mainstream vehicles, a full set of quality aftermarket coils can keep costs down without compromising reliability.

Labor Time

Labor depends mostly on how hard the coils are to reach.

• Easy access (top of engine, no disassembly): ~0.5–1.0 hour total
• Moderate access (trim/engine cover removal): ~1.0–1.5 hours
• Difficult access (intake/plenum removal): ~2.0–4.0+ hours

Shops bill by time, so even inexpensive coils can end up costly if access is poor.

Coil-On-Plug vs. Coil Pack

Your vehicle may have one coil per cylinder (coil-on-plug) or a single multi-tower coil pack. Costs and strategies differ slightly.

• Coil-on-plug: Replace the failed unit or the full set; parts are priced per coil.
• Coil pack: One component serves multiple cylinders; if it fails, the whole pack is replaced.
• Diagnostics: Misfire codes (e.g., P030X) and swap tests help pinpoint a bad coil.

Coil packs often have lower parts cost than buying a full set of individual coils but require full replacement when they fail.

Should You Replace One Coil or All?

Whether to replace a single coil or the entire set depends on age, mileage, and your tolerance for risk and repeat labor.

• Replace one coil: Cost-effective if others are relatively new and access is easy.
• Replace full set: Sensible beyond ~80,000–120,000 miles, on high-heat engines, or when access is labor-intensive.
• Replace spark plugs concurrently: Often recommended if due; saves repeat labor and reduces misfire risk.

If reaching the rear bank requires major disassembly, many technicians advise doing all coils and plugs at once to avoid paying the same labor twice.

Related Parts and Add-on Costs

Coil jobs frequently overlap with other ignition service items. These add-ons can improve reliability and may save labor long-term.

• Spark plugs: $8–$25 each (copper/iridium); installed total $100–$350 depending on access
• Coil boots/insulators: $5–$15 each; often replaced with coils
• Intake/plenum gaskets: $20–$60 if removed for access
• Shop fees, taxes, diagnostics: Typically $20–$100 combined

Bundling spark plug replacement with coil service is common and can prevent repeat misfires.

DIY vs. Professional Service

DIY can be feasible on engines with easy access; complex layouts are better left to pros.

• DIY parts-only cost: $30–$250 per coil; set of 4–8 coils $150–$1,200
• Tools: Basic sockets, torque wrench; possibly a scan tool to clear codes
• Time: 30–60 minutes for easy access; several hours if intake removal is required
• Risk: Over-torquing or damaged connectors can create new problems

If you’re not comfortable with torque specs and fragile connectors, a professional install may be cheaper than fixing mistakes.

How to Get a Solid Quote

To avoid surprises, ask shops targeted questions and compare line items, not just totals.

• Provide your VIN so the shop quotes the correct coil part numbers.
• Ask for parts brand (OEM vs. aftermarket) and warranty details.
• Request a breakdown: parts, labor hours, shop fees, and taxes.
• Confirm whether spark plugs, boots, or gaskets are included.
• Clarify diagnostic fees and whether they’re credited if you proceed.

A transparent estimate helps you compare offers and understand the value of OEM parts and longer warranties.

Symptoms of a Failing Ignition Coil

Recognizing coil issues early can prevent catalytic converter damage and poor fuel economy.

• Check engine light with misfire codes (P030X, P035X)
• Rough idle, hesitation, or loss of power under load
• Poor fuel economy or fuel smell from unburned fuel
• Hard starts, especially in damp or cold conditions

Prompt diagnosis and repair can keep a simple coil swap from turning into a larger emission-system repair.

Regional and Vehicle-Specific Notes

Regional Labor Variance

Major metros and dealership service departments typically charge more per hour than rural independents. Expect the higher end of labor rates on the coasts and in large cities.

Vehicle-Specific Quirks

Some V6/V8 engines place rear-bank coils under an intake plenum, adding hours of labor and gasket costs. Certain European models favor OEM coils with higher unit prices but longer warranties.

Bottom Line

Plan on $150–$400 per coil installed, or $350–$1,500+ for full sets depending on engine and access. Combine coil replacement with spark plugs if they’re due, and choose reputable parts—OEM or high-quality aftermarket—to minimize repeat visits. Always get an itemized estimate tied to your VIN for the most accurate pricing.

Summary

Replacing ignition coils typically costs $150–$400 per coil installed, with full sets ranging from $350–$1,000 for 4‑cylinders and $500–$1,500+ for V6/V8 engines. Parts cost $30–$250 per coil, and labor varies with access and region ($90–$180/hr). Prices rise with luxury models, difficult rear-bank access, and OEM-only parts. When practical, replace spark plugs and boots at the same time to save on future labor, and request itemized quotes (with parts brands and warranties) for the best value.

Is replacing ignition coils worth it?

Yes, a new ignition coil can potentially improve engine performance, especially if the existing coil is worn out or malfunctioning. Here are a few ways a new ignition coil can enhance performance:

Can you drive a car with a bad coil?

Driving a car with a faulty coil is not advisable, as it can cause the engine to misfire and potentially damage the catalytic converter.

What are signs of ignition coil failure?

8 Signs Your Vehicle Has a Faulty Ignition Coil in Silver Spring,…

• The Check Engine Light Is On.
• Your Car Feels Slow.
• Your Car Is Heavy on Gas.
• Your Car’s Engine Misfires.
• Your Car Backfires.
• You Struggle with Starting and Stalling Issues.
• You Hear Sputters and Coughs.
• Your Car Shakes and Jerks.

How much does a mechanic charge to replace an ignition coil?

If you have a faulty coil, it’s going to cost you between $200 and $300 on average to replace it, not to mention the frustration and downtime you’ll experience.