How much does it cost to replace ignition coils in a car

Expect to pay about $100–$350 per ignition coil installed in the U.S., depending on the vehicle, parts quality, and labor rates; replacing a full set typically ranges from $250–$800 on 4‑cylinder engines, $350–$1,200 on V6s, and $450–$1,600+ on V8s, with higher costs when access requires removing the intake manifold. Prices vary by region and shop, and many drivers replace spark plugs at the same time, which can add $60–$300. Below is a detailed breakdown of what drives the price, typical add-ons, and ways to save.

What drives the price of ignition coil replacement

Several variables determine how much you’ll pay, from the type of ignition system to how hard the coils are to reach. Understanding these factors helps explain why quotes for the same job can differ widely.

• Ignition design: Coil-on-plug (one coil per cylinder) vs. a shared coil pack. COP systems usually cost more when replacing multiple coils.
• Vehicle make/model and engine layout: Some engines require removing the intake manifold or upper plenum to reach rear coils, increasing labor time.
• Parts quality: Aftermarket coils can cost $40–$150 each; OEM coils are often $80–$250+ each.
• Labor rate: Independent shops commonly charge $90–$170/hr; dealers $140–$250/hr; mobile mechanics often $80–$140/hr.
• How many coils you replace: One failed coil vs. replacing the entire set as preventative maintenance.
• Bundled services: Spark plugs, coil boots, and diagnostics performed at the same time affect the final invoice.

Together, these inputs set your total—parts for the coils themselves plus the labor time required to access and install them, and any additional parts or services you approve.

Typical price breakdown (U.S.)

The following ranges reflect common market pricing in 2025 for mainstream vehicles; luxury, performance, and tightly packaged engines can run higher.

• Per coil (coil-on-plug):
  – Parts: $40–$150 (aftermarket) or $80–$250+ (OEM)
  – Labor: $40–$200 (about 0.3–1.0 hr per accessible coil)
  – Installed total: $100–$350 per coil in most cases
• Full set (coil-on-plug), installed:
  – 4-cylinder (4 coils): $250–$800
  – V6 (6 coils): $350–$1,200
  – V8 (8 coils): $450–$1,600+
• Shared coil pack (waste-spark systems):
  – Parts: $70–$400
  – Labor: $70–$200 (about 0.5–1.0 hr)
  – Installed total: $150–$600
• Hard-to-reach coils (e.g., under intake manifold/rear bank on some V6/V8):
  – Add $150–$600 in labor to the above totals
• Shop fees and taxes:
  – Typically add $10–$50+ depending on the invoice size and local tax rates

Quotes near the low end usually involve easy access, quality aftermarket parts, and independent-shop labor rates; the high end reflects OEM parts, dealer labor, and more involved access.

Regional examples

Labor rates and parts pricing vary across regions and countries, which can shift totals noticeably.

• United States: $100–$350 per coil installed; sets from $250–$1,600+ depending on cylinder count and access.
• United Kingdom: About £120–£450 per coil installed; full sets commonly £250–£900. Labor rates often £70–£150/hr.
• Canada: Roughly CAD $140–$450 per coil installed; full sets CAD $350–$1,800+ with regional rate differences.
• Western Europe: Similar to UK in euros; VAT and OEM preference can push totals higher.

If you’re price-checking, get at least two local quotes using the same scope (which coils, plugs included, OEM vs aftermarket) to compare fairly.

Replace one coil or the whole set?

Both approaches are common; the right choice depends on mileage, access, and budget.

• Replace the failed coil only:
  – Best when coils are easily accessible and vehicle mileage is moderate.
  – Lower immediate cost; you can replace others as needed.
• Replace all coils:
  – Consider when mileage exceeds ~100k miles, multiple misfires are present, or access requires major disassembly (e.g., intake removal).
  – Helps prevent repeat labor on hard-to-reach rear banks.

Many shops will at least recommend replacing paired spark plugs and boots on the affected cylinders; for engines requiring intake removal to reach a rear bank, proactive replacement saves future labor.

Common add-ons (and their cost)

Coil replacement often coincides with other ignition service items. Here’s what might appear on your estimate.

• Spark plugs: $8–$25 each for parts; installed add $60–$300 depending on cylinder count and access.
• Coil boots and dielectric grease: $5–$20 per boot; improves insulation and longevity.
• Diagnostic fee: $0–$150; often credited toward the repair if you proceed.
• Intake/plenum gaskets (when removal is needed): $15–$80 for parts; labor already included in access time.

Bundling these items when access is open typically costs less than returning later for the same work.

How long the job takes

Labor time depends on engine layout and whether multiple coils are replaced.

• Accessible COP or coil pack: 0.5–1.0 hour for one; 0.8–2.0 hours for a full set on an inline-4.
• Transverse V6/V8 with rear-bank coils: 1.5–3.0 hours; up to 4–6 hours if the intake manifold must be removed.

Shops bill by flat-rate time; the easier your coils are to reach, the lower your labor bill tends to be.

Symptoms of a failing ignition coil (and why not to wait)

Recognizing coil trouble early can save money by preventing catalyst damage and poor fuel economy.

• Check-engine light with codes like P030X (misfire on cylinder X) or P035X (coil circuit fault)
• Rough idle, hesitation, loss of power, or stalling
• Poor fuel economy and gasoline smell from the exhaust
• Hard starts, especially when cold or under load

Driving long with a misfire can overheat and damage the catalytic converter—a repair that can cost $1,000–$3,000+, far exceeding coil replacement.

Ways to save without cutting corners

You can manage costs while maintaining reliability by planning the repair and choosing parts wisely.

• Get multiple quotes and specify OEM vs. premium aftermarket brands (NGK, Denso, Delphi, Bosch).
• Bundle spark plugs/boots when access is difficult to avoid duplicated labor later.
• Consider quality aftermarket coils for out-of-warranty vehicles; avoid the cheapest no-name parts.
• Use a mobile mechanic for easy-access engines; they often have lower overhead.
• DIY on accessible engines if you’re comfortable; follow torque specs and use dielectric grease.

A clear scope and good parts choices typically deliver the best balance of cost and durability.

Warranty, recalls, and coverage

Ignition coils are wear items, but some protection may apply in certain cases.

• Parts/labor warranty: Many shops offer 12-month/12,000-mile parts and labor; some brands offer longer parts warranties.
• Manufacturer goodwill/TSBs: A few models have technical service bulletins or extended coverage histories; ask your dealer to check your VIN.
• Emissions warranty: Coils are generally not covered under the federal 8yr/80k emissions warranty; state-specific programs may vary.

Before paying out of pocket, call the dealer with your VIN to check for open recalls or model-specific coverage extensions.

Model-specific ballpark examples

These typical ranges assume standard access and mid-market parts; exact pricing varies by shop and location.

• Toyota Camry 2.5L (COP): $140–$260 per coil installed; full set $350–$700; add $80–$200 if also doing plugs.
• Honda Accord 2.4L (COP): $130–$240 per coil; set $320–$650.
• Ford F-150 V8 (COP): $150–$300 per coil; set $500–$1,200 depending on access and parts.
• BMW inline-6 (COP): $150–$250 per coil; set $450–$900; many owners replace all six and plugs together.
• Older GM with coil pack: $200–$450 installed for the pack; plugs/boots extra.

Use these only as directional guidance; always verify with a quote based on your VIN and your shop’s labor rate.

Summary

Replacing ignition coils typically costs $100–$350 per coil installed in the U.S., with full sets ranging from roughly $250–$1,600+ based on cylinder count, parts choice, and engine access. Add-ons like spark plugs commonly raise the total by $60–$300 but can save future labor. To get the best value, compare quotes with the same scope, choose reputable parts, and consider replacing coils in hard-to-reach areas as a set.

Can I drive my car with a bad ignition coil?

No, you should not drive your car with a bad ignition coil because it can cause severe engine damage, potentially leading to expensive repairs or even a complete engine failure. Driving with a bad coil results in an engine misfire, which sends unburned fuel into the exhaust system, damaging the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. It can also lead to diluted engine oil, excessive wear on cylinder walls, and piston damage, making it best to have the issue fixed as soon as possible. 
This video demonstrates how a failing ignition coil can lead to engine misfires and unburned fuel entering the exhaust system: 59sAuto Repair GuysYouTube · Aug 9, 2022
Why it’s dangerous to drive:

• Catalytic Converter Damage: Opens in new tabUnburned fuel can ignite in the hot catalytic converter, leading to extremely high temperatures and damage to the converter, which is costly to replace. 
• Engine Oil Dilution: Opens in new tabFuel can wash down the cylinder walls, contaminating the engine oil and potentially damaging critical engine components like bearings. 
• Cylinder and Piston Damage: Opens in new tabThe lack of combustion in one cylinder can cause increased strain, leading to excessive wear on the cylinder wall and damage to pistons and rings. 
• Reduced Engine Performance: Opens in new tabYou’ll experience rough idling, reduced power, and potentially poor fuel economy, making the car difficult and unpleasant to drive. 
• Increased Risk of Breakdown: Opens in new tabA complete ignition coil failure will cause the engine to cease operating entirely, leaving you stranded. 

This video explains the potential damage to your car’s engine if you drive with a bad ignition coil: 1mAuto Repair GuysYouTube · Oct 6, 2022
What to do instead:

• Avoid Extended Driving: Limit any driving to short distances to get to a safe place or a repair shop. 
• Get it Serviced ASAP: Have a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle and replace the faulty ignition coil as soon as possible to prevent further damage. 
• Consider a Tow: If the drive is long or you’re concerned about the vehicle’s condition, it’s safer to have it towed to a repair facility. 

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. 

How much does a mechanic charge 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. 

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.