Ignition Coil Replacement Cost: What to Expect for a Single Coil

Replacing one engine (ignition) coil typically costs $150–$350 in the U.S., including $60–$180 for the part and $70–$200 for labor. On some vehicles with difficult access or luxury-brand parts, the total can range from $300 to $600+, while simple jobs can be as low as $80–$150. Below is a detailed look at what drives the price and how to plan your repair.

What an Engine Coil Does and When It Fails

An ignition coil transforms battery voltage into the high voltage needed to fire your spark plugs. Modern vehicles usually have one coil per cylinder (coil-on-plug), older or some budget models may use a coil pack serving multiple cylinders. Coils can fail from heat, vibration, oil intrusion, or age, causing misfires, rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, and a check-engine light (often P030X or P035X codes).

Typical Cost Breakdown (2025)

Here’s how the numbers usually stack up for a single-coil replacement, noting that shop labor rates commonly range from $90 to $180 per hour in 2025, depending on region and facility type.

• Easy-access coil-on-plug (most 4-cyl and many V6/V8): $150–$350 total (parts $60–$150, labor 0.5–1.0 hr).
• Mid-complexity jobs (limited access, trims removed): $200–$450 total (parts $70–$180, labor 1.0–1.5 hr).
• Difficult access requiring intake plenum/manifold removal (some transverse V6 like Toyota/Lexus 2GR-FE, GM 3.6L): $350–$650+ total (parts $80–$200, labor 2.0–3.0 hr).
• Coil pack (serves multiple cylinders): $180–$450 total (pack $80–$300, labor 0.5–1.0 hr).
• Premium/luxury brands (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, etc.): add roughly 20–60% to parts cost; labor rates also trend higher.

Prices vary with brand choice (OEM vs aftermarket), local labor rates, and how much disassembly is needed for access. Taxes, shop supplies (typically 5–12%), and diagnostic fees may be additional.

What Affects the Price

Several variables determine where your job lands within the range. Understanding these helps you avoid surprises and choose the right parts and shop.

• Vehicle design and access: Rear-bank coils on transverse V6 engines can require intake plenum removal, increasing labor time significantly.
• Parts brand: Aftermarket coils often run $30–$120; OEM typically $80–$250 per coil; performance coils can reach $100–$300+.
• Labor rate: Independent shops generally cost less than dealerships; metro areas trend higher.
• Related repairs: Spark plug replacement on the same cylinder is often recommended; add $10–$30 per plug plus minimal extra labor if already exposed.
• Diagnostic needs: Code scans may be complimentary; in-depth diagnostics typically $80–$150, often credited if you proceed with the repair.

If the coil is hard to access, replacing spark plugs and boots at the same time can be cost-effective because much of the labor is shared.

Real-World Examples (Typical Ranges)

These examples reflect common 2024–2025 U.S. pricing and are meant as guidance. Actual quotes depend on your location and parts choice.

• Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 (coil-on-plug, easy access): $160–$300 total (OEM coil ~$90–$140; labor ~0.6 hr).
• Honda Accord 1.5T I4: $170–$320 total (aftermarket $60–$110; labor ~0.6–1.0 hr).
• Ford F-150 5.0L V8: $180–$350 for one coil (aftermarket $50–$100; labor ~0.7–1.0 hr). If multiple misfires, consider replacing all coils and plugs.
• BMW 3 Series (B48/B58): $250–$450 for one coil (OEM $90–$160; higher labor rate ~0.6–1.0 hr).
• GM 3.6L V6 transverse (some models): $350–$600+ if coil is on the rear bank requiring intake plenum removal (2–3 hr labor).

Lining up two or more coils or combining with spark plug service can lower the effective per-item labor cost when access is the bottleneck.

Should You Replace One Coil or All?

Whether to replace a single failed coil or all coils depends on mileage, age, and access difficulty.

• Single coil only: Reasonable for newer or low-mileage cars where the failure appears isolated.
• All coils on the affected bank: Sensible on V6/V8 engines if access is difficult and parts have similar age.
• All coils: Consider at 100k+ miles or when repeated misfires point to age-related failures across multiple cylinders.

Technicians often recommend replacing the spark plug on the misfiring cylinder at the same time, especially if the plug is near or past mid-life, to prevent repeat labor.

DIY vs. Professional Service

Many coil replacements are DIY-friendly, but not all. Weigh the complexity and your tools/experience before deciding.

• DIY-friendly: Easy-access coil-on-plug engines; basic hand tools; 20–60 minutes per coil.
• Professional recommended: Engines requiring intake plenum removal, tightly packaged bays, or when combined with diagnostics and plug service.
• Tips: Disconnect the battery (as recommended by your manual), label connectors, use a torque wrench for coil bolts, and avoid dielectric grease on the electrical contacts (use it sparingly inside the boot if specified).

If you’re uncertain about access or procedures, a shop estimate and inspection can prevent broken connectors or vacuum leaks that lead to additional costs.

How to Estimate Your Cost in Minutes

Use this quick process to get a realistic figure for your specific vehicle and location.

1. Identify the exact engine and cylinder count (VIN or under-hood label).
2. Check access: Is the failed coil on a rear bank or under an intake plenum? A repair manual or forum can help.
3. Price the part: Compare OEM vs reputable aftermarket (Denso, NGK/NTK, Delphi, Bosch) from parts retailers.
4. Call two local shops: Ask for labor hours and rates for “replace one ignition coil on [year/make/model/engine].”
5. Add related items: Spark plug on that cylinder, diagnostic fee (if any), taxes/shop supplies (5–12%).

With those numbers, you’ll quickly see whether your job sits in the $150–$350 typical range or climbs due to access and brand choice.

Extra Costs and Considerations

There are a few common add-ons and warranties to keep in mind.

• Diagnostic fee: $0–$150, often waived if you proceed with the repair at the same shop.
• Spark plugs and boots: $10–$30 per plug; boots $5–$20 each; minimal extra labor if already exposed.
• Shop supplies and taxes: Typically 5–12% combined.
• Warranty: OEM coils often 12 months/12,000 miles; aftermarket warranties vary, some offer limited lifetime through retailers.

Ask the shop to note any oil in plug wells or cracked boots, which can shorten coil life if left unaddressed.

Key Takeaways

For most vehicles, replacing one ignition coil costs $150–$350. Expect higher totals when access is difficult or for luxury brands. Pairing the repair with a fresh spark plug on that cylinder is often smart, and getting two quotes with clear labor hours will keep you on budget.

Summary

Most single ignition coil replacements run $150–$350, split between a $60–$180 part and 0.5–1.0 hour of labor, with complex or premium applications reaching $300–$600+. Access, brand choice, and local labor rates drive the price. Confirm whether your engine requires extra disassembly and consider replacing the spark plug on the same cylinder to prevent repeat visits.

Can I drive with a bad coil?

No, you should not drive with a bad ignition coil, as it can lead to further damage to your engine and exhaust system, potentially causing costly repairs. Symptoms like a rough engine, misfires, poor acceleration, and a lit check engine light are indicators of a faulty coil, and driving with a bad one can result in unburned fuel damaging the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors, diluting engine oil, and causing premature engine wear. 
Why you shouldn’t drive with a bad ignition coil:

• Damaged Catalytic Converter and Oxygen Sensors: Opens in new tabUnburned fuel from a misfiring cylinder can enter the exhaust system and ignite in the hot catalytic converter, leading to its failure and damage to oxygen sensors. 
• Engine Oil Contamination: Opens in new tabRaw fuel can bypass the piston rings and enter the engine oil, diluting it and severely compromising its lubricating properties. 
• Premature Engine Wear: Opens in new tabThe lack of proper lubrication from contaminated oil can lead to increased wear on cylinder walls, piston rings, and crankshaft bearings, potentially causing major engine failure. 
• Engine Instability: Opens in new tabA misfiring cylinder can act like a brake, causing the engine to vibrate, run unevenly, and put excessive stress on internal components. 

What to do if you suspect a bad ignition coil:

• Get it Diagnosed: Have the ignition coils and the entire ignition system checked by a mechanic to confirm the issue. 
• Replace Promptly: Replace the faulty ignition coil as soon as possible to prevent further, more expensive damage to your engine and exhaust components. 

Can I change just one engine coil?

You can change just one ignition coil. However when you change a ignition coil it’s recommended you change your spark plug. And it’s recommended when you change one spark plug, to change them all.

Is it expensive to replace an engine 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. Learn more about what an ignition coil is, what it does, ignition coil replacement cost, and how you can tell when it’s bad.

How much does a cylinder 1 coil cost?

The average cost of replacing an ignition coil is £150, with prices ranging from £70 and £220. When more than one ignition coil needs to be replaced, the price will vary based on the number of parts and the amount of time required to complete the job.