How Much Is a Coil for a Car?

A typical ignition coil costs $40–$120 each for common coil-on-plug units, with OEM parts often $80–$200; older “canister” coils run about $20–$60, and multi-tower coil packs are usually $80–$250. Installed, expect roughly $150–$400 for a single coil at an independent shop and $250–$600 at a dealership; replacing an entire set on a V6/V8 can run $300–$1,200+ depending on vehicle, labor rates, and whether plugs/boots are done at the same time.

What Determines the Price of a Car Ignition Coil

Ignition coil pricing varies widely because different vehicles use different coil designs and because labor, brand, and access can change the total bill. Understanding these factors helps you budget and avoid overpaying.

• Coil type: coil-on-plug (“pencil”), multi-tower coil pack (waste-spark), or older canister/distributor style.
• Vehicle make/model: luxury and German brands often have higher OEM pricing; some engines require extra labor to access coils.
• OEM vs. aftermarket: OEM is usually pricier; reputable aftermarket (e.g., Denso, NGK, Delphi, Bosch) can offer solid value.
• Number of cylinders: replacing all coils on a V6/V8 multiplies parts cost.
• Labor/time: jobs range from ~0.5–1.5 hours per coil depending on access; shop rates commonly $100–$200+ per hour in 2025.
• Add-ons: spark plugs and boots often replaced concurrently; diagnostic fees, taxes, shop supplies, and warranty coverage affect totals.
• Region: urban/high-cost markets price higher than rural areas; dealer labor rates typically exceed independents.

Taken together, these variables mean two owners with the same symptom can see very different invoices based on vehicle design and service approach.

Typical Price Ranges for Parts (U.S. 2025)

Here’s how current retail parts pricing generally breaks down across the most common ignition coil types.

• Coil-on-plug (COP) / “pencil” coils: $40–$120 each aftermarket; $80–$200 each OEM. Sets often discounted:
  

  • 4-cylinder set: ~$120–$480 (aftermarket) to ~$320–$800 (OEM).
  • 6-cylinder set: ~$240–$720 (aftermarket) to ~$480–$1,200 (OEM).
  • 8-cylinder set: ~$320–$960 (aftermarket) to ~$640–$1,600 (OEM).

• Multi-tower coil packs (waste-spark): $80–$250 each depending on brand and application.
• Older canister/distributor-style coils: $20–$60 aftermarket; $40–$120 OEM.
• High-performance or specialty coils (racing/HEI/upgraded): $100–$300+ each.

Prices fluctuate with availability and brand promotions, but these ranges reflect typical 2025 retail for widely sold models.

Installed Costs at Shops

Total repair cost combines parts, labor, and incidentals. Access complexity and shop rates are the biggest swing factors.

• Labor time: ~0.5–1.5 hours per coil is common; some transverse V6s and tightly packaged engines take longer.
• Shop rates: often $100–$200+/hr at independents; $175–$250+/hr at many dealers in high-cost metros.
• Typical totals:
  

  • Single COP coil at independent: ~$150–$400 installed.
  • Single COP coil at dealer: ~$250–$600 installed.
  • Full set on V6/V8: ~$300–$1,200+ installed, depending on brand, access, and whether plugs/boots are added.

• Common add-ons: spark plugs ($6–$25 each) and coil boots ($5–$20 each), diagnostic fee ($50–$150), taxes/fees.

If a shop must remove intake components to reach coils, expect additional labor and gaskets, pushing totals higher.

Replace One Coil or All?

Whether to replace a single failed coil or all coils depends on mileage, failure patterns, and economics.

• Replace the failed coil if the vehicle is low-to-mid mileage and other coils test fine; keep a spare for high-mile cars.
• Replace all coils when:
  

  • Mileage is high (e.g., 100k+), especially if two or more have already failed.
  • Access is labor-intensive (save labor by doing all once).
  • The platform is known for cluster failures (some German luxury models).

• Always consider replacing spark plug boots with COP coils; aged boots frequently cause misfires indistinguishable from a bad coil.
• Pair new coils with fresh spark plugs if they’re due; worn plugs can overload coils and shorten lifespan.

A targeted replacement plus plugs/boots is cost-effective in many cases; a full set offers peace of mind when failures are recurring.

How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Reliability

Thoughtful parts choices and timing can reduce costs while maintaining OEM-level performance.

• Choose reputable aftermarket brands (e.g., Denso, NGK, Delphi, Bosch, Hitachi) when OEM prices run high.
• Buy multipacks or full sets for per-unit discounts if replacing several coils.
• Do coils, boots, and spark plugs together to avoid repeat labor; ask shops about bundle pricing.
• Avoid ultra-cheap no-name coils; higher early-failure rates often negate savings.
• Verify warranty terms (1–3 years common); keep receipts tied to your VIN.
• DIY is feasible on many engines: label connectors, use a torque wrench for plugs, and clear codes; consult a repair guide.

These steps can trim the bill while preserving drivability and long-term reliability.

Signs Your Ignition Coil May Be Failing

Recognizing symptoms early can prevent catalytic converter damage and towing costs.

• Check engine light with misfire codes (P0300 random, P0301–P0308 cylinder-specific) or coil circuit codes (P0351–P0358).
• Rough idle, stumbling on acceleration, or loss of power under load.
• Hard starts, especially when cold or in damp weather.
• Poor fuel economy and fuel smell from unburned mixture.
• Intermittent misfire that worsens with heat.

If a misfire persists, minimize driving to protect the catalytic converter; prompt repair is cheaper than cat replacement.

Illustrative Cost Examples by Vehicle Category

Actual invoices vary, but these examples reflect common ranges for parts and labor.

• Economy compact (e.g., Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra):
  

  • Per COP coil: $40–$100 parts; $180–$350 installed.
  • Full 4-cylinder set: $150–$500 parts; $300–$700 installed.

• Midsize sedan/crossover (e.g., Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Toyota RAV4):
  

  • Per COP coil: $50–$120 parts; $200–$400 installed.
  • Full 4/6-cylinder set: $200–$800 parts; $400–$1,000 installed.

• Domestic V8 truck/SUV (e.g., Ford F-150 5.0, Chevy Silverado 5.3):
  

  • Per COP coil: $50–$110 parts; $200–$450 installed.
  • Full 8-cylinder set: $300–$700 parts; $500–$1,200 installed.

• German luxury (e.g., BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz):
  

  • Per COP coil: $80–$180 OEM parts; $250–$500 installed.
  • Full set: $400–$1,200+ parts; $700–$1,600+ installed.

• Older distributor-based vehicles:
  

  • Canister coil: $20–$60 parts; $120–$250 installed.

Hybrids with gasoline engines use coils similar to non-hybrids; diesels do not use ignition coils (they use glow plugs), so the above does not apply to diesel engines.

Summary

Expect to pay $40–$120 for a common coil-on-plug ignition coil ($80–$200 OEM), $80–$250 for a coil pack, and $20–$60 for older canister coils. Installed, a single coil typically runs $150–$400 at an independent shop or $250–$600 at a dealer, with full-set replacements on V6/V8 engines ranging from $300 to $1,200+ depending on brand, access, and add-ons. Replace plugs/boots when due, favor reputable brands, and consider full-set replacement on high-mileage engines or where access is costly.

What are the symptoms of a bad coil on a car?

Symptoms of a bad ignition coil include the illuminated check engine light, rough or erratic engine idling, engine misfires, backfiring, difficulty starting the engine, reduced power and poor fuel economy, and even engine stalling. A foul smell of gas from the exhaust can also be a sign of unburned fuel due to a misfiring cylinder. These symptoms indicate the ignition system is not consistently creating the spark needed for combustion, which can lead to more severe engine damage if left unaddressed. 
Here are the common symptoms of a faulty ignition coil:

• Check Engine Light: The most common initial sign of an ignition coil problem is a glowing check engine light on your dashboard. 
• Engine Misfiring: The engine may cough, sputter, or vibrate due to a cylinder not firing correctly because the ignition coil isn’t providing enough voltage for the spark plug. 
• Rough Idling: The engine’s smooth rumble at idle will turn into a juddering, faltering, and noisy experience, especially when the car is stationary. 
• Difficulty Starting: A failing ignition coil can make it harder for the engine to start, requiring the ignition system to work overtime. 
• Engine Stalling: In severe cases, a misfire from a faulty ignition coil can cause the engine to stall while driving. 
• Reduced Power and Fuel Economy: You might notice a significant loss of power and slower acceleration because the engine isn’t combusting fuel efficiently. 
• Backfiring and Gas Smell: When fuel doesn’t ignite in a cylinder, it can exit the exhaust and ignite, causing loud pops (backfiring) and a strong smell of gas. 

How much does one coil cost?

How much does it cost to change one ignition coil? Parts can range from about $35 to more than $300 for one ignition coil, according to the vehicle you drive. Labor costs for replacing the part are usually less than $100.

Can I drive my car 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. 

How much does it cost to replace a coil in a car?

Replacing a car’s ignition coil can cost anywhere from $130 to over $600, with the total depending on your vehicle’s make and model, the type of ignition system, and whether you opt for DIY or professional service. Parts can range from $35 to over $300 per coil, while labor costs vary based on the complexity of the job and the hourly shop rate. For example, a common domestic vehicle might be on the lower end, while a complex Japanese import could be significantly more. 
Factors influencing the cost

• Vehicle Make and Model: Costs vary significantly between domestic and imported vehicles, with Japanese models often being more expensive. 
• Type of Ignition System:
  • Conventional coils: are generally less expensive. 
  • Coil-on-plug: and distributorless ignition system (DIS) coils are often more costly, with some models reaching $300-$600 or more per coil. 
• Part Quality: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) coils are often more expensive than aftermarket options. 
• Complexity of Replacement: Some coils are easily accessible on the top of the engine, while others may be located near the firewall, requiring removal of other engine parts, which increases labor time and cost. 
• Labor Costs: Hourly shop rates can differ, and the time it takes to perform the job is a major component of the total cost. 

Typical Cost Breakdown

• Parts: A single ignition coil can cost anywhere from $35 to over $300, depending on the vehicle and system. 
• Labor: A mechanic’s labor for replacing a coil can range from $80 to $150 per hour or more. 

How to Get an Accurate Estimate

1. Identify your vehicle’s make, model, and year: This information is crucial for determining part availability and cost. 
2. Find the faulty coil: A proper diagnosis is needed to identify the specific coil that needs replacing. 
3. Use online estimators: Websites like RepairPal provide estimates based on your vehicle’s information. 
4. Contact local shops: Get quotes from local auto repair shops or dealerships for an accurate estimate of both parts and labor.