How Much Is a Starter for a 2017 Hyundai Sonata?

A replacement starter for a 2017 Hyundai Sonata typically costs about $180 to $420 for the part itself, with total installed cost usually ranging from roughly $350 to $750 in the United States, depending on engine type, brand, and labor rates. Prices vary widely between dealerships, independent shops, and online retailers, as well as between new, remanufactured, and aftermarket units.

Understanding the Cost Range

The price of a starter for a 2017 Hyundai Sonata isn’t fixed because several factors affect what you’ll actually pay: the engine configuration, whether you choose OEM or aftermarket, and where you buy and install the part. Knowing these elements can help you budget more accurately and avoid overpaying for the repair.

Typical Parts Price Range (2025 Market)

For most 2017 Hyundai Sonata models, parts pricing for a starter falls into a fairly predictable band, though outliers exist at both the low and high ends.

• Aftermarket remanufactured starter: About $180–$260
• Aftermarket new starter: About $220–$320
• OEM Hyundai starter (dealer or OEM-brand online): About $320–$420
• Budget/house brands online (less known manufacturers): Sometimes as low as $150–$200

These figures reflect typical online and parts-store pricing as of late 2025; local taxes, shipping, and any core charges or returns can nudge the final total slightly higher or lower.

Installed Cost: Parts Plus Labor

When you factor in professional labor, the cost of replacing a starter on a 2017 Hyundai Sonata generally lands in a broader bracket, reflecting differences in shop rates and policies.

• Independent repair shop: Usually around $350–$650 total
• Hyundai dealership service department: Commonly around $500–$750 total
• Mobile mechanic services: Often in the $350–$600 range, depending on region
• DIY (do-it-yourself): Roughly the cost of the part only (around $180–$420), plus tools and your time

Actual totals can land near the low or high end of these ranges depending on whether additional issues are discovered—such as corroded cables or a weak battery—that need to be addressed during the same visit.

How Engine Type Affects Pricing

The 2017 Hyundai Sonata came with several engine options, and the exact starter you need—and what it costs—depends on which version you drive. Matching the correct part to your engine is essential to avoid fitment problems and unexpected returns.

Common 2017 Sonata Engine Variants

Different engines use different starters, which can slightly shift the price, especially for OEM units. Here’s how the main powertrains compare.

• 2.4L I4 (non-turbo, common in SE/Value/SEL trims): Usually the most widely available starter; parts pricing often sits near the low to mid range (about $180–$350 depending on brand).
• 2.0L Turbo (Sport 2.0T / Limited 2.0T): Starters can be slightly more expensive or less commonly stocked; expect roughly $220–$400.
• Hybrid / Plug-in Hybrid variants: These use different starting/drive systems; costs and components differ and can climb higher, sometimes $350–$600 just for the part from OEM channels.

Because of these differences, it’s crucial to confirm your engine type (via the VIN, build sticker, or registration) before ordering a starter, especially if you’re buying online or through a generic parts catalog.

OEM vs. Aftermarket vs. Remanufactured

Your choice between original Hyundai parts and aftermarket options will significantly influence the final price. Each category offers trade-offs in cost, warranty, and perceived reliability.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Starters

OEM starters are built to Hyundai specifications and usually sold through dealerships or OEM-branded online retailers. They tend to be the most expensive but also the most predictable in quality and fit.

• Pros: Guaranteed compatibility, consistent quality, and strong warranty support from Hyundai or authorized suppliers.
• Cons: Highest upfront price; often $320–$420 for the part alone, not including labor.
• Best for: Owners who prioritize manufacturer-backed parts, especially under extended warranties or for vehicles maintained strictly with OEM components.

For many drivers, OEM can be a good long-term investment, especially if you plan to keep the car for many years and want fewer unknowns.

Aftermarket and Remanufactured Starters

Aftermarket and remanufactured starters are widely available from auto parts chains and online marketplaces and can significantly lower the repair bill. The key is choosing reputable brands and reading warranty terms carefully.

• Pros: Lower price (often $180–$320), good availability, and in many cases, multi-year warranties from established manufacturers.
• Cons: Quality can vary by brand; cheap “no-name” units can have higher failure rates and weaker support.
• Remanufactured specifics: These are rebuilt units with new wear components; they often require a refundable core charge if you return your old starter.

For most 2017 Sonata owners out of factory warranty, a high-quality aftermarket or reputable remanufactured starter offers a reasonable balance between cost and reliability.

Labor Costs and What Influences Them

Replacing a starter on a 2017 Hyundai Sonata is a moderately involved job, but not the most time-consuming repair. Labor costs, however, can vary sharply by region and type of shop, so it pays to understand the components of the estimate.

Estimated Labor Time

Industry labor guides typically estimate between 1.0 and 2.0 hours of labor to replace the starter on most non-hybrid 2017 Sonata models, depending on exact engine and access. Labor rates and vehicle condition push the total in different directions.

• Labor time: Around 1.0–2.0 hours for most non-hybrid Sonatas.
• Hourly rate (independent shops): Commonly $90–$150 per hour in many U.S. markets.
• Hourly rate (dealerships): Often $140–$220 per hour, especially in major metro areas.
• Additional tasks: Diagnostics, battery testing, and corrosion cleanup can add 0.3–0.5 hours.

Combining these figures, a typical labor charge for a starter job will often fall between about $120 and $350, helping explain the broad range in total installed price.

Other Costs to Watch For

While the starter itself is the main expense, related components and services can appear on a repair invoice. Some are optional but advisable; others may be required if problems are found during the job.

Common Add-On Items

Additional line items don’t always mean upselling; many are legitimate preventive measures that can protect the new starter and ensure reliable operation.

• Battery test or replacement: A weak or failing battery can mimic starter issues; testing may be included or cost $20–$40, while a new battery can run $120–$250 installed.
• Cable and terminal cleaning: Corrosion can restrict current flow and stress the starter; cleaning or minor wiring repair may add $20–$80.
• Core charge: For remanufactured starters, a refundable core deposit (often $30–$80) is applied until your old starter is returned.
• Diagnostic fee: If the shop spends time confirming that the starter (not another component) is the cause, a diagnostic fee of around $80–$150 may appear, sometimes waived if repairs are approved.

These additional expenses can raise the final bill but also help avoid repeat failures or misdiagnosis—especially helpful when symptoms are ambiguous, such as intermittent no-start conditions.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

Because published ranges are general, the most reliable way to know what a starter replacement will cost for your specific 2017 Sonata is to collect written or digital estimates. A little preparation ensures more precise and comparable quotes.

Information You Should Provide

Service departments and parts suppliers need basic details about your car to quote accurately and ensure the correct starter is ordered. Having this ready streamlines the process and reduces errors.

• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): This is the most precise way to match the correct starter to your exact build.
• Engine type/trim: For example, 2.4L SE, 2.0T Sport, Limited, Hybrid, or Plug-in Hybrid.
• Mileage: Some shops consider this in their recommendations for related maintenance.
• Symptoms: Describe whether the car clicks, cranks slowly, or does nothing at all when you turn the key or press the button.

Armed with this information, you can quickly compare offers from a dealership, an independent shop, and perhaps a mobile mechanic or two, making it easier to balance cost with convenience and confidence in the work.

Is Starter Replacement a DIY Job?

For mechanically inclined owners, replacing the starter on a 2017 Sonata can be a do-it-yourself possibility, but it is not a casual novice task. Access, safety, and tool requirements should be considered before attempting the job.

DIY Considerations and Tools

If you’re weighing whether to hire a professional or handle the repair yourself, several practical factors come into play, from basic equipment to working conditions and safety knowledge.

• Tools needed: Basic metric socket set, wrenches, jack and jack stands or ramps, and sometimes extensions or swivels for tight spaces.
• Safety steps: Disconnect the battery before working; properly support the vehicle if work is done underneath.
• Skill level: Intermediate—requires comfort working under the car and following factory or repair-manual instructions.
• Time estimate: For a first-timer, expect 2–4 hours, depending on experience and whether bolts or connectors are difficult to access.

For many owners, particularly those without a safe workspace or the necessary tools, the cost savings of DIY may not justify the effort and risk, making a reputable shop or mobile mechanic the more practical choice.

Summary

A starter for a 2017 Hyundai Sonata generally costs about $180–$420 for the part and roughly $350–$750 installed, with the exact price shaped by engine type, OEM vs. aftermarket choice, and local labor rates. Independent shops tend to be less expensive than dealerships, and high-quality aftermarket or remanufactured starters can significantly reduce the bill while still delivering reliable performance. Providing your VIN and engine details will help you get accurate quotes, and while skilled DIY owners can tackle the job, most drivers will find professional installation the safest and most efficient option.