How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Turn Signal?

For most cars, replacing a simple turn-signal bulb costs about $75–$200 at a repair shop (as low as $25–$60 DIY). If your vehicle uses an integrated LED module or a sealed headlight/taillight, expect $250–$1,000+ per side. Replacing the turn-signal switch on the steering column typically runs $200–$500, while a flasher relay fix is about $45–$180. Costs vary by vehicle, part type, and labor rates.

Typical Price Ranges (2025)

The total you pay depends on whether you’re replacing a simple bulb, an LED module, an entire lamp assembly, a mirror-integrated signal, the turn-signal switch, or a flasher relay. Here’s how those break down in parts and labor.

• Conventional bulb replacement (incandescent/halogen): Parts $5–$20; labor $30–$120 (0.2–0.8 hr). Typical total $40–$150; most shops land around $75–$120.
• LED turn-signal module within a lamp: Parts $50–$250; labor $60–$180. Typical total $120–$430.
• Sealed headlight/taillight assembly with integrated turn signal: Parts $250–$1,500+; labor $80–$300 (0.5–2.0 hr). Typical total $330–$1,800+ depending on brand and trim.
• Side mirror with integrated signal: Module/cap only $150–$500 parts; full mirror (with camera/heating/BLIS) $300–$1,200 parts; labor $80–$200. Typical total $230–$1,400+.
• Turn-signal switch (multifunction stalk): Parts $50–$300; labor 0.7–2.0 hr. Typical total $150–$600 (airbag/trim removal adds time).
• Flasher relay or coding for LED loads: Parts $15–$60; labor $30–$120. Typical total $45–$180; if body control module programming is required, add $120–$250.
• Diagnostic fee (electrical fault tracing): $50–$150, often waived if you proceed with the repair at the same shop.

In short, a basic bulb is inexpensive, while modern LEDs and integrated assemblies can be several hundred dollars or more due to parts cost and access time.

Labor and Regional Variations

Labor rates in the U.S. commonly range from about $90–$150 per hour at independent shops and $160–$250 per hour at dealerships. Urban and coastal areas tend to be higher. Some jobs require bumper, wheel-liner, or interior trim removal, which increases labor time. Expect taxes and shop fees to add roughly 6–12% to the final bill. Mobile mechanics may charge a $20–$40 convenience fee but can save time if the job is straightforward.

DIY vs Professional

Whether you tackle the repair yourself depends on access, tools, and safety considerations. Here’s a practical guide to what can be DIY-friendly versus better left to a pro.

• Usually DIY-friendly: Accessible bulbs reached from the trunk, engine bay, or wheel well; older vehicles with a separate flasher relay.
• Intermediate DIY: Removing headlight/taillight housings, wheel liners, or bumper covers; retrofitting LEDs with resistors to prevent hyperflash; coding for some vehicles.
• Professional recommended: Steering wheel/airbag removal for multifunction switch replacement; sealed LED assemblies; vehicles with ADAS sensors in mirrors or lamps that may need calibration; high-end brands where coding and aiming are required.

DIY can keep costs low for simple bulbs, but complex assemblies and safety-critical components are typically faster and safer at a qualified shop.

Signs Your Turn Signal Needs Replacement

These symptoms can help you pinpoint whether you’re dealing with a bulb, wiring, relay, or switch problem.

• Rapid flashing (hyperflash), often indicating a failed bulb or a load mismatch after an LED retrofit.
• No light on one side or intermittent operation, suggesting a bad bulb, corroded socket, or wiring issue.
• Dashboard warning messages such as “Turn signal malfunction.”
• Moisture or condensation in the lamp housing, which can corrode sockets and damage LED boards.

If you’re unsure, start by checking the bulb and fuse, inspecting for moisture or corrosion, and scanning for codes; a quick diagnostic can prevent unnecessary part swaps.

Ways to Save

You can often reduce the bill with a few smart steps before authorizing work.

1. Supply a reputable OEM-equivalent bulb (e.g., Philips, Sylvania) and have a shop install it.
2. Ask for a bulb-only or module-only quote before replacing an entire lamp assembly.
3. Check for warranty, recalls, or TSBs—some LED failures are covered during basic warranty periods.
4. Compare dealer vs independent shop quotes and request the labor time estimate used.
5. Bundle work (e.g., oil change + bulb) to offset or waive diagnostic fees.
6. Avoid cheap blue-tint bulbs; they often fail early and may be less visible in bad weather.

A few calls and part checks can turn a high estimate into a modest repair, especially when an assembly isn’t strictly required.

Quick Examples

Real-world scenarios vary by model year, trim, and part availability. These examples illustrate common ranges you might encounter.

• 2015–2020 Toyota Corolla front signal bulb at an independent shop: ~$10 bulb + ~$60 labor ≈ $70; LED taillight assembly on higher trims: ~$350 part + ~$120 labor ≈ $470.
• 2018–2023 Ford F-150 mirror turn-signal module: $80–$180 part + ~$120 labor = $200–$300; full mirror with BLIS/camera: $450–$900 part + ~$150 labor = $600–$1,050.
• 2020–2024 Tesla Model 3/Y headlight (integrated LED indicator): $700–$1,200 part + ~$150 labor = $850–$1,350; headlight aiming may be required.
• 2017–2022 Honda CR‑V multifunction switch: $120–$220 part + 1.0 hr labor ($120–$180) = $240–$400.

Your VIN, trim, and options package can significantly change pricing; confirm part numbers and labor times for accurate estimates.

What Influences the Price

Several factors drive the final cost beyond just the bulb or assembly you need.

• Part type: Inexpensive incandescent bulbs vs sealed LED assemblies.
• Access complexity: Bumper or wheel-liner removal increases labor time.
• Trim/features: Mirrors with cameras, heating, or blind-spot indicators cost more.
• Electronics: CAN bus and body control modules may require coding or resistors.
• Condition: Corroded sockets, broken tabs, or wiring damage add parts and time.
• Market: Local labor rates, taxes, and parts availability affect totals.

Knowing which of these applies to your vehicle helps you anticipate costs and choose the best repair path.

Bottom Line

A basic turn-signal bulb is one of the cheapest car fixes—often under $150 at a shop or under $60 DIY. Modern vehicles with integrated LED signals, mirror modules, or sealed lamp assemblies can run from a few hundred to well over $1,000. Get a VIN-specific quote that separates parts and labor, ask whether a bulb or module can be replaced without a full assembly, and verify if coding or calibration is required.

Summary

Expect $75–$200 at a shop for a standard bulb, $250–$1,000+ for LED or sealed assemblies, $200–$500 for a turn-signal switch, and $45–$180 for a flasher relay. Labor rates, access, and part type drive most of the variation; careful diagnosis and part selection can keep costs down.

How much is it to replace a turn signal switch?

The average cost for a Turn Signal Switch Replacement is between $213 and $274. Labor costs are estimated between $107 and $157 while parts are priced between $106 and $117. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

Can I replace a blinker myself?

To take off the light socket you turn it counterclockwise a little bit about a quarter turn. And then you can just pull it. Out. Then you just pull the light bulb straight out from the side it.

How much does it cost to replace a turn signal?

$80-$110. The average cost to replace your turn signal bulb is $80 – $110.

Can you get pulled over for a broken turn signal?

Yes, they can and they do stop people for not using their turn signal. I think it’s pretty rare, overall, to get a ticket for not signalling. The ticket is usually called making an unsafe lane change. Not signalling gives an officer a valid reason to pull you over, even if they don’t end up ticketing you.