Replace Ignition Coils: Average Costs

The Cost to Replace Ignition Coils: What You Need to Know

As a car owner, one of the most frustrating experiences you can have is dealing with engine misfires or trouble starting your vehicle. An ignition coil, as the name implies, creates the high voltage needed to jump the spark plug gap and ignite the air/fuel mixture in your engine. When a coil fails, your engine can run poorly or, in some cases, not run at all. So, how much is it going to cost you to replace ignition coils in your car or truck? Let’s break it down, starting with the types of ignition coils and the differences in labor costs to install them.

There Are Three Types of Ignition Coils

When you’re considering ignition coil replacement, the first thing you need to understand is that not all ignition coils are the same. There are generally three types used in most modern vehicles: single ignition coils, coil-on-plug (COP) systems, and distributor-based ignition systems. Each of these systems comes with its own replacement cost, and the labor involved in replacing them can vary significantly.

Single Ignition Coils— The traditional single ignition coil system is most commonly found in older vehicles, typically pre-1990s models. In this setup, a single coil distributes electrical power to all the cylinders through a distributor. Replacing a single ignition coil is usually less expensive because it is simpler in design and requires less labor time to access and replace.

Distributorless Ignition Coils (DIS)—  A DIS coil pack is used in an electronic distributorless ignition system. A coil pack can fire 2 or 4 spark plugs. In addition to allowing the elimination of a mechanical distributor, a DIS coil pack can generate a high-voltage spark because it only provides the spark for 2 or 4 spark plugs, instead of a single coil system that has to provide high voltage for all the spark plugs.

Coil-on-Plug (COP) Systems— Most modern vehicles are equipped with coil-on-plug (COP) systems, where each cylinder has its own dedicated ignition coil. These systems are designed for better performance and efficiency but can also raise the cost of ignition coil replacement. Since each coil needs to be replaced individually, the labor can become more expensive, and finding the source of the failure can take more time.

3 Types of ignition coils

How Much Are New Ignition Coils?

Now, let’s get into the real question: How much are new ignition coils? The cost of a new ignition coil can vary depending on the following variables:

The engine type influences the labor cost— The coils are easily accessible on a 4-cylinder engine so a technician can replace all four coils in about 45 minutes to 1-hour. However, while the coils on the front of a transverse-mount V-6 engine are easy, the rear coils are much harder to access, so the labor can take up to 1.5 hours in some cases. In addition, some V-6 and V-8 engines require the removal of the intake manifold to access the ignition coils. That raises the labor to around 2-2.5 hours.

The brand of the coil matters a lot— OE COP coils can cost as much as $600 each, with most OE COP coils in the $225 range. So you’ll pay a lot more for coils if you have the work done at the dealer.

The orange coil ares easy to access on most 4-cylinder engines.

When it comes to ignition coils, you get what you pay for.  Aftermarket COP coils range in price from as low as $30 each to as much as $200 each. Cheap ignition coils are made with less expensive materials and fail more often than quality ones. In my opinion, I would avoid buying non-name ignition coils from eBay or Amazon. In addition, I would avoid coils made by SKP, Ultra-Power, Spectra, WVE, Duralast, and Standard. My preferred brands are NGK, Denso, and Delphi. Each company is a Tier 1 supplier to the carmakers, and their coils are of OE quality.

Typical ignition coil replacement costs

Costs for a 4-cylinder engine
4 Denso or NGK ignition coils (shop price) A $145 each = $580
Labor to replace 4 coils (not including the diagnostic fee) 1-hr labor @ $140/hr. Total $720

Costs for a transverse mount V-6 Engine
6 Denso or NGK ignition coils (shop price) A $145 each = $870
Labor to replace 4 coils (not including the diagnostic fee) 1.75-hr labor @ $140/hr=  $245
Total $1,115

What Causes Ignition Coils To Fail

The cracks in this ignition coil were caused by voltage fire-through due to worn out spark plugs. In this case, ignoring normal spark plug changes cost the customer an additional $1,300 to replace the coils in addition to the plugs. You never save money by ignoring spark plug changes.

1) Ignoring spark plug maintenance— Driving on worn spark plugs is the #1 cause of ignition coil failure. When the coil builds 40,000 volts, but the spark plug gap is too wide, the voltage can fire right through the side of the coil, destroying it.

2) Excessive Heat— The epoxy dielectric compount used in ignition coils can break down and fail in high heat conditions. So, it’s not uncommon to see ignition coil failure after an engine overheating event.

3) Oil, water, or fuel contamination— Oil and fuel can degrade the plasting housing and the epoxy insulation. Water intrusion can cause terminal corrosion.

4) Voltage spikes— Voltage spikes can permanently damage coils due to a faulty alternator or poor jump-starting practices.

Ultimately, the cost of replacing the ignition coil is something you shouldn’t ignore. By addressing ignition coil issues early, you can keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the road. If you’re concerned about how much new ignition coils will cost you, getting multiple quotes from trusted mechanics is always a good idea to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

©, 2025 Rick Muscoplat