How Much Does It Cost to Replace Spark Plugs?

Last Updated on February 5, 2026

Spark plug replacement is usually a straightforward maintenance job, but the price can vary a lot by vehicle. As of 2025, a common national estimate for spark plug replacement at a repair shop is $264 to $390, with most of the bill coming from labor (RepairPal). Kelley Blue Book notes the national average can be around $400 across vehicle years, makes, and models.

The biggest variables are access (how hard it is to reach the plugs), how many plugs your engine uses, and whether your vehicle needs additional parts removed to get the job done.

Expect a Few Hundred Dollars at Most Shops: Common national estimates fall in the mid-$200s to high-$300s, with some vehicles trending higher.
Labor and Access Matter Most: Hard-to-reach rear-bank plugs and extra disassembly are what typically inflate the quote.
Parts Are Usually Affordable: Many plugs are under $10 each, but premium long-life plugs can cost more—plus some engines use more plugs than you’d expect.
Insurance Is Usually Not the Answer: Spark plugs are routine maintenance, though coverage may apply if damage is tied to a covered comprehensive or collision loss.

Table Of Contents

Spark Plug Replacement Cost at a Glance
Real-World Price Examples by Vehicle
How Much Do Spark Plugs Cost?
Why Labor Is Often the Biggest Cost
Factors That Change the Price
DIY vs. Shop Replacement
How Often Should You Replace Spark Plugs?
Signs You May Need New Spark Plugs
Does Auto Insurance Cover Spark Plug Replacement?
Bottom Line
FAQs on Spark Plug Replacement Costs

Spark Plug Replacement Cost at a Glance

Cost Item	Typical Range	Notes
Total Cost at a Shop	$264–$390 (common estimate)	Varies by vehicle and local labor rates; taxes/fees may apply.
Labor	$182–$267 (common estimate)	Access and engine layout usually drive labor costs.
Parts	$82–$123 (common estimate)	Depends on plug type and how many plugs your engine uses.

Reference estimates: RepairPal spark plug replacement cost and Kelley Blue Book spark plug replacement pricing.

Real-World Price Examples by Vehicle

Even when the service is “spark plug replacement,” the price can look very different from one model to another. Here are example ranges published by RepairPal (your exact total depends on your year, engine, and location):

Example Vehicle	Estimated Range	Why It Varies
Toyota Camry	$142–$223	Often easier access on many trims/engines.
Honda Accord	$144–$241	Access and engine configuration can shift labor time.
Honda Civic	$147–$291	Parts and labor vary by engine and trim.
Toyota Corolla	$181–$259	Generally lower parts count, but design still matters.
Ford F-150	$328–$436	More space in the bay doesn’t always mean faster labor.

Quick tip: When comparing estimates, ask whether the quote includes removing any covers/plenums and whether it includes shop supplies and new boots/seals if your vehicle uses coil-on-plug ignition.

How Much Do Spark Plugs Cost?

The plugs themselves are usually not the expensive part. Kelley Blue Book notes that many spark plugs cost under $10 each, while premium platinum- or iridium-tipped plugs can be as much as about $25 each. Depending on your engine, a full set can be roughly $16 to $100 for the plugs alone.

One important “gotcha”: some engines use two spark plugs per cylinder, which can double the plug count and raise parts and labor costs.

Why Labor Is Often the Biggest Cost

Labor is what swings the total the most. On many vehicles, spark plugs are right on top of the engine and easy to reach. On others, the rear bank (especially in some transverse V6 designs) can be tight, requiring extra disassembly to access the plugs.

A shop may also recommend related items based on your ignition design and the condition of parts removed during service (for example, worn plug wires on older vehicles). Always ask what’s required vs. optional so you can prioritize.

Factors That Change the Price

Number of cylinders (and plugs): More cylinders generally means more plugs and more labor.
Plug type: Premium long-life plugs usually cost more per plug.
Engine layout and access: If components must be removed to reach the plugs, labor time increases.
Local labor rates: Rates vary widely by region and shop type (dealer vs. independent).
Additional diagnosis: If you’re chasing a rough idle or check engine light, diagnosis time may be billed separately.

DIY vs. Shop Replacement

If your plugs are easy to access and you’re comfortable using the correct tools (especially a torque wrench), DIY can reduce your cost to mainly the price of the plugs. But spark plug replacement isn’t risk-free: cross-threading, over-tightening, or cracking a plug can turn a maintenance job into a much bigger repair.

If you’re not confident or your engine has hard-to-reach plugs, a reputable shop is often the safer choice.

Quick tip: If you’re considering DIY, look up your exact year/make/model procedure first—some engines require removing components to access the rear plugs, and the wrong approach can break clips, hoses, or ignition coils.

How Often Should You Replace Spark Plugs?

There isn’t one universal interval. Kelley Blue Book notes older guidance was around 30,000 miles, while modern extended-life plugs can last up to 100,000 miles. Your best source is your owner’s manual (or the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule), since intervals vary by engine and plug type.

Signs You May Need New Spark Plugs

Worn plugs can cause performance and drivability issues that get worse over time. Common symptoms include:

hard starting or longer cranking,
rough idle or vibration at stops,
sluggish acceleration or loss of power,
reduced fuel economy,
engine misfires or a flashing check engine light.

Keep in mind: these symptoms can also come from ignition coils, fuel delivery issues, vacuum leaks, or sensors. A proper diagnosis helps you avoid replacing parts that aren’t the root cause.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Spark Plug Replacement?

In most situations, no. Spark plugs are considered routine maintenance, and standard auto policies typically don’t pay for mechanical wear-and-tear.

That said, if spark plug damage is tied to a covered loss, coverage may apply depending on your policy. For example, damage connected to vandalism, fire, or theft could potentially fall under comprehensive coverage. Any payout would typically be reduced by your deductible, and claim decisions depend on documentation and the adjuster’s review.

Bottom Line

Most spark plug replacements land in the “few hundred dollars” range, with labor and access driving the final total. Check your maintenance schedule for the correct interval, address symptoms early, and compare itemized estimates so you’re paying for the work your vehicle actually needs.

FAQs on Spark Plug Replacement Costs

How much does spark plug replacement usually cost at a shop?

For many vehicles, spark plug replacement typically costs a few hundred dollars. The total depends on how many plugs your engine uses, what type of plugs are required, and how much disassembly is needed to access them.

Why do some spark plug jobs cost much more than others?

Access is the biggest factor. Some engines place plugs in tight areas (often the rear bank on certain V6 designs), which increases labor time. Plug count, plug type, and local labor rates also affect the final price.

Should I replace all spark plugs at once?

Usually, yes. Replacing plugs as a complete set helps maintain consistent combustion across cylinders and avoids paying for labor twice. The main exception is when a shop is diagnosing a specific problem and needs to inspect one plug first.

How often should spark plugs be replaced?

It depends on your vehicle and plug type. Older service guidance was often around 30,000 miles, while many modern extended-life plugs can last up to 100,000 miles. Your owner’s manual (or manufacturer maintenance schedule) is the best source for the correct interval.

What are the most common signs of worn spark plugs?

Common symptoms include hard starting, rough idle, reduced fuel economy, sluggish acceleration, and engine misfires. Because these symptoms can also be caused by coils, fuel issues, or vacuum leaks, a proper diagnosis is often worthwhile.

Can I replace spark plugs myself to save money?

Sometimes. If your plugs are easy to access and you can follow the correct torque specifications, DIY can reduce costs to mainly the price of the plugs. But mistakes like cross-threading or over-tightening can cause expensive damage, so consider a professional if access is tight or you’re unsure.

Does auto insurance cover spark plug replacement?

Typically no, because spark plugs are routine maintenance and wear out over time. Coverage may be possible only if spark plug damage is directly tied to a covered loss (such as certain comprehensive or collision events), and any payout would generally be subject to your deductible and policy terms.

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