Replacing an ignition coil typically costs $150 to $450 per coil at a shop. The coil itself is inexpensive at $30 to $120, and coil-on-plug designs make many replacements a fast job. Shops often recommend replacing the spark plug under a failed coil at the same time.
$150-$450
typical shop cost (per coil)
$30-$120
coil only (DIY)
0.5-1 hr
typical labor time
📊 Quick Comparison
Vehicle type
Parts
Labor
Total
Economy 4-cyl
$50
$100
$150
Midsize/SUV V6
$80
$150
$230
Full-size truck V8
$90
$160
$250
European/luxury
$130
$200
$330
What it costs
A single ignition coil replacement usually runs $150 to $450. Modern engines use one coil per cylinder (coil-on-plug), so you can replace just the failed one, though some owners do a full set on high-mileage engines.
If the coil is buried under an intake or on the back of a transverse V6, labor climbs.
Parts vs labor
Coils are cheap, and coil-on-plug units usually pull out after removing one bolt and a connector. Labor is often under an hour for accessible cylinders.
Ignition coil (each): $30 to $120
Spark plug (recommended with it): $6 to $25
Accessible labor: $80 to $200
Hard-access labor: $200 to $350
Signs you need it
Engine misfire, a flashing check-engine light, rough idle, hesitation or a stumble under acceleration, poor fuel economy, and a cylinder-specific misfire code all point to a failing coil.
Misfire, often on one cylinder
Flashing check-engine light
Rough idle and hesitation
Cylinder misfire code (P0301 to P0308)
DIY vs shop
Coil-on-plug replacement is one of the easiest DIY repairs on accessible cylinders: unplug, unbolt, swap, and reconnect. Replace the plug beneath it while you are there. Buried coils on some engines are more work but still doable.
How to save
Confirm which coil is bad with the misfire code before buying a full set. Replace the matching spark plug at the same time. Buy quality coils, since cheap ones commonly fail early and re-trigger the check-engine light.
📋 Never get charged $800 for a $50 fix
The 50 most common check engine codes with likely cause and DIY fix cost. Sent once.
❓ FAQ
Should I replace all ignition coils at once?
Not required. Replace the failed coil, but on high-mileage engines some owners do the full set since the others are aging too.
Can a bad coil damage the catalytic converter?
Yes. A misfiring coil dumps unburned fuel into the exhaust, which can overheat and destroy the catalytic converter over time.
How do I know which coil is bad?
The misfire code identifies the cylinder (P0301 is cylinder 1, and so on). You can also swap a coil to another cylinder to see if the misfire follows it.
Should I replace the spark plug with the coil?
Usually yes. A worn plug can cause the coil to work harder and fail, so replacing both prevents a repeat problem.
What causes ignition coils to fail?
Heat, vibration, age, worn spark plugs increasing electrical load, and oil leaking into the plug wells all shorten coil life.
Is a misfire an emergency?
A flashing check-engine light means an active misfire that can harm the catalytic converter. Reduce driving and fix it promptly.