Are coil packs expensive to fix?

Coil packs can be cheap to replace in some cars and costly in others, depending on the vehicle’s design, how many packs fail, and the labor rate at your shop. In many situations a single, aftermarket coil can be affordable, while replacing multiple packs or OEM units in a modern, coil-on-plug setup can push the bill higher.

Coil packs are a key part of the ignition system that fire the spark plugs. When they fail, drivers may notice misfires, rough idling, or reduced power. Prices for replacement vary widely: parts can range from tens to hundreds of dollars per coil, and labor adds a variable overhead depending on engine layout and regional shop rates. This article explains what drives costs, typical price ranges, and how to approach repair decisions.

Understanding coil packs and failure modes

Coil packs deliver high-voltage electricity to spark plugs. In many modern engines, each cylinder has its own coil (coil-on-plug) or coils that serve multiple cylinders. Failures can arise from heat, vibration, moisture intrusion, or aging insulation, leading to misfires and a check engine light. Diagnosing the exact cause—whether it’s a coil, spark plug, or another ignition component—helps prevent unnecessary repairs and ensures the right parts are replaced.

Cost ranges and what drives the price

Below is a breakdown of the main cost components you should consider when budgeting for a coil pack repair. The figures are typical ranges and can vary by vehicle, region, and whether you choose aftermarket or OEM parts.

• Part cost per coil: Common aftermarket coils run roughly $40–$120 per unit. OEM or dealer-supplied coils can be $100–$250 or more per coil. Some coil-on-plug designs for certain models may be priced higher.


• Labor cost: Labor time depends on engine design and how accessible the coils are. Expect roughly 0.5–2 hours per coil, with shop rates commonly $75–$150+ per hour. Replacing all four coils on a typical four-cylinder car might run roughly $150–$600 in labor, depending on access and local rates.


• Additional costs: If you replace spark plugs at the same time, add about $25–$80 for four plugs (depending on brand and whether you use iridium/platinum plugs). Other items, like gaskets, boots, or related sensors, may add modest extras.

In short, total costs vary widely. A single aftermarket coil replacement can be relatively inexpensive, while replacing multiple coils with OEM parts on a modern engine can become a substantial expense, especially for luxury or high-performance vehicles.

Diagnosing and choosing parts

Before buying parts, many shop visits start with diagnostic checks and, if possible, a swap test (moving a known-good coil to a suspect cylinder) to confirm which coil is bad. When choosing parts, you’ll weigh aftermarket reliability against OEM fit and warranty, and decide whether to replace only the failing unit or all coils at once to reduce future visits.

DIY vs professional considerations

For handy owners, replacing a coil pack can be a straightforward DIY job on many vehicles, especially where coils are easily accessible. Doing it yourself can save labor costs and let you control part selection. On engines with tight spaces, concealed wiring, or the need to remove intake manifolds, professional service can save time and reduce the risk of damage. Be sure to follow safety precautions, disconnect the battery, and clear any codes after replacement to verify the repair.

• Pros of DIY: Lower overall cost, learning experience, potential for faster turnaround if you have the tools and space.


• Cons of DIY: Time investment, potential for incorrect installation, risk of damaging plugs or boots, limited access to factory-quality parts or warranty.


• Blended approach: Some drivers replace only the failing coil first, then reassess—especially if the problem persists or codes point elsewhere.

Ultimately, whether to DIY or hire a shop depends on your skill level, the vehicle design, and how comfortable you are with handling high-voltage ignition components. A professional assessment can help you avoid misdiagnosis and ensure the right parts are used.

What to expect after replacement

Once a coil pack is replaced, most drivers notice improved engine smoothness, reduced misfire symptoms, and a brighter running engine with restored power. It’s common to clear any stored fault codes with a scan tool and then perform a test drive to confirm the issue is resolved. If misfires recur, the mechanic may re-check related parts like spark plugs, wiring, or the engine’s ECU for other underlying causes.

Summary

coil packs are not universally expensive to fix, but costs depend on the vehicle and the scope of the repair. A single aftermarket coil can be affordable, while replacing multiple coils—especially OEM units on coil-on-plug engines—can be costly. Diagnosis accuracy, part choices, and labor rates all shape the final bill. For many drivers, weighing DIY options against professional service and considering replacing related components at the same time can help manage costs and minimize future problems.

How much should it cost to replace a coil pack?

The average cost to replace an ignition coil is between $230 and $330, according to RepairPal. This cost includes both labor and parts. Labor is estimated at $75 to $100, while the cost of parts typically ranges from about $155 to $230.

Why are coil packs so expensive?

Coil packs are expensive due to their nature as precision, high-tech components, the cost of advanced technologies in modern vehicles, and the variations in quality between brands. They are an integral part of a car's ignition system, converting low voltage to the high voltage needed to create a spark, a task that requires precise engineering and durable materials. The final price also reflects the specific vehicle's make and model, the labor costs for diagnosis and replacement, and the quality of the part itself—cheap, low-quality coils can fail prematurely and potentially damage the vehicle's computer. 
Technological complexity

• Precision engineering: Ignition coils are precision components that must be robustly built to withstand the rapid, repeated firing of spark plugs, which can happen up to eight times per second. 
• Advanced systems: Modern vehicles use more advanced systems like coil-on-plug (COP) or distributorless ignition systems (DIS), which are more technologically advanced and generally more expensive than older, simpler systems. 

Quality and brand variations

• Varying quality: The price reflects the quality of the materials and manufacturing standards. High-quality, reputable brands create coils designed to last, while cheaper, unbranded parts often fail prematurely. 
• Risk of damage: Poor-quality coils can send incorrect voltage readings back to the engine control unit (ECU), potentially damaging the computer, leading to a much higher repair bill. 
• Counterfeit parts: The market has many counterfeit parts that are relabeled generic parts not built to OEM standards, which are a significant risk when buying cheap coils. 

Vehicle-specific and labor costs

• Vehicle specificity: The cost varies significantly depending on the vehicle's make, model, and year. Some high-performance or luxury vehicles use specialized, more expensive coils. 
• Labor costs: The total cost includes labor for diagnosing the issue and replacing the coil. While the labor itself is often straightforward, the diagnostic time and regional labor rates can increase the overall price. 

Can I drive with a bad coil pack?

You can drive a short distance with a bad coil pack, but it's not recommended as it can cause significant and expensive engine damage. Driving with a bad coil pack can lead to a misfiring engine, poor fuel economy, and potential damage to your catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and even engine components like bearings, piston rings, and cylinder walls. It's best to get the faulty part replaced as soon as possible.
 
Risks of driving with a bad coil pack

• Engine damage: An engine misfire from a bad coil pack can cause unburnt fuel to get into the exhaust, potentially igniting in the catalytic converter and causing it to overheat and burn out. 
• Oil dilution: Unburnt fuel can also wash oil off cylinder walls and dilute the oil in the oil pan, which can lead to poor lubrication and damage major engine components like bearings and the crankshaft. 
• Rough ride: The vehicle will likely run poorly, experiencing rough idling, stalling, and a loss of power, making the driving experience unstable and unsafe. 
• Increased costs: While it may seem like a cheap fix initially, ignoring a bad coil pack can lead to much more expensive repairs down the line, such as replacing a catalytic converter. 

You can watch this video to see how driving with a bad coil pack can lead to catastrophic engine failure: 59sAuto Repair GuysYouTube · Aug 9, 2022
What to do

• Get it fixed immediately: The best course of action is to have the faulty coil pack replaced as soon as you can to avoid further damage. 
• Drive with caution if absolutely necessary: If you must drive, do so for the shortest distance possible on local roads only and avoid hard acceleration. 

How much is it to repair a coil pack?

The average cost of replacing an ignition coil is £150, with prices ranging from £70 and £220. When more than one ignition coil needs to be replaced, the price will vary based on the number of parts and the amount of time required to complete the job.