At what mileage do starters go out?

Starters, the electrical components that provide the initial power to start a vehicle's engine, typically have a lifespan of around 100,000 to 150,000 miles. However, various factors can cause them to fail prematurely. In this article, we'll explore the common mileage ranges when starters tend to go out and the reasons behind it.

Typical Starter Lifespan

Starters are designed to last for the majority of a vehicle's lifetime, but they are not immune to wear and tear. On average, starters can last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles before needing replacement. This range is influenced by several factors, including the quality of the starter, the frequency of use, and the overall condition of the vehicle's electrical system.

Factors That Affect Starter Lifespan

While the typical lifespan of a starter is around 100,000 to 150,000 miles, there are several factors that can cause them to fail prematurely:

• Frequent Use: Vehicles that are started and stopped frequently, such as those used for delivery or taxi services, can put more strain on the starter, leading to earlier failure.


• Electrical System Issues: Problems with the vehicle's battery, alternator, or wiring can cause excessive strain on the starter, reducing its lifespan.


• Environmental Conditions: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can accelerate the wear and tear on a starter's components.


• Manufacturing Quality: Starters made with lower-quality materials or poor craftsmanship are more likely to fail prematurely.

It's important to note that the mileage at which a starter fails can vary significantly based on these factors, and regular maintenance and monitoring of the vehicle's electrical system can help extend the lifespan of the starter.

Signs of a Failing Starter

Before a starter completely fails, there are often warning signs that it is beginning to wear out. These include:

• Slow or Delayed Engine Cranking: As the starter ages, it may take longer to crank the engine, indicating a loss of power or efficiency.


• Clicking or Grinding Noises: Unusual sounds coming from the starter can indicate internal wear or mechanical issues.


• Intermittent Starting: If the vehicle sometimes starts and sometimes doesn't, it may be a sign of a failing starter.

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to have your vehicle's starter inspected and replaced if necessary to avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of a complete starter failure.

At what mileage do starters go bad?

A car starter can last anywhere from 100,000 to 150,000 miles, but this can vary significantly based on driving habits, climate, and maintenance. Some sources suggest a lifespan of 80,000 to 100,000 starts, while modern, brush-less starters in certain cars may last for the life of the vehicle. 
Factors that affect a starter's lifespan

• Driving habits: Frequent short trips put more strain on the starter due to repeated cold starts. 
• Climate: Extreme heat or cold can accelerate wear on the starter. 
• Maintenance: A healthy battery and clean electrical connections are crucial. Leaking motor oil can also damage a starter. 
• Starter quality: The quality of the starter, such as a high-quality OEM part versus a lower-cost aftermarket one, can impact its durability. 

Signs of a failing starter

• A slow or grinding crank when you try to start the car
• Clicking or whirring noises without the engine starting
• Lights dimming when you turn the key
• A burning smell or visible smoke 

Do starters go out without warning?

Yes, a car starter can fail completely without warning, but there are often warning signs like clicking, grinding, or slow cranking that indicate it's on its way out. These earlier symptoms can sometimes be ignored, but they can also lead to a complete failure where the car won't start at all.
 
Signs of a failing starter

• Clicking or grinding noises: A single, loud click can signal a starter that's failing to engage, while rapid clicking can indicate a weak battery, though it can also be the starter. 
• Slow or reluctant cranking: The engine takes longer than usual to start, or the engine turns over slowly. 
• Intermittent starting: The car starts sometimes and fails at other times, a sign of an inconsistent starter or solenoid. 
• Whirring noise: A high-pitched whining or whirring noise when you try to start the car, which can mean the starter is "freewheeling" and not engaging properly. 
• No response: The dashboard lights up, but nothing happens when you turn the key, or the engine won't turn over at all. 
• Visual signs: Smoke or a burning smell could indicate overheating, and an oil-soaked starter due to leaks can also point to a failing component. 

What to do if you suspect a bad starter

• Check the battery: Before assuming the starter is the problem, check your battery. If the headlights are dim or the car won't crank at all, a dead battery could be the cause. 
• Try tapping the starter: A quick and careful tap on the starter with a wrench or hammer might temporarily free up a stuck component and allow the car to start. 
• Seek professional help: If your starter has shown any of these symptoms, it is best to have a mechanic inspect it to prevent being stranded or causing further damage. 

How often should you replace a starter?

You don't need to replace a starter on a fixed schedule, but most last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. Instead of replacing it preventatively, you should only replace a starter when it shows signs of failure, such as slow cranking, clicking noises, or grinding. Several factors like driving conditions, heat exposure, and frequent short trips can shorten its lifespan, so it's best to replace it as soon as it starts to fail. 
This video demonstrates the symptoms of a bad starter and how to test it: 48sproclaimliberty2000YouTube · Dec 2, 2016
Signs a starter needs to be replaced

• Slow cranking: The engine cranks very slowly or struggles to start. 
• Clicking noise: You hear a single click or rapid clicking sound when you turn the key, but the engine doesn't turn over. 
• Grinding noise: A loud grinding sound comes from the engine when you try to start it. 
• Intermittent failure: The car sometimes starts, and sometimes doesn't. 
• Dashboard lights dim: The dashboard lights dim or flicker when you try to start the car. 
• Smoke or burning smell: You notice smoke or the smell of hot oil from the engine area. 

This video explains the symptoms of a bad starter in detail: 54sLearnToDIY360YouTube · Aug 23, 2025
Factors that can shorten a starter's life

• Frequent short trips: Starting the engine repeatedly can reduce its lifespan. 
• Heat exposure: High temperatures can cause a starter to wear out faster. 
• Fluid leaks: Leaks from the engine or transmission can damage the starter. 
• Constant starting attempts: Repeatedly trying to start a car that won't turn over will strain the starter. 

How does a car act when the starter is going bad?

Common symptoms of a bad car starter include a clicking or grinding noise when you turn the key, the engine failing to crank or cranking slowly, and the car being intermittently unable to start. Other signs are a burning smell or smoke, dimming cabin lights when attempting to start, and the starter being oil-soaked from an leak. 
This video demonstrates the sounds of a bad starter and why they occur: 1mEasyAutoFixYouTube · Feb 19, 2022
Common symptoms

• Clicking or grinding noise: A single loud click, rapid clicking, or a continuous grinding sound are all classic indicators of a failing starter or a starter not engaging properly. 
• Engine won't crank: The engine doesn't turn over at all, even though the dashboard lights and radio may be working. 
• Slow cranking: The engine struggles to turn over, which can sound like it's dragging or "laboring". 
• Intermittent starting issues: The car starts sometimes but not others, especially if it starts after several attempts. 
• Burning smell or smoke: Repeatedly trying to start the car can cause the starter motor to overheat, leading to a burning odor or visible smoke. 
• Dimming lights: Cabin or dashboard lights dim significantly or flicker when you turn the key. 

This video explains how to identify a bad starter by listening to the sounds it makes: 57sRobert DIYYouTube · Nov 28, 2020
Other indicators

• Oil on the starter: The starter motor may be soaked in oil from a leak, which can cause it to malfunction. 
• Engine not turning over: This is the most direct sign. If you turn the key and nothing happens besides electronics turning on, the starter is a prime suspect.