How much does it cost to replace an alternator on a Lexus ES 350?

In brief, expect the replacement to run roughly between $500 and $800 at an independent shop, with dealer-level parts potentially pushing the total toward $700 to $1,100. The exact price depends on parts choices, labor rates, and whether additional repairs are needed.

Cost drivers and what to expect

Parts and accessories

The price you pay for the alternator itself varies widely depending on whether you choose aftermarket or OEM parts, and whether the unit is new, remanufactured, or rebuilt. In addition, serpentine belt, belt tensioner, mounting hardware, and wiring connectors may be replaced if worn or damaged. If the battery is weak, some shops will test and may recommend a battery replacement as part of the same service.

• Alternator unit: aftermarket remanufactured, new aftermarket, or OEM/Lexus remanufactured. Prices vary by source and warranty.


• Serpentine belt and tensioner: often replaced if worn, adding to the bill.


• Battery: a failing battery can trigger additional replacement costs if needed.


• Other hardware: mounting bolts, connectors, seals, and related components may be required.

The parts choice has a major effect on the final bill, and some shops may bundle parts with labor in a single quote. Labor time for this job in many ES 350 models tends to be around 1 to 2 hours for a skilled mechanic, with variations based on access and vehicle year.

Typical price ranges by shop type

Where you go for service

Prices differ between independent shops and dealership service departments, reflecting labor rates and part sourcing. Here are ballpark ranges to help you plan.

• Independent shop using aftermarket parts: roughly $350 to $700 total.


• Independent shop using OEM or remanufactured OEM parts: roughly $550 to $900 total.


• Dealership (Lexus service) using OEM parts: roughly $700 to $1,100 total, with higher labor-rate regions pushing the upper end.

These ranges illustrate how much the source of parts and the shop’s labor rate influence the final price. In higher-cost areas or for newer ES 350 variants, costs can edge higher, especially if additional repairs are recommended during the diagnostic.

What to ask before approving the replacement

Key questions to compare quotes

To avoid surprises, ask for an itemized quote and clear explanations of what’s included. The following questions help ensure you understand the scope and warranty.

• Is the quoted price for an aftermarket or OEM alternator, and is it new or remanufactured?


• Does the price include the serpentine belt, tensioner, and mounting hardware?


• What is the warranty on the part and on labor, and what does it cover?


• Will the charging system be retested after installation, and what readings should you expect?

Concluding: A transparent, itemized quote makes it easier to compare options and gauge the value of OEM versus aftermarket parts and the benefits of a dealership vs. independent shop experience.

Summary

For a Lexus ES 350, replacing the alternator typically costs several hundred dollars, with total bills commonly ranging from the mid-$300s to around $1,000 or more depending on parts and labor choices. Independent shops offering aftermarket parts usually provide the most affordable option, while dealership service tends to be the most expensive. If additional services such as belt or battery replacement are advised, factor those into the total. Always ask for a detailed, written quote and verify warranties before proceeding.

What year to stay away from Lexus ES 350?

You should avoid the 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Lexus ES 350 models due to common issues like melting dashboards, engine/transmission problems, and other mechanical failures. While some later years also have specific reported problems, such as a hollow door design on some 2019 models that causes noise, the 2007-2015 period contains the most widely cited issues.
 
Years to avoid and common problems

• 2007–2009: Prone to oil leaks, engine issues like blown head gaskets, and AC problems from a defective evaporator core. The 2007 model is particularly known for its melting dashboard. Transmission problems like rough shifting and hesitations are also common. 
• 2011: Has a high number of complaints for various problems, including engine and transmission issues, as well as other mechanical failures. 
• 2013–2015: Reportedly have issues with exploding sunroofs, engine stalls when turning, and door lock malfunctions. Some of these years also saw problems with ventilated seats and powertrain fluid leaks. 
• 2019: Some owners reported that the doors feel hollow and let in a lot of road noise, a problem that was reportedly fixed around the 2020-2021 model years. 

Years that are generally considered more reliable

• 2012: Often mentioned as a good year to buy. 
• 2017–2019: Generally considered reliable with modern features. 
• 2020 and later: The years following the 2019 model year are generally considered more reliable, with some specific minor issues such as the hollow doors on 2019 models being addressed in later models. 

How long does it take to replace an alternator on a Lexus?

In most cases, this job takes one to two hours.

Is it worth fixing a car with a bad alternator?

Rebuilding an alternator is worth it for many common, older, or simple units when parts are inexpensive and failure is component-specific. For modern, integrated, or heavily damaged alternators, replacement (remanufactured or new) is typically the better, lower-risk choice.

How much does it cost to replace an alternator in a Lexus ES 350?

The cost to replace a Lexus ES 350 alternator typically ranges from $1,100 to $2,400, with averages around $1,150 to $1,550, depending on the model year. Parts alone can cost between $100 and $700, while labor and parts together will fall within the higher range, with more recent models potentially being less expensive for parts but with varying labor costs. 
Estimated cost breakdown

• Estimated Cost: The estimated cost to replace the alternator on a Lexus ES 350 generally falls between $1,146 and $1,547, with specific model years having a slightly different estimated range. 
• Parts Cost: The price for a new or remanufactured alternator varies significantly based on the brand and type, with options available from around $100 to over $700. 
• Labor: The labor cost depends on the shop and the difficulty of the job, which can take one to two hours. 

Factors that influence the final cost

• Model Year: Older models may have higher repair costs, while newer models have more affordable options. 
• Parts: The price can change depending on whether you choose a new or remanufactured alternator. 
• Labor Rates: The final price will vary based on your location and the shop or dealership you choose. 
• Other Issues: In some cases, the alternator replacement might be part of a larger repair, such as replacing a leaking valve cover gasket or a drive belt, which would increase the total cost.