How much does it cost to replace ignition coils on a Lexus RX 350?

The typical total cost to replace all six ignition coils on a Lexus RX 350 is roughly $340 to $1,300, depending on parts and labor. In many cases, owners see a bill around $500 to $1,000 when not including spark plug replacement.

The Lexus RX 350 uses six coil-on-plug ignition coils in its 3.5-liter V6 engine. Prices vary by model year, region, and whether you choose aftermarket or OEM parts. This article explains the typical cost components and the factors that influence the final price.

Cost breakdown

Below is a rough breakdown of what contributes to the price when replacing ignition coils on a Lexus RX 350. The figures assume you are replacing all six coils without also changing the spark plugs.

• Parts: coil packs for six cylinders. Aftermarket coils typically range from about $40 to $100 each, while OEM coils (such as Denso or equivalent) can run roughly $70 to $150 each. For six coils, the parts total broadly falls between $240 and $900.


• Labor: mechanic time to remove old coils and install new ones. Expect about 0.5 to 2 hours of labor depending on shop, accessibility, and whether other related work is performed. At typical shop rates, this equates to roughly $100 to $400.


• Additional costs (optional or situational):




• Spark plugs (if replaced at the same time) typically cost $3 to $20 per plug plus labor, adding roughly $60 to $180 in parts and $60 to $150 in labor for six plugs.


• Diagnostics or misfire code clearing may incur a separate fee, commonly around $50 to $100 if performed outside of a standard service.

In summary, replacing six coils without plugs is commonly in the $340 to $1,300 range, depending on part choice and labor rates. If you replace plugs as well, the total can climb toward $500 to $1,600 or more, depending on parts and the shop’s labor charges.

Price factors that influence the final quote

Several elements can push the price up or down beyond the base coil replacement costs. Being aware of these factors helps when budgeting and comparing quotes.

• Part quality: aftermarket versus OEM coil packs. OEM parts are pricier but are often preferred for reliability and compatibility with the vehicle’s warranties.


• Region and labor rates: urban areas and luxury-brand service centers typically charge higher hourly rates than rural shops.


• Extent of work: replacing all six coils versus only diagnosed faulty coils, and whether spark plugs are included in the service.


• Vehicle year and engine variant: minor differences in coil design or mounting can affect labor time and part availability.


• Extras and fees: diagnostic tests, shop supplies, and disposal fees can add small amounts to the total.


• Warranty or service promotions: some shops offer bundled services or discounts that reduce the effective price.

To avoid surprises, ask for a written, itemized quote that lists parts, labor hours, and any extra fees. If possible, obtain quotes from multiple shops to compare parts and labor costs.

Summary

Replacing ignition coils on a Lexus RX 350 generally costs between about $340 and $1,300 for six coils without changing plugs, with higher-end OEM parts driving the total up. Including spark plugs and related labor can bring the bill toward $500–$1,600, depending on the parts chosen and local labor rates. As always, getting multiple written estimates and confirming whether plugs or diagnostics are included helps ensure you’re getting a fair price.

What year to stay away from Lexus RX 350?

Years to avoid for the Lexus RX 350 include 2007, 2008, 2010, 2016, and 2017 due to common problems like oil leaks, engine issues, brake failures, and faulty sensors. The 2010-2012 models are particularly prone to a ruptured oil cooler line that can cause engine failure, while the 2007-2009 models had issues with cracking dashboards and a faulty brake master cylinder. The 2016 and 2017 models saw recalls related to airbags and issues with rain sensors, notes CoPilot.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the history of the Lexus RX 350 and common problems in different generations: 1mThe Miles DrivenYouTube · Dec 22, 2024
Years to avoid and why

• 2007–2009: These models are known for cracking dashboards and a faulty brake master cylinder that can lead to brake failure. 
• 2010–2012: A common and severe problem with these years is the oil cooler line, which can rupture and lead to engine failure. 
• 2016–2017: The 2016 model year had airbag recalls and was the first year of a new generation, which can lead to early bugs. The 2017 model had issues with the rain sensor and wipers, in addition to having its own airbag recalls. 

What to look for instead

• 2011–2015: These models generally have fewer issues, with the 2013–2015 models in particular being noted as more reliable. 
• 2018–2022: Models from these years are considered more reliable, especially those with the redesigned exterior. 
• 2020–2022: These are considered among the most reliable years, with the 2020 model year being a good choice. 

This video discusses the best Lexus RX 350 years to buy: 59sThe Miles DrivenYouTube · Dec 18, 2024

How much does it cost to replace ignition coils on a Lexus RX350?

The cost to replace a Lexus RX 350 ignition coil is typically between $230 and $330, with parts ranging from approximately $155 to $230 and labor costing about $75 to $100 per coil. However, this can vary significantly; some sources indicate higher estimates due to the labor-intensive nature of the job, especially for coils located under the intake manifold. The final price depends on the number of coils being replaced, parts pricing, and your mechanic's labor rates. 
This video demonstrates the process of replacing ignition coils on a Lexus RX350, which can help you understand the complexity of the job: 57sTrumpYouTube · Mar 27, 2019
Factors that influence cost

• Number of coils: If multiple coils need replacement, the total cost will increase. Some estimate that replacing all six coils can range from $720 to over $1,500 in parts and labor. 
• Labor costs: The labor cost varies by shop, with typical hourly rates between $75 and $150. However, the labor involved can be extensive for the coils under the intake manifold, potentially justifying a higher overall cost. 
• Part quality: The price of the ignition coil itself can range from about $30-$50 for aftermarket parts to over $180 for OEM parts from a dealership. 
• Coils location: The front three coils are relatively easy to replace, but the rear three are much more difficult because they are under the intake manifold, which requires removing many other components. This adds significantly to the labor time and cost. 

Cost breakdown

• Parts: $155–$230 for a single coil.
• Labor: $75–$100 per coil.
• Total: $230–$330 for a single coil replacement. 

This video shows the process of replacing an ignition coil, highlighting the steps involved and the potential difficulties: 57sCarolina CowboysYouTube · Dec 19, 2024
DIY replacement

• If you are comfortable working on cars, you can save a significant amount of money by replacing the coils yourself.
• There are many "how-to" videos and guides online that can walk you through the process. 

How long do Lexus ignition coils last?

between 100,000 to 120,000 miles
Lexus ignition coils typically last between 100,000 to 120,000 miles, though their lifespan can vary based on several factors. Frequent short trips or aggressive driving may cause increased wear and tear, leading to earlier failure.

What are the symptoms of a failing ignition coil?

Symptoms of a failing ignition coil include engine misfires, rough idling, and a rough or hard start. Other signs are poor acceleration, reduced fuel economy, the check engine light illuminating, and engine stalling. You may also experience shaking, sputtering, or even backfiring.
 
Engine performance

• Engine misfires: The engine may sputter, cough, or jerk, particularly when accelerating. 
• Rough idling: The engine may feel unstable or shake when idling at a stoplight. 
• Poor acceleration: The vehicle may feel sluggish and hesitate when you try to speed up. 
• Engine stalling: The engine may stall, especially at low speeds or while stopped. 

Starting and fuel 

• Hard starts: It may take longer for the engine to start, especially on cold mornings. 
• Poor fuel economy: Your car may use more gas than usual because of incomplete combustion. 
• Smell of gas: You might smell gas, or see black smoke from the tailpipe, because unburnt fuel is escaping. 

Warning lights and sounds 

• Check engine light: A failing ignition coil can trigger this warning light on your dashboard. Diagnostic trouble codes like P03xx are often associated with misfires. 
• Backfiring: You may hear a loud bang from the exhaust when unburnt fuel ignites. 
• Engine shaking: In addition to rough idling, the entire car may shake or vibrate more than usual.