Home FAQ

How much is an alternator replacement?

For most vehicles, an alternator replacement costs roughly between $300 and $750 in total.

Final costs vary by car type, location, and the parts chosen (remanufactured, new aftermarket, or OEM), as well as any necessary belt or tensioner replacement and diagnostic charges. This article explains the components that shape price, typical ranges by scenario, and strategies to save money.

What drives the price

Key factors shaping the cost

Pricing comes from three main sources: parts, labor, and extras. The following list outlines the typical contributors to the total bill.

Parts cost
- Remanufactured/rebuilt alternators are commonly in the $100–$250 range for many vehicles.
- New aftermarket or OEM units typically run $200–$600, depending on the vehicle and supplier.
- High-output, luxury, or specialized units can exceed $600.

Labor cost
- Labor time is usually 1–3 hours, but access can push it longer on some models.
- Shop rates vary widely by region and shop, commonly $75–$150 per hour.
- Estimated labor total often falls between $75 and $450.

Extras and diagnostics
- Serpentine belt replacement or tensioner if worn or seized, typically $50–$200.
- Diagnostic fees, when charged separately, usually $50–$100.
- Core charges may apply for remanufactured units and are refunded when the old unit is returned.

Warranty and vehicle specifics
- Warranties on parts often range from 1–3 years or miles, with varying coverage of labor.
- Some vehicles with atypaccess or dual-alternator setups can require more labor, raising both parts and labor costs.

In short, price variability comes from the type of unit, how difficult the installation is, and what add-ons are included in the service.

Overall, most customers see a total that sits in the $300–$750 range, with higher-end vehicles or more complex installations pushing toward $1,000 or more depending on the factors above.

Typical cost ranges by vehicle category

To give a sense of how the total can swing by vehicle class, here are broad, real-world ranges you might expect.

Small/compact cars: Parts roughly $80–$260; labor $120–$300; total commonly $200–$560.

Mid-size sedans: Parts around $100–$350; labor $150–$400; total typically $250–$750.

SUVs and light trucks: Parts about $150–$450; labor $200–$600; total generally $400–$1,100.

Luxury or high-end vehicles: Parts often $350–$700+; labor $400–$900+; total commonly $800–$1,500 or more.

These ranges reflect common market conditions, but actual quotes can vary based on where you live, the shop you choose, and the exact model and part options.

Ways to save money when replacing an alternator

Smart shopping can trim the total cost without compromising reliability. Consider these strategies before you authorize service.

Shop around and request quotes from multiple shops, including independent garages and dealer service departments.

Decide between remanufactured and new parts. Remanufactured units are usually cheaper and reliable if backed by a solid warranty.

Ask what’s included in the price (belt replacement, tensioner, hoses, and any diagnostic fees).

Compare warranties. A longer, more comprehensive warranty can save money if issues arise later.

Consider timing with other maintenance. If your belt or tensioner is due for replacement, bundling may reduce labor charges and overall downtime.

Save money by balancing upfront cost with warranty coverage and long-term reliability.

What to ask your mechanic

Clear questions can prevent surprises on the final bill:

Is the unit remanufactured, new aftermarket, or OEM? What are the pros/cons for my vehicle?

Does the quoted price include the belt, tensioner, hoses, and any diagnostic fees?

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

Will the old unit be returned to the supplier, or is there a core charge?

Armed with this information, you can compare bids more accurately and choose the option that best fits your needs.

Summary: Replacing an alternator is a common repair with a price that varies based on part type, labor, and vehicle specifics. Most drivers should expect $300–$750 total, with higher-end vehicles and complex jobs pushing beyond that. Shopping around, choosing the right part option, and understanding what’s included in the quote are the best ways to secure fair pricing while ensuring reliability.

How much should it cost to replace an alternator?

Replacing an alternator typically costs between $350 and $900, but can be higher depending on the vehicle, with the average falling between $500 and $1,000. The price is a combination of parts, which can range from about $100 to $500, and labor, which is often a few hours. Factors like the car's make and model, the alternator's location, and the type of part (new, rebuilt, or OEM) all influence the final cost.
Cost breakdown

Component	Typical Cost Range
Alternator Part	$100 to $500 (or more for luxury/specialty vehicles)
Labor	$150 to $500 (depending on labor rates and complexity)
Total	$350 to $900+

Vehicle make and model: Luxury vehicles or those with specialty parts can have much higher costs for both the part and labor. For example, some high-end models may require alternators in the $500 to $700 range, or even higher.
Alternator placement: An alternator that is easily accessible in the engine bay will cost less to replace than one buried deep inside the engine, which requires more labor to reach.
Type of part:
- Rebuilt/Remanufactured: Often cheaper than new and can be a good way to save money, especially if you are doing the labor yourself. However, ensure it comes with a good warranty.
- New OEM: The most expensive option, but offers the highest quality and is often the only choice for newer vehicles still under warranty.
Serpentine belt: If the serpentine belt (sometimes called the alternator belt) needs to be replaced, expect to add an extra $20 to $50 to the bill.

Is it worth fixing the alternator?

Whether it's worth fixing an alternator depends on the extent of the damage; minor issues like a loose belt or worn-out brushes are often more cost-effective to repair, while severe damage makes replacement the better option. Fixing a minor problem can save money and prevent more expensive damage to other electrical components, but if the alternator is old or the damage is catastrophic, replacing it with a new or rebuilt unit is recommended.
When to consider fixing it

Minor issues: If the problem is simple, like a loose belt or a faulty diode, a repair is often a good idea.
Cost savings: A minor repair can be significantly cheaper than buying a new part and can prevent future, more costly problems from developing.
Relatively new part: If the alternator is not very old, it's more likely that a repair will be a worthwhile solution.

When to consider replacing it

Extensive damage: If the alternator has suffered catastrophic damage, such as a broken housing, replacement is the only viable option.
Old alternator: If the unit is old and nearing the end of its typical lifespan (80,000–150,000 miles or 7–10 years), replacing it with a new or rebuilt one is often more reliable in the long run.
Cost-effectiveness: Sometimes, even for non-catastrophic issues, replacing the entire unit can be more cost-effective than attempting a complex repair.

Is replacing an alternator an expensive job?

Replacing your alternator can leave a dent in your wallet. While the part is often one of the most expensive components to replace, costs vary greatly. Depending on your vehicle's needs, choice of new parts, and the other car-specific factors detailed below, you could be looking at a bill between £100 and £800+.

What are the symptoms of a bad alternator?

Symptoms of a bad alternator include dimming or flickering lights, the battery warning light coming on the dashboard, strange noises like grinding or whining, a dead or frequently dying battery, and issues with electrical accessories like slow power windows. You might also notice a smell of burning rubber or wires, or experience difficulty starting or engine stalling.

Electrical issues

Dim or flickering lights: Headlights, interior lights, and dashboard lights may dim or flicker, especially when accelerating or at idle.
Dashboard warning light: A red battery-shaped light, a "check engine" light, or an "ALT" indicator can appear on the dashboard.
Slow or malfunctioning accessories: Power windows may move slowly, and other accessories like power seats or the radio may not work correctly.

Strange noises and smells

Growling, whining, or grinding: These sounds can come from the alternator itself, or from a worn belt on the pulley.
Burning rubber or electrical smell: This can be caused by a worn belt or the alternator overheating.

Performance problems

Dead or frequently dying battery: The battery may die completely, or you may need frequent jump-starts.
Difficulty starting or engine stalling: The car may be slow to start or may stall intermittently, especially when electrical components are in use.

What to do

If you notice any of these signs, it is recommended to have the alternator checked by a professional.
A charging and starting system test can help confirm if the alternator is faulty.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.