How much to replace a starter on a Honda Element?

In the United States, replacing the starter on a Honda Element typically costs about $350 to $700 when performed by a shop, depending on parts and labor. If you do the work yourself, you can reduce the expense to the price of the part alone, roughly $100 to $250, depending on the chosen starter. Prices vary by model year, region, and the shop’s labor rate.

The Honda Element, produced from 2003 through 2011, uses a compact starter located in the engine bay. A replacement involves disconnecting electrical connections, removing mounting bolts, and reinstalling the new unit, with potential extra costs if corrosion or related components need attention. The ranges below reflect common options for OEM/new starters versus remanufactured or aftermarket units, plus standard labor in typical U.S. shops as of 2024–2025.

Typical price ranges

Prices break down into parts, labor, and potential extras. The following sections break down those components to help you estimate your bill.

Parts options

Part choice drives the upfront price. Here are the common options and their typical ranges:

• OEM/new starter: commonly around $180–$350, depending on year and supplier.


• Remanufactured or aftermarket starter: typically about $90–$230.


• Core charges: often $0–$60, refunded when you return the old unit.

Conclusion: Your parts choice has the biggest impact on the initial outlay; higher-cost options usually come with longer warranties.

Labor costs

Labor time and shop rates shape the overall expense. Consider these typical figures:

• Time to install: roughly 1.5–2.5 hours in a standard service bay.


• Labor rate: approximately $80–$130 per hour in many markets.


• Estimated labor total: roughly $120–$325.

Conclusion: Labor can equal or exceed the cost of the part, especially in higher-cost areas or if access is tricky.

Additional costs and caveats

Beyond the starter itself and labor, other charges may apply. Plan for these possibilities:

• Taxes and disposal fees.


• Battery test or replacement if the starting failure is tied to the electrical system.


• Auxiliary work if mounting hardware, flywheel, or wiring shows corrosion or wear.


• Diagnostics or tow if the vehicle won’t start and cannot be driven to a shop.

Conclusion: While many jobs are straightforward, unexpected complications can raise the final bill.

DIY vs professional replacement

If you’re comfortable with basic automotive work, doing the replacement yourself can save on labor. Consider these factors before you decide to DIY:

• Time and space: 1.5–3 hours in a home garage, depending on experience and access.


• Tools needed: standard hand tools, ratchets, sockets, extensions, and sometimes a jack or ramps.


• Parts cost: typically $100–$250 for a starter, depending on OEM vs aftermarket.


• Risk: potential electrical shorts, miswiring, or bolts that are difficult to reach or rusted.

Conclusion: DIY is feasible for many Element owners, but if you’re unsure about wiring, mounting, or draining fluids, a professional replacement provides warranty protection and peace of mind.

Symptoms of a failing starter

To avoid unnecessary replacement, confirm the diagnosis by checking for these common symptoms:

• Engine does not crank or only makes a single click when turning the key.


• Starter motor spins but the engine does not engage or start.


• Intermittent starting problems or starting that works only after sitting.


• Dim or pulsating dash lights indicating a weak electrical supply.

If you notice these signs, have the electrical system tested (battery, alternator, and starter circuit) before proceeding with replacement.

Summary

Replacing the starter on a Honda Element is a common, well-understood repair. In typical U.S. shop settings, expect about $350 to $700 total, driven by your choice of parts and the local labor rate. DIY enthusiasts can slash costs to roughly $100–$250 for the starter itself, plus any tools you may need. Always verify part compatibility with your Element’s model year and engine, and consider a full electrical system check to avoid repeat failures.

How much will a mechanic charge to change a starter?

between $700 and $1,200
The average total cost to get your starter replaced by a mechanic, including labor, generally ranges between $700 and $1,200. Our car repair estimate tool can give you a better idea. DIY car starter replacement will save you on labor costs if you can do the job right.

What are the most common problems with Honda elements?

The most common problems with the Honda Element include issues with sticky door locks due to worn tumblers, a potential SRS (airbag) light due to faulty seat belt wire harnesses, and noises from the rear differential caused by breakdowns in the differential fluid. Other issues include warped brake rotors, oil leaks, and problems with the unstable rear tailgate.
 
This video discusses the most common problems with the Honda Element, including oil leaks, rear suspension issues, and poor gas mileage: 48s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Mar 20, 2021
Mechanical and electrical issues 

• Sticky door locks: Worn lock tumblers can prevent doors from locking or unlocking properly. 
• SRS light: A faulty wire harness for the seat belts can cause the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light to illuminate. 
• Differential problems: A groaning noise when turning can indicate a breakdown in the differential fluid, which requires maintenance or replacement. 
• Oil leaks: Engine oil leaks are a common issue. 
• Warped brake rotors: Excessive vibration when braking can be caused by warped front brake rotors. 

Other common problems

• Unstable rear tailgate: Some owners report issues with the stability of the rear tailgate. 
• Poor gas mileage: Fuel efficiency is a drawback for many owners. 
• Paint issues: Problems with the paint are sometimes reported.
• Engine/engine bay issues: Difficult starter position and engine oil leaks are also noted drawbacks. 

How much to replace a Honda Element starter?

The average cost to replace a Honda Element starter is typically between $700 and $1,200, but this can vary significantly based on the mechanic, parts, and your location. Parts can range from around $75 to over $300, while labor costs are a significant portion of the total price.
 
Factors influencing the cost

• Labor: The biggest variable is the cost of labor, which varies by shop and location. 
• Parts: The price of the starter itself can range from approximately $75 to over $300, depending on whether it's a new, remanufactured, or premium part. 
• Mechanic: The cost will differ between a dealership, an independent mechanic, or a chain shop. 

Cost breakdown examples

• Parts: A new starter can be around $75 to over $300. 
• Labor: One estimate mentioned $500 for labor on top of the part cost. 
• Total cost: Some estimates for a full replacement range from $1,145 to over $1,800. 
• High-end estimate: A quote of $1,280 for a 2007 Honda Element was provided, with the mechanic claiming that a standard job could go over $2,000. 

Tips for saving money

• Shop around: Get quotes from several different mechanics. 
• Research online: Check sites like AutoZone for part prices to compare. 
• Ask for recommendations: Get local recommendations for a mechanic familiar with Honda Elements. 
• Consider a DIY replacement: If you are comfortable with car repairs, you can save on labor costs by doing the job yourself. 

How much is a starter for a 2003 Honda Element?

The range of prices of Starters for the 2003 Honda Element goes from $127.99 up to $338.99 for the most premium parts.