How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Starter Motor?
FixMyCar reveals how much it costs on average to repair a starter motor.
Book a starter motor repair nowEllie Dyer-Brown
Friday August 01 2025
4 min read
The starter motor starts the engine when you turn the key in the ignition, so you'll know pretty quickly when it fails. Unfortunately, repairs can be expensive, which is why it's a good idea to understand roughly how much it should cost before taking your car to a garage.
In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know.
Average starter motor repair price
The average price of a starter motor repair on FixMyCar is £392.02. It's important to remember that the cost can vary significantly depending on where you live, what car you drive, and which garage you choose. We recommend shopping around to find the best deal.
Average price by make
| Car make | Average price |
|---|---|
| Audi | £497.65 |
| BMW | £431.06 |
| Citroen | £371.54 |
| Ford | £336.98 |
| Mercedes | £472.12 |
| MINI | £408.13 |
| Nissan | £376.44 |
| Peugeot | £384.45 |
| Renault | £384.85 |
| Toyota | £355.33 |
| Vauxhall | £411.64 |
| Volkswagen | £380.10 |
Average price by model
| Model | Average price |
|---|---|
| Kia Sportage | £401.56 |
| Nissan Juke | £387.94 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | £402.75 |
| Nissan Qashqai | £407.89 |
| Peugeot 2008 | £368 |
| Volkswagen Golf | £353.14 |
| Audi A3 | £394.45 |
| Ford Fiesta | £281.78 |
| Vauxhall Corsa | £397.88 |
Signs of starter motor problems
The most common sign of a broken starter motor is a car that won't start and makes a clicking sound when you try to turn the engine on. Other symptoms include:
A burning smell under the bonnet
Dashboard lights work, but there's no engine power
Your engine won't work even after a jump start
Smoke from under the bonnet
What causes starter motor problems?
Starters often fail due to old age and the wear and tear that comes along with it. Here's a list of the things that could be to blame:
Corroded connections
Loose wiring
Oil leaks
Bad relay
Worn-out parts
How to extend the life of your starter motor
You'll be pleased to know there are ways you can make your starter motor last longer. Follow the tips below:
Repair any damaged or worn parts as soon as possible
Regularly check and maintain your car's battery
Turn off unnecessary lights and electronic components to avoid overloading the starter when you turn the car on
Park somewhere sheltered to protect your vehicle from extreme weather
Getting your starter motor repaired
In this section, we'll take you through the process of getting your starter fixed.
How long does it take to repair a starter motor?
Replacing a starter motor will typically take around two hours, so you can expect a repair to take a little longer than that depending on the amount of work required to get the part working correctly again.
How is a starter motor repaired?
The battery, engine cover, alternator and other parts are removed to access the starter motor. After this, the mechanic will remove the starter and assess whether it can be repaired; if not, it will be replaced. Finally, the parts that were removed for access are replaced, and the starter motor is tested to ensure it has been correctly installed.
Want to compare prices for a starter motor replacement? FixMyCar is here to help. Enter your registration number and we'll find you a range of quotes from garages in your area.
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Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.