Compare Toyota alternator repair quotes from specialist garages

Toyota is the world's largest car manufacturer, famous for the reliability of its vehicles, from the classic Hilux pickup truck to more recent electrified models like the RAV4 Plug-in, which is the most satisfying new car to own in 2023, according to Which?.

Data shows that 20 years after they were sold, 80% of Toyota cars are still on the road. It's hardly surprising that Toyota earned the title of 'Most Reliable Car Brand' at the 2023 Fleet News FN50 Awards. The brand is also cheap to maintain, as our comparison of Toyota and Ford demonstrates.

Toyota's commitment to green innovation, which has seen the development of numerous electric models, extends beyond passenger cars to the racetrack - in 2021, its racing division introduced the GR10 Hybrid Hypercar to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The alternator plays a simple but crucial role in keeping your car's battery charged, which means it is also indirectly responsible for starting the vehicle and keeping various components running. It is like a small generator; the engine spins, and the alternator turns this movement into electricity.

Here are five signs your alternator is faulty.

Common reasons for car alternator repair include a failing voltage regulator (which ensures the battery receives the charge at the correct voltage) and worn brushes (which maintain electrical contact with the alternator). An alternator specialist can advise you on the cause of the problem and how best to fix it.

Rather than repairing the component, a total car alternator replacement may be required, which is a straightforward job that most mechanics can do. However, when considering an alternator repair vs replacement, the latter only occurs when multiple parts fail, and the repair cost would be close to that of fitting a new component.

Find out how much it costs to replace an alternator in this guide.