Timing belt replacement cost

The average timing belt replacement costs $918 – $1,338 at a repair shop, before taxes and fees. Parts run about $315 – $453 and labor about $603 – $885.

Average timing belt replacement cost

Before taxes and fees. Source: RepairPal national estimate, September 2026.

Cost by vehicle

RepairPal estimates for recent model years; your year, engine and trim can change the price.

What the job involves

The timing belt links the crankshaft to the camshafts so the valves open at the right moment. Replacing it means removing covers, accessories and often an engine mount, then installing the new belt, tensioner and idler pulleys and checking the timing marks.

Most automakers call for a new belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or so; your owner's manual lists the exact interval. Engines with a timing chain instead of a belt don't have this service.

Warning signs

• Your car has reached the mileage interval in the owner's manual
• Ticking or slapping noise from the front of the engine
• Engine cranks but won't start (the belt may have snapped)
• Misfires or rough idle
• Oil leaking from the front of the engine near the belt cover

Can you keep driving?

If the belt is only due, you can drive to the shop, but don't put it off for months. On an interference engine, a broken belt lets the pistons hit the valves and can turn a $1,000 job into a $3,000+ engine repair.

What changes the price

• Kit contents. Quotes that include the tensioner, idler pulleys and water pump cost more but save paying for the same labor twice later.
• Your vehicle. Parts for trucks, European and luxury models usually cost more, and on some engines the mechanic has to remove other parts first, which adds labor hours.
• Where you go. Dealers often charge 25% or more above independent shops. Most shops bill about $120 to $159 an hour (AAA, citing a 2025 PartsTech survey).
• The parts. OEM (factory) parts cost more than aftermarket or remanufactured parts. Ask which ones the estimate uses and what warranty comes with them.
• Extras. Related parts found during the job, fluids, shop supply fees and sales tax are not included in these averages.

How to pay less

• Replace the water pump at the same time if it is driven by the timing belt; it adds little labor.
• Ask an independent shop that specializes in your brand; the job is routine for them.
• Check your owner's manual instead of a generic mileage rule; some belts last over 100,000 miles.

How to get a fair estimate

• Ask for a written estimate that lists parts, labor hours and the shop’s hourly rate before any work starts.
• Ask whether the quote uses OEM, aftermarket or remanufactured parts, and what warranty comes with the parts and the labor.
• Get a second quote for any repair over a few hundred dollars. Independent shops often charge less per hour than dealers.
• Ask the shop to show you the old part or the reading that proves it failed, and to call you before doing extra work.
• Check for recalls and warranty coverage first: many powertrain, emissions and hybrid parts carry longer factory warranties.

Prices are national averages and typical ranges from published cost data. Your price depends on your vehicle, location, parts and shop, so get a written estimate. Car Repair Atlas is not a repair shop; read our disclaimer.