Starter replacement cost in Toronto (2026)

Starter replacement in Toronto typically costs $510–$680 at independent shops, $520–$680 at chains and $760–$1,000 at dealerships, for a compact SUV before tax.

Starter replacement in Toronto, CAD before tax, for a compact SUV
Shop typeLowTypicalHighHourly rate
Independent shop$510$590$680$148/h
Chain$520$590$680$152/h
Dealership$760$880$1,000$198/h

CAD, before tax, for a compact SUV, including typical shop supplies and environmental fees. Low and high are the middle half of what shops charge. No shared invoices for this repair in Toronto yet: this is Fixtimate's estimate. Updated November 2026. Early estimate.

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Been quoted for a starter replacement in Toronto? This job swaps the motor that cranks your engine for a new or rebuilt one. Independent shops are usually the lowest of the three shop types here. Dealerships are usually the highest.

What changes the price

  • Toronto independent shops charge a labour rate among the highest in Ontario, so even the cheaper option runs higher here than in many other cities.
  • A rebuilt starter costs less than a new one, so ask which one your quote includes.
  • On some engines the starter sits under the intake manifold. Getting to it takes extra hours of labour.
  • Rusted bolts and corroded wiring, common on older Ontario cars, slow the work down and add to the bill.
  • Vehicle type matters. A compact car is usually the cheapest to fix, and a luxury or European model is usually the dearest.

At an independent shop in Toronto, the typical job is about 1.6 hours of labour at around $148 an hour, plus about $320 in parts.

By vehicle type

VehicleIndependentChainDealership
Compact car$500$510$740
Midsize car$560$570$830
Compact SUV$590$590$880
Large SUV or minivan$710$730$1,050
Pickup truck$590$600$880
Luxury or European$1,020$1,020$1,640

Typical price in Toronto, CAD before tax.

Questions drivers ask

What are the signs of a bad starter?

A common sign is a click or a grinding noise when you turn the key, with the engine not starting. The dash lights may stay bright while the engine does nothing. Have the battery and charging system checked before you agree to a new starter.

Can a bad battery look like a bad starter?

Yes. A weak battery can cause the same slow or clicking start. Ask the shop to test the battery first, because that test can save you from paying for a part you don't need.

Is a rebuilt starter reliable?

A rebuilt starter can work well, and it costs less than a new one. Reliability depends on the quality of the rebuild. Ask the shop about the warranty on the part and on the labour, and get it in writing on your estimate.

Got a starter replacement quote? Check it line by line.

Upload a photo or PDF of the estimate. Fixtimate compares each line with typical prices in Toronto. Free.

No quote yet? Get prices for your car

These are typical prices, not quotes. A shop's own price depends on your car and what it finds: ask for a written estimate, then check it here. How we work out these prices. Updated November 2026.