Timing Belt Replacement Cost by Car Make and Model

By Timing Belt Replacement Cost Editorial Team, independent cost research
Updated 2026-06-17

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Timing Belt Replacement Cost by Vehicle

The cost of replacing a timing belt varies widely depending on the engine design. A Honda Civic and an Audi A4 both need timing belts, but the labor time can differ by three hours or more because of how the engine is packaged. Below you will find typical total cost ranges for popular makes and models so you can walk into any shop with realistic expectations.

Use our timing belt cost calculator for a more precise estimate on your specific vehicle.

Cost by Make and Model

Vehicle	Parts (kit)	Labor	Total Estimate
Honda Accord (4-cyl)	$80 to $150	$200 to $300	$280 to $450
Honda Odyssey (V6)	$100 to $180	$250 to $400	$350 to $580
Honda CR-V (4-cyl)	$80 to $140	$180 to $280	$260 to $420
Toyota Camry (4-cyl)	$80 to $160	$200 to $320	$280 to $480
Subaru Outback and Forester	$100 to $200	$300 to $450	$400 to $650
Mitsubishi Eclipse and Galant	$90 to $160	$250 to $380	$340 to $540
Volkswagen Jetta and Passat (TDI)	$120 to $220	$350 to $550	$470 to $770
Audi A4 and A6 (V6)	$150 to $280	$400 to $700	$550 to $980
Chrysler and Dodge (V6 engine)	$100 to $180	$280 to $420	$380 to $600

Why Do Prices Vary So Much?

Engine layout: Transverse four-cylinder engines common in Hondas and Toyotas are generally easier to access. Longitudinal six-cylinder and turbocharged layouts in Subaru and Volkswagen vehicles require more teardown time.
Interference vs. non-interference engine: Both types need belt replacement, but the stakes are higher on interference engines where a broken belt almost certainly bends valves.
OEM vs. aftermarket kits: Genuine Honda or Toyota timing belt kits cost more than aftermarket alternatives from Gates or Dayco, but both are widely trusted by mechanics.
Dealer vs. independent shop: Dealership labor rates average $120 to $180 per hour. Independent shops often charge $80 to $120 per hour for the same work.

What the Kit Should Include

When you get a quote, confirm that the job covers the belt itself, the tensioner, and the idler pulley as a kit. Ask separately about the water pump. On Subaru and Honda V6 engines in particular, the water pump is driven by the timing belt, and replacing it at the same visit saves you from paying $300 to $500 in repeat labor costs later.

Getting the Best Price

Call at least two shops and give them your engine code along with the year, make, and model. Ask for an itemized written quote. Get quotes from a trusted mechanic near you and compare totals before authorizing any work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Honda Accord have a timing belt or timing chain?
Four-cylinder Honda Accords from 1998 to 2012 use a timing belt. The 3.0L and 3.5L V6 Accords also use a timing belt. Post-2013 four-cylinder Accords switched to a timing chain that does not require scheduled replacement.

Which cars are most expensive for timing belt replacement?
Audi, Volkswagen TDI diesel engines, and Subaru models with the DOHC EJ engine tend to be on the higher end because of longer labor times and tighter engine packaging.

Can I use an aftermarket timing belt kit?
Yes. Gates, Dayco, and Aisin are all reputable aftermarket brands that most mechanics trust. Using a quality kit saves $50 to $100 over OEM parts without meaningful reliability trade-offs.

Bottom Line

Timing belt replacement cost ranges from around $280 on a simple Honda four-cylinder to nearly $1,000 on a German V6. Knowing your vehicle engine layout helps you set a realistic budget. Compare at least two quotes and confirm the kit includes the tensioner and idler pulley alongside the belt itself.

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