Timing Belt Replacement Cost by Car Make and Model (2026)
Updated 2026-07-09
The Short Answer
Timing belt replacement costs range from around $280 on a simple Honda four-cylinder to nearly $1,000 on a German V6 in 2026. Labor hours vary considerably by engine design, which is the main reason the same service name can carry a price three times higher on one vehicle than another of similar size.
Use our timing belt cost calculator for a more precise estimate on your specific vehicle.
Cost by Make and Model Details
| 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 |
| Toyota Corolla | $70 to $140 | $180 to $300 | $250 to $440 |
| 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 |
| BMW (select older models with belt) | $150 to $280 | $400 to $700 | $550 to $980 |
| Chrysler and Dodge (V6 engine) | $100 to $180 | $280 to $420 | $380 to $600 |
Results
Toyota
Toyota four-cylinder engines (Camry through 2001, Corolla, and others) are among the cheaper timing belt jobs. Aftermarket kits from Gates or Aisin run $70 to $160, and independent shops typically finish in 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Total cost for most Toyota four-cylinder jobs lands between $250 and $480 at an independent shop, which makes them one of the more manageable services on a belt-equipped vehicle.
Honda
Honda four-cylinder Accords and CR-Vs are straightforward belt jobs. The Odyssey and Accord V6 take longer because the V6 requires more engine front teardown. Post-2013 Honda four-cylinders moved to a timing chain with no scheduled replacement interval. If you own a Honda and are unsure whether your engine has a belt or chain, check the owner manual before budgeting for this service. The answer changes the budget considerably.
BMW and Volvo
Most modern BMW and Volvo models use timing chains. Some older ones (certain BMW M-series and Volvo five-cylinder engines from the 1990s and early 2000s) use belts. On those vehicles labor runs 5 to 8 hours and total cost can reach $800 to $1,400. Confirm your specific engine type before budgeting for either.
Things to Know About Cost by Vehicle
Getting an accurate local quote
Local labor rates matter as much as the vehicle type. In high-cost metro areas (New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago), shop rates commonly run $120 to $160 per hour. Mid-size cities typically fall at $90 to $120 per hour, and smaller towns at $75 to $100. On a four-hour job, that spread puts $120 to $280 between the cheapest and most expensive market. To find the going rate near you, call two independent shops, give them the year, make, model, and engine code, and ask for a written itemized estimate with parts and labor on separate lines.
Why prices vary so much
- Engine layout: Transverse four-cylinders as used in Hondas and Toyotas are generally the easier access. Longitudinal six-cylinders and turbocharged layouts in Subaru and Volkswagen vehicles require more teardown and more hours.
- Interference vs. non-interference engine: Both need belt replacement. A broken belt on an interference engine almost certainly bends valves, which turns a scheduled service into a $2,000-plus repair.
- OEM vs. aftermarket kits: Genuine Honda or Toyota kits cost more than alternatives from Gates or Dayco. Both are widely used and trusted by working mechanics. The brand matters less than whether the kit includes the tensioner and idler pulley.
- Dealer vs. independent shop: Dealership rates average $120 to $180 per hour. Independent shops often charge $80 to $120 per hour for the same flat-rate job.
What the kit should include
When you get a quote, confirm it covers the belt, tensioner, and idler pulley as a kit. Ask separately about the water pump. On Subaru and Honda V6 engines, the water pump is belt-driven and sits in the same area. Replacing it at the same visit avoids paying $300 to $500 in repeat labor when the pump eventually fails on its own.
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FAQs
Does a Honda Accord have a timing belt or timing chain?
Four-cylinder Accords from 1998 to 2012 use a timing belt. The 3.0L and 3.5L V6 Accords also have a belt. The 2013 and later four-cylinder switched to a timing chain with no scheduled replacement interval.
Which cars are the most expensive for timing belt replacement?
Audi, Volkswagen TDI diesel engines, and Subaru models with the DOHC EJ engine tend to run the highest because of longer labor times and tighter engine packaging. Expect $550 to $980 for those vehicles at an independent shop.
Bottom Line
Timing belt replacement runs from around $280 on a simple Honda four-cylinder to nearly $1,000 on a German V6. Engine layout is the main variable in that spread. Get at least two quotes and confirm each one covers the belt, tensioner, and idler pulley as a kit.