A variable valve timing control solenoid replacement costs $218 to $952 in 2026
A variable valve timing control solenoid replacement costs $218 to $952 in 2026 for common cars, per RepairPal. Its national average is $469 to $594. Labor is about $196 to $288 and parts are about $273 to $306. YourMechanic puts the average for a Honda Civic at $291, with $123 for parts and $168 for labor. PartCatalog says a VVT solenoid replacement costs $250 to $900 in parts and labor, with a typical job at $330 to $550.
Variable valve timing control solenoid replacement cost by car
RepairPal lists these ranges for the most common cars. Your year and engine move the price inside each range.
| Car | Price, parts and labor |
|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla | $879 to $952 |
| Nissan Altima | $549 to $741 |
| Toyota Camry | $618 to $671 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $392 to $541 |
| Ford F-150 | $359 to $504 |
| Honda Civic | $297 to $402 |
| Honda CR-V | $238 to $362 |
| Honda Accord | $218 to $355 |
How common cars compare
Against the middle of the RepairPal national average, $532, the Toyota Corolla runs about 72 percent more; the Nissan Altima runs about 21 percent more; the Toyota Camry runs about 21 percent more; the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 runs about 12 percent less; the Ford F-150 runs about 19 percent less; the Honda Civic runs about 34 percent less; the Honda CR-V runs about 44 percent less; the Honda Accord runs about 46 percent less. The gap comes from where the part sits, how long it takes to reach, and the price of the part for that car.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| RepairPal | National average $469 to $594. Labor is about $196 to $288 and parts are about $273 to $306. |
| YourMechanic | YourMechanic puts the average for a Honda Civic at $291, with $123 for parts and $168 for labor. |
| PartCatalog | PartCatalog says a VVT solenoid replacement costs $250 to $900 in parts and labor, with a typical job at $330 to $550. |
What pushes the quote up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Some engines have one solenoid. Others have four, and the shop may replace more than one. |
| Where it sits | On many four cylinders it bolts on the outside of the head. On some V6 engines it is under the valve cover or timing cover. |
| Part brand | Factory solenoids cost more. Aftermarket ones cost less but some fail sooner. |
| Oil condition | Dirty oil clogs the tiny screen in the solenoid. Many shops add an oil change to the job. |
| Diagnosis time | The shop must prove the solenoid is bad before it swaps it. Scan and test time can add to the bill. |
How to tell you need it
- The check engine light is on with a cam timing code, like P0011, P0012, P0014, or P0021.
- The engine idles rough, stalls, or loses power and fuel economy.
- A shop tests the solenoid with a scan tool or an electric check and sees it stuck or clogged.
What the price includes
The price usually covers the new solenoid and the labor to fit it. Many shops clear the codes and test drive the car. An oil change may be extra. It does not include tax, shop supply fees, or other repairs the shop finds while the car is in.
How to judge your quote
- Ask which code and test showed the solenoid is the problem.
- Ask if the screen is cleaned or replaced, and if an oil change is in the price.
- Ask if one solenoid or all of them are being replaced, and why.
- Ask if the part is factory or aftermarket and how long the warranty is.
- Compare the total with the range above: $218 to $952 for most cars.
Ways to pay less
- Check the oil level and change the oil first. Low or dirty oil can cause the same code.
- Ask for a test before you buy the part, so you do not pay for a part you do not need.
- Ask about a quality aftermarket solenoid if the factory part costs much more.
- Get a second quote. On easy to reach solenoids the labor should be short.
Dealer or independent shop
RepairPal puts labor for a variable valve timing control solenoid replacement at $196 to $288. At the typical independent shop rate of about $140 an hour, that is about 1.7 hours of work. A dealer charging $200 an hour would bill about $346 for the same labor, and a $100 an hour shop about $173. Parts cost about the same anywhere, so the shop rate is where you can save. See what mechanics charge an hour.
Why this costs more in 2026
Shop labor now runs about $100 to $250 an hour. Many car parts are imported, and freight costs went up after the oil shock that began with the Iran war in February 2026. Steel, copper, aluminum and resin prices are up too, and they go into almost every part. The solenoid has a coil of copper wire and a small electronic valve, and both cost more to make than they did a few years ago.
How we got these numbers
The national range, the labor and parts split and the prices by car come from RepairPal's variable valve timing control solenoid replacement estimate, last updated September 3, 2026. We checked them against YourMechanic and PartCatalog, and read every number on the source page on October 7, 2026. These are planning ranges, not quotes. Your shop's written estimate is the real price.
Common questions
How much does a VVT solenoid replacement cost?
RepairPal lists $469 to $594 nationally. PartCatalog says a typical job costs $330 to $550.
Can I drive with a bad VVT solenoid?
For a short time. The engine may idle rough, lose power, and use more fuel. Fix it soon, and check the oil first.
How long does it take?
Many shops finish in about 1 to 2 hours when the solenoid is easy to reach. Hard to reach ones take longer.
Can I replace it myself?
On many four cylinders, yes. The solenoid bolts on the outside of the engine. Test it first so you do not buy a part you do not need.