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Every once in a while, a post in a Facebook car group stops you cold. It might be a strange noise someone can’t identify, or a breakdown that happened in the middle of nowhere. But today, something completely different jumped out at me while browsing the Toyota Highlander Owners Club. It wasn’t a dramatic mechanical failure or a flood of dashboard lights. It was a service estimate. A surprisingly ordinary one, and that’s exactly what made it so unexpected.
“At the dealership and they want over $1,000 to change the sparkplugs on my 2017 Highlander with 64,500 miles. Any suggestions for a different place to take it? Chicago suburbs,” wrote Sandra S.
You could practically hear the collective gasp from the group. After all, spark plugs are one of those routine maintenance items you expect to handle somewhere in the background of vehicle ownership, like rotating your tires or changing your cabin air filter. You definitely don’t expect a four-digit bill. So what’s going on here? Is $1,000 a normal price for changing spark plugs on a Toyota Highlander? Should you even bother doing it at 64,500 miles? Let’s dig in.
Toyota Highlander Spark Plug Replacement Cost: Why Is It So High?
Let’s start with the obvious question: how can changing spark plugs cost over a grand?
The 2017 Toyota Highlander, particularly with the V6 engine, has spark plugs that are deeply buried under the intake manifold. This isn’t a five-minute job where a tech pops the hood, unscrews a few plugs, and calls it a day. It’s labor-intensive. Getting to the back bank of plugs requires removing a bunch of components, and that means labor hours stack up quickly. Combine that with dealer labor rates, which are usually north of $150 per hour in many areas, and OEM parts pricing, and you suddenly find yourself staring at a $1,000 quote.
Still, it doesn’t sit right with many owners. Sandra echoed this herself: “The dealership is close to my house, and I’ve only needed oil changes, but this price just blew my mind! It is my second Highlander and I don’t remember ever getting the plugs changed on my last one, and the repairs on that one were never expensive, so this seemed outrageous to me.”
She’s not wrong to be surprised. In fact, there might be better, more affordable options right around the corner.
Facebook to the Rescue: Highlander Owners Share Alternatives to Dealerships
That’s when fellow group member Jose Mora jumped in with a surprisingly pleasant twist:
“Never go to the dealership man they’re always crazy expensive. Thankfully for you The Car Care Nut that everyone always talks about on here, is located in Chicago. He’s got his own shop. Look him up on YouTube you can prob find his shop info on there.”
For those who haven’t heard of him, The Car Care Nut is a certified Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician who runs a YouTube channel breaking down common Toyota service and repair issues with transparency and integrity. And yes, he operates out of the Chicago area. Sandra was relieved to hear this and replied that she would try to find his shop and see what her options are.
It’s a helpful reminder that not all certified service has to come with dealership pricing. Many former dealership technicians open their own shops and charge fairer rates, without cutting corners.
Do You Really Need to Change Spark Plugs at 60,000 Miles?
Here’s where things get a little murky. According to Toyota’s official maintenance schedule, the spark plugs on the 2017 Highlander V6 are recommended for replacement at 120,000 miles. So why was Sandra being told she needed it at 64,500?
One possible explanation is related to the federal emissions warranty. Some service advisors may recommend earlier replacement to ensure continued compliance, especially if there are mild performance issues like rough idling or reduced fuel economy. But if the SUV is running smoothly, it’s fair to question whether this job really needs to be done now.
You can read more about this in our related story: We Purchased This Toyota for One Major Buying Factor: Reliability. Yet We Blinked for a Moment and Replaced Parts Too Early. That article dives into how premature replacement of parts, even in the name of preventative maintenance, can sometimes cost more than it’s worth.
Spark Plug DIY? Proceed With Caution
Some Highlander owners might be wondering: Can I just do this job myself and save the money?
It’s tempting—but be careful. Replacing spark plugs in a modern V6 engine is not for the faint of heart. If you’re considering going the DIY route, I strongly recommend reading this cautionary tale: Probably the Costliest Mistake of My Life: Long Story Short, I Tried Replacing Spark Plugs Myself.
The piece lays out exactly how a simple spark plug job can go south, leading to broken plugs, stripped threads, and a big repair bill. Unless you have the proper tools, technical experience, and a lot of patience, it’s best to leave it to the pros.
Common Spark Plug Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
Whether you go with a dealership, an independent shop, or attempt it yourself, make sure the job is done correctly. A small error in torque spec can lead to major problems down the road. In fact, we’ve got a helpful write-up on this very issue: Torque Your Toyota’s Spark Plugs the Right Way Without a Torque Wrench.
Additionally, spark plug maintenance is one of the most overlooked areas where shops and even DIYers make critical mistakes. Check out The Spark Plug Car Maintenance Mistakes Many Car Owners and Service Centers Make for a detailed list of what to avoid.
What This Story Teaches Us About Trust, Cost, and Knowing Your Options
What makes Sandra’s story so compelling isn’t just the $1,000 estimate. It’s the feeling of being caught off guard. She trusted her dealership because they’re local and have served her well for basic service. But when the costs suddenly ballooned, she began to question the relationship.
This happens to so many of us. We drive vehicles known for reliability, like the Highlander, and we develop an expectation: low cost of ownership. So when something feels out of line, it’s natural to pause.
The takeaway? Always check your owner’s manual. Question high service estimates. Ask your car group for advice. And when someone points you to a trusted independent mechanic or Toyota expert like The Car Care Nut, it’s worth looking into.
Have You Had to Replace Spark Plugs on Your Toyota Highlander?
Now I’m turning it over to you, dear reader. Have you had a similar experience with unexpectedly high maintenance costs on your Highlander or another Toyota model?
- How much did your spark plug replacement cost, and where did you have it done?
- Have you ever done it yourself? If so, what tips or warnings would you share?
Share your story in the comments section below. Your experience might just help the next Highlander owner avoid a $1,000 spark plug surprise.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.
Image source: Grok.
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Source: torquenews.com
