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Jerry Data & Research
Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement Cost Estimate
Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement Cost Estimate
Worried you might overpay for your windshield wiper motor replacement? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard to get a fair cost estimate for your windshield wiper motor replacement.
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John Davis
Expert Automotive Writer
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content
Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor
What's on this page?
- How much does it cost to replace a windshield wiper motor?
- What parts do I need for my windshield wiper motor replacement?
- Where can I get my windshield wiper motor replaced?
- How will a mechanic replace my windshield wiper motor?
- What happens if I don’t replace my windshield wiper motor?
- What is a windshield wiper motor?
- What are the symptoms of a bad windshield wiper motor?
- Can I replace my windshield wiper motor myself?
- FAQs
- Meet Our Experts
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How much does it cost to replace a windshield wiper motor?
The repair cost to replace a windshield wiper motor replacement is generally around $320 to $400, with parts totaling anywhere from $240 to $300 and labor costs of $80 to $100.
Prices will vary based on the make, model, and year of your car.
How long does it take to replace a windshield wiper motor? This repair takes an average of one hour for a mechanic to complete.
How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.
How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.
See fair price estimates for popular cars
What parts do I need for my windshield wiper motor replacement?
You’ll need a new windshield wiper motor part to replace your failing one. Typically, this part costs between $320 to $400, depending on your vehicle, before factoring in the repair cost.
Some popular windshield wiper motor brands include ACDelco, Cardone Industries, and Dorman. You can purchase them from local auto parts stores like AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts, or from online retailers such as Amazon or Summit Racing.
Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?
If you buy an OEM windshield wiper motor part, you’re more likely to get the correct size for your vehicle.
But OEM wiper motors tend to cost significantly more than aftermarket ones. If affordability is your priority and you want to save money, then you may want to aim for aftermarket parts; and if fitment is most important to you, choose an OEM motor replacement.
Where can I buy parts for my windshield wiper motor replacement?
There are many popular windshield wiper motor brands, like ACDelco, Cardone Industries or Dorman. Windshield wiper motor replacement kits and parts can be purchased at auto body shops and auto parts shops like AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts. You can also find kits from online retailers such as Amazon or Summit Racing. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will list the specs for replacements, which you can use to find the proper parts.
Where can I get my windshield wiper motor replaced?
Finding the right place to get your windshield wiper motor replaced can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a go-to mechanic. Luckily, Jerry's
GarageGuard™
can help you compare costs from over 2,500 vetted repair shops in the US. Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates* from each shop using their real hourly labor rate. With Jerry's GarageGuard™, you can find out if you’ll need to budget for diagnostic fees (and if it’s included in the service cost), and you’ll receive real reviews to help you choose the best service.
Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.
157 Reviews
Race 2 Car Service And Repair
640 E Centerville Rd, Garland, TX
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$100187 Reviews
106 St Tire & Wheel
106-01 Northern Blvd, Manhattan, NY
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$25196 Reviews
SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service - Kenner, LA
3211 Williams Blvd, New Orleans, LA
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$120177 Reviews
54th Street Auto Center
415 W 54th St, New York, NY
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$191How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.
How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.
How will a mechanic replace my windshield wiper motor?
Here are the steps your mechanic will typically take to replace a windshield wiper motor:
- Remove the cowl and any other covers from the transmission assembly and wiper motor
- Remove the plug harness to the wiper motor, then remove the wiper transmission arm from the motor
- Remove the bolts mounting the transmission assembly and motor to the car’s body, then remove the motor
- Install a new wiper motor, which can usually be inserted in only one way, then bolt it back onto the car body
- Turn the motor on and off several times to establish the wiper park position, and reattach the transmission assembly to the wiper motor
- Replace all the covers and cowling, and test the new wiper motor’s operation on wet glass
All of the linkage sites need to be lubricated when a wiper motor is replaced, and the new wiper motor should be tested on wetted glass only to prevent any scratches.
What happens if I don’t replace my windshield wiper motor?
Your car will still function if your wiper motor isn’t working. But if you encounter any kind of precipitation, the motor won’t provide power to the windshield wiper arms, and you’ll have a hard time seeing out your windshield. This could lead to dangerous automotive collisions and fatalities.
So, even if you aren’t expecting inclement weather conditions, it’s best to visit the auto repair shop before going out to drive with a faulty wiper motor.
What is a windshield wiper motor?
The windshield wiper motor is a small, electric motor with a shaft that connects to the transmission assembly. The transmission assembly converts the rotating movement of the shaft into a back-and-forth or linear movement for the windshield wipers.
Some hatchbacks, station wagons, SUVs, and vans have another wiper on their tailgate, in addition to the wipers on the front windshield, to keep the rear window clear.
What are the symptoms of a bad windshield wiper motor?
If your windshield wipers make grinding or clunking sounds, operate slowly or erratically, won’t park in the down position, or the windshield wiper blades stop working altogether, it’s probably time to replace the windshield wiper motor.
How often should a windshield wiper motor be replaced?
Windshield wiper motors are designed to last the lifetime of your vehicle. Wear and tear can shorten that lifetime, however, and some experts recommend getting your windshield wiper motor replaced every ten years or so.
Can I replace my windshield wiper motor myself?
The general consensus is that replacing your windshield wiper motor isn’t particularly difficult, and can be done using basic tools. But if you have little experience with DIY car repairs, you may want to leave the job up to the professionals.
FAQs
What would cause a windshield wiper motor to break down?
Flawed or fraying wiring, faulty connectors, problems with the wiper linkage, or a blown fuse could all be to blame for a bad wiper motor. An incorrectly installed motor switch may also result in a failing windshield wiper motor.
Where is the wiper motor located?
The wiper motor can usually be found in the engine compartment or beneath the windshield cowl.
Meet Our Experts
John Davis
Car Expert
Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience
John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.
Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.
Jessica Barrett
Car Expert
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.
Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
Kathleen Flear
Car Expert
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.
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