While not considered a significant expense, understanding the associated costs will help you decide which mechanic is best suited to repair it while staying under budget.
Real customers Jerry helped
What you’ll pay for an windshield wiper motor replacement can vary with your vehicle, location, and parts selection. Jerry lets you instantly see what other drivers are paying right now. Below are a few examples of customers we’ve helped find the most competitive prices on their ignition coil repairs.
Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.
Why do windshield wiper motor repair costs vary?
By helping drivers find solid repair prices every day, Jerry has uncovered the main factors that cause those prices to vary:
Location:
Generally, a metro area repair facility charges a premium for labor compared to a rural location, but it will also usually charge less for parts. The average price difference is around 25%.
Type of replacement parts:
The general rule of thumb is that OEM replacement parts are more expensive than aftermarket alternatives.
Time spent on repairs:
Some vehicles can be very challenging to access and replace the wiper motor, including hybrids, EVs, luxury performance cars, trucks and SUVs. This results in more labor hours being charged to the customer.
Vehicle make, model and year:
A general rule of thumb is that domestic vehicles typically cost less to repair than imports, while luxury brands command premium prices for both parts and labor.
Specialty tools required:
Some vehicles need specific diagnostic equipment or removal tools that add to shop overhead costs.
Repair shop type:
Dealerships offer expertise and warranty coverage but charge premium rates for basic mechanical repairs, like a wiper windshield motor repair. Local independent general mechanic shops typically offer competitive pricing, but they may not provide warranties or the same level of quality as a brand-specific specialist in repair or replacement.
What is a windshield wiper motor?
A windshield wiper motor is the small electric motor that powers your wipers—the part that turns electrical energy into the back-and-forth motion that clears rain, mist, or snow. If it’s getting weak or failing, you might notice wipers that move slowly, stop mid-swipe, only work on one speed, or don’t move at all even though you can hear a faint hum. Sometimes the issue isn’t the motor itself (a blown fuse, bad switch, or worn linkage can mimic the same symptoms), so a quick diagnostic can save you from replacing the wrong part.
Repair usually means testing the circuit, checking the fuse/relay and wiper switch, and then inspecting the motor and the linkage (the arms and joints that actually move the wipers). If the motor is confirmed bad, replacement is typically straightforward, but access can vary—some cars make you remove cowl panels at the base of the windshield. Because wipers are a safety item, it’s worth fixing sooner rather than later; losing them in a storm isn’t just inconvenient, it’s dangerous. A shop can typically diagnose it quickly and give you options—repairing a simple electrical issue versus replacing the motor assembly if it’s truly worn out.
Pro tip: Before taking your car to any mechanic, it’s always best to obtain multiple quotes. If your car is newer, contact the dealership service department to check if the repair is covered under your warranty.
What are the symptoms of a failing windshield wiper motor?
Learn how to recognize windshield wiper motor failure. Drawing on Jerry’s experience helping real drivers diagnose problems, here are the warning signs to look for:
- No movement: Wipers don’t run at all when you switch them on.
- Slow or weak wiping: Wipers crawl, bog down in heavier rain, or can’t keep a steady speed.
- Cuts out mid-use: Wipers start, then stop randomly—sometimes restarting later.
- Weird noises: You hear grinding, squealing, or repeated clicking from the base of the windshield.
- Bad “park” position: Wipers stop in the wrong spot or park inconsistently instead of returning to the bottom.
- Intermittent acting up: Delay settings don’t match what the wipers do, or they run when they shouldn’t.
Can I repair a windshield wiper motor myself?
If you’re trying to choose between replacing your windshield wiper motor yourself or hiring a pro, Jerry can break down the costs for parts and labor so there are no surprises. Here’s what to keep in mind when deciding if this is a DIY-friendly repair.
Related services and associated parts
The windshield wiper system involves multiple, independent components to function safely and effectively. If you’re going to have the wiper motor repaired or replaced, it’s wise to consider bundling other parts and pieces to the repair to ensure your wipers operate as intended when you leave the mechanic.
Bundling these repairs may not save you a lot of money upfront, as each replacement is billed as an individual service. The main savings to you will be reducing future repairs by being proactive.
Here are a few other services we’d recommend adding on:
- Wiper fluid pump and housing: Your wiper fluid container or housing is made of high-strength plastic. However, it can crack over time, and hoses attached to this container can begin to leak. Ask your mechanic for an estimate for installing a new wiper fluid housing, the hoses and possibly the pump.
- Wiper motor arms & linkage: If the electrical motor that operates the wiper blades is being repaired and not replaced, it’s a good idea to ask the mechanic to also replace the arms and linkage that operate the wiper blades, as these parts typically wear out at the same time.
- Fresh wiper blades: It’s recommended by most auto manufacturers that you replace your windshield wiper blades every six months (and the cost of replacing new blades is minimal).
FAQs
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Can I drive with a faulty wiper motor?
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Will insurance cover wiper motor repair?
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Is wiper motor replacement covered under warranty?
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How long do wiper motors typically last?
A published columnist, automotive journalist, former service writer and ASE Automobile & Light Truck Certified technician (A1 – A9 – 1996 – 2006), Tim Charlet brings nearly four decades of automotive communication experience to the team at Jerry.
Charlet has written more than 10,000 articles, blogs and technical manuals for the automotive industry. His experience working with OEM & aftermarket manufacturers, enterprise-level dealerships and private service technicians provides him with a unique perspective on how modern cars, trucks and SUVs operate and are serviced.
Additionally, his years of digital marketing content & public relations experience provide a conversational, yet easy-to-follow writing style for both professionals and general consumers.
Along with writing for Jerry, Charlet also works with multiple automotive detailing product manufacturers, creating user-friendly and eco-friendly detailing and vehicle protection liquids.
He is also the co-founder of Right2Breathe.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness for COPD, Asthma and other respiratory diseases within the automotive industries.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
