Do spark plugs need to be changed at 30,000 miles?

Not on most current engines in the schedules checked here; the earliest interval found was 40,000 miles on Mazda's 2.5 turbo. A shop suggesting them earlier should point to a symptom or your manual.

When should spark plugs be replaced?

On most current engines, at about 60,000 to 120,000 miles, depending on the maker and engine; some turbo engines sooner. Check the interval for your exact engine before agreeing to them early.

Typical national price: $200 to $500. Check your quote free

When manufacturers actually call for it

Makers schedule spark plugs at long intervals on most current engines, commonly about 75,000 to 120,000 miles, with some turbocharged or specific engines much sooner (Mazda's 2.5 turbo at 40,000 miles, Toyota's V6 at 60,000).

2023 Toyota Camry / Camry AWD: Replace spark plugs at 120,000 miles; the 2GR-FKS V6 also at 60,000 miles. Maker's schedule
2020 Ford Explorer: Replace every 100,000 miles. Maker's schedule
2023 Mazda CX-5: Replace every 75,000 miles, or every 40,000 miles on the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T turbo. Maker's schedule
2021 Nissan Rogue (2.5L): Replace every 105,000 miles or 126 months. Maker's schedule
2022 Chevrolet Equinox (1.5L turbo): At 60,000 and 120,000 miles. Maker's schedule
2022 Hyundai Elantra (2.0L): Every 96,000 miles (47,000 on the 1.6L turbo). Maker's schedule

What it typically costs

$288 to $399national average, all vehicles, RepairPal: Spark Plug Replacement Cost Estimate
$200 to $500national typical price, Consumer Reports: Guide to Car Maintenance

National ranges; a dealer usually sits at the top. A quote a little over the range is normal. Well over it is worth a question.

What to ask at the counter

“What spark plug interval does my manual give for my exact engine?”
“Is there a misfire code or symptom, or is this based on mileage alone?”
“Can I have the old plugs back to see their condition?”

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Frequently asked questions

When should spark plugs be replaced?: Check the interval for your exact engine: 100,000 miles on Ford's 2020 Explorer, 105,000 on Nissan's 2021 Rogue, 120,000 on Toyota's 2023 Camry four-cylinder, but 40,000 on Mazda's 2023 CX-5 turbo.
Do spark plugs need to be changed at 30,000 miles?: Not on most current engines in the schedules checked here; the earliest interval found was 40,000 miles on Mazda's 2.5 turbo. A shop suggesting them earlier should point to a symptom or your manual.

Every service guide

Sources

ManufacturerToyota 2023 Camry / Camry AWD maintenance schedule
ManufacturerFord 2020 Explorer maintenance schedule
ManufacturerMazda 2023 CX-5 maintenance schedule
ManufacturerNissan 2021 Rogue maintenance schedule
ManufacturerChevrolet 2022 Equinox Owner's Manual: Service and Maintenance
ManufacturerHyundai 2022 Elantra Owner's Manual: Normal Maintenance Schedule
Price sourceRepairPal: Spark Plug Replacement Cost Estimate
Price sourceConsumer Reports: Guide to Car Maintenance

Last reviewed September 27, 2026. Prices are national ranges, not quotes for your area; schedules vary by engine and model year, so check your own owner's manual.