Help! Timing Belt?

[Amanda29]

Hi all! Amanda here. First time in a forum, so forgive any newbie ignorance!

Hoping to get some insight on an issue that I’ve recently encountered with my 2012 SES (88k mileage). Recently, after a few weeks of not driving the vehicle, I tried to start the car, and noticed a terrible, grating sound, and realized it was not turning over.

Though it didn’t necessarily seem like battery issue, I called AAA and was told by their roadside assistance that it was most definitely not the battery; he thought it sounded more like a timing belt issue.

My understanding is that, replacing this is eventually a part of routine maintenance, however, I get the car serviced at least twice per year and was never informed by the dealership that this was needed or recommended...

For anyone who has had a similar experience, what did it cost to replace the timing belt, including parts and labor? Was it only the timing belt, or should I more than likely expect another part needing replacement?

Alternatively, what else could this be? Is timing belt a common misdiagnosis for other, underlying issues?

Thank you in advance for any guidance, and I appreciate the patience with this car-dummy!

 

[scotman]

Hi Amanda. Welcome to the forum. It seems to me that it's a little early for the timing belt (88k) to need service. I also doubt that it would be making any noise, being a belt. My guess is that the starter motor is failing. Have you noticed that the car was cranking slowly or that there was a delay in starter engagement when you pushed the button to crank it?