How much does it cost to replace a cylinder in a car engine?

Expect to spend roughly $3,500 to $8,000 if the fix involves sleeving one damaged cylinder or installing a short block, and $5,000 to $15,000+ for a long block or remanufactured engine install; a true “single-cylinder replacement” isn’t typical. In practice, shops either repair the affected cylinder with machining and new internals or replace major engine assemblies, with final cost driven by your vehicle, labor rates, and the extent of damage.

What “replacing a cylinder” really means

Modern engines don’t let you swap out a single cylinder the way you might replace a spark plug. A “cylinder” is a fixed bore in the engine block. If one cylinder is scored, cracked, or has low compression, a shop will usually either machine and sleeve that bore (then fit a new piston/rings) or replace the engine’s lower-end (short block) or the entire long block/remanufactured engine. In some cases, what sounds like a “bad cylinder” is actually a cylinder head problem (valves, head gasket, or a cracked head) rather than damage to the block itself.

Typical cost ranges in 2025

The figures below reflect common U.S. shop labor rates ($120–$200 per hour) and current parts prices. Your total will vary by make/model, engine layout, and parts availability.

• Diagnosis and initial teardown: $150–$300 for compression/leak-down; $300–$800 for partial teardown to confirm damage
• Single-cylinder sleeve + piston/rings (engine out, machine work): Typically $2,500–$5,000 on a 4-cylinder; $3,500–$6,500 on a V6/V8
• Full engine rebuild (all cylinders, machine shop, internals): About $3,000–$6,000 for many 4-cylinders; $5,000–$10,000 for V6/V8; performance/luxury can exceed $12,000
• Short block replacement (new/reman lower-end): Parts $2,000–$5,000; with labor, commonly $3,500–$9,000 total
• Long block or remanufactured engine (top and bottom end): Parts $3,000–$6,000 for many 4-cyl; $5,000–$9,000 for V6; $6,000–$12,000 for V8; installed totals $5,000–$15,000+
• Used (salvage) engine swap: Parts $1,200–$4,000; installed totals $3,000–$7,500 depending on mileage and warranty
• If the issue is in the cylinder head only: $1,500–$3,500 for a 4-cyl head job; $2,000–$5,000 for one bank of a V6/V8 (valves, resurface, gaskets)

These ranges usually include gaskets, fluids, and common incidentals, but taxes, shop supplies, and “while-you’re-in-there” items (timing components, water pump, mounts) can add several hundred to a few thousand dollars.

What drives the price up or down

Several variables dictate whether your repair lands near the low or high end of the spectrum.

• Make/model and engine family: Luxury, turbocharged, direct-injection, or high-performance engines cost more to repair or replace
• Labor rates and access: Tight engine bays, AWD packaging, or subframe drops increase labor hours
• Extent of damage: A cracked block or spun bearing pushes you toward a short/long block instead of a sleeve
• Parts availability: OEM short blocks and remans vary widely in price and lead time; some brands (e.g., Subaru, BMW, Mercedes) trend higher
• Mileage and preventive items: Belts/chains, tensioners, water pump, clutch (manual), and mounts often get replaced during the job
• Electronics and programming: Some swaps require ECU updates, immobilizer programming, or sensor replacements
• Warranty choice: Longer, nationwide warranties (common with reman engines) add cost but reduce risk

In short, simpler engines with good parts availability and easy access cost less, while complex packaging, premium nameplates, and deeper damage push totals higher.

Time and warranty expectations

Engine-out repairs typically require 10–20 labor hours; complex vehicles can exceed 25 hours. Turnaround can be 2–5 business days for straightforward swaps, longer if machine-shop work or parts logistics are involved. Remanufactured engines often include 2–3 year or up to 100,000-mile warranties; machine-shop work and used engines usually carry shorter or more limited coverage. Always ask what labor is covered if something fails under warranty.

When repair is worth it versus replacing the vehicle

Because cylinder damage can lead to major engine work, compare the total repair cost to the car’s value and your ownership plans.

• If repair costs exceed 50–70% of the car’s market value, consider replacing the vehicle
• Strong candidates for repair: newer vehicles, low mileage, excellent overall condition, or when a reman engine adds significant warranty coverage
• Consider total cost of ownership: insurance, taxes, financing, and the price of a replacement vehicle may make repairing economical
• If you plan to keep the car 3–5 years, a reman with a solid warranty can be cost-effective

Balancing upfront cost against remaining vehicle life and warranty protection usually clarifies the best path.

How to get a solid estimate

Clear, line-item quotes reduce surprises and make it easier to compare options across shops.

1. Request a compression/leak-down test and written findings; authorize teardown only if needed to confirm the failure
2. Ask for side-by-side quotes: sleeve-and-rebuild, short block, long block/reman, and used engine
3. Get itemized parts lists: gaskets, timing set, water pump, seals, mounts, fluids, and one-time-use hardware
4. Confirm machine-shop scope (for sleeve/rebuild): bore/hone, deck, valve job, cleaning, and turnaround time
5. Verify warranties: duration, mileage limits, parts-and-labor coverage, and transferability
6. Discuss “while you’re in there” recommendations and their costs before work begins
7. Ask about programming fees, break-in procedures, and first oil-change intervals for the rebuilt/reman engine

Standardizing quotes this way helps you compare apples to apples and choose the best value, not just the lowest sticker price.

Summary

You rarely replace a single cylinder by itself. Most owners either repair the damaged bore with a sleeve and new internals ($2,500–$6,500+), install a short block ($3,500–$9,000), or opt for a long block/remanufactured engine ($5,000–$15,000+). The right choice depends on your vehicle, damage severity, and how long you plan to keep the car. Get thorough diagnostics and itemized quotes to align cost, warranty, and reliability.

Can you replace just one cylinder in a car?

Yes, you can replace a cylinder assembly or just the cylinder head, but it is a complex and expensive process that often requires removing the entire engine and sending it to a machine shop for specialized work, or it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire engine. The repair depends on the specific engine design, as some blocks have removable cylinder liners, while others do not, which changes the repair process and feasibility. 
When a Cylinder Might Need Replacing

• Wear and Damage: Opens in new tabCylinders can be damaged from overheating, extreme wear, or other mechanical failures, leading to a loss of power, poor fuel mileage, and engine misfires. 
• Cylinder Head Issues: Opens in new tabSometimes, the issue is with the cylinder head, which can crack, warp, or be worn to the point of needing replacement. 

Methods for Repairing or Replacing a Cylinder

• Removable Cylinder Liners: If your engine has removable cylinder liners, you may be able to replace just the affected cylinder. 
• Boring and Sleeving: For engines with a parent block that doesn’t have removable liners, the block can be bored out and then a new cylinder liner, called a sleeve, can be installed. This is a machine-shop-intensive process. 
• Engine Replacement: If the damage is severe, or if the engine block is not designed for repairable cylinders, it may be more economical to replace the entire damaged engine with a used or rebuilt one. 

Factors Affecting Repairability

• Engine Design: The ability to replace a cylinder depends on whether the engine has replaceable liners or if the cylinder itself is machined directly into the engine block. 
• Severity of Damage: Minor issues might be fixed with simple repairs like replacing a spark plug or fuel injector, but significant mechanical damage to the cylinder itself requires more extensive work, often making engine replacement the better option. 

Is it worth fixing a cylinder head?

You do not replace a cylinder head unless it’s so badly damaged, ie cracked, warped, and valve seats damaged, that the cost of repair would exceed the cost of replacement. But again, this would be uncommon. You fix what needs fixed, and replace what needs replaced.

Is it expensive to fix a cylinder in a car?

For a typical cylinder repair, the cost for the repair kit usually ranges from $60 to $100. The labor for rebuilding the cylinder typically costs around $120 to $160 per hour. Most shops will have a flat rate for approximately 2 hours of labor, give or take half an hour.

How much does it cost to get a cylinder replaced?

Cylinder replacement cost varies significantly, ranging from under $100 for a single brake wheel cylinder to over $4,000 for a complete cylinder head replacement in a car engine, with costs depending on the specific cylinder type, make and model of the vehicle, and the extent of the damage. Simple issues like a spark plug or fuel injector can cost less, but internal engine cylinder damage may require a full engine replacement, potentially costing thousands of dollars.
 
Cost Breakdown by Cylinder Type

• Engine Cylinder Head: Opens in new tabReplacing a cylinder head can cost anywhere from a few hundred to over $5,000, with an average of around $4,100 to $5,000, according to RepairPal and SoFi. 
• Wheel Cylinder (Brakes): Opens in new tabA single wheel cylinder is inexpensive, costing under $100 for the parts alone. 
• Brake Master Cylinder: Opens in new tabReplacing a master cylinder costs roughly $840 to $940 on average, according to Kelley Blue Book. 

Factors Influencing Cost

• Vehicle Make and Model: The cost of parts and labor differs significantly between vehicle brands and models. 
• Cause of Failure: A failed spark plug or fuel injector is a minor issue, while a damaged piston or cylinder wall is more serious and requires extensive work. 
• Labor Costs: A significant portion of the total cost comes from labor, which varies by location and the complexity of the job. 
• Engine vs. Other Components: Replacing a single cylinder within an engine is a complex process that often involves tearing down the entire engine. If the cylinder is badly damaged, a full engine replacement might be necessary, which can cost thousands more. 

What to Do

1. Identify the Problem: Determine which type of cylinder needs replacement. For engine problems, you may need to visit a mechanic to diagnose a cylinder misfire or internal damage. 
2. Get an Estimate: Contact a local auto repair shop or the dealer to get a specific quote for your vehicle.