How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Motor?

Expect to pay roughly $3,500–$10,000 to replace a mainstream gasoline car engine, $8,000–$20,000+ for trucks and luxury models, and $6,000–$15,000 for an EV drive unit (electric motor assembly). Smaller automotive “motors” like a window or blower motor usually cost $200–$900 installed. Exact pricing depends on the vehicle, the type of replacement (used, remanufactured, or new), and local labor rates.

What “motor” means—and why price varies so widely

In automotive language, “motor” often refers to an internal-combustion engine in everyday speech, while in electric vehicles it’s the drive motor (often a complete drive unit). Costs hinge on the vehicle’s make and model, the component’s availability, whether you choose a used, remanufactured, or new unit, and the hours of labor required. Prices are also influenced by 2025 shop rates, which remain elevated in many regions due to technician shortages and complex modern powertrains.

Key factors that drive cost

Several variables determine the final bill when replacing an engine or electric drive unit. The following points summarize the biggest cost drivers you’re likely to encounter.

• Vehicle and engine type: Economy 4-cylinders are cheaper than V6/V8s; diesel, luxury, and performance engines cost more.
• Part choice: Used/salvage engines are cheapest; remanufactured long blocks cost more but add warranty; new crate engines or OEM assemblies are most expensive.
• Labor hours and access: Transverse engines in tight bays, AWD/4×4 packaging, and luxury models can push labor from 10–20 hours into 25–35+.
• Shop labor rate: Independent shops often charge $110–$180/hour; dealers in major metros can be $170–$250/hour.
• EV specifics: “Motor” replacements are often whole drive units; dual-motor AWD EVs can double parts cost versus single-motor setups.
• Incidentals: Fluids, gaskets, mounts, sensors, programming, freight shipping, and core charges can add hundreds to thousands.
• Warranty coverage: Better warranties (e.g., 3 years/100,000 miles on remans) generally cost more up front but reduce risk.

Taken together, these factors create a broad price band. The more complex or premium the vehicle, the further you’ll be toward the high end of the range—even before adding any optional “while you’re in there” repairs.

Typical price ranges by vehicle and powertrain

Below are realistic 2025 ranges for the total installed cost (parts plus labor). Your specific quote will vary by region and vehicle condition, but these bands reflect current market norms.

• Economy 4-cylinder (e.g., compact sedans):

  • Used engine: $3,000–$6,500 total

  • Reman/long block: $5,000–$9,000

  • New crate/OEM assembly: $6,500–$11,000

• Mainstream V6 sedans/SUVs:

  • Used: $4,500–$9,500

  • Reman: $6,500–$12,000

  • New: $8,000–$15,000

• Full-size trucks and V8 SUVs:

  • Used: $5,500–$11,000

  • Reman: $8,000–$15,000

  • New: $10,000–$20,000+

• Luxury/performance (BMW/Mercedes/Audi/Porsche, etc.):

  • Reman/new: $15,000–$40,000+ (some high-performance engines exceed this)

• Light-duty diesel pickups (Duramax/Power Stroke/Cummins):

  • Reman long block: $12,000–$22,000+ total

• Hybrids (engine only; battery not included):

  • $5,000–$10,000 total, depending on access and parts availability

• Electric vehicles (drive unit/motor assembly):

  • Single-motor: $6,000–$12,000 total

  • Dual-motor/AWD: $8,000–$15,000+ total

If your vehicle sits at the intersection of complex packaging and scarce parts—think premium European brands or certain diesel applications—expect to land near or above the upper end of these ranges.

Common “small motor” replacements and their costs

Many repair orders involve smaller electric motors rather than the main engine or an EV drive unit. These jobs are much cheaper and quicker.

• Starter motor: $300–$900 total (parts $150–$500)
• HVAC blower motor: $250–$700 total; some vehicles exceed $1,000 if the dash must be removed
• Window motor/regulator (per door): $250–$700 total
• Radiator cooling fan assembly: $300–$800 total
• Windshield wiper motor: $250–$600 total
• 4×4 transfer case/actuator motor: $300–$800 total

These figures assume typical 2025 parts prices and shop rates; dealer pricing and difficult access can push costs higher, while independent shops in lower-cost regions may come in below the ranges.

Labor time and shop rates in 2025

Engine and drive unit swaps depend heavily on book labor hours and the rate where you live. Here’s what most owners encounter today.

• Labor hours: 10–20 hours for simpler passenger cars; 20–35+ hours for trucks, AWD/4×4, or tight luxury engine bays
• Independent shop rates: Generally $110–$180/hour (rural areas can be $90–$140)
• Dealer rates in major metros: Commonly $170–$250/hour

Because labor can account for a third or more of the total, even small differences in hours or hourly rate materially change your final price.

Hidden and incidental costs to budget for

Beyond the headline parts and labor, expect additional line items that are normal for engine and drive unit replacements.

• Fluids, filters, gaskets, seals, and new hardware
• Engine/transmission mounts, belts, hoses, and timing components “while you’re in there”
• Sensors, catalytic converter issues related to failures, and exhaust fastener replacements
• Computer reprogramming, immobilizer/keys, and calibration procedures
• Core charges and freight shipping on engines or drive units
• Shop supplies, environmental/disposal fees, taxes, towing, and rental car time

These extras often add $300–$1,500, and more on complex vehicles. A prudent contingency is 10–20% of the initial estimate.

Replace vs. rebuild vs. repair

Not every failure demands a full replacement. Depending on the diagnosis, you might have alternatives.

• Rebuild/overhaul: $3,000–$8,000 for many 4-cylinders; $5,000–$12,000 for V6/V8s if the core is rebuildable. Quality and warranty vary with the builder.
• Targeted repairs: Head gasket jobs can be $1,500–$4,000; timing chain sets often $1,000–$3,500. These only make sense if the bottom end is healthy.
• When to walk away: If the repair exceeds the vehicle’s private-party value, consider selling as-is or sourcing a lower-mile used vehicle.

A trusted shop should confirm the root cause (e.g., oil starvation vs. cooling failure) to avoid repeating the problem after investing in a replacement.

How to get a trustworthy, apples-to-apples estimate

Prices vary widely across shops and regions. Following these steps will make your estimates clearer and more comparable.

1. Provide your VIN and exact engine or drive unit spec so the shop can quote precisely.
2. Decide on part type (used, reman, or new) and ask for warranty details in writing.
3. Request an itemized quote: parts, labor hours, labor rate, fluids, programming, taxes, and core/freight charges.
4. Ask what’s included “while we’re in there” and what might be extra after teardown.
5. Confirm the shop’s experience with your make/model and whether specialized tools/software are required.
6. Compare at least two to three quotes from reputable shops (dealer and independent).
7. Budget a 10–20% contingency for surprises once the old unit is out.
8. Check local emissions/inspection rules to ensure the replacement is compliant.

With consistent details across quotes, you’ll be able to see whether price differences reflect parts quality, warranty, labor, or scope—and choose based on value, not just headline cost.

The terminology problem: engine vs. motor

In common usage, people say “motor” for an internal-combustion engine. Strictly speaking, cars have engines (ICE) and electric motors (EVs and small accessories). If you’re calling shops, clarifying whether you need an engine, an EV drive unit, or a small accessory motor helps you get accurate pricing quickly.

Summary

Replacing a “motor” can mean very different jobs—from a $300 window motor to a $15,000 V8 or EV drive unit. For typical gasoline cars, plan on $3,500–$10,000 installed; trucks, diesels, and luxury/performance vehicles often run $8,000–$20,000+; EV drive units are commonly $6,000–$15,000. Your final price depends on the part type, labor hours and rates, and incidental costs—so get itemized quotes, confirm warranty terms, and budget a contingency to avoid surprises.