How Much Is a New Engine for a Hyundai Sonata?

A new engine for a Hyundai Sonata typically ranges from about $3,000 to over $8,000 in total, depending on the model year, engine type, whether the engine is new or used/remanufactured, and where you have the work done. That range includes both parts and labor and assumes prices in late 2024 across the U.S. market. Below is a detailed breakdown of what affects the cost, how to compare your options, and when an engine replacement makes financial sense.

What You’re Really Paying For

When people ask how much a new engine costs, they’re usually talking about the full replacement bill: the engine itself plus all labor, fluids, and incidental parts. For a Hyundai Sonata, the engine alone can cost anywhere from around $1,800 for a used unit to more than $5,000 for a brand‑new factory engine, with labor and related parts adding another $1,200 to $3,000 or more.

Engine Cost by Type and Source

The price of a replacement engine for a Hyundai Sonata depends heavily on whether you choose a used, remanufactured, or brand‑new engine and where it’s sourced from. Understanding these categories helps you compare quotes and avoid overpaying.

Typical Price Ranges (Parts Only)

The following list outlines typical late‑2024 price ranges for Sonata engines (excluding labor). These are broad estimates based on U.S. online parts retailers, salvage yards, and dealer pricing.

• Used (salvage yard / recycled) engines: About $1,800 – $3,500, depending on mileage, year, and engine size (2.0L, 2.4L, 1.6T, 2.0T, hybrid).
• Remanufactured (rebuild) engines: About $2,800 – $4,500 from major engine remanufacturers or reputable rebuild shops.
• Brand‑new OEM Hyundai engines: Roughly $3,800 – $5,800+ from dealerships, often the most expensive option but with strong warranty coverage.
• Performance or specialty engines (limited cases): $5,000+ for turbocharged or special‑application builds above stock specifications.

These figures are averages, not fixed quotes. Prices swing based on geography, availability, the specific engine code, and how much demand there is for that generation of Sonata engine.

New vs. Used vs. Remanufactured

Choosing the right engine type can be as important as the price itself. Each approach carries its own risks and benefits.

The list below compares the three main choices for replacing a Hyundai Sonata engine, focusing on cost, risk, and expected lifespan.

• Used engine: Cheapest up front, usually pulled from a wrecked Sonata. Quality depends on prior maintenance and mileage. Warranty is often short (30–90 days to 1 year), but it can be a good fit for older Sonatas with lower resale values.
• Remanufactured engine: More expensive than used but usually fully stripped, inspected, and rebuilt with new or reconditioned internal parts. Often sold with 1–3 year warranties, sometimes with mileage limits. A solid balance between cost and reliability.
• Brand‑new OEM engine: Highest cost, typically through a Hyundai dealer network. Best for late‑model cars or vehicles still under partial warrantable circumstances where the owner wants near‑new reliability and strong manufacturer-backed warranty (often 12 months or more on the part).

While any of the three options can work, many mechanics recommend a remanufactured engine for mid‑life Sonatas because it offers a warranty and known condition without the premium price of a brand‑new unit.

Labor and Installation Costs

Labor is a major part of the total bill. Swapping a modern Hyundai engine involves significant time, specialized tools, and post‑installation diagnostics. Installation costs vary widely across regions and shop types.

Typical Labor Estimates

The estimated labor costs below assume a full engine replacement on a front‑wheel‑drive mid‑size sedan like the Sonata in late 2024, in the U.S. market.

• Labor hours: Around 10–20 hours, depending on model year, engine type (naturally aspirated vs. turbo, hybrid complexity), and shop efficiency.
• Hourly labor rates: About $100–$200 per hour at independent shops; $150–$250+ at dealership service departments, depending on location.
• Typical labor total: Approximately $1,200 – $3,000, with dealers generally on the higher end and rural independents often on the lower end.

This means that even a relatively affordable engine can become a substantial expense once labor and related services are added, particularly in high‑cost urban areas.

Extra Parts and Fluids

Engine replacement nearly always requires more than just the engine itself. Shops typically replace various wear items and consumables at the same time.

The list below outlines common add‑on parts and services that increase the final bill beyond the engine and core labor.

• Gaskets and seals: Intake and exhaust gaskets, valve cover, oil pan, and front/rear main seals as needed.
• Fluids: Engine oil and filter, coolant/antifreeze, sometimes transmission fluid or power steering fluid if lines are disconnected.
• Belts and hoses: Serpentine (accessory) belts, aged coolant hoses, and clamps may be replaced preventively.
• Ignition components: Spark plugs, ignition coils (if old or misfiring), and sometimes plug wires for older models.
• Timing components: For engines with timing belts or older chains, shops may install fresh components while access is easy.
• Engine mounts: Replaced if worn or cracked, since the engine is already out.

These additional parts can add several hundred dollars to the final invoice, but they also help ensure the replacement engine runs reliably and does not need major work again soon.

Model Year and Engine Type: Why They Matter

Not all Sonatas cost the same to repair. Hyundai has used multiple generations and engine designs, and each has its own pricing and availability profile.

Common Hyundai Sonata Engines

The Sonata has been sold in the U.S. for decades with various four‑cylinder and hybrid powertrains. The cost and availability of each engine type can vary significantly.

The list below summarizes the major engine families you’re likely to encounter and their impact on replacement cost.

• 2.4L naturally aspirated (older generations, including some 2011–2014 models): Among the most common; used and remanufactured units are relatively easy to find, keeping prices more moderate.
• 2.0L turbocharged (2.0T in sportier trims): Fewer units in circulation and more complexity; typically costs more than a base 2.4L engine to replace.
• 2.5L and newer 2.0T engines (recent generations): Newer engine designs mean fewer used engines available, pushing many owners toward remanufactured or OEM, which are pricier.
• 1.6L turbo (small displacement turbo engines): Often used in fuel‑efficient trims; parts availability is improving but can still be pricier than older, larger engines.
• Hybrid/plug‑in hybrid engines: Replacement can be significantly more complex. Engine costs blend with hybrid‑specific components, and not all independent shops will perform this work. Expect pricing to skew higher overall.

As a rule, the more common the engine and the older the car, the easier it is to locate an affordable used or remanufactured unit. Newer and less common engines tend to push the owner toward higher‑priced options.

Total Real‑World Cost Scenarios

When all costs are combined, the final invoice for a Sonata engine swap can vary dramatically. Looking at sample scenarios can help set realistic expectations.

Typical Price Ranges (Parts + Labor)

The estimates below combine engine and labor, along with fluids and typical incidentals, based on late‑2024 U.S. pricing.

This list outlines what owners might expect to pay overall for different engine replacement paths on a Hyundai Sonata.

• Budget used engine at an independent shop: About $3,000 – $4,500 total, assuming a mid‑priced used engine and moderate labor rates.
• Remanufactured engine at an independent shop: Roughly $4,000 – $6,000, reflecting the higher cost of the remanufactured unit but similar labor.
• Brand‑new OEM engine at a dealership: Commonly $5,500 – $8,500+ once parts, labor, taxes, and fees are included, especially in high‑cost areas.
• Hybrid or turbo models at a dealership: Often in the $6,000 – $9,000 range, sometimes more, depending on parts availability and added complexity.

These ranges are broad but realistic; local quotes may be somewhat higher or lower. The value of your specific vehicle—its mileage, condition, trim level, and resale value—should help guide how much it makes sense to spend.

Warranty, Recalls, and Hyundai Support

Before paying out of pocket for an engine, owners should confirm whether Hyundai may cover some or all of the cost. Certain model years and engines have been affected by recalls and extended warranties related to engine issues.

Why You Should Check for Coverage First

Engine failures on some Sonatas—especially those linked to manufacturing debris or bearing issues—have triggered recalls and service campaigns in North America over the past decade. These programs are time‑ and VIN‑specific and may or may not apply to your vehicle.

The following list highlights steps to take before committing to a self‑funded engine replacement.

• Contact a Hyundai dealer with your VIN: Ask them to check for open recalls, service campaigns, or extended engine warranties tied to your specific car.
• Review Hyundai communications: Some owners have received letters about extended engine coverage, especially for certain 2.4L and 2.0T engines from early‑2010s model years.
• Check your vehicle’s maintenance history: Hyundai may require proof of regular oil changes and basic maintenance if you seek goodwill assistance or warranty coverage.
• Ask about goodwill or partial coverage: Even if your formal warranty is expired, some dealers can request partial support from Hyundai depending on the circumstances.

Taking these steps can save thousands of dollars if your engine failure is tied to a known defect or falls under an extended warranty program.

Is Replacing the Engine Worth It?

The financial logic of replacing a Sonata engine depends on the car’s age, condition, and value. In some cases, the repair is a smart investment; in others, it may make more sense to sell the vehicle as‑is or put the money toward another car.

Key Factors to Consider

Deciding whether to spend several thousand dollars on a new engine requires a realistic look at the vehicle as a whole.

The list below outlines core questions to ask before approving an engine replacement.

• Current market value: Compare the car’s private‑party value (in running condition) to the total cost of the engine job. If the repair approaches or exceeds the car’s value, think carefully.
• Overall condition: Consider the state of the transmission, suspension, brakes, tires, interior, and body. A new engine in a worn‑out car may not be a good investment.
• Your ownership plans: If you plan to keep the car for several more years, a solid remanufactured or new engine might pay off over time.
• Financing alternatives: Compare the cost of the engine job to a down payment on a replacement vehicle, plus potential monthly payments and higher insurance costs.
• Reliability expectations: A used engine with unknown history carries more risk than a remanufactured or new unit, even though it is cheaper.

By weighing these considerations, you can decide whether an engine replacement is an investment in extending the life of a dependable car or an expensive stopgap measure.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

Because prices vary so widely, the most reliable way to know what a new engine will cost for your Hyundai Sonata is to collect multiple detailed quotes in your area. Asking the right questions helps you compare offers on an apples‑to‑apples basis.

Information You Should Gather

Mechanics and parts suppliers will need specific information about your car to provide a precise estimate.

The following list shows the details to have on hand before you start calling shops.

• Year, make, model: For example, 2017 Hyundai Sonata SE.
• Engine size and fuel type: Such as 2.4L gasoline, 1.6L turbo, 2.0T, or hybrid. Your VIN or under‑hood label can confirm this.
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): A 17‑character code near the windshield or on the driver’s door jamb; it allows shops to identify the exact engine variant.
• Current mileage: Helps shops gauge whether other major work might be sensible at the same time.
• Symptoms and diagnosis: Any existing diagnostic reports, codes, or compression tests can confirm that a full replacement—not a smaller repair—is needed.

With this information ready, you can obtain more accurate and comparable quotes, reducing surprises once work begins.

Questions to Ask Each Shop

Not all engine replacement quotes are structured the same way. Clarifying details up front can prevent misunderstandings later.

The list below covers key questions that can help you evaluate and compare shops’ proposals.

• What type of engine are you installing? Clarify whether it is used, remanufactured, or brand‑new OEM.
• What is included in the price? Confirm whether gaskets, fluids, and incidental parts are included or billed separately.
• What is the warranty on parts and labor? Ask about duration, mileage limits, and what is—and is not—covered.
• What is the estimated turnaround time? Engine replacements can take several days to a week or more, depending on parts availability.
• Are there potential extra charges? For example, if mounts, sensors, or the catalytic converter need replacement, will you be notified before additional costs are approved?

Getting clear answers to these questions helps you choose a shop that is transparent, reliable, and offers a good balance of price and protection.

Summary

A new engine for a Hyundai Sonata typically runs between about $3,000 and $8,000+ in late 2024 when you factor in both parts and labor. A used engine installed at an independent shop sits at the lower end of that range, while a brand‑new OEM engine fitted at a dealership can push costs to the upper end, especially for turbocharged or hybrid models. The exact figure will depend on your Sonata’s year and engine type, the engine source (used, remanufactured, or new), local labor rates, and any extra parts required.

Before spending that kind of money, owners should check for Hyundai recalls or extended engine warranties, weigh the repair cost against the car’s current value, and gather several detailed quotes from both dealerships and independent shops. With that information in hand, it becomes much easier to decide whether replacing the engine is the right move—or whether it makes more sense to redirect that money toward a different vehicle.