What Is the Average Cost to Replace an Engine in a Car?

The average cost to replace an engine in a mainstream car in the U.S. typically falls between $4,000 and $8,000 total, with many invoices clustering around $6,000–$7,500. Prices vary widely by vehicle, engine type, and whether you choose a used, remanufactured, or new crate engine; luxury, performance, and diesel models can run $8,000–$20,000+.

Typical Price Ranges

Engine replacement costs depend heavily on where the engine comes from and the vehicle category. The following ranges reflect typical parts and labor totals quoted by independent shops and dealers in the current U.S. market.

• Used/Salvage Engine (low-mileage take-out): Parts $1,500–$4,000; labor $1,500–$3,000; total $3,000–$7,000. Shorter warranties (often 30–12 months, parts-only) but lowest upfront cost.
• Rebuilt/Remanufactured Engine: Parts $2,500–$6,000; labor $1,500–$4,000; total $4,000–$10,000. Typically 2–3 year warranties, often best value for daily drivers.
• New “Crate” Engine (gasoline): Parts $4,000–$10,000+; labor $2,000–$5,000; total $7,000–$15,000+. Highest reliability, longer warranties, and often OEM-backed.
• Diesel, Luxury, High-Performance: Parts $6,000–$15,000+; labor $2,500–$6,000; total $9,000–$25,000+. Complexity and parts pricing drive costs higher.
• Hybrid/EV note: Hybrids still use internal combustion engines similar in cost to small gas engines, but integrated systems can add labor; EVs don’t have “engines” but drive-unit replacements are a different category and cost structure.

For compact sedans and crossovers, expect the lower half of these ranges; for trucks, AWD, turbocharged, direct-injected, diesel, or premium brands, expect the upper half or beyond.

What Drives the Cost

Several variables determine where your quote lands. Understanding them helps you compare bids and set realistic expectations.

• Make and model: Parts availability and brand premium (e.g., BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus) raise costs.
• Engine type: Turbocharged, direct-injection, V6/V8, and diesel engines add complexity and price.
• Engine source and warranty: Used is cheapest with shorter coverage; reman/new cost more but include stronger warranties.
• Labor rate and hours: Shop rates commonly $120–$200+ per hour; jobs take 12–25 hours depending on vehicle and procedures.
• Ancillary parts: While the engine is out, shops often recommend water pump, timing components, belts, mounts, hoses—adding $200–$1,500.
• Programming and calibration: ECU reprogramming, immobilizer pairing, and emissions readiness can add $100–$400.
• Freight, fluids, and fees: Shipping heavy engines, coolant/oil, gaskets, and shop supplies add $200–$600.
• Core charges: Reman engines often carry refundable core deposits ($300–$1,500) if your old engine is rebuildable.

Quotes at the higher end typically reflect premium parts, expanded warranty coverage, complex installs, or brand-specific procedures.

What’s Typically Included in an Engine Replacement Quote

Not all quotes include the same items. Here’s what’s commonly bundled—and what may be extra.

• Engine assembly: Long block (block, heads, internals) or complete drop-in; accessories may transfer from your old engine.
• Gaskets and seals: Head gasket, valve cover, intake/exhaust, front/rear main seals as needed.
• Fluids and filters: Engine oil, coolant, filter, sometimes new spark plugs/ignition components.
• Labor for R&R: Remove and replace engine, swap accessories, alignments as needed on some models.
• Programming: ECU updates, immobilizer re-learn, and emissions readiness checks.
• Warranty: Terms vary—used engines often parts-only; reman/new typically parts and sometimes labor.
• Extras (often optional): Timing set, water pump, motor mounts, hoses, belts, and thermostats if due.

Ask for a line-item estimate so you can see what’s included and choose optional preventative parts while the engine is out.

Sample Cost Scenarios

The following examples illustrate realistic totals for common vehicles; actual quotes vary by region and parts availability.

• Economy 4-cylinder sedan: Used engine $2,200 + labor $1,800 + fluids/gaskets $300 = about $4,300.
• Midsize V6 crossover: Reman engine $4,800 + labor $2,400 + ancillaries $400 = about $7,600.
• Half-ton pickup V8: New crate engine $7,500 + labor $3,000 + extras $500 = about $11,000.
• Luxury turbo V6: Reman engine $7,000 + labor $3,500 + programming/ancillaries $700 = about $11,200.
• Diesel 3/4-ton truck: Reman engine $9,500 + labor $4,000 + extras $800 = about $14,300.

These examples reflect typical U.S. shop rates and parts pricing and are intended as planning guides, not quotes.

Repair vs. Replace vs. Sell

Before green-lighting an engine swap, weigh the economics and condition of the rest of the vehicle.

• Vehicle value: If the car’s private-party value after repair is well below the repair cost, selling may be wiser.
• Remaining lifespan: Transmission, suspension, rust, and electronics condition matter; avoid fixing one big problem to uncover another.
• Usage needs: Towing, commuting distance, and emissions requirements can influence the decision.
• Downtime: Parts lead times and shop backlogs can add days to weeks.
• Coverage: Collision/comp claims rarely cover mechanical failures; extended warranties or mechanical breakdown insurance sometimes do.

As a rule of thumb, replacement makes sense if the post-repair vehicle will remain reliable for several years and the total cost is less than 50–70% of its post-repair value.

Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Reliability

You can often reduce the bill by making smart sourcing and shop choices.

• Compare engine sources: Low-mile used engines can be cost-effective; reman units add warranty for modestly more.
• Get multiple quotes: Independent specialists often beat dealer labor rates by 10–30%.
• Bundle preventative parts: Replacing timing components and water pump now can prevent future labor costs.
• Ask about warranties: Seek at least 12 months on used, 24–36 months on reman/new; clarify labor coverage.
• Check regional rates: Labor can vary widely; transporting the car to a lower-cost area may pay off.
• Confirm core policies: Ensure your old engine qualifies to recoup the core deposit.
• Leverage coverage: Mechanical breakdown insurance or certain extended warranties may offset costs.

Balancing upfront savings with warranty strength usually delivers the best long-term value.

Timeline and Logistics

Knowing the expected schedule helps you plan transportation and costs.

• Lead time: Engine sourcing can take 2–10 business days, longer for rare models.
• Install time: Most swaps require 2–4 shop days once parts arrive.
• Programming and testing: Add a half to full day for calibrations and road tests.
• Break-in: Follow the installer’s guidelines; first oil change often at 500–1,000 miles for reman/new engines.

From approval to pickup, plan for roughly one to three weeks, depending on parts availability and shop workload.

Key Questions to Ask a Shop

Clear answers protect your wallet and your warranty.

• Is the engine used, rebuilt/remanufactured, or new? Who is the supplier or rebuilder?
• What exactly is included in the price (parts, labor hours, programming, fluids, taxes, fees)?
• What are the warranty terms and do they include labor? What voids the warranty?
• What ancillary parts are recommended while the engine is out, and why?
• What is the estimated timeline and are there potential backorder risks?
• Will my old engine qualify for the core refund?
• Are there any required software updates or emissions procedures post-install?

Documenting these details in writing helps avoid surprises and speeds warranty support if needed.

Bottom Line

Expect to pay about $4,000–$8,000 to replace the engine in a typical mainstream car, with many bills landing near $6,000–$7,500; trucks, diesels, and luxury/performance models commonly run higher. Your final cost hinges on engine source, labor rates, and optional preventative work. Get multiple quotes, compare warranties, and evaluate the car’s overall condition before proceeding.

Does labor cost vary for engine replacement?

The engine replacement labor cost typically ranges from $1,100 to $2,400, depending on factors like the mechanic’s hourly rate, the complexity of the job, and your location. Most shops charge between $110 and $150 per hour, and the work usually takes between 10 and 20 hours.

How much does it cost to replace a 4 cylinder engine?

Replacing a 4-cylinder engine can cost anywhere from $2,000 to over $10,000, with the average falling around $4,000, depending on the vehicle’s make and model, the type of engine used (new, rebuilt, or used), labor costs, and your geographic location. Simpler, mass-market vehicles like a Honda Civic are on the lower end, while luxury or high-performance models will be on the higher end. 
Factors influencing the cost

• Engine Type: Opens in new tabA used junkyard engine is the cheapest option, while a rebuilt or remanufactured engine costs more, and a brand-new engine from the dealer is the most expensive. 
• Vehicle Make and Model: Opens in new tabLuxury and specialized vehicles tend to have more expensive and complex engines, driving up the cost. 
• Labor Costs: Opens in new tabThis includes the mechanic’s hourly rate and the number of hours required to complete the job, which can vary by location and the complexity of the engine. 
• Other Repairs: Opens in new tabThe cost will increase if other engine-related components need to be repaired or replaced. 

Typical Cost Breakdown 

• Engine Parts: Costs can range from under $1,000 for a used engine to several thousand dollars for a new or remanufactured one.
• Labor: This is a significant portion of the cost and depends on the shop’s hourly rate, which can be $90 to over $150 per hour, and the 8-15 hours it takes for a typical replacement.
• Miscellaneous: You’ll also need to account for the cost of new fluids, such as oil and coolant.

To get an accurate estimate, contact a local mechanic or dealership for a quote specific to your vehicle.

Is it worth replacing the engine on a car?

Replacing an engine can be worth it if your car is otherwise in good condition, replacing the engine is significantly cheaper than buying a new or newer used car, and if the vehicle has sentimental value or you want to avoid car payments and higher insurance costs. However, it’s generally not worth it for vehicles that are very old (12-14+ years) or already have many other issues, as those components might require replacement soon after the engine, making it a less financially sound investment. 
Factors to Consider

• Cost vs. Car Value: Opens in new tabCompare the cost of engine replacement to the current value of your car. If the replacement cost is more than half the car’s value, buying a new vehicle might be a better financial decision. 
• Vehicle Condition: Opens in new tabThe rest of your car should be in good condition. If you have other problems with the frame, transmission, or other major systems, an engine replacement may not be worthwhile. 
• Financial Goals: Opens in new tabConsider your financial situation. If you want to avoid a new car payment and the associated increase in insurance costs, an engine replacement can be a way to keep your current vehicle running longer. 
• Type of Replacement Engine: Opens in new tabA remanufactured or used engine is usually more affordable than a brand-new engine but often comes with a warranty, offering a good balance of cost and reliability. 

When an Engine Replacement May Be a Good Idea

• Good Condition: Your car is otherwise reliable and in great shape. 
• High Attachment: You have a strong emotional attachment to the vehicle. 
• Avoid New Car Payments: You want to avoid making car payments and increased insurance premiums. 
• Eco-Friendly: Replacing an engine is often more environmentally friendly than building a new car. 

When an Engine Replacement May NOT Be a Good Idea

• Old Vehicle: The vehicle is more than 12-14 years old and has many miles on it. 
• Other Major Issues: There are other significant mechanical issues with the car, such as problems with the transmission, frame, or suspension. 
• High Repair Cost: The cost of the engine replacement is close to or exceeds the car’s actual market value. 

How much would it cost to put a new engine in my car?

Replacing a car engine can cost anywhere from $2,000 to over $15,000, with an average often falling between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the make and model of your car, the type of engine (new, used, or rebuilt), labor rates in your area, and the complexity of the installation. High-end vehicles will be on the higher end of this range, while economy cars will be on the lower end. 
Factors influencing engine replacement cost

• Vehicle Make and Model: Opens in new tabLuxury or performance vehicles typically have more expensive engines and higher labor costs due to complex designs. 
• Engine Type: Opens in new tabThe cost varies depending on whether you choose a new (crate), remanufactured, or used engine. 
• Labor Costs: Opens in new tabShop rates differ by location and the complexity of the job, with urban areas often having higher rates. 
• Additional Parts and Fluids: Opens in new tabYou may also need to purchase new fluids, hoses, and potentially other components. 
• Shop Location and Type: Opens in new tabIndependent repair shops may have lower rates than dealerships, though dealerships may offer better warranties. 

Cost-saving tips

• Shop Around: Get quotes from several mechanics and repair shops to find the best rates. 
• Consider a Used or Remanufactured Engine: These options are often more affordable than a new, dealer-provided engine. 
• Find Your Own Engine: You can save money by sourcing your own engine from a junkyard or engine supplier. 
• Ensure Compatibility: Confirm that the new engine is compatible with your vehicle’s existing systems to avoid unnecessary complications and costs.