How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Car's Engine?

Your engine is the heart of your car—without it, you're going nowhere fast. But when it fails, it doesn't have to be the end of the road. A full engine replacement can bring your ride back to life, pumping fresh power into a vehicle you're not ready to say goodbye to. Think of it like a heart transplant for your car.
But like any surgery, it's not cheap. Let's break down what you can expect to pay, what drives that cost, and when replacing your engine might be the smartest move you can make.

Why You May Need To Replace Your Engine

Engine replacement is typically considered when your engine has catastrophic damage or is seized, meaning it's completely locked up and won't run at all. Common causes that may warrant an engine replacement include:

• Collision damage
• Cracked engine block, often the result of extreme overheating or freezing
• Extensive head gasket damage
• Serious age and mileage-related defects, like metal shavings in your oil
• Excessive smoke or exhaust

If a replacement is necessary, a mechanic will remove the damaged engine and install a replacement.

Engine Replacement Costs

Replacing an engine can run you anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on what's under the hood and who's doing the work.
The best way to get an accurate estimate is to call a few reputable mechanics in your area, but this general breakdown can help set expectations. Engine replacement costs include parts (the engine itself and any required components) and labor. Here's what you might expect for those costs:

Engine replacement pricing breakdown

If you drive a luxury or high-performance vehicle—like a Mercedes with a hand-built or rare engine—you could pay $16,000 or more for an engine replacement. On the other end of the spectrum, putting a used engine in an economical vehicle (like a Honda) could cost as little as $1,800.

Factors That Impact Pricing

Several key factors can drive the price of engine replacement up or down, including your vehicle's make and model, the engine's size and complexity, the type of replacement engine you choose and more.

Vehicle make, model and engine size

Engine replacements are usually more expensive for larger engines, high-performance models and luxury vehicles. Parts for these vehicles tend to cost more, and the engines themselves are often more complex, which means higher labor costs. So the more powerful or premium the vehicle, the more you'll likely pay for an engine swap.

Type of engine

When replacing your engine, you'll typically choose from three main options: new, rebuilt or used—each with its own price point and trade-offs.

Other necessary repairs

Oftentimes, other repairs are necessary with an engine replacement. These might include:

• Engine mounts that fasten the engine to your car's frame
• Seals and gaskets that help the engine run
• Cooling system components (like a radiator) that prevent engine overheating
• Electronics, including the engine control unit

Labor cost rates

Replacing an engine typically takes 15 to 20 hours of labor, though it can vary depending on the vehicle's complexity. Labor rates are usually highest at dealerships, where you're paying for brand-specific expertise and overhead, while independent shops often charge less for the same work. Getting multiple estimates—ideally at least three—can help you compare pricing.

Warranty and insurance coverage

In some cases, your engine replacement may be covered by your manufacturer's warranty or auto insurance, but it depends on the cause of the failure.
If your vehicle is still under a powertrain warranty, it may cover engine replacement if the failure is due to a manufacturing defect, not wear and tear or neglect.
Auto insurance typically doesn't cover mechanical failure, but it may cover engine replacement if the damage was caused by a covered event, like a collision.
Always review your warranty and insurance policies before paying out of pocket. There's a chance you could avoid a massive repair bill if the stars (and clauses) align.

Is Engine Replacement Worth It?

Deciding whether to replace your engine involves financial, logistical and emotional considerations. Engine replacement can be a costly and time-consuming process. It may take a week or two, during which you might need a rental car or alternate transportation. Whether it's worth it depends on the condition of your vehicle, your budget and what you expect to get out of the car going forward.

Engine replacement vs. repair

Even if you have severe engine damage, your mechanic may be able to repair or rebuild your engine. This process involves taking the engine apart and replacing any broken parts. It may be a cheaper option: A full engine rebuild costs about $2,500 to $4,000.
Rebuilding may make sense if the damage is limited and the engine's core is still in good shape. But if the engine has widespread failure or high mileage, a replacement may offer more long-term reliability.

Engine replacement or new car?

When your engine dies, your first instinct might be to start shopping for a new car—but that isn't always necessary or financially wise. While engine replacement can cost several thousand dollars, it's often about 10% to 20% of what you'd spend on a new vehicle.
If your vehicle is in good condition, an engine replacement can give it years of additional life, often for far less money than buying new. However, if your car is older, has other major problems or is likely to rack up ongoing repair bills, it may be smarter to invest in a newer vehicle.
Still, for some people, it's not just about the numbers. Maybe it's your dream car, or a vehicle you've put a lot of time and heart into. In that case, an engine replacement isn't just practical—it's personal.

Tips To Save Money on Engine Replacement

An engine replacement is always pricey, but there are steps you can take to save money:

• Replace with a refurbished or used engine. Talk with your mechanic about the benefits and risks of both options.
• Use an aftermarket engine if replacing with a new engine. This is typically more affordable than a manufacturer's part.
• Get multiple quotes. Labor is a substantial part of engine replacement costs, so getting multiple quotes may save you money.
• Check your warranty coverage. If your vehicle has a warranty, that may cover the cost of engine replacement.
• Explore insurance coverage. If your engine failure is the result of an accident, insurance may cover replacement costs.
• Ask about engine repair. If it's an option, this is often cheaper than replacement.

Preventing Major Engine Issues in the Future

Here's how to keep your new engine healthy:

• Get regular oil changes.
• Make sure your cooling system is working well so the engine doesn't overheat.
• Get regular maintenance, following the recommendations in your owner's manual.
• Drive gently, avoiding aggressive acceleration.
• Have any noises, leaks or other engine concerns checked out immediately.

Replacing Your Engine

While an engine replacement is costly, it can be money well spent. Getting multiple quotes and considering all your options—repairing and replacing your engine or getting a new vehicle—can help you make the best choice.
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