How much does engine replacement cost in the US?

Has your car been acting up recently, even after multiple repairs? It might be an engine problem. You might need to fix some parts or schedule a complete engine replacement. Although replacing a car engine entails high upfront costs, it’s worth investing in, especially if you want to improve your vehicle’s performance and safety. 

So, how much does it cost to replace an engine? In the US, the engine replacement cost can be around $6,287 to $12,878. This can still change, depending on the vehicle’s make and model and the mechanic’s labor fees.

When should you consider changing your car’s engine?

A car with an overheating engine (Source: iStock)

Since the total price to change an engine can go through the roof, it’s good to assess the car’s condition before making a decision. Maybe your car just needs a good cleaning in the engine bay. Faulty sensors can also be a culprit in performance engine issues, so replacing them can be the solution. So, have a mechanic look over the car for quick engine diagnostics.

However, if you already notice these signs, it’s time for an auto engine replacement:

Constant overheating

Always pay attention to the temperature gauge on the dashboard. If it’s near the red zone, it indicates that the car is overheating. Smoke or steam could also be coming from the hood while the engine is running. 

If these happen often during long drives, it could be a sign of a cracked engine block. This is the metal part that houses the critical components of an engine, so if it’s cracked, it can cause the coolant (which prevents the car from overheating) to leak and mix with the engine oil. 

Engine oil problems

If you recently had an oil and filter change but the car still needs frequent oil top-offs even though there are no signs of leakage, there’s a problem with the engine. It could be because a worn-out oil pump is clogging the engine’s oil passages.

You can also check the Dashboard Oil Warning Light to inspect engine oil problems. If it’s on, this indicates that the car has low oil pressure due to a worn-out or clogged oil pump. It’s vital to address the issue fast because this can lead to engine failure. 

Excessive exhaust smoke

One tell-tale sign of needing an engine replacement is if there’s so much smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. You can actually tell what’s wrong with the engine based on the color of the smoke. If it’s blue, the engine’s piston rings and valve seals are worn out, causing the engine oil to leak into the combustion chamber. As a result, the engine burns too much oil, reducing the efficiency of your car. 

Meanwhile, if it’s black smoke, the fuel injectors are faulty, so your car’s engine burns more fuel than necessary. Your vehicle can also produce thick white smoke. This could mean that the coolant leaked into the combustion chamber due to a cracked engine block. 

Strange engine noises

As a car owner, there are four strange engine noises to look out for: knocking, tapping, clicking, and grinding. Knocking noises indicate that the engine’s internal parts are damaged. They are more noticeable when you press more on the gas pedal. 

On the other hand, tapping and clicking noises mean low oil pressure. As for grinding noises, they could be due to internal engine damage that causes the metal parts to clash.

Recurring check engine light

The dashboard’s check engine light (CEL) or the amber-colored engine icon functions as your car’s diagnostic system. If it lights up steadily, you don’t have to panic because this means that the engine has a minor issue. But if it blinks repeatedly like flashing lights, it signifies a severe engine problem that could lead to a full engine replacement. 

High mileage with frequent repairs

It’s normal for vehicles with high mileage to undergo car engine repair because as vehicles accumulate miles, they increasingly experience wear and tear, so various mechanical issues arise. However, if they undergo several major repairs and are still acting up, replacing the engine may be more cost-effective.

What are the average labor costs of engine replacement in the US?

How much does it cost to change an engine? In the US, the average car service cost is $4,348. However, prices vary widely depending on the car mechanic’s location. For instance, car mechanics in metropolitan areas such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Phoenix, and Philadelphia have bigger service rates to cover higher rent and utilities. 

Meanwhile, those who work in garages in less populated cities like Denver, Orlando, and Salt Lake City offer lower mechanic fees. If the area has limited service providers, they may charge higher, sometimes almost equal to or more than the car mechanics in major cities.

What factors affect the costs of engine replacement?

A mechanic checking for car engine issues (Source: iStock)

Other factors can raise the price of an engine replacement and the service cost. We’ll discuss them extensively in this section. 

Vehicle make and model

The type of engine you’ll need for replacement depends on the make and model of the vehicle. High-performance models such as the Land Rover Range Rover and Infiniti Q50 have more expensive engines than others because they typically have turbocharger technology. 

Engine prices can also change depending on the age of the vehicle and the type of parts used. Older models like the Volkswagen Passat are more costly, as their original equipment manufacturer (OEM) engine parts are rare and difficult to find. 

Although aftermarket parts produced by third parties are more affordable, some might have many compatibility issues, burdening car owners with additional repairs and costs. 

Here are the estimated engine replacement prices of some of the popular vehicle models in the US.

Engine type, size, and condition

Car engines come in many types and sizes. The most common ones are gasoline, diesel, and hybrid. Among the three, gasoline engines are the most affordable because they are found in various vehicles, including passenger cars and small vehicles, making it easier to source their parts. 

Conversely, diesel engines are more expensive because they include complex components like turbochargers (to enhance the engine’s power) and diesel particulate filters (to help reduce harmful exhaust emissions). They are common in trucks, sedans, and SUVs.

Lastly, hybrid engines are the most costly because, in addition to overhauling the traditional engine components, they require replacing the battery. In the US, battery replacement can range from $1,500 to $8,000.

Now, you might be wondering why the table below shows that hybrid engines are cheaper than diesel ones. Hybrid engines are smaller than other engine types, resulting in lower manufacturing costs. However, the overall engine replacement cost of a hybrid vehicle is higher than that of traditional petrol- and diesel-powered cars because of the complexity of the system.

A car’s engine size can also affect the total cost of full engine replacement. Vehicles with small engines, like the Ford Fiesta and Honda Civic, have lower costs because their engines are simple and do not have turbochargers, unlike midsize sedans and crossovers. High-performance cars with large engines are even more expensive because they require engineering fuel technologies. 

The condition of the engine you plan to purchase can impact the overall cost of replacing an engine. New engines are, of course, the ideal option due to zero wear. Plus, they usually come in full warranties. So, how much does a new engine cost? In the US, it’s $4,000 to $15,000 or more.

You can opt for used engines to save money, but they typically have not-so-obvious issues, such as worn-out bearings and gasket leaks. There are other better options, like rebuilt and reconditioned engines. When it comes to rebuilt engines, car mechanics only replace the worn-out parts, while reconditioned ones are built to restore them to near-original condition. 

Required parts and materials

A close-up of a car engine and its parts (Source: iStock)

A car engine is made up of various parts, each grouped into different components. Since the list could be overwhelmingly long, focus on the essentials when considering an engine replacement:

The engine block and cylinder head are the most expensive parts, as they form the core of the engine. Expect the crankshaft, camshaft, and pistons to cost a lot, too, because they are often made of aluminum and steel and require high-precision machining.

Labor fees

Engine replacement labor costs depend on several factors, including location, type of repair facility, specialization, and total labor time. For location, mechanics in urban areas tend to charge more due to the higher cost of living. Labor rates in cities like New York or Los Angeles range from $100 to $150 per hour, while in smaller towns or rural areas, they can be as low as $50 to $75 per hour.

The labor fees are significantly higher if you choose a specialized mechanic or a dealership for an engine replacement. Dealerships often charge between $150 and $250 per hour, especially for luxury or high-performance vehicles. Hiring a mechanic from an independent garage is more practical because the labor rates are 40% cheaper than dealership services.

Mobile mechanics can be an alternative if you want to save even more, but they may charge an additional fee for coming to your location. This call-out fee typically ranges from $50 to $100, depending on the time of day and the distance traveled.

Additional repairs or enhancements

Although replacing an engine can help improve vehicle performance, it can also lead to future mechanical issues if the engine is incompatible with the car’s other components. So, to prepare yourself for possible extra costs, consider these additional car repairs or enhancements: 

Transmission upgrades or repairs

The transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels, helping regulate the vehicle’s speed. Its primary function is to adjust the gear for a smoother and more efficient ride. Your vehicle transmission must be compatible with the new engine since a mismatch can result in premature wear and failure. 

A mechanic could assess the transmission first to see which parts need repairing or upgrading. These could be the clutch packs (which enable gear changes) or torque converters (which help the car start and stop without stalling the engine). 

Cooling system maintenance and upgrades

A mechanic installing a new engine cooling fan (Source: iStock)

New engines can generate more heat, requiring upgrading your car’s cooling system. This prevents overheating and possibly damaging critical engine components such as the cylinder head or head gasket. 

When it comes to cooling system maintenance and upgrades, usually you’ll have to install high-performance radiators to handle the increased heat load. Adding electric mechanical fans can also improve cooling efficiency. 

Electrical system adjustments

Each car engine is unique, so every type has specific electrical requirements. So, if you have already decided to replace the engine, prepare for some electrical adjustments, such as reprogramming or replacing the engine control unit (ECU) to ensure it’s compatible with the new engine sensors and components. You might also need to upgrade the alternator and battery for a consistent power supply. 

Fuel system adjustments

Your car’s existing fuel pump and injectors might not meet the new engine’s flow and pressure requirements. Fixing this issue is vital; otherwise, the engine will run with inadequate fuel, causing it to overheat. To solve this, you may have to install a new fuel pump with a higher flow rate and pressure. Upgrading the fuel injectors may be necessary, too, since they supply the correct amount of fuel for the new engine. 

Engine mount and drivetrain compatibility checks

The engine mount supports the motor to keep it aligned within the engine bay. It must be in good condition to mitigate vibrations and prevent damage to the drivetrain, which houses the car’s transmission parts. 

Warranty coverage

New cars typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty for engine repairs and replacements. This warranty generally lasts 3 to 5 years or 36,000 to 60,000 miles and only applies if the engine failure is due to manufacturing defects. 

Third-party extended warranties are available if you want protection beyond the manufacturer’s coverage. These can offer more comprehensive coverage, including powertrain and bumper-to-bumper plans. Such warranties may cover engine breakdowns and critical vehicle components, like the transmission and drivetrain. However, review the policy details thoroughly, as coverage varies significantly per provider. 

Lastly, if your vehicle has a rebuilt engine, warranty options may be more limited. Some third-party providers offer coverage for rebuilt engines but often at a higher premium and with stricter eligibility criteria.

What are some ways to save on engine replacement?

A young man looking deep into the open hood of a car (Source: iStock)

Engine replacement can, indeed, burn a hole in your pocket. Fortunately, there are some ways to reduce the financial burden. Here are some tips to help you save a few bucks on replacing a car engine: 

1. Ensure the engine is compatible

Compatibility issues will only lead to more expensive rework, so consult a reputable mechanic before you buy engine parts. They can advise on the modifications required for different engine models. You can also check your car’s manual or visit the manufacturer’s website to understand which engine size, type, and mounting points are required for your vehicle. 

2. Shop around for the right mechanic

Although hiring a mechanic near you is easier, it’s better to contact multiple mechanics or garages first and ask for detailed costs. This way, you can compare the charges for labor and parts, finding the most cost-effective option. It would also help to look up some reviews online to check their credibility. 

3. Consider refurbished or rebuilt engines

Although brand-new engines are the best, you should look into refurbished or rebuilt engines from other cars, especially if you have an old one. These engines have been tested and restored for quality, making them more affordable. Inspect them for wear and tear first, and always bring a mechanic to check their quality. 

4. Reuse compatible parts

Some other parts in your car, like the motor mounts, oil pans, and wiring harnesses, could still be useful for the new engine. Have a mechanic inspect these parts to see if they are still in good condition and compatible with the new engine. 

5. Avoid impulse upgrades

Although we’ve listed some necessary upgrades earlier, it doesn’t mean you have to pick them all. Sometimes, you only need to upgrade the cooling and suspension, helping you save more resources. Again, it’s wise to consult a mechanic before getting car upgrades.

Avoid or resolve car engine troubles with Airtasker

The engine is one of the most critical parts of your vehicle, and replacing it on your own might do more harm than good. If you need convenient access to car engine replacement experts, you can find them on Airtasker. Simply post a task, wait for offers, and pick a Tasker with in-depth knowledge of your vehicle’s make and model. 

In addition to helping you source quality parts from reputable suppliers, they can install the new engine and check for compatibility issues. With Airtasker, car engine problems don’t have to be so troublesome.