Motor mount replacement typically costs between $300 and $1,000 at a repair shop, depending on which mounts need replacement, your vehicle's make and model, and whether the job requires engine removal

A single motor mount part costs $50 to $200. Labor runs $200 to $800 per mount, with most vehicles needing one to four mounts replaced at once. Some cars — particularly those with transverse engines or tight engine bays — require the engine to be lifted or partially removed, which doubles or triples labor time and total cost. A four-cylinder sedan might cost $400 to $600 total; a luxury vehicle or truck with multiple mounts needing replacement can reach $1,200 or more.

If you have mechanical experience and the right tools, you can buy the parts yourself and do the work in your driveway. The parts alone cost $50 to $800 depending on how many mounts you replace. The real variable is labor time: some mounts take 30 minutes to access and bolt in; others require engine support equipment, jack stands, and three to four hours of work.

Key Takeaways

  • Motor mount parts range from $50 to $200 each, and most jobs involve replacing one to four mounts at the same time.
  • Shop labor for motor mount replacement typically costs $200 to $800 per mount, with total bills ranging from $300 to $1,200 depending on vehicle type and access difficulty.
  • Vehicles with transverse engines or tight engine compartments often require engine removal or lifting, which significantly increases labor costs.
  • DIY replacement is possible if you have jack stands, a hydraulic engine support bar, and mechanical experience, but access varies widely by vehicle model.

What determines the cost of a motor mount job

The number of mounts that need replacement is the first cost driver. Most vehicles have two to four motor mounts — one on each side of the engine, sometimes one at the rear, and occasionally one at the transmission. A shop will typically inspect all of them and recommend replacing any that show wear, cracking, or excessive play. Replacing one mount costs less than replacing all four, but shops often recommend replacing multiple mounts at once because the labor to access them is similar.

Your vehicle's engine layout and engine bay design matter more than you might expect. Front-wheel-drive cars with transverse engines (engine mounted sideways) often have tighter spaces and require more disassembly to reach the mounts. Rear-wheel-drive vehicles and trucks with longitudinal engines (engine mounted front-to-back) usually offer better access. Some vehicles require removing the engine subframe, wheel well liner, or other components just to reach a single mount.

The make and model of your vehicle also affects parts cost. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) mounts for luxury brands or newer vehicles can cost $150 to $250 each. Aftermarket mounts for common vehicles like Honda Civics or Toyota Camrys run $50 to $100. Some shops charge a markup on parts; others let you supply your own.

Labor costs at independent shops versus dealerships

Independent repair shops typically charge $80 to $150 per hour for labor. A straightforward motor mount replacement on a vehicle with good access might take one to two hours, putting labor at $80 to $300. A job requiring engine removal or extensive disassembly can stretch to four to six hours, pushing labor to $320 to $900.

Dealerships charge $120 to $200 per hour and often quote longer labor times because they use manufacturer labor guides that account for every step. A job that an independent shop completes in two hours might be quoted at three hours at a dealership. Dealership parts are also typically more expensive — sometimes 20 to 40 percent higher than aftermarket equivalents.

The difference between shops in your area can be significant. Call three to five shops, describe your vehicle and symptoms (clunking when accelerating, engine movement visible, vibration at idle), and ask for a written estimate that includes parts, labor hours, and total cost. Most shops will not charge for an inspection or estimate.

When you can DIY and when you should not

Motor mount replacement is a DIY project if you meet three conditions: you have a hydraulic engine support bar or engine hoist, you own jack stands and a floor jack, and you have experience working under a vehicle safely. The support bar is essential — it holds the engine in place while you remove the mounts, preventing damage to other engine components and protecting you if something fails.

Straightforward jobs include mounts on the sides of the engine that bolt directly to the frame or subframe. You lift the engine slightly with the support bar, unbolt the old mount, bolt in the new one, and lower the engine. This takes 30 minutes to an hour per mount if you have clear access.

Do not attempt the job if your vehicle requires engine removal, if the mounts are buried under other components, or if you are not confident supporting an engine safely. A dropped engine causes thousands of dollars in damage and serious injury risk. If you are unsure whether your specific vehicle is accessible, search online forums for your make and model — owners who have done the job will describe the difficulty level and tools needed.

Parts cost breakdown and where to buy

OEM motor mounts come directly from the vehicle manufacturer and carry a warranty, usually 12 months or the remainder of your factory warranty. They cost $100 to $250 per mount depending on the vehicle. You can order them from the dealership parts department, online retailers like RockAuto or FCP Euro, or local parts stores.

Aftermarket mounts from brands like Prothane, Energy Suspension, or Motorcraft cost $50 to $150 per mount. Many aftermarket mounts are designed to reduce engine movement and vibration compared to OEM parts, which some drivers prefer. Others are straightforward cheaper replacements with the same function. Read reviews specific to your vehicle model before ordering — some aftermarket mounts have fitment issues or durability problems.

Rebuilt or used mounts are occasionally available from salvage yards at $20 to $60 per mount, but they carry no warranty and may fail quickly. Most shops and DIYers avoid them because the cost savings are small compared to the risk of a second failure.

Signs that motor mounts need replacement

A clunking sound when you accelerate hard or shift into gear is the most common symptom. The engine rocks forward or backward when the mounts are worn, and the sudden movement creates a metallic clunk as the engine hits the frame or hood. This is usually most noticeable when accelerating from a stop or shifting from Drive to Reverse.

Visible engine movement is another sign. Open the hood, have someone gently rev the engine while you watch, and look for excessive up-and-down or side-to-side motion. A small amount of movement is normal; if the engine rocks visibly or touches the hood, the mounts are likely failing.

Vibration at idle or while driving, especially if it worsens over time, can indicate worn mounts. This is less specific than clunking — it can also signal engine problems — but a shop inspection will distinguish between the two. If you notice vibration, have the mounts inspected before they fail completely and cause secondary damage.

How to get an accurate estimate before committing

Describe your symptoms clearly: when the noise or vibration occurs, whether the engine visibly moves, and how long the problem has been present. Shops use this information to narrow down which mounts are likely failing and how much work the job will require.

Ask the estimate to include the specific mounts being replaced, the parts cost, the labor hours, and the total. A good estimate also notes whether the job requires engine removal or other major disassembly. If one shop quotes significantly higher labor hours than others, ask why — it may be accurate, or it may reflect a more conservative estimate.

Request a warranty on both parts and labor. Most shops offer 12 months or 12,000 miles on parts and 30 to 90 days on labor. If a mount fails again within that period, the shop will replace it at no charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a bad motor mount?

Yes, but not safely or for long. A worn mount causes excessive engine movement, which can damage hoses, belts, and wiring. The clunking or vibration will worsen, and in rare cases a severely failed mount can allow the engine to contact the frame hard enough to crack the engine block. Have it inspected and repaired within a few days of noticing symptoms.

Do all motor mounts fail at the same time?

No. Mounts wear at different rates depending on driving habits, engine size, and the mount's location. A shop inspection will identify which ones are actually failing. Replacing only the bad ones is cheaper, but some shops recommend replacing all mounts at once because the labor to access them is similar and you avoid a second repair soon after.

Is there a difference between OEM and aftermarket motor mounts?

OEM mounts are engineered to match your vehicle's specifications and carry a warranty. Aftermarket mounts are often cheaper and may reduce vibration more than OEM parts, but quality varies by brand. Read reviews for your specific vehicle model before choosing aftermarket — some have fitment or durability issues.

How long does a motor mount replacement take at a shop?

One to two hours for a straightforward job with good access. Jobs requiring engine removal or extensive disassembly can take four to six hours. The shop's estimate should specify labor hours so you know what to expect.

What if I replace the motor mount myself and it still makes noise?

The noise may come from a different mount you did not replace, or from a separate problem like engine knock or transmission issues. If symptoms persist after replacement, have a shop inspect the other mounts and the engine itself to rule out other causes.