Engine mount replacement typically costs between $300 and $1,200 per mount, depending on which mount fails, your vehicle's make and model, and whether you go to a dealership or independent shop

An engine mount is a rubber-and-metal component that holds your engine in place and absorbs vibration as it runs. When one fails, you'll notice excessive shaking, especially when accelerating or idling. The cost to replace it includes both the part itself and the labor to remove and install it — and labor is usually the larger expense because technicians have to access the mount by moving or removing other engine components.

Most vehicles have three to four engine mounts. If only one has failed, you pay for that one. If multiple mounts are worn, you may replace them all at once to avoid returning to the shop repeatedly, which can push the total bill higher.

Key Takeaways

  • A single engine mount part costs $50 to $300, but labor to install it typically runs $200 to $900 depending on the mount's location and your vehicle type.
  • Dealerships charge more than independent shops — often 20 to 40 percent more for the same work — because of higher overhead and brand-name pricing.
  • The mount closest to the transmission is usually the most expensive to replace because technicians must remove more surrounding parts to reach it.
  • Worn engine mounts can damage other engine components over time, so delaying replacement may lead to costlier repairs down the road.

How labor costs break down by mount location

Your vehicle has engine mounts in different locations, and some are far easier to reach than others. The front mount, which sits between the engine and the radiator, is often the cheapest to replace because a technician can access it without removing much else. Labor for a front mount replacement at an independent shop typically runs $200 to $400.

The rear mount, which connects the engine to the transmission, is the most expensive because the technician must remove or move the transmission partially or fully to reach it. This can take four to six hours of labor, pushing costs to $600 to $900 just for the work. Some vehicles require transmission removal entirely, which can add another $500 to $1,000 to the bill.

Side mounts fall in the middle. Depending on what's mounted nearby — power steering pumps, alternators, air conditioning compressors — a technician may need to remove one or more of these components temporarily. Expect $300 to $600 in labor for a side mount.

Dealership versus independent shop pricing

A dealership will charge you more for the same engine mount replacement than an independent repair shop, usually 20 to 40 percent more. This difference comes from higher overhead costs, certified technician wages, and the dealership's brand markup. A dealership might charge $800 to $1,200 for a rear mount replacement, while an independent shop in the same area charges $500 to $800.

Independent shops often have lower labor rates and may source aftermarket parts instead of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, which are cheaper. However, not all independent shops are equal — a shop with a strong reputation and experienced technicians may charge more than a newer shop but deliver better work and fewer comebacks.

If your vehicle is still under warranty, the dealership may cover engine mount replacement at no cost to you. Check your warranty paperwork or call the dealership service department to confirm coverage before paying out of pocket.

OEM parts versus aftermarket parts

An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) engine mount is made by the vehicle's manufacturer and is identical to what came on the car from the factory. An aftermarket mount is made by a third-party supplier and is designed to fit your vehicle but may not be identical in materials or durability. OEM mounts typically cost $100 to $300 per mount, while aftermarket mounts run $50 to $150.

The difference in price reflects durability. OEM mounts often last longer because they use higher-quality rubber compounds and metal reinforcement. If you plan to keep your vehicle for many more years, an OEM mount may be worth the extra cost because you're less likely to replace it again soon. If you're selling the vehicle in a year or two, an aftermarket mount is a reasonable choice.

Some shops automatically install OEM parts and charge you for them without asking. Before authorizing work, ask whether the quote includes OEM or aftermarket parts and whether you can choose.

Signs that an engine mount has failed

A failing engine mount produces noticeable symptoms that get worse over time. The most common sign is excessive engine vibration that you feel through the steering wheel, seat, or floor — especially when the engine is idling or when you accelerate hard. You may also hear clunking or knocking sounds from under the hood when you shift from Drive to Reverse or when you hit a bump.

If the mount has failed completely, the engine may shift visibly in the engine bay, and the vibration becomes severe enough to rattle loose parts or damage hoses and wiring. Continuing to drive with a failed mount can cause the engine to contact the frame or other components, leading to additional damage that costs far more to repair than the mount itself.

If you notice these symptoms, have a technician inspect the mounts before the damage spreads. A visual inspection takes 30 minutes to an hour and costs $50 to $100 at most shops.

What affects the total cost of your replacement

Beyond the part and labor, several factors influence your final bill. Your vehicle's age and model matter — older vehicles and luxury brands often have more complex engine designs that take longer to work on. A 2005 Honda Civic mount replacement costs less than a 2020 BMW mount replacement, even if both are rear mounts, because the BMW's engine bay is more tightly packed.

Whether you're replacing one mount or multiple mounts also changes the total. If a technician is already in the engine bay for one mount, replacing a second mount at the same time costs less in labor than scheduling two separate visits. Some shops offer a small discount when you replace multiple mounts together.

The shop's location and local labor rates matter too. A technician in a major city charges more per hour than one in a rural area, even if they have the same training and experience. Call three shops in your area and ask for a written estimate that breaks down parts and labor separately so you can compare accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a bad engine mount?

You can drive short distances, but it's not safe long-term. A failed mount allows the engine to move excessively, which can damage hoses, wiring, and the radiator. The vibration also makes the vehicle harder to control and can accelerate wear on other engine components. Have it inspected and repaired as soon as you notice symptoms.

How long does an engine mount replacement take?

A front mount replacement typically takes one to two hours. A rear mount can take four to six hours because the technician must remove or move the transmission. Some shops can complete the work the same day; others may need to keep your vehicle overnight. Ask when you call for an estimate.

Will replacing an engine mount fix my check engine light?

Not always. A failed mount can trigger a check engine light if the engine's movement damages a sensor or wiring harness. Replacing the mount may clear the light if that's the only problem. However, if the sensor itself is damaged, you'll need to replace that too. A diagnostic scan tells you which component is actually causing the light.

Is it worth replacing all engine mounts at once?

If only one mount has failed, you don't have to replace the others. However, if your vehicle is older and multiple mounts show wear, replacing them all at once saves you labor costs because the technician is already in the engine bay. Ask the shop whether other mounts look worn during the inspection.

What's the difference between a hydraulic and rubber engine mount?

Most vehicles use rubber mounts filled with fluid or air to absorb vibration. Some performance or luxury vehicles use active hydraulic mounts that adjust in real time to reduce vibration further. Hydraulic mounts cost more to replace — sometimes $200 to $400 per mount — but they last longer and provide a smoother ride. Your repair estimate will specify which type your vehicle uses.