What you'll pay for a motor mount replacement
A motor mount replacement typically costs between $300 and $1,200 per mount, depending on which mount has failed, what vehicle you drive, and whether you use a dealership or independent shop. The part itself usually runs $50 to $400, but labor is where the cost climbs — removing and installing a motor mount can take anywhere from one to four hours depending on its location in the engine bay.
Most vehicles have between three and four motor mounts. You don't always need to replace all of them at once. A mechanic will diagnose which one has worn out, and you can replace just that one. However, if multiple mounts are old, replacing them together can save money on labor since the technician won't have to return to the same job later.
Key Takeaways
- Motor mount parts cost $50 to $400 each, but labor typically makes up 60 to 80 percent of your total bill.
- Location matters: mounts on the side or rear of the engine are faster to reach than those tucked underneath or behind other components.
- Dealership shops charge 20 to 40 percent more than independent mechanics for the same work, though they may use original manufacturer parts.
- Replacing multiple mounts at once reduces total labor cost because the technician doesn't have to disassemble the engine bay twice.
- Worn motor mounts cause vibration and clunking but won't leave you stranded — you can drive to a shop, though the ride will be rough.
How labor time drives the final cost
Labor is the largest variable in motor mount replacement. A front mount on an easily accessible engine might take 45 minutes to an hour. A rear mount or one buried under the intake manifold can stretch to three or four hours. Some vehicles require removing the engine subframe, which adds significant time.
Independent shops typically charge $75 to $150 per hour for labor. Dealerships charge $120 to $200 per hour. On a two-hour job at an independent shop, you're looking at $150 to $300 in labor alone. At a dealership, that same job costs $240 to $400 in labor.
The year, make, and model of your vehicle determines accessibility. A Honda Civic motor mount is straightforward to reach. A Subaru with a horizontally opposed engine or a luxury vehicle with tightly packed components takes longer. Ask your mechanic for a time estimate before authorizing the work.
Part costs vary by vehicle and mount location
OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts from the dealership run $100 to $400 per mount. Aftermarket parts from suppliers like Dorman, Prothane, or DEA cost $50 to $150. The difference in price doesn't always reflect durability — many aftermarket mounts are engineered to the same specifications and carry the same warranty.
Luxury and performance vehicles have higher part costs. A motor mount for a BMW or Mercedes can exceed $300 just for the part. A Toyota or Honda mount typically costs $80 to $150. Hydraulic mounts, which dampen vibration more effectively than solid rubber mounts, cost more than basic rubber-and-metal designs.
Some shops will install a part you provide yourself, though most charge a small fee ($25 to $50) for this service. If you find a significantly cheaper part online, confirm it's the correct part number for your vehicle before purchasing — motor mounts are not universal, and an incorrect part won't fit or function properly.
Dealership versus independent shop pricing
Dealerships charge more for motor mount replacement, but the difference isn't always justified by quality. A dealership will use OEM parts and technicians trained on your specific vehicle. An independent shop will typically use aftermarket parts and may have more flexibility on pricing.
| Service Provider | Part Cost | Labor Rate | Typical Total (Single Mount) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent shop | $50–$150 | $75–$150/hour | $200–$500 |
| Chain repair (Firestone, Midas) | $80–$200 | $100–$160/hour | $300–$700 |
| Dealership | $150–$400 | $120–$200/hour | $500–$1,200 |
Independent shops often beat dealership pricing by 30 to 50 percent on the same job. However, if your vehicle is still under warranty, using a dealership preserves that coverage. If your vehicle is out of warranty, an independent shop with good reviews is usually the better financial choice.
Signs you need a motor mount replacement
Motor mounts wear out gradually, so you'll notice symptoms before the mount fails completely. Excessive vibration in the steering wheel, dashboard, or seat — especially when idling or accelerating — is the most common sign. A clunking or thudding sound when you shift from Park to Drive or Reverse indicates a mount is no longer absorbing movement.
Some drivers notice the engine visibly rocks side to side when they rev the engine in Park. This is a clear sign that at least one mount has lost its cushioning. If you see fluid leaking from a mount, it's a hydraulic mount that has ruptured and must be replaced.
A failed motor mount won't cause your engine to stop running, but it will make the vehicle uncomfortable to drive and can eventually damage other engine components if the engine moves excessively. Don't ignore these symptoms — the longer you wait, the more wear you place on surrounding parts.
Replacing multiple mounts at once
If your vehicle has multiple worn mounts, replacing them together saves money on total labor cost. A single mount replacement might take two hours at $100 per hour ($200 labor). Replacing three mounts might take four to five hours total, not six to nine hours, because the technician doesn't have to fully disassemble the engine bay three separate times.
However, you don't need to replace all mounts if only one has failed. A mechanic can diagnose which specific mount is worn and replace only that one. If other mounts are aging but still functional, you can address them during your next service visit or when symptoms appear.
Some shops offer a small discount (5 to 10 percent) when replacing multiple mounts in one visit. Ask about this before authorizing the work. It's worth getting a quote for all mounts at once, then deciding whether to proceed with all of them or just the failed one.
Getting an accurate quote before you commit
Call or visit three shops — at least one independent and one dealership — and describe your symptoms. A good shop will ask which symptoms you're experiencing and may perform a brief inspection to confirm which mount has failed. Avoid shops that quote you over the phone without seeing the vehicle.
When you get a quote, ask for it in writing and confirm it includes the specific part being replaced, the labor hours estimated, and the hourly rate. Some shops quote a flat rate for the job instead of hourly labor, which can be clearer. Confirm whether the quote includes a warranty on the part and labor.
If one quote is significantly lower than others, ask why. It might mean the shop uses cheaper parts, charges less per hour, or has a faster process. It might also mean the shop underestimated the job. A quote that's 20 percent lower than others is reasonable; one that's 50 percent lower warrants a follow-up question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my car with a bad motor mount?
Yes, a failed motor mount won't stop your engine from running. You can drive to a repair shop, though the ride will be rough and you'll feel significant vibration. Avoid driving long distances or at highway speeds, as excessive engine movement can damage other components over time.
How long does a motor mount replacement take?
A straightforward mount replacement takes one to two hours. Mounts in difficult-to-reach locations can take three to four hours. The total time depends on your vehicle's design and which mount needs replacement. Ask your mechanic for a time estimate before work begins.
Should I replace all motor mounts at the same time?
Only if multiple mounts show signs of wear. If one mount has failed and others are still functioning, replace just the failed one. You can address additional mounts later if symptoms develop. Replacing all at once saves labor cost, but it's not necessary unless they're all worn.
Is an aftermarket motor mount as good as an OEM part?
Most aftermarket mounts are engineered to meet the same specifications as OEM parts and perform equally well. The main difference is price — aftermarket parts cost less. Check reviews for the specific brand and part number before purchasing to confirm quality and durability.
What if the quote seems too high?
Get quotes from at least two other shops. Dealerships typically charge 30 to 50 percent more than independent shops for the same work. If all three quotes are similar, the price is likely accurate for your vehicle. If one shop quotes significantly higher, ask what's included that the others don't mention.