Head gasket replacement cost

The average head gasket replacement costs $2,572 – $3,386 at a repair shop, before taxes and fees. Parts run about $903 – $937 and labor about $1,669 – $2,449. The gasket itself is cheap; you pay for the many hours it takes to take the top of the engine apart.

Average head gasket replacement cost

Before taxes and fees. Source: RepairPal national estimate, September 2026.

Cost by vehicle

RepairPal estimates for recent model years; your year, engine and trim can change the price.

What the job involves

The head gasket seals the joint between the engine block and the cylinder head. To replace it, the mechanic drains the coolant and oil, removes the intake, exhaust and timing parts, lifts off the head, and usually sends the head to a machine shop to be checked for warping before putting everything back with new gaskets and bolts.

V6 and V8 engines have two heads, and many shops recommend replacing both gaskets at once.

Warning signs

• White, sweet-smelling exhaust smoke
• Coolant loss with no visible leak
• Milky, light-brown oil on the dipstick or oil cap
• Overheating, or bubbles in the coolant reservoir
• Rough running or misfires after the engine warms up

Can you keep driving?

Not for long. A leaking head gasket can let coolant into the oil or cylinders and destroy the engine. If the temperature gauge climbs, pull over and turn the engine off.

What changes the price

• Engine layout. V6 and V8 engines, and engines with overhead cams that need the timing belt or chain removed, take far longer than a simple four-cylinder.
• Machine shop work. Resurfacing or repairing a warped head adds a few hundred dollars.
• Your vehicle. Parts for trucks, European and luxury models usually cost more, and on some engines the mechanic has to remove other parts first, which adds labor hours.
• Where you go. Dealers often charge 25% or more above independent shops. Most shops bill about $120 to $159 an hour (AAA, citing a 2025 PartsTech survey).
• The parts. OEM (factory) parts cost more than aftermarket or remanufactured parts. Ask which ones the estimate uses and what warranty comes with them.
• Extras. Related parts found during the job, fluids, shop supply fees and sales tax are not included in these averages.

How to pay less

• Ask for a block (combustion leak) test to confirm the diagnosis before you approve a $2,500+ job.
• If the car is worth less than the repair, compare the price of a used engine or another car with our repair or replace calculator.
• Replace the timing belt and water pump during the same job if they are due; the labor overlaps.

How to get a fair estimate

• Ask for a written estimate that lists parts, labor hours and the shop’s hourly rate before any work starts.
• Ask whether the quote uses OEM, aftermarket or remanufactured parts, and what warranty comes with the parts and the labor.
• Get a second quote for any repair over a few hundred dollars. Independent shops often charge less per hour than dealers.
• Ask the shop to show you the old part or the reading that proves it failed, and to call you before doing extra work.
• Check for recalls and warranty coverage first: many powertrain, emissions and hybrid parts carry longer factory warranties.

Prices are national averages and typical ranges from published cost data. Your price depends on your vehicle, location, parts and shop, so get a written estimate. Car Repair Atlas is not a repair shop; read our disclaimer.