Dodge Charger engine replacement cost typically ranges from $4,000 to over $10,000, depending on the model year, engine type (V6 vs. V8/Hemi), labor rates, and whether you choose a new, used, or remanufactured engine. Understanding parts pricing, shop fees, and potential add-ons like gaskets, fluids, and performance upgrades helps you budget accurately, avoid surprise expenses, and decide whether repairing, replacing, or even selling your Charger makes the most financial sense.

Dodge Charger engine replacement cost full price guide

If you own a Dodge Charger, you probably enjoy the power, sound, and attitude this car brings. But when the engine starts knocking, smoking, or finally gives up, the fun stops fast. Suddenly you’re searching for “Dodge Charger engine replacement cost” and wondering if it’s even worth fixing.

I’ve been through this decision process with friends and readers more than once. The numbers can feel scary at first. But when you break the costs down piece by piece, it becomes much easier to decide what to do next. That is what this guide is for.

We’ll walk through real-world price ranges, what affects the total bill, and how to avoid spending more than you need. By the end, you should have a clear idea of what a Dodge Charger engine replacement might cost you, and whether to repair, replace, or move on.

Key Takeaways

• Engine replacement averages $4,500–$9,000: Hemi V8 and dealer labor push costs to the high end.
• Labor is a major expense: Expect 15–25 hours of work, heavily influencing your final bill.
• Remanufactured engines cut costs: They’re cheaper than new OEM blocks and often include solid warranties.
• Used engines are risky but affordable: Lower upfront price, but unknown history and shorter warranty coverage.
• Trim and engine size matter: Hellcat, Scat Pack, and 392 engines cost significantly more to replace.
• Shop choice changes pricing: Dealerships charge more; reputable independents can save 20–30% on labor.
• Plan for extra parts and fluids: Gaskets, sensors, belts, and coolant can add $300–$800 to the job.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

How much does a Dodge Charger engine replacement cost on average?

The average Dodge Charger engine replacement cost typically ranges from $4,000 to $9,000, depending on the model year, engine type, and whether you choose a new, used, or rebuilt engine.

Why does the Dodge Charger engine replacement cost vary so much?

The Dodge Charger engine replacement cost changes based on labor rates, parts availability, engine size (V6 vs. V8 or Hellcat), and whether you go to a dealership, independent shop, or performance specialist.

Is it cheaper to rebuild or replace a Dodge Charger engine?

In many cases, rebuilding can lower your Dodge Charger engine replacement cost, but a full replacement with a used or remanufactured engine may be more reliable and sometimes comparable in price.

Does warranty coverage affect my Dodge Charger engine replacement cost?

Yes, if your Charger is still under powertrain or extended warranty, your Dodge Charger engine replacement cost could be heavily reduced or even fully covered, aside from deductibles or related fees.

Can I save money on Dodge Charger engine replacement cost by buying a used engine?

Buying a used engine from a reputable source can significantly cut your Dodge Charger engine replacement cost, but you’ll want to factor in mileage, condition, and any limited warranty on the used engine.

What goes into Dodge Charger engine replacement cost?

Parts vs labor: the two big chunks

When people ask about Dodge Charger engine replacement cost, they usually want one simple number. The truth is, the bill is made up of two main parts:

• Engine cost (the part itself)
• Labor cost (what you pay the shop to do the work)

On top of that, there are smaller but important extras like fluids, gaskets, and sometimes new sensors or hoses. These add up faster than most people expect.

Engine type and model year matter a lot

The Dodge Charger has been sold with many different engines. Your engine type and model year have a huge impact on the final cost:

• Older V6 Chargers (like early 2000s) tend to be cheaper to fix.
• Newer 3.6L Pentastar V6 engines cost more but are easier to find.
• 5.7L HEMI V8 engines cost more than V6 but are still fairly common.
• 6.4L and Hellcat 6.2 supercharged engines can be very expensive.

As a rough idea, a basic V6 swap will usually cost much less than a high-performance HEMI swap. The parts alone can be thousands of dollars apart.

Shop type: dealer vs independent vs specialist

Where you take your Charger also changes the price:

• Dealership: Highest labor rates, but OEM parts and factory procedures.
• Independent shop: Often cheaper, more flexible on parts choices.
• Performance or HEMI specialist: Great for SRT and Hellcat, but can be pricey.

If your car is still under any kind of warranty or extended coverage, a dealer might make sense. For older Chargers, a trusted independent shop can save you a lot of money without cutting corners.

Typical Dodge Charger engine replacement price ranges

Average cost by engine type

Below is a general price guide for full engine replacement on a Dodge Charger. These are ballpark ranges for parts and labor combined, assuming no major extra damage:

Engine / Trim	Engine Type	Typical Total Cost (USD)	Notes
2.7L / 3.5L V6 (older Chargers)	V6	$3,000 – $5,500	Used or reman engines common, cheaper labor on older cars
3.6L Pentastar V6	V6	$4,000 – $7,000	Newer tech, lots of used and reman options
5.7L HEMI	V8	$5,500 – $9,000	Popular engine, wide price range based on mileage and source
6.4L HEMI (SRT / Scat Pack)	V8	$8,000 – $13,000+	Performance engine, higher parts and labor cost
6.2L Hellcat Supercharged	Supercharged V8	$15,000 – $25,000+	Very expensive, often crate or performance builds

These ranges assume a standard engine swap, not a full custom build. If you add performance upgrades, tuning, or extra parts, the Dodge Charger engine replacement cost can climb well beyond the high end of these numbers.

Labor hours and shop rates

Engine replacement is not a quick job. Most shops will quote anywhere from 15 to 25 labor hours, sometimes more on complex models. Now multiply that by the hourly rate:

• Smaller independent shop: $90–$130 per hour
• Larger independent or chain shop: $120–$160 per hour
• Dealer: $150–$220+ per hour

So labor alone on a Dodge Charger engine replacement can range from about $1,500 to $4,000+, depending on the shop and how many hours the job takes.

Real-world example: 3.6L V6 swap

Let’s say you have a 2014 Dodge Charger with the 3.6L V6 and the engine fails due to overheating. A typical breakdown might look like this:

• Used low-mileage 3.6L engine: $2,500
• Labor (20 hours at $130/hr): $2,600
• Fluids, gaskets, belts, misc: $400

Estimated total: about $5,500. If you choose a remanufactured engine instead, that parts cost might jump to $3,500–$4,000, pushing the total closer to $6,500–$7,000.

New, used, or reman: choosing the right engine

Brand-new crate engine

A brand-new engine from Dodge (or Mopar crate engine) is usually the most expensive option. It often comes with a solid warranty and no prior wear.

• Pros: New parts, strong warranty, peace of mind.
• Cons: Highest Dodge Charger engine replacement cost, often overkill for older cars.

For a daily-driver V6 Charger that’s already older, a brand-new engine may not make financial sense. For a high-end Hellcat or collector car, it might.

Used (salvage yard) engine

This is usually the cheapest way to get your Charger back on the road. You’re buying an engine pulled from a wrecked car, often with unknown history.

• Pros: Lowest parts cost, quick to find, good for budget builds.
• Cons: Short or weak warranty, unknown wear, risk of future problems.

Used engines for common Chargers can range from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on mileage, engine type, and demand. Always ask for mileage proof and compression test results if possible.

Remanufactured or rebuilt engine

A remanufactured engine sits between new and used in both price and quality. It has been torn down, cleaned, and rebuilt to meet or exceed factory specs.

• Pros: Better warranty than used, known condition, updated parts.
• Cons: More expensive than used, quality depends on the rebuilder.

For many people, a reman engine is the sweet spot. You spend more up front but lower your risk. For a 3.6L or 5.7L Charger, this is often the best balance of cost and reliability.

Which option fits your situation?

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Older Charger, low budget, daily driver: Used engine from a trusted yard or seller.
• Mid-age Charger you plan to keep: Remanufactured engine with a good warranty.
• High-value SRT or Hellcat: New or top-tier reman, possibly from Mopar or a known performance shop.

The right choice is not only about money. It’s also about how long you want to keep the car and how much risk you’re willing to accept.

Hidden costs that affect Dodge Charger engine replacement cost

Extra parts that add up

Most people focus only on the engine and labor. But a full swap often includes many smaller parts that can quietly raise the bill:

• New motor mounts
• New spark plugs and coils
• Hoses and clamps
• Belts and tensioners
• Fluids (oil, coolant, transmission fluid if removed)
• New gaskets and seals

It’s common for these extras to add $200 to $800 to the total Dodge Charger engine replacement cost, depending on what needs to be replaced.

Damage from the original failure

How your engine died can also change the price. For example:

• If the engine seized due to lack of oil, metal shavings might be in the oil cooler or lines.
• If the timing chain broke, valves and pistons may have collided, causing more damage.
• If the engine overheated badly, the radiator or heads might be warped.

In these cases, the shop might need to replace or flush extra parts. That means more labor and more money. A clean, simple swap is cheaper than cleaning up after a catastrophic failure.

Programming and electronics

Modern Chargers rely heavily on computers. After an engine replacement, your shop may need to:

• Program or reflash the ECU
• Reset or relearn sensors
• Deal with immobilizer or security issues

This can add another $100 to $300 for diagnostic time and programming fees, especially at a dealer.

Taxes, fees, and towing

Don’t forget the “around the edges” costs:

• Sales tax on parts
• Shop fees and disposal fees
• Towing your Charger to the shop

These won’t double your bill, but it’s realistic to expect an extra $100 to $400 on top of the core engine replacement cost.

How to save money on a Dodge Charger engine replacement

Get multiple quotes and detailed breakdowns

Never rely on a single estimate. Call or visit at least two or three shops. Ask each one for a written breakdown that shows:

• Engine type and source (new, used, reman, mileage)
• Labor hours and hourly rate
• List of extra parts and fluids
• Warranty terms on parts and labor

This makes it easier to compare real Dodge Charger engine replacement cost numbers, not just vague “about five grand” guesses.

Bring your own engine (carefully)

Some shops will install an engine that you buy yourself. You can sometimes find a good deal on a used or reman engine online or from a local yard.

But there are trade-offs:

• Shop may not warranty the engine, only their labor.
• If the engine is bad, you may pay labor twice.
• Return and shipping can be a hassle.

If you go this route, buy from a seller that offers a written warranty and clear return policy. And talk to your shop first so they are on board.

Replace related wear items while the engine is out

This might sound like spending more, but it can actually save money over time. When the engine is already out, it’s much easier (and cheaper) to replace:

• Motor mounts
• Water pump
• Thermostat
• Belts and tensioners

Doing these now may add a few hundred dollars to your Dodge Charger engine replacement cost today, but it can prevent another big repair bill later.

Check for warranty or recall coverage

If your Charger is newer or has low miles, it’s worth checking:

• Factory powertrain warranty
• Extended warranty or service contract
• Technical service bulletins (TSBs) or recalls related to your engine

Sometimes, a known issue may be partially or fully covered. It only takes a few phone calls to find out, and it could save you thousands.

Is an engine replacement worth it for your Charger?

Compare repair cost to vehicle value

One of the hardest parts is deciding if the car is worth fixing. A simple way to look at it:

• Find the current market value of your Charger in good running condition (use sites like KBB, NADA, or local listings).
• Compare that to the total Dodge Charger engine replacement cost estimate.

As a rough guide:

• If the repair is less than half the car’s value, it often makes sense to fix it.
• If the repair is more than the car’s value, it may be better to sell or part it out.

This is not a strict rule, but it helps put the decision in perspective.

How long do you plan to keep the car?

If you love your Charger and plan to keep it for several more years, an engine replacement can be a solid investment. You’re basically buying more life for a car you already know and like.

If you were already thinking about selling or upgrading, sinking a big chunk of cash into a new engine might not feel right. In that case, you might:

• Sell the car as-is to a mechanic or enthusiast.
• Part out valuable components (wheels, interior, body parts).
• Trade it in and accept a lower value.

Emotional value vs financial sense

Cars are not just numbers. Maybe this Charger was your first big purchase, or it has family memories tied to it. That emotional value is real, even if it does not show up on a spreadsheet.

It’s okay to spend a bit more than “makes sense” on paper if keeping the car matters to you. Just go in with open eyes, knowing the true Dodge Charger engine replacement cost and what you are getting for that money.

Conclusion: planning your Dodge Charger engine replacement

Replacing the engine in a Dodge Charger is a big job, both emotionally and financially. The total cost can range from a few thousand dollars for an older V6 with a used engine, all the way up to tens of thousands for a high-end Hellcat with a new crate motor.

The key is to break the process into clear steps:

• Identify your engine type and model year.
• Decide between new, used, or remanufactured engines.
• Get multiple detailed quotes from different shops.
• Factor in hidden costs like extra parts, programming, and fees.
• Compare the total Dodge Charger engine replacement cost to your car’s value and your long-term plans.

Once you see all the pieces, the decision becomes much less overwhelming. Whether you choose to rebuild, replace, or move on from your Charger, you’ll be doing it with a clear understanding of the real costs and trade-offs.

If you’re currently facing a dead or dying engine, take a breath, gather a few quotes, and give yourself time to think. With the right information and a good shop, getting your Dodge Charger back on the road is absolutely possible—and it does not have to be a total financial nightmare.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dodge Charger engine replacement cost?

The average Dodge Charger engine replacement cost typically ranges from $3,500 to $7,500, depending on the model year, engine type, and where you get the work done. High-performance trims like the R/T, Scat Pack, or Hellcat can cost significantly more due to specialized parts and labor.

What factors affect the Dodge Charger engine replacement cost?

The main factors include engine type (V6 vs. V8 vs. Hellcat), whether you choose a new, used, or remanufactured engine, and labor rates in your area. Additional costs can come from replacing related components such as motor mounts, gaskets, fluids, and sensors during the swap.

Is it cheaper to rebuild or replace a Dodge Charger engine?

Rebuilding a Dodge Charger engine can sometimes be cheaper if the damage is limited and the core engine is still in good condition. However, a full replacement may be more reliable and cost-effective long term if there is extensive internal damage or multiple failing components.

How much is labor for a Dodge Charger engine replacement?

Labor for a Dodge Charger engine replacement usually runs between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on shop rates and the complexity of the job. Performance models and newer Chargers can take more time, increasing labor costs.

Can I use a used engine to lower my Dodge Charger engine replacement cost?

Yes, using a used engine can significantly reduce your total Dodge Charger engine replacement cost, often bringing the price down by $1,000–$2,500 compared to a new engine. Just make sure it comes from a reputable source and includes a warranty for added peace of mind.

Are there extra costs besides the engine itself when replacing a Dodge Charger engine?

Yes, you should budget for additional parts like belts, hoses, fluids, gaskets, and sometimes a new radiator or catalytic converters. There may also be diagnostic fees, computer reprogramming, and alignment or inspection charges after the engine swap.