Honda Pilot engine replacement typically costs between $3,500 and $7,500, depending on model year, engine type, labor rates, and whether you choose a new, used, or remanufactured engine. By comparing quotes, checking warranty coverage, and choosing a reputable mechanic or shop, you can control costs, avoid surprise fees, and ensure your Honda Pilot runs reliably for years to come.

Honda Pilot engine replacement cost guide and tips

If you drive a Honda Pilot, you probably bought it for one big reason: it’s a family workhorse. It hauls kids, dogs, camping gear, and still feels pretty comfortable on long trips. So when the engine starts to go, it can feel like a punch in the gut. Not only is it stressful, it’s also expensive and confusing.

You might be asking: “Is it worth replacing the engine? How much will it cost? Am I getting ripped off?” This guide will walk you through the real-world Honda Pilot engine replacement cost, what affects the price, and how to make smart choices so you don’t overspend.

I’ll keep the language simple and focus on clear, honest tips. By the end, you’ll know what to expect at the shop, what questions to ask, and how to decide if a Honda Pilot engine replacement makes sense for your situation.

Key Takeaways

• Expect a high bill: Honda Pilot engine replacement often ranges from $4,000 to $8,000 total.
• Compare engine types: Used, remanufactured, and new engines vary greatly in price and reliability.
• Get multiple quotes: Always compare estimates from dealerships, independents, and engine specialists before committing.
• Ask for a detailed breakdown: Separate parts, labor, fluids, and shop fees to spot hidden costs.
• Check warranty coverage: Prioritize shops offering written warranties on both parts and labor.
• Inspect before replacing: Confirm engine failure with diagnostics; some issues are cheaper to repair.
• Plan for downtime: Engine replacement can sideline your Pilot for several days to a week.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

How much does a Honda Pilot engine replacement cost on average?

The average Honda Pilot engine replacement cost typically ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on the model year, engine type, and whether you use a new, used, or remanufactured engine.

What factors affect Honda Pilot engine replacement cost the most?

The biggest factors in Honda Pilot engine replacement cost are labor rates in your area, the type of engine (new vs. used), parts availability, and whether additional components like mounts, sensors, or the cooling system need replacement.

Is it cheaper to rebuild or replace a Honda Pilot engine?

In many cases, rebuilding can be slightly cheaper than a full Honda Pilot engine replacement cost, but a remanufactured or low-mileage used engine often offers better long-term reliability and a clearer warranty.

Can I save money on Honda Pilot engine replacement cost by using a used engine?

Yes, using a quality used or salvage-yard engine can significantly reduce your Honda Pilot engine replacement cost, but it’s important to verify mileage, condition, and any limited warranty offered.

Is a Honda Pilot engine replacement worth the cost on an older vehicle?

Whether the Honda Pilot engine replacement cost is worth it depends on your SUV’s overall condition, mileage, and resale value, but if the body and transmission are solid, replacing the engine can be more economical than buying a newer vehicle.

What does a Honda Pilot engine replacement really cost?

Typical price range you can expect

The total Honda Pilot engine replacement cost usually falls in a wide range. For most owners, it will land somewhere between:

• $3,500 to $8,500+ for parts and labor combined

That’s a big spread, so let’s break it down into more realistic bands based on the type of engine you choose.

Average cost by engine type

Your biggest cost choice is the type of replacement engine. Here are the common options:

• Used (salvage yard) engine: about $1,500–$3,000 for the engine, plus $1,500–$3,000 labor
• Rebuilt/remanufactured engine: about $2,800–$4,500 for the engine, plus $1,500–$3,000 labor
• Brand new crate engine (rare for older Pilots): $4,500–$7,000+ for the engine, plus $1,800–$3,500 labor

So your total Honda Pilot engine replacement cost might look like:

• Budget route (used engine, basic shop): $3,500–$5,000
• Middle of the road (reman engine, good shop): $4,500–$7,000
• Top end (new or premium reman, dealer): $6,000–$9,000+

Quick cost comparison table

Here’s a simple table to compare the main options for a Honda Pilot engine replacement:

Engine Option	Engine Cost (Approx.)	Labor Cost (Approx.)	Typical Total	Warranty Length	Best For
Used (salvage yard)	$1,500 – $3,000	$1,500 – $3,000	$3,500 – $5,500	30–90 days, sometimes 6 months	Older Pilots with lower budget
Rebuilt / Remanufactured	$2,800 – $4,500	$1,500 – $3,000	$4,500 – $7,500	1–3 years, often with mileage cap	Daily drivers you plan to keep
New (crate engine)	$4,500 – $7,000+	$1,800 – $3,500	$6,500 – $9,000+	3+ years, varies by source	Newer Pilots or long-term ownership

Why the prices vary so much

Several things push your Honda Pilot engine replacement cost up or down:

• Model year and engine generation – A newer 3.5L V6 with newer tech can cost more than an older one.
• Location – Labor in big cities is usually higher than in small towns.
• Shop type – Dealer rates are often $40–$80 per hour higher than independent shops.
• Extra parts – Motor mounts, hoses, sensors, and fluids add up quickly.
• Hidden damage – If the old engine failed badly, it might have hurt other parts.

When you get quotes, ask for a breakdown of parts, labor hours, and extra fees. That makes it much easier to compare.

Key factors that affect Honda Pilot engine replacement cost

1. Model year and mileage

Not all Honda Pilots are equal when it comes to engine cost. Older models can use cheaper used engines. Newer models may only have expensive options.

• High-mileage older Pilot (2003–2010): More used engines in junkyards, so engine cost is lower.
• Mid-age Pilot (2011–2015): Mix of used and reman units available.
• Newer Pilot (2016+): Fewer used engines, so prices are higher and reman/new options are more common.

If your Pilot already has 220,000 miles, you might lean toward a cheaper used engine. For a 2018 Pilot with 120,000 miles, a reman engine may make more sense long term.

2. Type of replacement engine

This is where most of your Honda Pilot engine replacement cost comes from, so it’s worth understanding the options:

• Used engine: Pulled from another vehicle, usually with unknown history. Cheapest up front, but higher risk.
• Rebuilt engine: Your old engine is repaired with new parts where needed. Quality depends on the builder.
• Remanufactured engine: Fully torn down, machined, and brought back to “like new” specs. Often from big, reputable companies.
• New engine: Brand new from the factory. Often overkill for older Pilots and very expensive.

For most drivers, a remanufactured engine hits the sweet spot between cost, reliability, and warranty coverage.

3. Labor time and hourly rates

Swapping an engine in a Honda Pilot is not a quick job. Most shops quote:

• 18–25+ labor hours depending on year and drivetrain

If your local shop charges $120 per hour and the job takes 22 hours, that’s $2,640 in labor alone. In a smaller town at $90 per hour, the same work would be $1,980.

Dealers can charge $150+ per hour. That’s one reason dealer quotes for Honda Pilot engine replacement cost can be thousands higher than independent shops.

4. Extra parts and “while we’re in there” items

Engine replacement is the perfect time to replace old wear items. Some are almost a must-do, like:

• New spark plugs
• New coolant and oil
• New filters and belts
• Possibly new motor mounts

These parts are not huge on their own, but together they can add $300–$800 to your total. The upside is you avoid paying labor again later for the same areas.

5. Diagnostic work and surprises

If the engine failure was sudden, the shop may spend time diagnosing what failed and checking for damage elsewhere. For example:

• Metal shavings in the oil cooler or transmission cooler
• Overheating damage to hoses, radiator, or thermostat
• Wiring or sensor issues from previous repairs

That extra work can add 1–3 hours of labor and some parts. It’s annoying, but it can prevent another big failure down the road.

Is it worth replacing the engine in your Honda Pilot?

Compare repair cost vs. vehicle value

Before you commit to a Honda Pilot engine replacement, step back and look at the numbers. Ask yourself:

• What is my Pilot worth in good running condition?
• How much will the engine replacement cost?
• What other big repairs might be coming soon?

As a rough guide:

• If the repair is less than 50% of the vehicle’s value, it often makes sense.
• If the repair is 70% or more of the value, it’s a tougher call.

For example, if your 2014 Honda Pilot in good shape is worth about $12,000 and the engine replacement cost is $5,000, that can be a solid investment if the rest of the SUV is in good condition.

Think about how long you plan to keep it

Engine replacement is a long-term play. It makes the most sense if:

• You plan to keep the Pilot for at least 2–4 more years.
• You like the vehicle and it fits your family’s needs.
• The body and interior are still in good shape.

If you were already planning to sell the SUV soon, dropping $6,000 into a new engine might not line up with your plans.

Consider the “known history” advantage

One big plus of replacing the engine is that you keep a vehicle you already know. You know:

• How it was maintained.
• What has been repaired already.
• How it has been driven and by whom.

Buying a used SUV instead of replacing the engine can seem cheaper at first. But a used car comes with its own unknowns and possible surprise repairs.

Real-world example

Imagine this scenario:

• 2013 Honda Pilot, 180,000 miles
• Transmission replaced 2 years ago
• Suspension and brakes done recently
• Engine fails due to oil starvation

You get quotes:

• Used engine: $4,200 total
• Reman engine: $6,200 total with 3-year warranty

The SUV is worth about $9,000 in good running shape. In this case, the reman engine option might be worth it because the rest of the vehicle has been refreshed already. You end up with a solid, known SUV for less than the cost of upgrading to a newer vehicle.

How to choose the right shop and engine option

Dealer vs. independent shop

Both can do a Honda Pilot engine replacement, but each has pros and cons.

Dealer pros:

• Honda-specific training and tools
• Access to OEM parts and support
• May offer better coverage on new or reman engines

Dealer cons:

• Higher labor rates
• Less flexibility on used or third-party reman engines

Independent shop pros:

• Lower labor rates in many areas
• More flexible with used and reman options
• Often more willing to work with your budget

Independent shop cons:

• Quality varies a lot by shop
• Warranty support may depend on the shop staying in business

For many owners, a trusted independent shop with Honda experience hits the best balance between cost and quality.

Questions to ask before you say yes

When you get a quote for Honda Pilot engine replacement cost, ask these questions:

• What type of engine is this? Used, rebuilt, reman, or new?
• Who supplies the engine? A known reman brand or a local builder?
• What is the warranty? Time, mileage, and what is covered.
• Is labor covered if the engine fails under warranty?
• What extra parts are included in this quote? Fluids, gaskets, mounts, belts, etc.
• Are there any likely extra costs not in this quote?

A good shop will answer clearly and in simple terms. If they dodge questions or rush you, that’s a red flag.

How to compare multiple quotes

Don’t just look at the bottom line. Line up each quote with:

• Engine type and source
• Warranty details
• Labor hours and hourly rate
• Included parts and fluids

Sometimes a quote that’s $500 higher is actually a better value if it includes a longer warranty or a higher-quality engine.

Practical tip: ask about core charges

Many reman engines include a core charge. That’s a deposit you pay until your old engine is returned to the supplier. It can be several hundred dollars.

Ask:

• Is there a core charge?
• Is it included in the quote?
• When and how do I get it refunded?

This helps you avoid surprise costs on your final bill.

Saving money on your Honda Pilot engine replacement

Be flexible with timing if you can

If your Pilot is still drivable (for example, burning oil but not dead), you may have more time to shop around. You can:

• Get 3–5 quotes from different shops
• Ask each shop if they can price match or beat a competitor
• Look for seasonal discounts or coupons

When the engine is already dead, you have less leverage. But you can still call around and get at least two quotes before committing.

Source your own engine (carefully)

Some shops will let you buy your own used or reman engine and they only charge labor. This can save money, but there are risks:

• The shop may not warranty the engine you supply.
• If the engine is bad, you pay labor twice to swap it again.
• Shipping and return costs can be a hassle.

If you go this route, only buy from a reputable seller with clear mileage, compression test results if possible, and a written warranty.

Bundle maintenance items while the engine is out

Some jobs are much easier while the engine is already being replaced. For example:

• Motor mounts
• Water pump (if separate from timing components)
• Timing belt or chain-related parts (for older belt-driven models)
• Hoses and belts that are cracked or worn

The parts add a bit to your Honda Pilot engine replacement cost, but you save on future labor. Ask the shop, “What would you recommend doing now to avoid more big labor costs later?”

Avoid the cheapest possible option if it feels risky

It’s tempting to grab the lowest quote, especially when money is tight. But an ultra-cheap used engine with no real warranty can end up costing more if it fails soon after install.

A slightly higher upfront cost for a solid reman unit with a strong warranty often pays off in peace of mind and fewer headaches.

Insurance and warranty angles to check

Before you pay out of pocket, check:

• Extended warranty: If you bought one, engine failure might be covered.
• Powertrain warranty: Newer Pilots may still be under factory coverage.
• Insurance: If the engine died due to a covered event (like accident damage or flood), insurance might help.

Most of the time, a worn-out engine is not covered. But it’s worth a quick call to be sure.

How to avoid another costly engine replacement

Stick to oil changes like glue

Many Honda Pilot engine failures trace back to poor oil maintenance. Either the oil was never changed on time, or the level dropped too low and stayed there.

To protect your new engine:

• Follow the oil change interval your mechanic recommends (often 5,000–7,500 miles).
• Use the correct oil type and viscosity for your specific model year.
• Check your oil level every month or before long trips.

It’s boring, but simple oil care is the cheapest insurance you can buy for your next engine.

Watch for early warning signs

Engines rarely fail out of nowhere. They usually give hints first. Pay attention to:

• Knocking or ticking sounds from the engine
• Blue or white smoke from the exhaust
• Oil warning light or low oil level between changes
• Overheating or frequent coolant loss

Catching these signs early can mean a smaller repair instead of another full Honda Pilot engine replacement cost.

Use quality parts and fluids

When the new or reman engine goes in, don’t cheap out on the basics:

• Use good quality oil and filters.
• Use the correct coolant type for Honda systems.
• Stick with OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts for critical components.

Saving $10 here and there is not worth risking another major repair bill.

Keep good records

After you invest in a Honda Pilot engine replacement, keep every receipt and service record. This helps you:

• Prove maintenance if you need a warranty claim.
• Get a better resale value if you sell later.
• Track when future services are due.

A simple folder or digital folder on your phone works fine. Just make sure you can find the paperwork when you need it.

Conclusion: making a smart decision about your Honda Pilot engine

Facing a dead or dying engine in your Honda Pilot is stressful. The engine replacement cost is high, and there’s a lot of confusing information out there. But when you break it down, the process becomes easier to manage.

Most owners will see quotes between $3,500 and $8,500+, depending on engine type, labor rates, and extra parts. A used engine is cheaper but riskier. A remanufactured engine costs more but usually comes with a better warranty and more peace of mind.

Take your time to:

• Compare at least two or three detailed quotes.
• Ask clear questions about the engine type and warranty.
• Weigh the repair cost against your Pilot’s value and your long-term plans.

If you decide to move forward, treat the new engine well: keep up with oil changes, watch for warning signs, and use quality parts. Do that, and your Honda Pilot can keep hauling your family for many more miles, without another surprise engine bill hanging over your head.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Honda Pilot engine replacement cost on average?

The average Honda Pilot engine replacement cost typically ranges from $3,500 to $7,500, depending on the model year, engine type, and where you have the work done. New OEM engines and dealership labor rates will be at the higher end, while used or remanufactured engines and independent shops can lower the total bill.

What factors affect Honda Pilot engine replacement cost?

Key factors include the engine source (new, used, or remanufactured), labor rates in your area, and whether additional parts such as mounts, sensors, or gaskets need replacement. The model year and drivetrain (e.g., AWD vs. FWD) can also influence both parts availability and labor time.

Is it cheaper to rebuild or replace a Honda Pilot engine?

Rebuilding a Honda Pilot engine can sometimes be cheaper than a full replacement if the damage is limited and the block is still in good condition. However, a remanufactured or low-mileage used engine may offer better reliability and a clearer warranty, which can make replacement more cost-effective in the long run.

Can I use a used engine to lower my Honda Pilot engine replacement cost?

Yes, opting for a used engine is one of the most common ways to reduce Honda Pilot engine replacement cost. Just be sure to buy from a reputable supplier, verify mileage and compression, and look for a written warranty to protect your investment.

How long does a Honda Pilot engine replacement take?

Most shops need 10 to 20 hours of labor to replace a Honda Pilot engine, which usually translates to 2–4 business days including parts ordering and test driving. Delays can occur if additional repairs are discovered or if parts are on backorder.

Are there any tips to save money on Honda Pilot engine replacement?

You can save by getting multiple quotes, considering a quality remanufactured or low-mileage used engine, and using a reputable independent shop instead of a dealership. Also ask about bundled pricing, warranties, and whether any reusable parts from your old engine can safely be transferred to the replacement.