Motor Mount (Engine Mount)
moderate DIY~2.5h jobWritten in plain English and reviewed by the eli5cars editorial team · Last reviewed June 2026
What it does
Motor mounts are rubber-and-metal sandwiches that bolt the engine to the car's frame. The rubber absorbs the engine's vibrations so you don't feel every combustion event through the seat. When the rubber deteriorates — it cracks, hardens, or collapses — the engine can move and rock freely. You feel this as a clunk or lurch when you shift gears, heavy vibration at idle, and sometimes a thud when you press the gas. A broken mount can let the engine rock far enough to damage coolant lines or the exhaust.
Fix-vs-Skip Money Panel
DIY Cost
~$60
parts only
Shop Cost
~$350
parts + labor
Estimates only — real prices vary by region, vehicle, and shop. Updated 2026.
Buy the part
Heads up: some links below are affiliate links (including Amazon Associates) — if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Details: /disclosure.
So what do I do now?
Three honest paths for fixing motor mount (engine mount) — pick the one that fits your time, tools, and risk tolerance.
Door 1 — DIY it
We don't have a curated parts/tools list for this repair yet. Based on its moderate difficulty rating, this is doable for someone with some DIY experience — expect to need more than basic hand tools.
Door 2 — Buy the part
Already have someone lined up to install it (or handy friend), and just need the part?
Search Motor Mount (Engine Mount) on AmazonHeads up: some links below are affiliate links (including Amazon Associates) — if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Details: /disclosure.
Door 3 — Go to a shop
Fair price band
$263–$438
parts + labor, typical US pricing
Ask the shop
- Are the parts OEM or aftermarket?
- Is the diagnostic fee waived if I approve the repair?
- Can I get an itemized estimate before you start?
- What warranty do you offer on the labor?
DIY tutorial
Click to load video — helps keep this page fast
Frequently asked questions
How many motor mounts does a car have?
Most cars have 2–4 mounts: typically 2 engine mounts (left and right) plus 1–2 transmission mounts. Some also have a torque strut or dog-bone mount to limit front-to-back rocking. Your car's shop manual or a parts-store lookup will tell you how many.
Should I replace all motor mounts at once?
If one is broken, inspect all of them. Mounts fail from age and heat, and they all age together. Replacing one while leaving a borderline one will send you back to the shop soon after. The extra labor cost of doing them all at once is minimal.
Can I drive with a broken motor mount?
Briefly, to get to a shop — but not for extended daily driving. A fully broken mount can let the engine contact the firewall or shear a coolant line. The constant rocking also accelerates wear on CV axles and exhaust flexible joints.