Honda Pilot Engine Replacement Cost [Labor & Parts]
Needing to replace your engine can be a painful experience as a Honda Pilot owner. However, the costs of replacing or rebuilding your engine often outweigh the costs and benefits of buying a new vehicle altogether.
Many factors need to be considered when replacing your Honda Pilot engine. Before you get started, the factors that you will need to account for include labor rates, part prices, service intervals, and so on.
On this page, we will break down each of the things you need to know about replacing a Honda Pilot engine and explain what they mean.
Typically, replacing a Honda Pilot engine with new parts will cost you around $3675 – $5100, depending on the labor rates and the cost of parts. The cheapest way to replace your engine with a used one and install it yourself, costing about $500 to $2000, depending on the quality of the engine. Finally, a rebuilt engine should cost you around $2500 – $3500.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Honda Pilot Engine?
The cost of a Honda Pilot engine replacement can vary greatly depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $3000 and $4000 for a new engine installation.
Of course, the significant factors to consider here are the parts, labor costs, and any other sort of mechanic fees. As mentioned, the cheapest way to replace a Honda Pilot Engine is to buy a used engine and simply DIY.
How Much is a Rebuilt Honda Pilot Engine?
One thing that we want to make clear is that rebuilding your engine could be the most ideal means of getting your engine fixed. However, it is essential to know that rebuilt engines are not always as reliable as new ones and may require more maintenance in the near future.
As we mentioned above, a rebuilt Honda Pilot engine will cost you between $2500 and $3500 depending on the vehicle’s year and the exact problem, among other factors.
Typically, a rebuilt Honda Pilot Engine can save you some money because the mechanic will work with what you got, clean down the engine thoroughly, and replace any broken parts. Labor is usually the most intensive cost when rebuilding.
Cost of Parts for a New Honda Pilot Engine
The cost of your Honda Pilot engine parts is vitally important. For a brand-new engine, parts will cost anywhere between $3000 and $4000. This price can go up or down, depending on the engine you choose as well as any additional features or modifications that are made to it.
A used Honda Pilot engine replacement will generally run you between $500 and $2000, depending on the quality of the part and how new it is. Keep in mind that older, used parts can be just as reliable but will cost less.
Honda Pilot Engine Replacement Labor Cost
The labor cost of an engine replacement is often overlooked when it comes to your overall cost of the Honda Pilot engine replacement. However, labor rates will vary between places and mechanics, so you’ll want to do some research before choosing a mechanic for this job.
The best way to find an affordable mechanic is by asking friends or family members what they paid for labor costs recently. You can also get a quote from your local mechanic or take it to a dealer for service.
Generally speaking, you should expect to pay between $75 and $125 per hour of labor. So, if the job is expected to take around eight hours, that would be an additional cost of $600 – $1000.
Since mechanics are notorious for jacking up prices, be vigilant when asking about the cost of everything. This way, there is complete transparency, and you know exactly what you are paying for.
What is the Average Labor Cost to Replace an Engine?
The average labor cost to replace an engine can vary greatly depending on your location. On average, you should expect to pay around $100 per hour for labor costs at a mechanic shop or dealership.
Honda Pilot Engine Diagnosis Cost
Another cost that you should anticipate in addition to labor costs is the diagnosis cost itself. Often, mechanics will tack this one as a separate charge. Therefore, it is essential to ask upfront about the diagnosis fee.
Most mechanics charge a flat rate for engine diagnostics, around $75 – $100. However, some may charge by the hour. This is why you should know the price before agreeing to get a diagnosis.
If you’re taking your car into a dealership for service, they may offer free engine diagnostics as part of their services. However, this is not always the case.
Honda Pilot Engine Replacement Cost: Summary
Now that we have gone over the main factors that will affect the cost of an engine replacement, let’s recap what you can expect to pay.
Use the chart below as a reference, but not as an all-inclusive summary. Remember that you can get a more affordable price than what you see below when you buy a used Honda Pilot Engine.
| Type of Cost | Cost Estimate |
| Initial Estimate | $75 – $100 |
| Parts | $3000 – $4000 |
| Labor | $600 – $1000 |
| Total: | $3675 – $5100 |
On average, a new Honda Pilot engine replacement will cost between $3675 and $5100. This includes the cost of the new or rebuilt engine, labor costs, and other fees associated with getting the job done.
How to Find Parts for Your Honda Pilot Engine Replacement
Many people seeking a 2008 Honda Pilot engine for sale, or another similar model, may not know where to start. There are a few key places that you can look to find the right engine for your car.
The best place to start is by checking with the dealer where you bought your car or the dealership where you service it. They will likely have an inventory of engines available and be able to match you up with the right one for your car.
You can also check with a local junkyard or salvage yard near you to see if they are available in-house. Drive around and ask people who work there, but be prepared to pay a premium price because these engines are usually in rough shape when purchased from a junkyard.
Finally, online stores sell both new Honda Pilot engines and used Honda Pilot Engines. If you are doing a rebuild, you should instead determine what exact part you need and buy the part online or straight from a local trusted source.
Different Honda Pilot Engine Models
The year of your Honda Pilot will be a strong indicator of what type of engine you have. The table below outlines the different engine models and their corresponding generation.
| Generation | Engine(s) |
| First Generation | J35A4, J35A6, J35Z1 (FWD), or J35A9 (4WD) |
| Second Generation | J35Z4 |
| Third Generation | 3.5L J35Y6 V6 |
If you are unsure which engine is in your car, there are a few ways to determine this. One way is to look at your car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
This will have a specific code that corresponds to the engine. Below, we will break down the different generations of Honda Pilots and which engines they come with in more detail.
First Generation
The first generation was perhaps the most complex of all the different Honda Pilot series vehicles when it came to the engine. The first generation was notorious for constantly having new engine models.
The 2004 Honda Pilot engine replacement cost and the 2005 Honda replacement cost tend to be cheaper than newer models.
There were three engines used from 2003 to 2008. From 2003 to 2004, the Pilots had a J35A4 engine installed. The 2005 model came with a J35A6 engine. Then, from 2006, the engine was either a J35Z1 (FWD) or a J35A9 (4WD) engine.
Second Generation
Starting in 2009, the second generation of Honda Pilots came around. Each second-generation Pilot from 2009 to 2015 came with a J35Z4 engine.
Since the parts are a little more modern, you should expect to pay a little more when calculating a 2009 Honda Pilot engine replacement cost or a 2010 Honda Pilot engine replacement cost.
Third Generation
The third generation of Honda Pilot engines started in the year 2016. They use a 3.5 L J35Y6 V6 engine. The third-generation Honda Pilot comes with the newest engines, and they are also typically the most expensive. If you are looking for a Honda Pilot engine for sale, this is the generation you will want to be looking at.
Can You Install a Different Engine into Your Honda Pilot?
When looking through the prices of a new or used engine for your Honda Pilot, many people might wonder if you can install a different engine in your car.
The answer is yes, but this will depend on the specific year of your Honda Pilot and which generation it belongs to because there are differences between them all.
In addition, specific engines will not fit into a Honda Pilot. Then, there are many different valves and connectors that you will also need to consider when changing your engine. If you are not comfortable doing this installation yourself, it is always best to consult a mechanic.
Suppose you have some mechanical experience, feel confident in completing the installation process on your own, and have the patience to install a non-native engine into your Honda Pilot. In that case, this is another option to consider.
How Long Do Honda Pilot Engines Last?
Hondas are very robust and are notorious for having engines that can last a long time. It is not uncommon to find some Honda Pilots with over 200,000 miles on the engine.
As a general rule of thumb, you should expect at least 100,000-150,000 miles on a Honda Pilot engine that is properly maintained before you start to run into problems.
Are Honda Pilots Expensive to Repair?
Like any other vehicle, whether it is a Honda or not, you should expect to pay more the newer your car gets. That being said, a Honda pilot engine replacement cost can be expensive. Maintenance for the vehicle itself is usually not much to worry about.
Basic maintenance tasks such as belts, suspension components, brake pads/fluid, oil change service (every three months or three thousand miles), and other general services will also be costs to consider.
To avoid replacing your Honda Pilot engine, you should keep up on all of the recommended maintenance for your vehicle. This is especially important if you want to maintain a high resale value when it comes time to sell or trade-in your car.
Final Thoughts
As mentioned, you should expect to pay about $4300, all included, for a Honda Pilot engine replacement with new parts.
If you get a used engine, it will only cost you about $1500 to replace your Honda Pilot engine all included. Either way, you should know all the factors before deciding on a vehicle repair or replacement.
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