Jeep Wrangler 3.8 Engine Replacement Cost: Things You Should Know

After driving for years and completing 200k-300k miles, your Jeep Wrangler 3.8L engine might need immediate replacement. Your engine will be broken or poorly damaged that you can’t even think of repairing more. Sometimes, the repair cost might be higher than the replacement cost.

Therefore, you must go to replace the entire engine.

A jeep wrangler 3.8L engine replacement cost might be around $3500-$6500 depending on some factors. Labor cost, engine condition, manufacturer, and time will directly influence the replacement cost. The 3.8L engine will cost around $3000-$4000, and the labor cost would be about $2500. That’s why the replacement cost will be around $6k.

How Much Does a 3.8L Engine Cost?

A 3.8L engine will cost around $3500, depending on its condition. If you go for a used engine, it might cost less than 3k, but a brand-new one might be around 5k. Used ones have been used for 100k miles.

You will get different online platforms, including eBay, where people buy used and brand-new engines. They will charge around $3300 or more without any labor cost. However, you may check other platforms to get a second-hand Jeep wrangler 3.8L engine.

You must add the labor cost if you need to gain professional experience in engine replacement. It’d be great to consult with professionals and get clear costing ideas, including labor and engine prices.

Before changing your damaged engine and getting an estimated cost, consider upgrading the 3.8L engine performance. It might save the replacement cost by half and give you a reliable performance.

Things That Influence Replacement Cost

When you go to replace the damaged/broken Jeep Wrangler 3.8L Engine, you cannot only consider the engine price. Some significant factors will influence the overall replacement cost.

Let’s get through them and find the replacement cost of a new Jeep Wrangler 3.8L engine.

$2500-$3000 Labor Cost

So, one of the most crucial factors of engine replacement is labor cost. Sometimes the engine price would be similar to the labor cost. The average labor cost would be $2500, which will be more than that if your engine is damaged or broken.

Your engine condition will decide the labor cost. If your Jeep Wrangler engine is poorly damaged or broken inside, labor costs will be higher. You know a problematic or damaged engine needs extra effort and time to replace. In that case, the labor cost might be $3000 or slightly more.

Part’s Quality & Manufacturer

You will have different brands of 3.8L Jeep Wrangler engine’ parts. For instance, the OEM parts will cost higher than other general parts. They might ask for hundred bucks more to get these quality engine parts. Apart from that, the manufacturer or brand quality will also affect the replacement cost.

Jeep Wrangler Model

Jeep Wrangler has different models from 2007 to 2022, and other models have different engines. If you have a 2012 model or any latest Jeep wrangler, it will cost more than any old model engine.

2007 to 2011 model Jeep Wrangler 3.8L engine will cost $3000-$3500, whereas a 2012 model or any updated Jeep Wrangler 3.8L engine will cost around $5000-$6000. You may need to add the labor cost along with that price. 

Why Should You Replace The Jeep Wrangler 3.8L Engine?

You should replace the Jeep Wrangler for three reasons. A broken Engine, Damaged Engine after 200k miles are the main reasons you should replace or change the Jeep wrangler 3.8L engine.

• Broken Engine: The broken engine indicates the broken exhaust manifold. It happens if you use the Jeep Wrangler frequently and roughly. Apart from the manifold, the piston rings or any piston problems will blow the engine.

These two reasons will be considered as the broken engine. If you identify the problems before the engine gets blown, you can repair them. Otherwise, the entire engine will need replacement.

• Damaged Engine after 200k miles: Another common reason is a damaged engine after 200k miles. Typically, a Jeep Wrangler 3.8L engine is supposed to last for 200k miles (Though it may go bad only after 100k miles).

If you find a damaged engine after 200k miles, there is no way to repair it, and expect to ride for another 100 miles. Therefore, replacing the damaged engine after 200k miles is a must.

FAQs

1.  What’s the Labor Cost of Replacing a Jeep Wrangler Engine?

The labor cost will be around $2500 for replacing a Jeep Wrangler damaged engine. However, it could be more if you have a broken and poorly damaged engine that has already passed 200k miles.

2.  How To Calculate The Replacement Cost?

You can calculate the replacement cost by adding the engine price to the labor cost. Let’s say the 3.8L engine price is $3500 & the labor cost is $2500. Therefore, the total calculation would be $6000.

3.  When Should I Change The 3.8L Engine?

You should change the 3.8L jeep wrangler engine once it gets damaged after 200k miles. Sometimes, the engine will be poorly damaged only after 100k miles. If you cannot repair the exhaust manifold & piston, you must replace the engine accordingly.

4.  Is 3.8L Jeep Wrangler Engine Replacement Worth It?

Yes, a 3.8L Jeep Wrangler engine replacement would be worth it only if you’re sure about the next 100k miles. Another factor could be the replaced engine condition. You must be sure you can drive the Jeep Wrangler for another 100k miles with the replaced engine.

Final Verdict

The Jeep Wrangler 3.8 engine replacement costs around $3500-$6500. Three factors include labor cost, manufacturer parts quality, and the Jeep Wrangler model. These factors will directly affect the replacement cost and might increase or decrease the amount.

If you are experienced with replacing a Jeep Wrangler engine, you can save labor costs and decrease the replacement cost. In that case, 3000-3500 would be enough to change your damaged engine. Otherwise, the engine replacement cost would be doubled.