Ford Explorer Head Gasket Replacement Cost

Replace the seal between the engine block and cylinder head.

$1,725 – $4,025

Typical labor: 8 to 20 hours

Estimate based on Ford Explorer parts and labor adjustments versus the national average. Your exact cost depends on year, trim, mileage, and shop. Get a free personalized AI estimate above.

Why Ford Explorer Owners See This Pricing

Explorers cost a bit more to fix due to their size and complex AWD systems.

For reference, the national average for head gasket replacement on a typical passenger vehicle is $1,500 to $3,500. The Ford Explorer runs about +15% versus that baseline.

Common Symptoms in the Ford Explorer

White smoke from exhaust

Coolant in the oil (milky on dipstick)

Oil in the coolant

Overheating with no visible leak

Bubbles in the coolant reservoir

What It Is

The head gasket seals the engine block to the cylinder head, keeping oil, coolant, and combustion gases in their proper places.

Why It Matters

A blown head gasket can lead to a warped head, hydrolocked engine, or complete engine failure. The fix is labor-intensive but often cheaper than a new engine.

How to Save Money on Ford Explorer Head Gasket Replacement

Get a compression and leakdown test before approving the job, the symptoms can also come from a cracked head
On older cars, get a quote for a used engine swap too, sometimes it's cheaper

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a blown head gasket worth fixing?

Depends on the car's value. If the repair costs more than half the car's worth, consider a used engine or selling as-is.