Nissan Altima Head Gasket Replacement Cost
$1,270 – $2,010
Replacing a head gasket on a Nissan Altima costs $1,270 to $2,010 on average in the US, parts and labor included. Expect to pay $320–$590 for the part and $950–$1,420 for labor (~9h at $100–150/hour).
Cost breakdown
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Head Gasket (aftermarket → OEM part) | $320 | $590 |
| Labor (~9h, independent shop → dealer) | $950 | $1,420 |
| Total | $1,270 | $2,010 |
What affects the price
- Part choice — aftermarket parts run $320–$455, while OEM/dealer parts can reach $590.
- Shop type — independent shops charge around $100–120/hour; dealerships $130–150+/hour for the same ~9h job.
- Model year and trim — newer and higher-trim Nissan Altima versions often use pricier parts with more electronics.
- Region — labor rates in major metros run 15–25% above the national average.
Learn more in the full guide: Head Gasket Repair Cost in 2026 →
Get an exact estimate for your Nissan Altima
Drag & drop photos here or click to browse
Maximum 10 files (0/10)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a head gasket on a Nissan Altima?▾
On average, $1,270–$2,010 including parts and labor. The head gasket itself runs $320–$590, and labor adds $950–$1,420 (about 9 hours of shop time).
Can I replace the head gasket on a Nissan Altima myself?▾
It's possible with the right tools and experience, but budget 9 hours of work. DIY saves the labor ($950–$1,420) but mistakes can cost more than the job itself. Most owners use an independent shop.
Why do quotes for a Nissan Altima head gasket replacement vary so much?▾
Three reasons: part choice (aftermarket vs OEM can double the parts cost), shop labor rate (independent shops charge around $100–120/hr vs $130–150/hr at dealers), and your region. Always get 2–3 written quotes.
Is it worth replacing the head gasket on an older Nissan Altima?▾
Compare the quote against your car's market value. As a rule of thumb, a single repair under 30% of the vehicle's value is usually worth doing. For a bigger decision, get a free AI estimate of your car's overall condition with our photo tool.
More Nissan Altima repair costs
- Nissan Altima Starter Replacement Cost
- Nissan Altima Alternator Replacement Cost
- Nissan Altima Side Mirror Replacement Cost
- Nissan Altima Windshield Replacement Cost
- Nissan Altima Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost
- Nissan Altima Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost
Head Gasket replacement on other Nissan models
All prices are estimated US national averages for 2026 (parts + labor) and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual quotes vary by model year, trim, region, and shop.