Engine
    medium urgency
    car
    truck
    rv

    Why Is My Engine Leaking Oil?

    Typical repair cost: $100–$1,800

    Get free quotes for why is my engine leaking oil? from local shops.

    Describe the job once and compare real bids from nearby verified providers — no phone tag, no obligation.

    Get Free QuotesBrowse Local Providers

    Common Symptoms

    Drips under car
    Burning oil smell
    Low oil light
    Blue smoke
    Oily residue on engine

    Most Likely Causes

    1

    Valve cover gasket

    Most common; affordable repair. Often leaks down the back of the engine.

    2

    Oil pan gasket / drain plug

    Drain plug crush washer or pan gasket fails over time.

    3

    Rear main seal

    Leaks between engine and transmission — labor-intensive repair.

    4

    Timing cover gasket

    Common on higher-mileage engines; requires significant disassembly.

    5

    PCV valve failure

    Causes crankcase pressure buildup that pushes oil past seals.

    How a Shop Diagnoses It

    1. 1.Clean engine, then UV dye to pinpoint source.
    2. 2.Inspect PCV system operation.
    3. 3.Check for over-tightened drain plug or stripped threads.

    When to see a professional

    Lose more than a quart between oil changes — get it diagnosed before something seizes.

    Find a shop near you

    Auto Repair Shops
    Browse verified providers
    Mobile Mechanics
    Browse verified providers
    Truck Repair Shops
    Browse verified providers

    Related Engine problems

    Check engine light
    $0–$1200 typical repair
    Diesel losing power
    $200–$8000 typical repair
    Flashing CEL
    $80–$2000 typical repair
    Engine knocking
    $50–$8000 typical repair
    Rough idle
    $0–$1200 typical repair

    Keep exploring

    All vehicle problems

    OBD-II code lookup

    Repair cost guides

    Fix it yourself or hire a pro

    oil
    passenger

    Parts pros use for this job

    Tools pros use

    Prefer a professional?

    Get free quotes from verified shops near you. Most respond in under 15 minutes — no obligation.

    • ✓Compare written estimates
    • ✓Verified reviews & ratings
    • ✓Book online in 60 seconds

    Product picks are curated by our team based on what shops actually use. Links go to Amazon; as an Amazon Associate we may earn a small commission — it never changes the price you pay.

    Get free quotes from local shops

    Verified providers in your area can give you a written estimate in minutes.

    Related Repair Help

    All Common Problems

    Symptom-based browse

    DTC Code Lookup

    Decode any check-engine code

    Repair Cost Guides

    What the fix should cost

    Find Top-Rated Shops

    Verified pros near you

    Brake Job Cost

    Transmission Replacement Cost

    Auto Repair in Houston, TX

    Auto Repair in Dallas, TX

    Run your shop from estimate to payment

    Turn the work you just looked up into a paid invoice.

    Repairius keeps estimates, work orders, real-time job assignment, customer and vehicle history, inventory, and payments in one place — on desktop and in your pocket.

    Start Your Free TrialSee How Repairius Works

    14-day free trial · credit card required · cancel anytime

    Not a mechanic? Send Repairius to your shop — they can run estimates, jobs, and invoices in one place.

    Know someone who needs this?

    Share this page with a mechanic, a shop owner, or a friend working on the same problem.