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CostHelper > Cars  > Radiator

Radiator Cost

How Much Does a Radiator Cost?

low cost DIY: $100-$300
averae cost Car Radiator Replacement: $150-$900+
high cost Pickup or SUV Radiator Replacement: $250-$950+
Radiator Flush

Replacing a Transmission

Muffler

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A key part of a vehicle's cooling system, a radiator is a sophisticated reservoir device that holds a mixture of water and antifreeze fluid (also called coolant); the radiator keeps the engine from overheating and in many cases also cools the automatic transmission fluid. There are no moving parts in a radiator, but corrosion from inside and outside can eventually cause a leak. HowStuffWorks.com provides a radiator overview.
 
Typical costs:
  • Having a car radiator replaced can cost $150 -$900 or more depending on the age, make and model of vehicle; the type of coolant used; whether the new radiator is made by the original vehicle manufacturer (called OEM) or is aftermarket (manufactured by another company); and where the work is done. CostHelper Readers report paying $150 -$898 for a radiator replacement at a standard radiator, muffler or auto repair shop, with an average cost of $481; and $357 -$804 at a car dealership, with an average cost of $688.
  • Having a radiator replaced in a minivan, SUV or pickup can cost $250 -$950 or more, depending on the age, make and model of vehicle; type of coolant; if the radiator and parts are OEM or aftermarket; and where the work is done. CostHelper readers report paying $$287 -$706 at a standard shop, for an average cost of $511; and $650 -$833 at a dealership, with an average cost of $742.
What should be included:
  • Quotes on replacing a radiator should include the actual part, fresh coolant, any replacement hoses needed, labor and tax. MobilOil.com provides do-it-yourself instructions, estimating the difficulty level to be moderate and estimating the project will take three hours; and ehow.com offers a series of videos demonstrating radiator replacement.
  • Modern radiators typically have an aluminum core and plastic side tanks.
Additional costs:
  • The water pump might need replacing at the same time as the radiator. A water pump typically costs about $50 -$100 or more for just the part; labor can bring the total additional cost to $200 -$750, depending on the make and model of vehicle.
Discounts:
  • It's possible to save money with do-it-yourself installation, although the project is somewhat complex. DIY costs are typically $100 -$300, depending on what is included; an aftermarket radiator typically costs $100 -$250 and radiator hoses can cost $15 -$50. CostHelper readers report total costs of $101 -$268 for do-it-yourself replacement of a new radiator, with an average cost of $163, while a CostHelper reader in Texas reports paying $55 for DIY installation of a used radiator.
  • CostHelper readers who purchased a radiator online and hired a local mechanic to install it (usually with the work done in the reader's garage or driveway) report total costs of $174 -$400, or an average of $259.
  • Radiator "stop leak" products that seal small holes are available for $5 -$15. This could extend the life of a radiator that has a small leak, but many mechanics warn against these products, saying they are not always effective and can clog the vehicle's cooling system and heater core.
Shopping for a radiator:
Article updated March 2013
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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replaced radiator and hoses
Amount: $266.00
Posted by: mamachakula in Murphy, NC.Posted: February 16th, 2011 08:02AM
Car Make: toyotaCar Model: Camry
Auto Shop: Pleasant Valley Auto
Replaced radiator, hoses and coolant. Included labor. All within an hour and 1/2. Great service!
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1998 Chrysler Concorde radiator repair
Amount: $600.00
Posted by: jlee815 in Atlanta, GA.Posted: March 22nd, 2011 11:03AM
Car Make: chryslerCar Model: concorde
Auto Shop: pepboys
not happy but paid to get my car back. Radiator =$149.59 + MISC Radiator parts for a total of 207.00 FOR PARTS. 342.60 FOR LABOR. I CAN REPLACE A RADIATOR BUT GETTING TO THE RADIATOR IN THIS CAR IS A pita.
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Radiator and water pump replacement estimate
Amount: $2,230.00
Posted by: Texas Jeff in Texas City, TX.Posted: April 30th, 2011 10:04AM
Car Make: 2001 DodgeCar Model: Dakota
Auto Shop: Clear Lake Dodge
Estimate for replacing radiator and water pump! Told me the timing chain was contaminated and needed to be replaced as well. Pulled the truck out and went to a reputable shop. I'd avoid these folks at all costs! After questioning them about the timing chain, they backpedaled and said it would probably be OK. Ended up spending $1300.
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Radiator Replacement
Amount: $361.00
Posted by: Major Dad in Garden Grove, CA.Posted: June 3rd, 2011 03:06PM
Car Make: 2001 HondaCar Model: Accord VP Sedan
Auto Shop: Pep Boy's
I was able to bargain plus get an extra 10% off.
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radiator replaced
Amount: $400.00
Posted by: i hate mechanics in dallas, TX.Posted: August 24th, 2011 11:08AM
Car Make: 2000 cryslerCar Model: 300m
Auto Shop: dallas tx
Car overheated and took it in. I was quoted for 800. I called around and got otherquotes for new radiator and radiator hose. I found one for 400 and midas then matched that. One minute its 800 then the next its 400. Dont go to midas. new radiator is 120 online and hose is 40. 100/hr labor. Dont believe their first offer. Tell them your going somewhere else and they will usually go down
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Replaced radiator and hoses car had 124000 miles
Amount: $395.00
Posted by: PeteMan in Lakeland, FL.Posted: August 30th, 2011 12:08PM
Car Make: 2001 ToyotaCar Model: Camry CE
Auto Shop: Joyce Auto
Tires plus wanted like 680. Joyce gave me less. I guess I could have saved another 200. I should have done better. But I guess they did a decent job. 1aauto had the part for like 125 and I'm sure I could have found someone to do it through craigslist.
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Slightly high but worth the cost
Amount: $650.00
Posted by: Ivan in Conroe, .Posted: September 16th, 2011 09:09PM
Car Make: MazdaCar Model: Mazdaspeed protege
Auto Shop: Gallo Mazda Dealership
Radiator - 399
Labor 230
Coolant 20
Modified super large radiator on a speial custom mount. Did a super job! A little pricy compare to other shops, but is done at dealership, so I guess this price is ok.
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Busted radiator
Amount: $706.00
Posted by: SusiQ1971 in Daytona, .Posted: September 20th, 2011 01:09AM
Car Make: FORDCar Model: EXPLORER, EDDIE BAUER EDITION
Broke down, then had my SUV towed to local mechanic shop not dealer. They charged me $706.00 for new radiator, hoses, flush, and thermostat. Was that a good price? I don't know anything about engines and what-not. It took less than 3 hrs to fix it and get it back to me. I was relieved about that. I hate being stranded.
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Radiator replacement
Amount: $55.00
Posted by: TexomaGHOST in Denison, TX.Posted: October 9th, 2011 10:10AM
Car Make: 1996Car Model: Ford Explorer
Auto Shop: Self
I bought a used radiator for my explorer. To remove it, took about 5 minutes. 2 clamps for hoses, 2 bolts for the shroud, 2 bolts that hold the radiator on (all bolts are 10 mm I believe)rnand 2 transmission lines (5/8 inch wrench worked)rnThen I spent 11.99 on antifreeze after flushing the engine and radiator.
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Radiator Replaced F350 2005
Amount: $450.00
Posted by: ckj in Muscle Shoals, AL.Posted: December 6th, 2011 09:12AM
Car Make: FordCar Model: F350
Auto Shop: Muscle Shoals AL
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Replaced radiator, hoses, thermostat and filled with coolant
Amount: $557.00
Posted by: JotoMonks in Chicago, IL.Posted: January 12th, 2012 03:01PM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: civic
Auto Shop: Joe\'s Expert Auto
Steam started coming out of my car, and the temp gauge started rising. I parked the car right away, towed it to Joe's the next morning. He replaced the radiator, hoses, thermostat, and filled up the coolant all by 2pm. I probably could've paid less elsewhere, but I know they always do the job right. Labor was $325. The radiator was $120 for the part.
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radiator replaced
Amount: $107.00
Posted by: GLinne in San Antonio, TX.Posted: January 14th, 2012 12:01PM
Car Make: 1998 nissanCar Model: maxima
Auto Shop: self
purchased $443 radiator on amazon for $85 + S/H installed myself in inder 1 hour. DIY it's easy.
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Replaced Radiator- not thermostat or hoses
Amount: $522.00
Posted by: a user in Verona, WI.Posted: March 27th, 2012 08:03AM
Car Make: JeepCar Model: Grand Cherokee
Auto Shop: Carstar
It seems a bit high, but I have seen prices higher and some lower. I don't feel like it was crazy high. I was thinking about $450-- oh well what can you do. Car repair in general is not fun at all :-(
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Radiator replaced
Amount: $786.98
Posted by: Tom M in Raleigh, NC.Posted: April 7th, 2012 04:04PM
Car Make: AcuraCar Model: CL
Auto Shop: North Ridge BPI\\AMOCO
We were out-staters traveling through Raleigh, NC when the radiator on our low mileage Acura sprung a leak. Billy's service station was close so we went there(we didn't have much choice). rnrnThe costs: rnradiator-$248.70 rnthermostat -$38.25rngasket - $6.50rnantifreeze -$57.10rnLabor - $400.50rnsupplies $12.27rntax - $23.66rnrnTotal $786.98 OUTRAGEOUS!rnrnAgain, the owner's name was "Billy" as in "Billy the Kid."
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Radiator & Thermostat replaced
Amount: $540.66
Posted by: Nathalie Jegg in Woodstock, GA.Posted: April 17th, 2012 12:04PM
Car Make: JeepCar Model: Liberty
Auto Shop: Rob's Total Car Car
Broken down like this:

PARTS:
Thermostat 39.95
Radiator (V6 w/ A/C) 249.95
Antifreeze 16.96
Shop Supplies 10.74

LABOR:
Remove & replace radiator (for V6, Auto trans) 127.50
Remove & replace thermostat (for V6) 76.50
TAX: 19.06 TOTAL: $540.66
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New Radiator
Amount: $195.00
Posted by: Steelerockr in Milwaukee, WI.Posted: April 27th, 2012 03:04PM
Car Make: 1995Car Model: Chevy Corsica
Auto Shop: independant mechanic
($105 radiator) and ($80 labor) rnNo other repairs done (no coolant flush etc)
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Radiator Replaced
Amount: $790.00
Posted by: a user in Buena Park, CA.Posted: May 2nd, 2012 04:05PM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Camry (1995)
Auto Shop: Buena Park Toyota Dealer
Unfortunately, I needed it right away on a Saturday so I went to the dealer. Though the radiator cap was less than one year old and I had seen it was still in good shape, they tried to tell me I needed a new one because the old one was corroded and had undergone too much pressure (a leak causes an increase in pressure ?!?!). I was told the replacement radiator was aftermarket yet it still cost $300! Never again!
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New Radiator & Radiator Fan
Amount: $250.00
Posted by: Keedra in Houston, TX.Posted: May 21st, 2012 07:05AM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Accord (2001)
Auto Shop: Personal Mechanic
Was stranded. Car was running hot & stopped. Mechanic put water in the busted radiator until we got to where he works on cars.
Breakdown:
Radiator- $109 + tax
Radiator Fan- $44 + tax
Antifreeze- $15 + tax
Labor- $75
Total Cost $250
Finshed my car in @ 2 hrs or a little less.
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Five Brothers Automotive
Amount: $287.21
Posted by: Orlando A. in Atlanta, GA.Posted: June 30th, 2012 02:06PM
Car Make: ChevroletCar Model: Blazer
Auto Shop: Five Brothers Automotive LLC
Labor $120 Part $127.21 coolant flust $40...total 287.21 rnrnThe labor seems a bit high...but everything else seems kosher...had no choice but to get it done... my car was about to overheat.
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Radiator and thermostat replaced
Amount: $300.00
Posted by: Ybor frank in Tampa, FL.Posted: July 10th, 2012 11:07AM
Car Make: i99 toyotaCar Model: TACOMA
Auto Shop: Chaz Auto Repair Ybor City Fl.
New radiator 139.99, Thermostat 19.99,Gasket 3.99, coolant 14.00, labor $100.00, total $280.00 plus tax. Reasonable price, fast and friendly service, based on what I've been reading here I'm pretty sure I did alright.
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1993 Ford Explorer Sport New Radiator
Amount: $187.00
Posted by: Windblown in Raleigh, NC.Posted: January 14th, 2013 04:01PM
Car Make: ExplorerCar Model: Sport
Auto Shop: NA
Did install myself
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New Radiator
Amount: $164.00
Posted by: a user in Miami, FL.Posted: February 24th, 2013 11:02AM
Auto Shop: Mago De Los Ponches
I bought my radiator for 67 dollars, it was a steal, I got lucky that a buddy of mine hooked me up. Labor was around $98
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2007 BMW 550i Radiator, Upper and Lower Hoses replacement
Amount: $450.00
Posted by: Zoo in Detroit, MI.Posted: March 11th, 2013 08:03AM
Auto Shop: Did it myself
It takes a few hours but it's not that difficult if you're somewhat handy with tools and have a repair manual. Bought the OEM parts online for half the price the dealer charges.
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R/R RADIATOR and COOLANT
Amount: $130.00
Posted by: a user in Fredricksburg, VA.Posted: March 23rd, 2013 01:03PM
Car Make: TOYOTACar Model: 4RUNNER 4WD
Auto Shop: DIY
Don't let shops rip you off! This is my second replacement (did one in another vehicle). The Radiator was $108.00 and Genuine Toyota Coolant $20.00. Remember one thing, it goes in the way it came out so take your time and focus on the job and you'll do just fine.
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