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Radiator Cost


How Much Does a Radiator Cost?


low cost Range: $390-$520
low cost SUV: $480-$850

Related Topics:

Radiator Flush

Replacing a Transmission

Muffler

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A key part of a car's cooling system, a radiator keeps the engine from overheating. HowStuffWorks.com explains that the radiator transfers heat from the liquid coolant to the air blown through by the fan. You will most likely need to replace your radiator if there is a leak in the core.
 
Typical costs:
  • Replacing a radiator costs $390 to $516 for passenger cars; $483 to 854 for SUVs or mini-vans, depending on the type of coolant used and the age, make and model of the vehicle.
What should be included:
  • Quotes on replacing a radiator should include the actual part, fresh coolant, any replacement hoses needed, labor and tax.
Additional costs:
  • Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts generally cost more than after-market or off-brand parts. The New York Attorney General's office doesn't recommend non-OEM parts. When getting quotes, ask the repair shop which kind of part would be used.
Shopping for a radiator:
  • According to the Federal Citizen Information Center, shops that do only diagnostic work and do not sell parts or repairs may be able to objectively tell you if your radiator needs replacing.
  • While amateur mechanics may be able to replace a radiator by themselves at home with little risk of injury or serious damage to the vehicle, Cars.com rates replacing a radiator as a somewhat complex job. If you're not an experienced home mechanic, replacing the radiator might be best left to an expert.
  • You can find a reputable auto repair shop through groups like the National Institute for Auto Service Excellence or the International Automotive Technicians' Network.
  • When it comes to auto repair, labor charges can vary wildly, so get quotes from several shops to find a fair price for a radiator.
Article updated May 2007
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments


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radiator replacement and labor
Amount: $289.00
Posted by: Rad in Carmichael, CA.Posted: June 15th, 2010 11:06AM
Car Make: ChryslerCar Model: Town & Country
Auto Shop: Joe's Auto
Checked around and this was the cheapest. Saved about $200 from the next quote
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Radiator Replacement
Amount: $174.00
Posted by: R. Greenlee in San Diego, CA.Posted: June 22nd, 2010 07:06PM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Camry
Auto Shop: Mobile Tuneup Mechanic
4 Cylinder 2000 Camry was slowly bleeding fluid out of some 3 inch cracks at the very top of the radiator. Replaced with $75 CryoMax radiator made in Taiwan (pick-up cash price) from Hu at Radiator Depot, (858) 292-4998, 7030 Convoy Ct, San Diego 92111, same one that 1-800-Radiator sells for over $150 delivered. My Mobile Tuneup mechanic did all the work in my driveway in under an hour and charged me just $85. Plus about $5 for the Peak 50/50 antifreeze from Walmart and another $2.25 for a couple of radiator hose clamps from Kragen.
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jeep radiator
Amount: $535.00
Posted by: c haywood in Dagsboro, DE.Posted: July 10th, 2010 03:07PM
Car Make: jeepCar Model: 2004grand cherokee V8
Auto Shop: A&E Dagsboro DE
great shop in resort area....bit hard to reach if you are in Bethany, Fenwick Island or Ocean City..but certainly worth it in finding a candid and honest service person in Stacy
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Ripped off for replaced radiator
Amount: $804.00
Posted by: lisalee in wayne, NJ.Posted: July 14th, 2010 11:07PM
Car Make: suzukiCar Model: xl-7
Auto Shop: Wayne Suzuki
Charged $462 for radiator and 3 hrs of labor at $105/hr and $20.00 for coolant. Radiator was not genuine Suzuki radiator. Manufacture radiator cost $668 and I only have a 6 month warranty. Feel stupid because online prices are $120-229 for radiator.
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Replaced Radiator
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: a user in Miami, FL.Posted: July 16th, 2010 08:07AM
Car Make: 98' HondaCar Model: Accord
Auto Shop: All Florida Radiators FL
I recently had to get my radiator replaced since it had a crack and all the anti freeze leaked out. I took it to a local shop where they took great care of it. It was only $150 total for both parts and labor. Plus it came with a 1 year 30day labor warranty. I think I lucked out finding this place because I called other local places and I got quotes ranging from 300+ My best advice would be call as much mechanic shops possible to compare pricing. Usually dealerships are pricey but if you can find a "mom and pop shop" (Family or privately owned business) you will get a much better deal.
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Radiator Replaced
Amount: $560.00
Posted by: rhinsen in Margate, FL.Posted: July 26th, 2010 12:07PM
Car Make: AcuraCar Model: Integra GS
Auto Shop: Super Tech Service Center
Radiator- $205 %60 markup (should be about $125)
Thermostat- $24 %90 to %100 markup (should be $12)
Lower Hose- $28.50 %63 markup (should be $16)
Antifreeze- $30 %250 markup (should be about $12)
Labor- $225
The only positive thing is they started working on my car right away and I got it back the same day. I need my car so the extra money is worth it, I guess. Just hate getting screwed on the markup of the parts and I don't know enough about what certain parts should actually cost. They always got me by the balls (so to speak)....
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Replaced radiator on 1997 Camry
Amount: $330.00
Posted by: Sandip Gupta in Fremont, CA.Posted: July 28th, 2010 03:07PM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Camry
Auto Shop: Sri Auto
My local mechanic replaced the leaking radiator off my camry. Charged $145 for radiator, $25 coolant and 2hrs labor $80/hr. The 3 inch crack on the top of the radiator causing the leak. The cool thing is before the repair, he pressurised the radiator system with water to demonstrate the leak. 1 year limited warranty for the parts.
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Cost too much!!
Amount: $898.00
Posted by: Nisa in Charlotte, NC.Posted: August 6th, 2010 08:08PM
Car Make: NissanCar Model: Maxima
Auto Shop: AAA Columbia, SC
My car ran hot as traveling to Columbia, SC on a Sunday. Left the car in Columbia til Tues. Took it to AAA on Forest Dr. They said I had a busted bottom and top hose, and they would have to do a radiator flush and put in a new thermostat. After that they came and told me I also needed a new radiator. The labor came to almost $398, and the parts were a little over $450. I think they price gouged me. I told the guy thats too much and I want to pay $750, but he wasn't hearing me. Why is mine so high compared to the other postings?
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Radiator replacement and labor
Amount: $837.00
Posted by: a user in Atlanta, GA.Posted: August 21st, 2010 02:08PM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: CRV 1998
Auto Shop: PepBoys
Coolant system evaluation $35
Radiator Replacement $480
Vale cover gasket replacement $154
Radiator hose $83
The rest is miscellaneous and tax.

It's done in a few hours.
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cargo van radiator hoses
Amount: $40.00
Posted by: BC in oregon city, OR.Posted: August 23rd, 2010 03:08PM
Car Make: dodgeCar Model: B250
Auto Shop: Schucks
Never try to buy parts for older cars here. They screwed me over just trying to get a friggin' radiator hose.
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radiator
Amount: $400.00
Posted by: Streetheart in buffalo, NY.Posted: September 8th, 2010 10:09AM
Car Make: chevyCar Model: prism
This included a new radiator, coolant, hoses and oil change. Cash price no tax
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Radiator Replaced in 1999 Camry
Amount: $400.00
Posted by: Tony In Dallas in Dallas, TX.Posted: September 19th, 2010 02:09PM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Camry
Auto Shop: Individual Mechanic
Called him at 10PM on a Saturday night and he was at my place Sunday at 9AM. Drained the coolant, replaced the radiator with a brand new one, filled with new coolant and water.

Paid cash. No expressed warranty but I've been going to him for a couple of years now and have met his family so I feel like he'll back his work.
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Replaced Radiator, Tension Assembly and a Belt
Amount: $466.83
Posted by: Hollie M in Wellsburg, NY.Posted: September 21st, 2010 03:09PM
Car Make: 1998 PontiacCar Model: Grand Am
Auto Shop: Huntington's
Was quoted a price of around $350 for a new radiator with labor. Appt. was around 10am didn't get car back until the afternoon. Was informed by phone that the tension assembly was faulty and was chewing a belt up and was being replaced. That taked on another $79 without tax. Said it was a necessary repair as it would have to fixed eventually anyway or the car would still overheat. Was giving a reduction on part and labor costs.
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Replaced radiator
Amount: $350.00
Posted by: camryowner in West Chester, PA.Posted: September 22nd, 2010 10:09AM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Camry
Auto Shop: Al Automotive
Initially they said it would cost $275 but at the end they charged $350 saying that it took time to do pressure test and spent more time than expected.

But less cost compared to other shops in this area.
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Radiator Replaced
Amount: $298.00
Posted by: sonlight in Portland, OR.Posted: October 25th, 2010 09:10AM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Civic
Auto Shop: Honest 1
Got a lot of work done today. When doing the coolant flush on my 92' Civic the part where the hose connects to the radiator crumbled. $298.00 to install. I'm pretty happy with their service.
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Radiator Replaced
Amount: $452.73
Posted by: Steve Walker in Stockton, CA.Posted: November 5th, 2010 03:11PM
Car Make: DodgeCar Model: Ram 1500
Auto Shop: Larry's Automotive Stockton, CA
Great customer service always at Larry's. My radiator began leaking "on the tank" on my way to work. Got it to Larry and replaced it that day. $197.33 for a Transpro #43-2512 radiator, $21.92 MOPAR coolant and $19.95 for Electrolysis Arrestor #420E. Labor $192.00, parts $239.20, tax $21.53, TOTAL $452.73.

This guy does all my service and is fair on everything.
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Radiator Replaced
Amount: $510.00
Posted by: Kevin M. in Germantown, MD.Posted: December 20th, 2010 01:12PM
Car Make: VolkswagenCar Model: Golf
Auto Shop: Germantown Auto Service Center
Usually go to these guys for involved fixes. Disassembling front end of Golf is a hassle. Usually get a pretty good price and quick turnaround
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Radiator Rplaced
Amount: $865.00
Posted by: Tim in Buffalo in Buffalo, NY.Posted: January 4th, 2011 07:01PM
Car Make: 2003 BMWCar Model: 540
Auto Shop: RUSSO AUTO
OUCH... They tried to charge me $525.00 for an OEM radiator. It retails over the counter for $429.00 from local BMW shop. I complained about mark up and they dropped the price $75.00. The bill would have been $940. Fast service, had car ready by end of the day without an appointment. Good lesson learned, I will always ask how much the mark up will be on parts before agreeing on the repair.
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radiator removal and replace
Amount: $268.00
Posted by: fireman jim in hazelcret, IL.Posted: January 7th, 2011 03:01PM
Car Make: chev 1500 pick upCar Model: pick up
Auto Shop: home
removed and replaced radiator and hoses. 1hr.30min.268.00 for the person that paid 900.00 next time u need work done on your veh. send me a plane round trip ticketand hotel fee.it will be cheeper
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2007 vw rabbit 2.5L
Amount: $800.00
Posted by: a user in chicago, IL.Posted: February 3rd, 2011 05:02PM
Car Make: VolkswagenCar Model: Rabbit
Auto Shop: Jennings volkswagen dealership
i think same as any foreign dealership over price. But need this car fix soon for work!
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radiator removal and replace
Amount: $185.00
Posted by: a user in san jose, CA.Posted: February 4th, 2011 06:02PM
Car Make: toyotaCar Model: rav4
Auto Shop: Mobile service
I bought radiator from HMH for $135( incl.tax) and call mobile service guy does it for $60.
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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)\r\nand 2 transmission lines (5/8 inch wrench worked)\r\nThen 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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