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Radiator Cost

How Much Does a Radiator Cost?
 
low costDIY: $100-$300average costCar Radiator Replacement: $150-$900+high costPickup or SUV Radiator Replacement: $250-$950+

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[1] .

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.
Related articles: Radiator Flush, Replacing a Transmission, Muffler

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[2] , estimating the difficulty level to be moderate and estimating the project will take three hours.
  • 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[3] these products, saying they are not always effective and can clog the vehicle's cooling system and heater core.
Shopping for a radiator:
  • 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. Both the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence[4] and the International Automotive Technicians Network[5] provide a searchable directory of repair shops.
  • Consumer Reports lists tips for finding a good mechanic[6] .
post Post   Comments (113)  
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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Radiator
Amount: $314.50
Posted by: Paul B. in Dawsonville, GA.Posted: October 15th, 2017 02:10PM
Car Make: 1995 Ford EscortCar Model: Wagon LX
Auto Shop: Big T Titres
Replaced radiator, hoses, clamps, thermostat, flushed and added 2 gals. antifreeze.
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Radiator and Thermostat replaced
Amount: $550.00
Posted by: Jenshine in Santa Ana, CA.Posted: September 6th, 2016 01:09PM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Avalon
Auto Shop: Tashmo Auto Center
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Radiator
Amount: $450.00
Posted by: Asphalt Farmer in Henderson, NV.Posted: March 4th, 2016 12:03PM
Auto Shop: Purrfect Auto
Henderson Nv. Quoted 2.5 hours to do . I've used them for other work . It is what it is .
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Radiator, thermostat, hoses
Amount: $1,250.00
Posted by: N. J. Jones in Memphis, TN.Posted: December 8th, 2015 02:12PM
Auto Shop: Redwine
They were quick and efficient
I wasn't real pleased with the cost but my SUV was a 2006 with 98000 miles
Ford Eddie Bauer Explorer
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Radiator replacement
Amount: $400.00
Posted by: Easy Ed in Allentown, PA.Posted: October 21st, 2015 01:10PM
Car Make: BMWCar Model: 325
Auto Shop: Mannys
I replaced the water pump and thermostat in July. Car started leaking fluid more than a month later. Water pump job was easy and had a fear radiator needed replacing too. Knowing this was a nasty job I let my guy Manny handle it. I figure $150 for the part MAYBE $200 for labor. need to chew him down $50.
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1998 Pontiac Sunfire
Amount: $115.00
Posted by: Leah L in Pequot Lakes, MN.Posted: August 30th, 2015 12:08PM
Auto Shop: self repair
$40 for lower hose, couldn't remove old one without cutting it off. $30 antifreeze. $45 used radiator from junk yard. They pulled it. First one had a leak so had to go back and exchange it. Labor intensive.
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Radiator Replacement
Amount: $493.47
Posted by: Susan in Seattle WA in Seattle, WA.Posted: July 17th, 2015 05:07PM
Car Make: 2001 ToyotaCar Model: RAV4
Auto Shop: Tomoko Auto Care Ctr
Actually the transmission fluid was leaking, but the way RAV4 is designed it runs through the radiator. I bought the car used and the mechanic said the car showed signs that it was in a front end accident roughly about a 20-25 mph impact. Next time I buy a used car I will get the VPN and do a little history check.
If I drove any further my car would have been toast. I found him on YELP! and he was only a 1.5 miles away. The guy took it in that day and fixed it when everyone else gave me a turn around time of 5 days. It ran smooth afterwords and I think he cleaned my engine...no foul oder.
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Radiator Replaced
Amount: $425.00
Posted by: Paul C. in Houston, TX.Posted: June 25th, 2015 02:06PM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: RAV4
Auto Shop: Bellaire Auto Service and Collision
An aftermarket radiator costs around $100-$150. I could have attempted to change it myself but I did not feel like doing it in 100-degree heat.
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R/R Radiator and Thermostat
Amount: $285.00
Posted by: Cee in Stone Mountain, GA.Posted: January 16th, 2015 03:01PM
Auto Shop: Avondale Mechanic Shop
97 Mercury Mountaineer 5.0 2wd.
Truck began over heating. Parts installed in about 1.5 hours. $285.00 parts and labor. January 2015
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Radiator Replacement
Amount: $565.00
Posted by: ejones in Neenah, WI.Posted: October 31st, 2014 10:10AM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Sienna
Auto Shop: JJ’s Auto Clinic Inc
The shop noticed a build up of crystallized anti-freeze during a different repair event.
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1997 Ford explorer sport/New radiator and thermometer replaced
Amount: $780.00
Posted by: joyscar in Paramus, NJ.Posted: July 17th, 2014 04:07PM
Auto Shop: NJ Midas at Bergen Town Centre
My radiator needed to b replaced asap. Midas quoted me at $600...then called and said it was the thermometer that clogged and caused the radiator to tear... now price is $780. I dropped off car at 4 pm. And was ready next day by 11am.
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radiator , replace temp. flush, hose
Amount: $1,600.00
Posted by: runnergirl1 in atlanta, GA.Posted: December 7th, 2013 08:12PM
Car Make: Land RoverCar Model: Range Rover
Auto Shop: AAA
After reading reviews, I have been over charged. New to area, so this place being AAA, assumed that this shop would give good workmanship & fair price
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radiator nreplaced
Amount: $559.00
Posted by: slick rick in carpentersville, IL.Posted: June 24th, 2013 03:06PM
Auto Shop: merlins
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Radiator, Radiator Cap,Thermostat, and Coolant replaced, Oil Changed
Amount: $1,400.00
Posted by: Michael P in Hollywood, CA.Posted: May 30th, 2013 02:05AM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Rav 4
Auto Shop: Toyota of the Desert, Cathedral City, CA
After paying the above listed repairs for my 2001 Rav4 - I'm still in a state of shock and upset at the final cost I had to pay - now knowing how cheap the above listed parts would have cost me if I had ordered them myself and had gone to a mechanic.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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
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 & 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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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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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: $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, 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 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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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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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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External Resources:
  1.  auto.howstuffworks.com/cooling-system6.htm
  2.  www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Car_Care/DIY/Replacing_a_radiator.aspx
  3.  autos.aol.com/article/automotive-alchemy/
  4.  www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop/Shop-Locator.aspx
  5.  autorepair.iatn.net/
  6.  www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-to-find-a-great-car-mechanic/index.htm
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