Radiator Replacement cost
Radiator Replacement typically costs $520 to $1,150 at an independent shop, parts and labor included, and most shops book about 2 to 3 hours for the job.
The radiator sheds the engine's heat into the air passing through it. When it cracks or clogs, the engine can overheat, which is one of the faster ways to cause real damage. Most modern radiators use plastic end tanks that become brittle with age.
Typical cost
Parts and labor at an independent shop. Your exact price depends on the car, your area, and the parts chosen.
What the job involves
- Drain the coolant safely
- Disconnect the hoses and any transmission cooler lines
- Remove the fans and shroud to free the radiator
- Install the new radiator and reconnect everything
- Refill with the correct coolant and bleed the air out
What moves the price
- Plastic-and-aluminum versus a full aluminum radiator
- Whether it has a built-in transmission cooler
- How much has to come off to reach it
- The coolant type your vehicle requires
Signs you may need it
- The temperature gauge running hot or overheating
- A green, orange, or pink puddle under the front of the car
- Coolant that keeps needing topped off
- Steam or a sweet smell from under the hood
How long it lasts
Radiators often last 8 to 10 years, and vary with coolant upkeep.
U.S. drivers say they couldn't cover an unexpected car repair without taking on debt, which is exactly why knowing the fair price before you say yes matters.
Sources & further reading
- AAA, Car repair and maintenance costs, independent guidance on what repairs should cost
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Automotive service technicians & mechanics, the official data behind shop labor rates
- FTC, Auto repair basics, your consumer rights at the repair shop
Cost ranges and guidance reviewed July 2026.
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Radiator Replacement cost by vehicle
Real cost, recalls, and complaints for your exact vehicle, not a national average. Pick yours:
- 2018 Ford F-150
- 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2018 Ram 1500
- 2018 Toyota Camry
- 2018 Toyota Corolla
- 2018 Toyota RAV4
- 2018 Honda CR-V
- 2018 Honda Civic
- 2018 Honda Accord
- 2018 Nissan Rogue
- 2018 Nissan Altima
- 2018 Toyota Highlander
- 2018 Ford Explorer
- 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2018 Jeep Cherokee
- 2018 Jeep Wrangler
- 2018 Ford Escape
- 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2018 Toyota Tacoma
- 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
- 2018 Honda Pilot
- 2018 Subaru Outback
- 2018 Subaru Forester
- 2018 Ford Fusion
- 2018 Hyundai Elantra
- 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2018 Toyota Tundra
- 2018 Toyota 4Runner
- 2018 Mazda CX-5
- 2018 Kia Sorento
- 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2018 Kia Sportage
- 2018 Nissan Sentra
- 2018 Hyundai Sonata
- 2018 Ford Mustang
- 2018 Dodge Charger
- 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
- 2018 GMC Acadia
- 2018 Honda Odyssey
- 2018 Toyota Sienna
- 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan
- 2018 Chrysler Pacifica
- 2018 Nissan Frontier
- 2018 Chevrolet Colorado
- 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2018 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2018 Ford Edge
- 2018 Dodge Durango
- 2018 Buick Enclave
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Radiator FAQ
Radiator Replacement: common questions
How much does radiator replacement cost?
Radiator Replacement typically costs $520 to $1,150 at an independent shop, including parts and labor. Your price mainly depends on plastic-and-aluminum versus a full aluminum radiator and whether it has a built-in transmission cooler.How long does radiator replacement take?
Most shops book about 2 to 3 hours for radiator replacement. Typical steps: drain the coolant safely; disconnect the hoses and any transmission cooler lines.How do I know if I need radiator replacement?
Common signs include the temperature gauge running hot or overheating; a green, orange, or pink puddle under the front of the car; coolant that keeps needing topped off. If you notice these, it is worth having the radiator checked.How long should the radiator last?
Radiators often last 8 to 10 years, and vary with coolant upkeep.
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