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2018 Nissan Pathfinder · Radiator replacement
2018 Nissan Pathfinder radiator replacement cost
Estimated cost for your car
$520 to $1,150
Charlotte, NC area
Updated Aug 2026
Radiator (part)
$150 to $600
Labor (2 to 4 hrs)
$250 to $600
Coolant + bleed
$25 to $60
What actually goes wrong on this exact vehicle
Federal safety data for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder, so you know what to check before you pay for a radiator.
3
open + past recalls
77
owner complaints filed
Power Train
the #1 reported issue
Real owner report, verbatim from NHTSA:
“The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure persisted, and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated while starting the vehicle and pressing the Push to Start button. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that there was sludge in the engine oil. The mechanic stated that sludge was found in the oil due to a lack of regular oil changes. The contact disputed the claim and provided receipts that all oil changes were up to date. The contact had the engine taken apart by the dealer and an independent mechanic, and both discovered metal shavings inside the engine, which had resulted in the engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was repaired by the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.”
Worth knowing: overheating is often the thermostat, water pump, or a hose, not the radiator itself. Confirm the source before you approve a radiator job.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), recalls and complaints for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. Refreshed periodically.
Real local prices, unlocking soon
We publish what drivers actually paid once five verified Pathfinder cooling jobs have closed in your metro. Until then, the estimate above is your best guide.
Post your job and set the local priceNot sure it’s the radiator?
Overheating on this vehicle is often the thermostat or water pump. Describe what it’s doing and we’ll narrow it down.
How your cooling system works
The radiator is one piece of a loop. Knowing where it sits and what it works with is how you tell a real diagnosis from an upsell.
Found a puddle? What the color tells you
Bright green
Classic coolant leak. Find the source before it overheats.
Orange / pink
What most modern vehicles use (OAT). Same urgency as green.
Rusty brown
Old, corroded coolant. Overdue for a flush.
Milky / oily
Coolant mixing with oil. Can mean a head gasket. Serious.
What goes into a radiator replacement
The bill splits into three pieces: the radiator itself, the labor to swap it, and one to two gallons of fresh coolant with a fill-and-bleed to clear air pockets. On most vehicles the radiator sits behind the bumper cover, grille, condenser, and fans, so a tech spends two to four hours getting it out and back in. That access time, not the part price, is usually why two quotes for the same job look so different.
Estimate note: the per-engine figures are a close approximation from the make and job, refined as real local quotes come in. Treat them as a ballpark, not a guaranteed quote. The only exact number is one from a shop that has seen your car.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder radiator replacement cost?
A 2018 Nissan Pathfinder radiator replacement typically runs $520 to $1,150 at an independent shop, parts and labor included. The spread comes mostly from engine and access: the part is $150 to $600, labor is two to four hours, and fresh coolant with a bleed adds $25 to $60.Why does the price change with the engine?
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder came with more than one engine, and the larger one usually means more coolant, tighter access, and a pricier radiator, so the job costs a little more. Sites that show one national number ignore this. Pick your engine on the estimate above for a closer figure.Is it always the radiator when my Nissan overheats?
No. Overheating on this vehicle is often the thermostat, water pump, a hose, or a coolant leak rather than the radiator itself. Confirm the source with a real diagnosis before you approve a radiator job, so you are not paying to replace a part that was fine.Are there recalls on the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder?
Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. Recall repairs are done free of charge at a franchised dealer for that brand, so it is worth checking your VIN before paying a shop for related work.
Related: Radiator cost calculator · Radiator replacement guide · What to do when your car overheats · Check recalls for your vehicle
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