How much does a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek radiator replacement cost?

A 2018 Subaru Crosstrek 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 Subaru Crosstrek 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 Subaru 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 Subaru Crosstrek?

Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. 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.

How much does a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek radiator replacement cost?

A 2018 Subaru Crosstrek 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 Subaru Crosstrek 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 Subaru 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 Subaru Crosstrek?

Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. 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.

Home/Repair costs/2018 Subaru Crosstrek/Radiator replacement

2018 Subaru Crosstrek · Radiator replacement

2018 Subaru Crosstrek 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

Get real offers from local shops I have a quote, is it fair?

What actually goes wrong on this exact vehicle

Federal safety data for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, so you know what to check before you pay for a radiator.

open + past recalls

194

owner complaints filed

Visibility/Wiper

the #1 reported issue

Cooling-system recall · NHTSA 19V744000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving. An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.

Real owner report, verbatim from NHTSA:

“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The failure occurred while operating the vehicle in warmer humid weather. The contact indicated that the failure occurred after the vehicle was serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V264000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling) which included replacing the and updating the EMC software. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000. Consumer stated vehicle is still at the dealer.”

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 Subaru Crosstrek. Refreshed periodically.

Real local prices, unlocking soon

We publish what drivers actually paid once five verified Crosstrek cooling jobs have closed in your metro. Until then, the estimate above is your best guide.

Post your job and set the local price

Not 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.

Diagnose it free

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.

Coolant carries engine heat to the radiator, the fan pulls air through it to shed that heat, and the water pump pushes the cooled coolant back. A leak, a stuck thermostat, or a dead pump all look like “overheating” from the driver’s seat.

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 Subaru Crosstrek radiator replacement cost?
A 2018 Subaru Crosstrek 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 Subaru Crosstrek 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 Subaru 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 Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. 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.

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