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Radiator Replacement Cost
Replace a cracked or leaking radiator.
$500 – $1,200
Parts vs Labor
55% / 45%
Typical share of total cost
Labor Time
2 to 4 hours
At a typical shop
Difficulty
Advanced DIY
3 of 5
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Honda CivicHonda AccordHonda CR-VToyota CamryToyota CorollaToyota RAV4Toyota TacomaFord F-150Ford EscapeFord ExplorerChevy SilveradoChevy EquinoxNissan AltimaNissan RogueJeep Grand CherokeeJeep WranglerRam 1500Subaru OutbackSubaru ForesterHyundai ElantraKia SorentoBMW 3 SeriesMercedes C-ClassAudi A4Lexus RXTesla Model 3
Common Symptoms
Coolant leak under the front of the car
Engine overheating in traffic
Sweet smell from the engine bay
Low coolant warning
What It Is
The radiator cools hot coolant by passing it through thin fins exposed to air. Plastic end tanks crack with age and aluminum cores corrode.
Why It Matters
A failed radiator means an overheated engine, which can quickly cause thousands in damage.
How to Save Money on Radiator Replacement
- All-aluminum radiators cost a bit more but outlast plastic-tank radiators
- Flush the cooling system when replacing the radiator to remove debris
Often Done Together
Shops commonly pair radiator replacement with these jobs to save on overlapping labor:
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Check My Quote FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How long do radiators last?
Usually 8 to 10 years or 100,000+ miles. Aluminum holds up better than plastic-tank designs.