Replacing a radiator usually costs $500 to $1,200 at a shop, parts and labor combined. The radiator itself runs $150 to $500 for most cars, and labor adds $200 to $500. DIY can cut the bill roughly in half on easy-access vehicles.
| Vehicle type | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy sedan | $180 | $220 | $400 |
| Midsize/SUV | $280 | $300 | $580 |
| Full-size truck | $400 | $350 | $750 |
| European/luxury | $500 | $450 | $950 |
Most radiator replacements land between $500 and $1,200. Aluminum-and-plastic radiators are affordable, while all-metal or performance units cost more. Labor depends on how much has to come off the front of the car to pull the old radiator.
Vehicles that route transmission cooler lines through the radiator, or that need the AC condenser and fans removed, sit higher on the range.
The radiator drops in from the front on most cars once the hoses, fans, and shroud are out of the way. Two to three hours of labor is common, more on tightly packed engine bays.
Coolant puddles, overheating, a green/orange/pink drip under the front of the car, rusty or oily coolant, and visible cracks or corrosion on the radiator all signal replacement.
Radiator swaps are among the more approachable cooling-system jobs. Drain the coolant, disconnect hoses and the fan, unbolt the unit, and reverse. The main cautions are proper transmission-line handling and a thorough bleed afterward.
Buy a quality aftermarket radiator online instead of dealer OEM. Replace old, swollen hoses and the radiator cap at the same time so you are not back in there next month.
The 50 most common check engine codes with likely cause and DIY fix cost. Sent once.