How Much Does Radiator Replacement Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Radiator Replacement Include?
The radiator cools your engine by circulating coolant through a heat exchanger. Radiator failure causes overheating, which can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Replacement involves draining coolant, removing the old radiator, and installing a new one.
The national average cost for radiator replacement is $600 per replacement. Most homeowners pay between $300 and $1,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Vehicle
Compact car: $250-$500. Sedan/SUV: $400-$700. Truck: $450-$800. Luxury/European: $600-$1,200
Parts
Aftermarket radiator: $100-$250. OEM radiator: $250-$600. Coolant: $20-$40. Thermostat: $30-$80
Labor
Most radiators: 2-3 hours labor ($200-$450). Complex vehicles with tight engine bays: 3-5 hours
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Vehicle make and model
- ✓Radiator type (aluminum vs plastic/aluminum)
- ✓OEM vs aftermarket
- ✓Additional work (hoses, thermostat, coolant)
- ✓Labor accessibility
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Aftermarket radiators ($100-$250) perform identically to OEM ($250-$600) for most vehicles
- 2.Replace coolant hoses ($30-$80 in parts) while the radiator is out — they're cheap insurance against future leaks
- 3.Independent mechanics charge 30-40% less than dealerships for this repair
- 4.If it's a small leak, radiator repair/re-core ($150-$400) may be possible instead of full replacement
📈 Radiator Replacement Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.6% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $510 | — |
| 2021 | $531 | +4.1% |
| 2022 | $565 | +6.4% |
| 2023 | $581 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $600 | +3.3% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Radiator Replacement Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $246 | $492 | $820 |
| Alaska | $384 | $768 | $1,280 |
| Arizona | $285 | $570 | $950 |
| Arkansas | $240 | $480 | $800 |
| California | $405 | $810 | $1,350 |
| Colorado | $324 | $648 | $1,080 |
| Connecticut | $366 | $732 | $1,220 |
| Delaware | $315 | $630 | $1,050 |
| Florida | $294 | $588 | $980 |
| Georgia | $270 | $540 | $900 |
| Hawaii | $426 | $852 | $1,420 |
| Idaho | $276 | $552 | $920 |
| Illinois | $315 | $630 | $1,050 |
| Indiana | $264 | $528 | $880 |
| Iowa | $258 | $516 | $860 |
| Kansas | $255 | $510 | $850 |
| Kentucky | $252 | $504 | $840 |
| Louisiana | $261 | $522 | $870 |
| Maine | $306 | $612 | $1,020 |
| Maryland | $345 | $690 | $1,150 |
| Massachusetts | $390 | $780 | $1,300 |
| Michigan | $276 | $552 | $920 |
| Minnesota | $306 | $612 | $1,020 |
| Mississippi | $234 | $468 | $780 |
| Missouri | $261 | $522 | $870 |
| Montana | $285 | $570 | $950 |
| Nebraska | $264 | $528 | $880 |
| Nevada | $306 | $612 | $1,020 |
| New Hampshire | $336 | $672 | $1,120 |
| New Jersey | $375 | $750 | $1,250 |
| New Mexico | $270 | $540 | $900 |
| New York | $396 | $792 | $1,320 |
| North Carolina | $270 | $540 | $900 |
| North Dakota | $270 | $540 | $900 |
| Ohio | $270 | $540 | $900 |
| Oklahoma | $249 | $498 | $830 |
| Oregon | $330 | $660 | $1,100 |
| Pennsylvania | $306 | $612 | $1,020 |
| Rhode Island | $345 | $690 | $1,150 |
| South Carolina | $261 | $522 | $870 |
| South Dakota | $255 | $510 | $850 |
| Tennessee | $258 | $516 | $860 |
| Texas | $279 | $558 | $930 |
| Utah | $285 | $570 | $950 |
| Vermont | $324 | $648 | $1,080 |
| Virginia | $315 | $630 | $1,050 |
| Washington | $345 | $690 | $1,150 |
| West Virginia | $240 | $480 | $800 |
| Wisconsin | $282 | $564 | $940 |
| Wyoming | $276 | $552 | $920 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are signs of a failing radiator?
Overheating engine, coolant puddles under the car (green, orange, or pink fluid), low coolant level, visible corrosion or damage on the radiator, coolant in the overflow tank turning brown/rusty, and steam from the hood.
How long do radiators last?
Most radiators last 8-15 years. Plastic/aluminum radiators (most modern cars) tend to fail at the plastic tanks first. All-aluminum racing radiators last longer. Regular coolant changes (every 30,000-50,000 miles) extend radiator life.
🏙️ Radiator Replacement Cost by City
Compare radiator replacement costs in the most popular US cities:
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