Radiator Replacement Cost (2026)

Replacing a radiator costs about $250–$460 on a car and $350–$915 on a truck or van at an independent shop in 2026: $58–$171 for a car radiator (2014 Camry) or $118–$339 for an F-150, about $20–$35 of coolant, and 1.7–3.6 hours of labor at $100–$150/hr from Hyundai’s and Ford’s published times.

Sources: chain price pages, retailer and manufacturer list prices, official documents (below) · Prices checked 2026-11-09 · By CarWhere Research · Methodology

Radiator Replacement cost by service type

ServiceParts / fluidLaborTypical shop total
Car radiator + coolant$80–$2052014 Camry radiator + ~2 gal coolant1.7 hr$250–$460[1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6],[7],[8]Radiator + coolant + 1.7 hr (Hyundai Kona radiator time) × $100–$150/hr
Truck / van radiator + coolant$140–$3752015 F-150 5.0L, CSF to Motorcraft2.1–3.6 hr$350–$915[3],[4],[5],[7],[8],[9],[10]Radiator + coolant + 2.1–3.6 hr (Ford E-Series and Transit times) × $100–$150/hr

Ford’s published times for the same job vary by engine: 2.1 hours (E-Series 6.8L), 2.8 (Transit 3.7L), 3.6 (Transit 3.5L EcoBoost) and 5.8 on the Transit 3.2L diesel. Trucks often hold more than 2 gallons of coolant. Before tax, shop-supply and disposal fees. Where we derive a total, labor is hours × $$100–$150 per hour[7],[8]. See the methodology.

DIY vs. shop vs. dealer

WhereCostWhat you get
DIY$80–$205Car radiator + coolantA radiator plus about 2 gallons of 50/50 coolant. Use the coolant type in your owner’s manual, dispose of the old coolant properly, and bleed air from the system after refilling.[1],[3],[4],[5]
Chain / independent shop$250–$915Radiator, coolant and labor at $100–$150/hr. We found no chain that posts a radiator replacement price.[7],[8]
DealerNo posted price foundGenuine radiators cost more (Ford’s Motorcraft unit for the 2015 F-150 is $338.79 vs. $118–$175 aftermarket), billed at $125–$175/hr.[9],[11],[12]

Never open the radiator cap on a hot engine. Hyundai’s bulletin treats a slight coolant leak as a reason to inspect and, if necessary, replace the radiator.[6]

What drives the cost

  • Vehicle and engine packaging: Ford’s radiator times run from 2.1 to 5.8 hours depending on the engine.[10]
  • Towing package: F-150s with heavy-duty cooling take a different, pricier radiator.[9]
  • Genuine vs. aftermarket: Motorcraft $338.79 vs. CSF $117.79–$124.79 on the same truck.[9]
  • Coolant: about 2 gallons of 50/50 runs $20–$35.[3],[4],[5]

When you actually need it

Replace it when it leaks or can’t keep the engine cool. Manufacturers’ bulletins cover radiator coolant leaks (Hyundai) and engine overheating (Ford).[6],[10]

Ford’s overheating procedure also tests the fan clutch and thermostat and flushes the system, so make sure the diagnosis covers those before the radiator is condemned.[10]

If the engine is overheating, see the coolant temperature warning light.

More repair costs

AC recharge (freon) costTransmission fluid change / flush costTPMS sensor replacement costBrake pad replacement costCar battery replacement costCoolant flush costSpark plug replacement costSerpentine belt replacement costTiming belt replacement costWater pump replacement costWheel alignment costTire rotation costShocks and struts replacement costWheel bearing replacement costCV axle replacement costAlternator replacement costStarter replacement costCatalytic converter replacement costFuel pump replacement costHybrid battery replacement costEV and Tesla battery replacement costOil change costAll repair costs →

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace a radiator?

About $250–$460 on a car and $350–$915 on a truck or van at an independent shop, including coolant and 1.7–3.6 hours of labor at $100–$150/hr.

How long does a radiator replacement take?

Hyundai’s published time on the 2022 Kona is 1.7 hours. Ford’s times range from 2.1 to 3.6 hours on gas vans and 5.8 hours on the Transit diesel.

Can a radiator leak be repaired instead?

Most modern radiators have plastic tanks crimped to an aluminum core and are replaced rather than repaired. A leaking hose or clamp, though, is a much cheaper fix, so find the exact source.

Can I drive with a leaking radiator?

Only short distances, with the coolant topped up and the temperature gauge in view. Stop if the engine starts to overheat; driving hot can damage the engine.

Sources

  1. RockAuto, 2014 Toyota Camry 2.5L radiators (catalog), accessed 2026-11-09.
  2. RockAuto, 2012 Honda Civic 1.8L radiators (catalog), accessed 2026-11-09.
  3. Walmart, Prestone Universal Antifreeze + Coolant, 50/50 Prediluted, 1 gal (listing), accessed 2026-11-09.
  4. Walmart, Prestone Platinum Antifreeze + Coolant, 50/50 Prediluted, 1 gal (listing), accessed 2026-11-09.
  5. American Honda (owner’s manual), CR-V Owner’s Manual: Vehicle Specifications (CVT fluid and coolant change capacity), accessed 2026-11-09.
  6. Hyundai Motor America (TSB 24-EM-005H, via NHTSA), 2022 Kona: radiator coolant leakage inspection and replacement — labor time (2024-08), accessed 2026-11-09.
  7. Ratchet+Wrench, 2026 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey (posted labor rate distribution, p. 13) (2026-06-29), accessed 2026-11-09.
  8. Ratchet+Wrench, Industry Insights: U.S. Auto Repair Shops and Labor Rate Trends (PartsTech 2025 shop survey) (2026-08-19), accessed 2026-11-09.
  9. RockAuto, 2015 Ford F-150 5.0L radiators (catalog), accessed 2026-11-09.
  10. Ford Motor Company (TSB 20-2150, via NHTSA), Transit / E-Series engine overheating: replace the radiator — labor times by engine (2020-05-06), accessed 2026-11-09.
  11. Dealership Guy, Reynolds and Reynolds: repair orders, rates increase for shops (Fixed Operation Golden Metrics 2026) (2026-08-17), accessed 2026-11-09.
  12. Reynolds and Reynolds, The Fixed Operations Golden Metrics 2025 (dealer effective labor rate) (2025-08), accessed 2026-11-09.