A radiator hose replacement costs $285 to $694 in 2026
A radiator hose replacement costs $285 to $694 in 2026 for common cars, per RepairPal. Its national average is $498 to $558. Labor is about $126 to $185 and parts are about $372. KBB says the average cost for a radiator hose replacement is $536 to $614. YourMechanic lists an average of $210 for a Honda Civic, with $86 for parts and $123 for labor, and estimates of $355.80 to $429.46.
Radiator hose replacement cost by car
RepairPal lists these ranges for the most common cars. Your year and engine move the price inside each range.
| Car | Price, parts and labor |
|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | $638 to $694 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $327 to $374 |
| Toyota Camry | $285 to $351 |
How common cars compare
Against the middle of the RepairPal national average, $528, the Ford F-150 runs about 26 percent more; the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 runs about 34 percent less; the Toyota Camry runs about 40 percent less. The gap comes from where the part sits, how long it takes to reach, and the price of the part for that car.
What price guides say
We checked 4 price guides. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| RepairPal | National average $498 to $558. Labor is about $126 to $185 and parts are about $372. |
| Kelley Blue Book | KBB says the average cost for a radiator hose replacement is $536 to $614. |
| YourMechanic | YourMechanic lists an average of $210 for a Honda Civic, with $86 for parts and $123 for labor, and estimates of $355.80 to $429.46. |
| iSeeCars | iSeeCars says $75 to $200 if you replace both hoses at the same time. |
What pushes the quote up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which hose | The upper hose is easy to reach. The lower hose can be harder and cost more labor. |
| Hose shape | Molded hoses made for one car cost more than a basic flex hose. |
| Coolant | The system must be drained and refilled. New coolant adds to the price. |
| Number of hoses | Doing both upper and lower at once saves labor. |
| Related parts | Clamps, thermostat, or a worn radiator cap are often replaced at the same time. |
How to tell you need it
- You see coolant leaks, a hose that is soft, bulging, or cracked, or the temperature gauge climbs.
- A shop pressure tests the cooling system and squeezes the hose. A mushy or hard hose is worn.
- Sweet smell or steam from the hood can point to a leaking hose.
What the price includes
The price covers the new hose, clamps, and the labor to swap it. It usually includes draining and refilling coolant and a leak check. It does not include tax, shop supply fees, or other repairs the shop finds while the car is in.
How to judge your quote
- Ask which hoses are being replaced, upper, lower, or both.
- Ask if coolant and clamps are included.
- Ask if the cooling system will be pressure tested after.
- Ask if a thermostat or cap should be replaced too.
- Compare the total with the range above: $285 to $694 for most cars.
Ways to pay less
- Replace both hoses at once to save on labor.
- Do it before the hose fails. A burst hose can wreck an engine.
- Use the right coolant for your car, and ask what the shop charges for it.
- Compare two or three quotes from independent shops.
Dealer or independent shop
RepairPal puts labor for a radiator hose replacement at $126 to $185. At the typical independent shop rate of about $140 an hour, that is about 1 hour of work. A dealer charging $200 an hour would bill about $222 for the same labor, and a $100 an hour shop about $111. Parts cost about the same anywhere, so the shop rate is where you can save. See what mechanics charge an hour.
Why this costs more in 2026
Shop labor now runs about $100 to $250 an hour. Many car parts are imported, and freight costs went up after the oil shock that began with the Iran war in February 2026. Steel, copper, aluminum and resin prices are up too, and they go into almost every part. Radiator hoses use synthetic rubber layered with fabric or wire reinforcement, so rubber and petroleum based material costs affect the price.
How we got these numbers
The national range, the labor and parts split and the prices by car come from RepairPal's radiator hose replacement estimate, last updated September 3, 2026. We checked them against Kelley Blue Book, YourMechanic and iSeeCars, and read every number on the source page on October 7, 2026. These are planning ranges, not quotes. Your shop's written estimate is the real price.
Common questions
How much does radiator hose replacement cost?
RepairPal puts the national range at $498 to $558. KBB says $536 to $614.
Can I drive with a leaking radiator hose?
It is not safe. The engine can overheat fast and be badly damaged. Stop and get it fixed.
How long does it take to replace a radiator hose?
It is often a short job for an upper hose. A hard to reach lower hose takes longer.
Can I replace a radiator hose myself?
Many people can. You must drain the coolant, and let the engine cool first. Dispose of old coolant the right way.