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Radiator Replacement

What is a radiator?

The radiator's job is to remove heat from the engine's coolant. As hot coolant passes through the radiator it is cooled before returning to the engine, where it absorbs heat and returns to the radiator. This cooling process keeps the engine from overheating.

How does the radiator work?

The engine generates heat when it is running; this heat must be removed to prevent damage to the engine. Coolant circulates throughout the engine and absorbs this heat. The water pump pushes the coolant through the radiator (where it is cooled) and returns it to the engine once more to absorb the engine’s heat, before returning it to the radiator to be cooled again. When a vehicle is traveling fast, rushing air flows through the radiator and cools the engine. When a vehicle is in stop-and-go traffic or stuck at a traffic light, the engine’s cooling fan pushes air through the radiator.

A failing radiator can cause the engine to run hot or overheat.

Most radiators are made of metal and plastic. The plastic parts can become brittle and crack over time, thus requiring replacement of the radiator.

Toyota Radiator Replacement Cost Estimates

The average cost for a Radiator Replacement is between $1,022 and $1,142 but can vary from car to car.

Toyota Highlander Radiator Replacement Cost by Year

The average cost for a Toyota Highlander Radiator Replacement is between $1,022 and $1,142 but can vary from car to car.

2025 Toyota Highlander

$1,439-$1,702

2024 Toyota Highlander

$1,810-$2,072

2023 Toyota Highlander

$1,810-$2,072

2022 Toyota Highlander

$1,162-$1,424

2021 Toyota Highlander

$1,180-$1,442

2020 Toyota Highlander

Disclaimer

Materials Included Under License from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. License Agreement TMS1008. All information contained in any materials obtained about Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles is based on the latest product information available at the time of publication, is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, and is intended for service providers and other interested parties in Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America, including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Specifications and procedures are subject to change without notice. This information is provided expressly for the purpose of use by professional automobile technicians who have special techniques and certifications. Repair or service by non-specialized or uncertified technicians using only this information, or without proper equipment or tools, may cause severe injury to the individual or other individuals and could possibly cause damage to the vehicle. Certain procedures or content elements may make reference to Toyota Warranty policy or practice – these policies or practices are only applicable to Toyota, Lexus, or Scion dealers.

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Radiator Replacement

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What is a radiator?

How does the radiator work?

A failing radiator can cause the engine to run hot or overheat.

Most radiators are made of metal and plastic. The plastic parts can become brittle and crack over time, thus requiring replacement of the radiator.

Estimates last updated June 18, 2026

2012 Toyota Highlander Radiator Replacement Cost

The average cost for a 2012 Toyota Highlander Radiator Replacement is between $1,022 and $1,142.

Labor costs are estimated between $256 and $376 while parts are typically priced around $766.
This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
For a more accurate estimate based on your location, use our Fair Price Estimator below.

What are the symptoms related to a bad radiator?

A failing radiator can cause the engine to run hot or overheat. Most radiators are made of metal and plastic. The plastic parts can become brittle and crack over time, causing a leak of coolant (typically green or pink in color). All manufacturers have a recommended service interval for coolant renewal. As the coolant ages, the additives breakdown and being to form solid deposits. These deposits will build up in the passages of the cooling system and will eventually clog components, including the radiator. A leaking or clogged radiator must be replaced. Some automatic transmission cars will also have a transmission cooler integrated into the radiator. Lines going to and from the transmission circulate transmission fluid to help cool the transmission in heavy duty applications such as towing or off-roading. If this integrated cooler fails, it can allow transmission fluid and coolant to mix. This will causing shifting issues in addition to overheating.

Can I drive with a radiator problem?

A sub-performing Radiator has far reaching effects. An inoperative heater, loss of coolant, or engine damage from overheating could occur. Overheating causes severe damage to an engine, including failure of the head gasket. Continuing to drive an overheating vehicle may disable the motor.

How often do radiators need to be replaced?

Replacement intervals vary greatly by vehicle and driving conditions. We typically see the radiator replaced at approximately 80,000 miles. While the radiator does not wear the same as a belt or brake pad, the repeated heating and cooling cycles the radiator experiences will eventually cause the degradation of its plastic end-tanks and seals.

How are radiator issues diagnosed?

A comprehensive inspection of the entire cooling system will be performed, including the water pump, heater hoses, cooling fans, and thermostat. With the engine off, the technician may perform a pressure test to ensure the cooling system is sealed. Radiator hoses will be inspected and should be replaced if old or leaking. Brittle or oil soaked hoses will fail after radiator replacement, necessitating additional repairs. If the engine has overheated the shop will inspect for signs of engine damage. Modern engines commonly have composite (plastic) parts such as intake manifolds and thermostat housings that can warp from engine overheating. These parts, along with the head gasket, should be checked for leakage.

How is a radiator replaced?

To replace the Radiator, the technician will drain the coolant from the cooling system and remove the Radiator and radiator hoses from the vehicle. This may also require removal of plastic shrouds and other engine bay cladding to reach the part. Where applicable, the cooling fan switch and electric cooling fan assemblies are transferred to the new Radiator. Once the new Radiator is installed, the cooling system is refilled with fresh coolant and the system is bled of any air, then rechecked to ensure all leaks have been fixed.

The entire cooling system should be inspected and tested when the radiator is replaced.

Get a RepairPal Fair Price Estimate® for your 2012 Toyota Highlander.

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