How Much Is a Radiator for a 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
A replacement radiator for a 2013 Hyundai Elantra typically ranges from about $120 to $350 for the part alone, with total installed cost usually landing between $450 and $900 in the United States as of late 2024, depending on brand, engine type, and where you get the work done.
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What Owners of a 2013 Hyundai Elantra Can Expect to Pay
The cost of a radiator for a 2013 Hyundai Elantra varies widely because of differences in parts quality, labor rates, and vehicle configuration (engine size, trim, and whether the car is equipped with automatic or manual transmission). Drivers weighing their options face a straightforward but important decision: buy an inexpensive aftermarket radiator and possibly save money now, or pay more for an OEM or premium unit that may last longer and fit more precisely.
Typical Price Range for the Radiator Itself
The price of the radiator as a standalone part depends on factors such as brand, construction quality, and where it is purchased. The following list outlines common price ranges owners are likely to encounter.
- Budget aftermarket radiator: Approximately $120–$190
- Mid‑range aftermarket radiator: Approximately $180–$260
- Premium / heavy‑duty aftermarket radiator: Approximately $230–$320
- OEM Hyundai radiator (dealer or OEM supplier): Approximately $260–$350
- Online parts retailers (discounted pricing): Often 10–25% cheaper than dealership list prices
These price brackets represent typical U.S. retail figures and can fluctuate slightly based on sales, availability, and regional markups, but they give a realistic picture of what most Elantra owners will pay for a replacement radiator in 2024.
Installed Cost: Parts and Labor Together
When labor is included, the total bill for a radiator replacement becomes more complex. Labor rates, shop type, and any extra required parts or services also influence the final cost.
Typical Labor and Total Repair Costs
Radiator replacement is a moderate‑complexity job, and costs scale with the hourly rate and the need for additional work such as coolant flushes or hose replacement. The list below breaks down common cost ranges seen at different types of repair facilities.
- Independent shop labor: 2.0–3.5 hours at about $100–$170 per hour
- Dealership labor: 2.0–3.5 hours at about $150–$230 per hour
- Typical labor total (independent shop): About $220–$500
- Typical labor total (dealership): About $320–$700
- Overall installed cost (independent shop): Roughly $450–$800 including parts and coolant
- Overall installed cost (dealership): Roughly $600–$900 including parts and coolant
While outliers exist, most 2013 Hyundai Elantra owners who opt for a standard-quality radiator at an independent shop will see a bill toward the lower or middle end of these ranges, whereas dealer customers and those choosing OEM parts will trend toward the higher end.
Factors That Change the Price
Several variables can push the cost of a radiator replacement up or down. Understanding them can help owners predict where their estimate will fall and where they might save money without sacrificing reliability.
1. Engine, Trim, and Transmission Type
Most 2013 Hyundai Elantras in the U.S. market are equipped with a 1.8‑liter four‑cylinder engine, and radiators for this configuration tend to be widely available and relatively affordable. However, the list below highlights vehicle-specific factors that may influence pricing.
- Engine size and configuration: Certain less common variants or export-market versions can use different radiator designs that cost more.
- Automatic vs. manual transmission: Radiators designed for automatic transmissions often include integrated transmission cooler lines, adding complexity and sometimes cost.
- Trim level and equipment: Models with additional cooling demands (for example, hot‑climate packages) may use radiators with slightly different capacity or fittings.
In practice, most U.S. 2013 Elantra owners will fall into the common, lower-cost parts category, but confirming your VIN or exact trim before purchase helps avoid ordering a more expensive incorrect part.
2. Aftermarket vs. OEM
The choice between aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has one of the largest impacts on price. The following points illustrate the typical trade-offs.
- Aftermarket (budget to mid‑range): Lowest price, very widely available, but variable in terms of longevity, fit, and warranty coverage.
- Premium aftermarket: Costs closer to OEM but may offer improved materials, better corrosion resistance, or upgraded cooling capacity.
- OEM Hyundai: Highest price, sold through dealers or OEM distributors, generally best fit and quality consistency, usually with strong warranty support.
- Remanufactured or used: Cheaper but higher risk of leaks or shorter lifespan; often discouraged unless budget is extremely tight.
For an 11–12‑year‑old Elantra, many owners select a reputable mid‑range aftermarket brand to balance cost with durability, while those planning to keep the vehicle long-term may favor OEM or premium units.
3. Regional Labor Rates and Shop Type
Where the work is performed can dramatically change the overall price. Regional wage differences and shop overhead affect hourly rates and sometimes even parts markups.
- Urban and coastal areas: Generally higher labor rates and higher total repair cost.
- Rural or lower‑cost areas: Often significantly cheaper hourly rates, which can reduce the total job by $100–$200 or more.
- Independent shops: Typically charge less per hour and may allow customer-supplied parts, lowering the bill further.
- Dealerships: Higher labor rates but greater familiarity with model-specific service procedures and access to OEM parts.
Because labor can equal or exceed the price of the radiator itself, obtaining at least two or three estimates from different local shops can reveal meaningful savings.
4. Additional Parts and Services
Radiator replacement often reveals or coincides with issues elsewhere in the cooling system. The following common add-ons can increase the final invoice but may prevent future breakdowns.
- Coolant/antifreeze: Fresh coolant is required; expect an extra $25–$60 in materials.
- Upper and lower radiator hoses: Often replaced preventively; hoses and clamps may add $40–$120 in parts.
- Thermostat and housing: Not always necessary, but frequently recommended if there are overheating concerns; typically $60–$200 extra with labor.
- Fan assembly or shroud damage: If a failed radiator caused overheating or physical damage, replacement can add $150–$400 or more.
Though these items raise the upfront cost, addressing aging hoses, coolant, and related parts during a radiator job can reduce the chance of a second cooling-system repair shortly afterward.
How to Get a Reliable Estimate for Your Elantra
Owners looking for the most accurate figure for their specific car and location will need to gather some basic information and contact a few repair shops. With the right details ready, the estimate process goes much faster.
Information to Have Before Calling Shops
Mechanics and parts counters will quote more accurately if you provide clear details about your vehicle and the symptoms you are seeing. The following points outline what to have on hand.
- Full VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): Ensures the correct radiator type, especially for automatic vs. manual and trim differences.
- Mileage and engine type: Helps assess whether related components (like hoses or thermostat) should be replaced.
- Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, visible leaks, or dashboard warnings.
- Your preference on parts: Indicate whether you want OEM, mid‑range aftermarket, or lowest-cost options.
- Location and availability: Sharing your city or ZIP code helps shops estimate parts shipping times and any related costs.
With this information, most service departments or independent mechanics can provide a reasonably specific quote over the phone or via email, often within a narrow range that reflects local pricing nuances.
Is It Worth Replacing the Radiator on a 2013 Elantra?
For a 2013 Hyundai Elantra with typical mileage and no major structural or engine issues, replacing a failing radiator is usually economically sensible. The vehicle’s market value generally still justifies a few hundred dollars in cooling‑system work, especially if the car is otherwise reliable.
When deciding, owners should weigh the cost of the repair against the car’s condition and remaining expected lifespan. If the vehicle is high‑mileage but mechanically sound, investing in a quality radiator and related components can extend its useful life significantly and help prevent more serious engine damage caused by overheating.
Summary
A radiator for a 2013 Hyundai Elantra typically costs about $120–$350 for the part alone, with full installed prices generally in the $450–$900 range in the U.S., depending on the shop, labor rates, and whether you choose aftermarket or OEM. Engine and transmission configuration, regional labor costs, and any additional parts—such as hoses, thermostat, or fresh coolant—can all influence the final bill. For most owners, a mid‑range aftermarket radiator installed by an independent shop offers a practical balance between cost and reliability, while confirming exact vehicle details and gathering multiple quotes remains the best way to pinpoint the true cost in a specific area.
How much does it cost to replace a radiator in a Hyundai Elantra?
The average cost in Phoenix, AZ for a 2022 Hyundai Elantra Radiator Replacement is between $1,299 to $1,453.
What is a 2013 Hyundai Elantra worth today?
The value of a 2013 Hyundai Elantra typically ranges from around $1,500$ 1 comma 500$1,500 to over $7,000$ 7 comma 000$7,000, depending on factors like trim, condition, and mileage. While a good-condition model with under 100,000100 comma 000100,000 miles can be worth 8,0008 comma 0008,000, a model with higher mileage and a clean title will be valued lower. Using online appraisal tools like Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and Edmunds, which provide resale and trade-in values based on the vehicle’s specifics, is the most accurate way to determine a specific vehicle’s value.
Factors influencing value
- Trim level: The original MSRP and current value vary based on the model, such as GLS, GS Coupe, or Limited.
- Condition: The overall condition, including mileage, maintenance history, and any accidents, significantly impacts the value.
- Mileage: Vehicles with lower mileage are worth more. For example, CarMax shows a trade-in value of about $2,400 for an 86,000-mile car, while a 130,000-mile car is valued at $1,700.
- Location: The price can vary by location due to market demand and regional factors.
- Selling method: A private sale will generally yield a higher price than a trade-in, as dealers may offer less to account for reconditioning costs.
How to find your specific value
- Use online appraisal tools: Visit websites like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and J.D. Power.
- Provide detailed information: Input your car’s specific details like the exact mileage, trim, and condition.
- Check local listings: Browse sites like TrueCar and Edmunds to see how your car is priced against similar vehicles in your area.
- Consider trade-in vs. private sale: If trading in, get multiple offers. For a private sale, clean the car and gather maintenance records to get the best price.
How many miles will a 2013 Hyundai Elantra last?
150,000 to 250,000 miles
Longevity Overview
While there are several factors at play, when regularly taken care of, we estimate that the Hyundai Elantra can last for around 150,000 to 250,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on a 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Drive System.
- Noises/Leaks.
- Fuel System/Emissions.
- Engine Minor.
- Transmission Minor.
- Engine Major.
- Engine Electrical.
- Engine Cooling. Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.


