What brand radiator does Honda use?

Honda primarily sources its factory radiators from Denso and T.RAD. The exact supplier can vary by model, plant, and model year, but across Honda and Acura passenger vehicles—and many Honda motorcycles—Denso and T.RAD are the most common OEM names you’ll find stamped on the radiator tanks. Genuine Honda service parts may come in Honda packaging while still being manufactured by these tier‑1 suppliers.

How Honda sources radiators

Honda does not rely on a single supplier for cooling systems. Like other global automakers, it uses a multi-supplier strategy to manage capacity, cost, logistics, and regional content requirements. That means the brand printed on the original radiator can differ between a Civic built in North America and one built in Asia, even within the same model year. When you buy a “Honda Genuine” radiator at a dealer, the part is produced to Honda specs and often comes from the same tier‑1 manufacturers that supplied the vehicle on the assembly line.

Most common OEM brands you’ll encounter

The following brands are the ones most frequently found on factory-installed and genuine replacement radiators for Honda and Acura vehicles, based on widespread parts catalog data and supplier markings enthusiasts and technicians commonly see on the tanks and labels.

• Denso — A leading Japanese tier‑1 supplier and the most common radiator brand on modern Honda/Acura cars and many motorcycles. “DENSO” is often molded or stamped into the plastic end tanks. Denso also builds complete cooling modules (radiator, condenser, fan shroud) for numerous Honda models, including hybrids.
• T.RAD — Another major Japanese cooling specialist frequently used by Honda. Radiators will typically bear a “T.RAD” marking or supplier code on the tank or label. Common on a range of compact and midsize Honda applications.
• Others in limited applications — Depending on plant and market, Honda may source cooling components from additional tier‑1s for specific programs or regions. In some markets, you may encounter units produced by regional suppliers that meet Honda’s specifications, though Denso and T.RAD remain the dominant names globally.

While the above brands cover the vast majority of cases, the definitive answer for any single vehicle depends on its VIN, build plant, and production date. The supplier can change over a model cycle due to logistics or engineering updates.

How to confirm what your Honda actually has

If you want to verify the original radiator brand or ensure you buy the correct replacement, these practical checks can help.

1. Inspect the end tanks: Look for an embossed or molded logo such as “DENSO” or “T.RAD,” along with part and date codes on the plastic tanks or side frames.
2. Use your VIN with the dealer/EPC: A Honda parts counter can pull the exact radiator part number (often starting with 19010‑) for your VIN and advise on the current genuine replacement and any supersessions.
3. Check the label or box: Genuine Honda boxes may indicate country of origin and sometimes include supplier codes; the radiator itself typically bears the supplier’s mark.
4. For motorcycles and powersports: The same approach applies; many Honda bikes carry Denso-branded radiators, but verify by inspection or VIN lookup.

These steps will give you the most reliable answer for your specific vehicle and help avoid fitment mistakes—especially important on hybrids, turbos, or models with towing packages that may use unique cooling modules.

OEM vs. aftermarket replacements

If you’re replacing a radiator, a Genuine Honda part ensures the original specification for core density, fin design, and mounting geometry. Quality aftermarket options from the same OEMs (e.g., Denso) can also be a strong choice when labeled as OEM-equivalent. Be cautious with low-cost no-name units, which may deviate in core thickness, fan shroud fitment, or transmission/engine oil cooler provisions.

Notes for hybrids and turbo models

Hybrids (e.g., CR‑V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid) and turbocharged models often use integrated cooling modules and may have specific radiators, condensers, and active grille shutter interfaces. Always confirm the exact part number by VIN, as these applications can differ even within the same trim line.

Summary

Honda uses multiple tier‑1 suppliers for radiators, with Denso and T.RAD being the most common across Honda and Acura vehicles worldwide. The precise brand on your vehicle’s radiator depends on model, plant, and production date; check the tank markings or have a dealer run your VIN to confirm, especially before ordering a replacement.

Is DENSO a good brand for radiators?

Denso radiators receive mixed reviews; many customers praise their “First Time Fit” for excellent compatibility and quality, while others report issues with durability, fitment, and leaked seams, even on radiators received in original Denso packaging. While some customers received authentic, long-lasting radiators that mirrored factory parts, a growing number of recent reviews highlight concerns about potential quality control issues, possible design changes, and manufacturing in countries other than Japan.
 
Positive Experiences

• Perfect Fit: Many users report that Denso radiators fit perfectly and are exact replacements for the original equipment (OE), with mechanics confirming a precise fit for various vehicle models. 
• Quality Materials: Some customers receive radiators with durable aluminum construction and high-quality materials that provide superior performance and reliability. 
• OE Standards: As a major OE supplier to automakers, Denso applies OE standards to its aftermarket products, ensuring high performance and a consistent fit. 

Negative Experiences

• Fitment Issues: Some buyers encounter problems with the radiator’s fitment, such as needing to bend components to make it fit or the radiator being crooked, leading to improper alignment of other parts like the fan shroud. 
• Durability and Leaks: A significant number of recent reviews cite failures like leaking along the top seam or in connection points, often failing after a relatively short period of use (e.g., two years or 40,000 miles). 
• Questionable Origin: Some aftermarket Denso radiators were found to be made in China or Taiwan, raising concerns about quality, as the original manufacturer’s radiators were traditionally made in Japan. 
• Inconsistent Quality: The increased number of recent negative reports suggests a possible shift in quality or design, leading to a decline in the product’s reputation compared to older, highly-rated units. 

Considerations

• Check the Source: Ensure you are purchasing from a reputable seller to receive an authentic Denso product. 
• Inspect Upon Arrival: Thoroughly inspect the radiator for any damage or signs of manufacturing defects before installation. 
• Consider OEM Alternatives: If you have concerns about aftermarket quality, an OEM replacement may offer greater durability and a guaranteed fit. 

How much is a Honda radiator?

The average cost for a Honda Civic Radiator Replacement is between $811 and $1,082. Labor costs are estimated between $297 and $435 while parts are priced between $514 and $646.

What type of coolant does Honda use?

Honda vehicles typically use Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2. This coolant is designed for aluminum engines and uses an organic corrosion inhibitor, rather than silicates and borates. While Honda recommends using their specific Type 2 coolant, if it’s unavailable, a high-quality, silicate-free, 50/50 premix coolant designed for aluminum engines can be used as a temporary replacement. However, it’s advised to flush the system and refill with Honda Type 2 coolant as soon as possible. 
Key points about Honda coolant:

• Type 2: Honda’s recommended coolant is specifically labeled as “Type 2”. 
• Organic Acid Technology (OAT): This coolant uses organic acids as corrosion inhibitors, which are better suited for aluminum engines compared to older coolant technologies. 
• Silicate-free: Honda Type 2 coolant does not contain silicates, which can be abrasive to aluminum and plastic components in the cooling system. 
• 50/50 Premix: Honda Type 2 coolant is typically sold as a 50/50 premix of antifreeze and water. 
• Genuine Honda Coolant: While other coolants can be used in a pinch, it’s best to stick with the genuine Honda Type 2 coolant for optimal performance and long-term protection. 

Is DENSO the OEM for Honda?

Genuine OEM Honda (Denso): Sealed in Authentic Honda Packaging – Made in Japan.