Thermostat replacement cost
Most shops charge $95–$320 in labor, plus $25–$90 for the thermostat and gasket.
Updated November 2026
Where good SwaxFix bids tend to land: the low end, because shops compete for the job.
See what shops near you will actually charge.
Free to post. Shops bid blind: they see your car, never you. Buy the part yourself, shops bid on labor only. Already have a quote? Check if it’s fair.What the job involves
The shop drains some coolant, removes the thermostat housing, fits the new thermostat and gasket, refills and bleeds the air out.
Signs you need it
- Temperature gauge stays low or takes forever to warm up
- Weak heat in winter
- Overheating soon after starting
- P0128 code
What changes the price
- Some engines bury the thermostat under the intake
- Many newer cars use an integrated housing that costs more
- Correct coolant type matters
Shop or do it yourself?
Often easy, but bleeding air out properly is key.
Questions drivers ask
How much does thermostat replacement cost?
At a typical shop, labor runs $95 to $320 (about 48 min to 2 hr of work), and the thermostat and gasket costs about $25 to $90. That puts most jobs between $120 and $410 total. With SwaxFix you can buy the part yourself and have local shops bid on the labor only.
What happens if a thermostat sticks closed?
Coolant cannot reach the radiator and the engine overheats quickly.
What does a stuck-open thermostat do?
The engine runs cold, heat is weak, and fuel economy drops. It often sets code P0128.
Should I replace the coolant too?
If it is due or contaminated, it is a good time to do it.
Find a shop
Want to compare shops first? Browse auto repair near me, or post your job and let them come to you.