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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace a thermostat housing?
Where can I get my thermostat housing replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my thermostat housing?
What happens if I don’t replace my thermostat housing?
What is a thermostat housing?
Can I replace my thermostat housing myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace a thermostat housing?

The average total cost for a thermostat housing replacement is $400-$500+. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.

How long does it take to replace a thermostat housing? It typically takes 1-2 hours for a professional mechanic to replace a thermostat housing. The replacement time will include an inspection, a diagnosis, and the full replacement.

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my thermostat housing replacement and how much do those parts cost?

Your vehicle may require specific parts for a thermostat housing replacement, but in general, you’ll need the following:

Thermostat housing: Based on your vehicle’s specifications, you’ll need to purchase the housing, gasket, and thermostat for a thermostat housing replacement.

Thermostat: Thermostats typically come with thermostat housing replacements. Ensure that the thermostat is compatible with your vehicle’s engine

Thermostat gasket or O-ring: To ensure the housing is properly sealed, you will need to get a new thermostat gasket or O-ring. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct part.

Gasket sealant: Your thermostat housing may need gasket sealing so seal the thermostat gasket.

Coolant: Your vehicle’s coolant will be drained during the thermostat housing replacement process, so you’ll need fresh coolant for a refill.

You can buy thermostat housing parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and RockAuto. Three of our recommended brands for Thermostat Housing parts are Dorman, ACDelco, and Motorcraft. However, the specific parts and brands for your thermostat housing will depend on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Keep in mind: Car thermostat replacement costs vary depending on the extent of the damage, the type of thermostat, and the make and model of your vehicle.

Where can I buy parts for my thermostat housing replacement?

For OEM thermostat housing parts, you can purchase online or in-person from your vehicle’s dealership, or from an automotive parts shop like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts. You can also buy aftermarket parts from online retailers like Amazon or RockAuto.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

It's best to replace your thermostat housing using OEM parts. Aftermarket parts may be cheaper, but OEM parts have quality builds, usually include warranties, and are made specifically for your vehicle’s optimal performance.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my thermostat housing replaced?

If your thermostat housing malfunctions, you’ll need to take your car to a certified mechanic for a replacement. Luckily,

Jerry's GarageGuard™

can help you find the best repair shop to get your vehicle back in good shape by comparing car repair costs from over 2,500 vetted mechanic shops in the US.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates* from each shop using real hourly labor rates, diagnostics fees, and the average cost of parts for your replacement. To help you select the best car repair service, you can also look through real shop reviews.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

132 Reviews

Wrench Inc. - CAE

Thermostat Housing Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$134

(Parts - $103, Labor - $31)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

127 Reviews

Kwik Kar Dallas - Greenville Ave

6426 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX

Thermostat Housing Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$133

(Parts - $103, Labor - $30)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$137

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (214) 696-5454

151 Reviews

All American Auto and Fleet

2940 S Harding St #2, Indianapolis, IN

Thermostat Housing Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$132

(Parts - $103, Labor - $29)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$95

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (317) 783-6989

141 Reviews

Blue Sky Tire & Auto Service - Glenview

2200 Waukegan Rd, Glenview, IL

Thermostat Housing Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$140

(Parts - $103, Labor - $37)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$149.50

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (847) 998-1700

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my thermostat housing?

The procedure for a thermostat housing replacement may vary based on your vehicle’s make and model. In general, you can expect your mechanic to follow these steps:

Preparation: The mechanic will wait for your vehicle to cool down before beginning the replacement process. During this time, they will collect all necessary tools and disconnect the car battery to ensure a safe procedure.

Locate the thermostat housing: The thermostat housing is typically connected to the engine block and the upper radiator hose. Your mechanic will inspect the thermostat for damages.

Drain the vehicle’s coolant: Your mechanic will remove the coolant drain plug to drain the coolant from your car. This step typically involves a drain pan.

Remove surrounding components: Alongside other parts, your air intake hoses or ducts may need to be removed so your mechanic can access your thermostat housing.

Remove the old thermostat housing: Using the correct tools, your mechanic will remove the thermostat housing from its mounting position by unscrewing the securing bolts or nuts.

Install the new thermostat housing: Your mechanic will place the new thermostat housing in the same position as the old one and secure it with the correct bolts and nuts. A new head gasket or O-ring may also be installed to correctly seal the housing.

Reconnect the surrounding components: Once your new thermostat housing is connected, your mechanic will reinstall any components that were removed to access the housing.

Refill the coolant: Based on your vehicle’s specifications, your mechanic will use the correct coolant mix to refill your coolant level.

Bleed the cooling system: This step isn’t required in all vehicles, but your mechanic may need to bleed any air pockets from the cooling system to ensure it operates correctly.

Testing: Your mechanic will test your vehicle for coolant leaks and proper engine operating temperature. Using a temperature gauge, they’ll monitor the temperature of your engine to ensure the job was done correctly.

What happens if I don’t replace my thermostat housing?

Your thermostat housing should be inspected by a mechanic immediately if you notice signs of deterioration. A faulty thermostat housing can lead to the following issues:

Engine coolant leaks

Car engine damage from overheating

Poor engine performance

Lower fuel efficiency

Damage to other vehicle components

What is a thermostat housing?

A thermostat is a valve in your car’s cooling system that helps regulate the flow of coolant to the engine to help keep it operating at a reasonable temperature. The thermostat housing protects your thermostat and serves as a main connector for other cooling system components.

A thermostat housing can develop cracks and leaks or failed seals over time, as well as electrical problems. If this is the case, you’ll want to have a mechanic replace it for you.

When should I replace the thermostat housing on my car?

If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to replace your thermostat housing:

Coolant leaks: Coolant leaks are indicative of thermostat housing issues. Your engine could overheat if your coolant is leaking, so it's important to address the problem as soon as possible.

Housing cracks: You should regularly inspect your thermostat housing for signs of wear or cracks. Cracks can cause coolant leaks, which will impact your vehicle’s operation.

Corrosion: Thermostat housings are commonly made of metal, which could deteriorate with rust or corrosion. Rust and corrosion can cause your housing to fail, so you should have your thermostat housing replaced as soon as you notice these signs.

Engine overheating: If you notice high temperature readings in your engine, you should take your vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection. An overheating engine can cause performance issues, and is a sign of a faulty thermostat housing.

Age: If your vehicle has high mileage or the thermostat housing is several years old, you should consider replacing it to prevent any wear or tear that could damage your vehicle’s coolant system.

Check engine light: Your check engine light will not turn on simply due to cracks or damage to your thermostat system, but your car’s engine control unit (ECU) will identify high engine temperatures or coolant leaks resulting from a bad thermostat housing.

How often should a thermostat housing be replaced?

Unlike other car parts, thermostat housings do not typically have exact replacement intervals. Most car experts recommend changing the thermostat housing every 10 years, although some vehicles may require replacements before the decade mark.

In general, the older a vehicle is, the more likely its components will need to be replaced. If you drive an older vehicle, you should routinely inspect your thermostat housing components for any wear or malfunctions.

Can I replace my thermostat housing myself?

You may be able to replace your vehicle’s thermostat housing if you have a background in automotive DIY repairs and you have the tools to support the job.

With this said, your thermostat housing is an important component of your vehicle, so you’ll want to ensure the job is done right. For the best outcome, take your car to a certified mechanic for your thermostat housing replacement.

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FAQs

How much does it cost to replace thermostat housing?

On average, it costs $299 to replace a thermostat housing. Car owner’s typically pay $110 for parts, and $189 for labor costs.

Can I drive my car with a bad thermostat housing?

You should avoid driving if your car’s thermostat housing or any part of your coolant system is malfunctioning. If your thermostat fails and your engine is not correctly cooled, other parts of your vehicle may get severely damaged.

Driving with a bad thermostat housing can lead to damages and high repair costs for multiple parts of your vehicle, so take your car to the mechanic for an immediate inspection if you suspect something is wrong with your cooling system.

How long does it take to replace thermostat housing?

On average, it takes 1.6 hours hours for a professional mechanic to replace a thermostat housing.

Can you drive with leaking thermostat housing?

Car experts recommend that you do not drive your car if its thermostat housing is leaking. If your thermostat housing is leaking, your engine and other vehicle components may get seriously damaged.

Take your vehicle to a mechanic for a cooling system inspection if you notice coolant leaks under your vehicle.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.