How much does it cost to replace a thermostat in a Dodge Durango?
Expect roughly $180 to $450 for a thermostat replacement on a Dodge Durango, depending on your engine type, model year, and whether you go to a dealer or an independent shop. This range covers parts, coolant, and labor for a typical job.
Replacing the engine thermostat is a common maintenance task, but the exact price can vary based on the Durango’s specific setup (for example, whether the thermostat is mounted in a housing or integrated with other cooling components) and the local labor rate. Below is a practical breakdown to help you gauge what you might pay.
Cost breakdown
To help you understand the typical price components, here is the standard breakdown for most Dodge Durango thermostat replacements.
- Parts and related components: The thermostat itself ranges from about $15 to $60, with aftermarket units often at the lower end and OEM parts closer to $60. Gaskets or seals typically add another $5 to $15. If the cooling system needs a coolant flush or fresh coolant, add about $8 to $25.
- Labor: Most shops bill 1–2 hours of labor for this job, at roughly $75 to $150 per hour depending on the shop and location. That yields about $75 to $300 in labor.
- Additional costs: Tax, shop supplies, and any diagnostic fees if a shop needs to confirm the issue can add a small amount to the total.
- Estimated total: In a typical scenario, the overall bill tends to fall in the $180 to $450 range. Higher-end estimates may occur at dealerships or if extra cooling-system maintenance is performed.
Prices can vary by model year and engine configuration, and dealer rates tend to be on the higher side. If other cooling components are replaced at the same time, the total can be higher.
Factors that affect price
Several factors influence the final quote for a Durango thermostat replacement. Understanding these can help you shop around and budget accurately.
- Engine type and model year: Durangos use different engines (such as the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or the 5.7L Hemi) and cooling-system layouts, which can affect labor time and parts availability.
- Shop location and rate: Dealer service departments typically cost more than independent shops or chain shops.
- Thermostat placement and complexity: Some configurations require more disassembly or removal of nearby components to access the thermostat.
- Additional cooling-system work: A cooling-system flush, new hoses, a radiator, or a water pump replacement can raise the overall cost if done at the same time.
- OEM vs aftermarket parts: OEM parts generally cost more than aftermarket equivalents; performance and reliability expectations may vary.
- DIY vs professional installation: Doing it yourself can save labor costs but may require special tools and a proper coolant bleed.
Keep in mind that these factors can combine to push the final price higher or lower than the typical range.
DIY considerations
For mechanically inclined owners, replacing a thermostat can be a feasible weekend project, especially on Durango models with straightforward access. A careful approach can reduce labor costs significantly, but mistakes can lead to overheating or coolant leaks. Proceed only if you have the right tools, a clean work area, and the ability to safely drain and refill the cooling system.
Steps to replace the thermostat yourself
- Gather parts and tools: new thermostat kit (thermostat and gasket), coolant, drain pan, wrenches, screwdrivers, and a torque wrench.
- Engine cold: Ensure the engine is cool before starting to avoid burns from hot coolant.
- Drain coolant: Open the radiator drain plug or detach the lower radiator hose to drain the coolant into a pan.
- Access the thermostat: Remove necessary components obstructing access to the thermostat housing (this varies by engine, but may involve hoses or intake plumbing).
- Replace the thermostat: Remove the old thermostat and gasket, clean the housing surfaces, install the new gasket and thermostat, and reseal the housing.
- Refill and bleed: Refill the cooling system with the appropriate coolant and bleed air as required by the vehicle to prevent air pockets.
- Check for leaks and test: Reconnect components, run the engine to operating temperature, and check for leaks while monitoring the temperature gauge.
If you’re not confident in performing these steps, or if the Durango has a more complex cooling arrangement, it’s wise to hire a professional to avoid costly mistakes.
Summary
Replacing a Dodge Durango thermostat is generally a manageable job with a typical price range of $180 to $450, depending on engine, model year, and shop rate. Expect parts and coolant to cost a modest amount, plus 1–2 hours of labor. Dealers tend to be pricier, while independent shops offer more competitive rates. If you’re comfortable with DIY work, you can save on labor by doing the replacement yourself, provided you follow proper cooling-system procedures. Always consider potential additional cooling-system work that might be appropriate when planning the service.
