How much does it cost to replace a water pump in a Honda CR-V?
Typically around $500 to $900 in the United States, including parts and labor. Prices vary by model year, engine type, and shop rates, with dealership estimates often higher than independent repair shops.
Here's how the question breaks down: what drives the price, what you get for the money, and how to obtain reliable quotes for your specific CR-V. The figures below reflect current market norms and common industry practices as of 2024–2025.
What drives the cost
Several factors influence the final bill for replacing a water pump on a Honda CR-V. Understanding them helps you estimate costs more accurately.
- Parts cost: The water pump itself can range from roughly $40 to $200, depending on whether you choose aftermarket or OEM parts. Additional items often replaced at the same time include the thermostat and coolant ($8–$40 for coolant and $15–$40 for a thermostat).
- Labor time and labor rate: Labor typically spans about 2 to 4 hours, though it can be longer on cramped engines or if additional components must be removed. Shop rates vary widely by region, commonly in the $75 to $150 per hour range.
- Additional components and services: If the job involves a timing belt/kit (in older CR-V generations) or a timing chain cover, or if you replace seals/gaskets, those add-ons can raise the total cost by $100–$300 or more.
In summary, the price is a function of parts, labor, and any extra services required to replace the water pump properly.
Cost components
Parts and materials
Most customers pay for a combination of parts and fluids when replacing a water pump. Here is a typical breakdown of parts you might encounter.
- Water pump: $40–$200
- Thermostat (optional but common): $15–$40
- Coolant: $8–$25
- Gaskets and seals (often included with the pump): $0–$20
- Timing belt/chain kit or related components (if applicable): $0–$300
When you replace the pump, some shops include the thermostat and a coolant flush in a bundled price; others itemize them separately. Always ask for a parts-and-labor breakdown in writing.
Labor
The labor portion covers the time technicians spend removing the old pump, accessing the water pump, replacing seals, and refilling coolant. Variations in difficulty and engine layout influence time and cost.
- Estimated labor time: 2–4 hours (sometimes longer for tighter engines or impatient access).
- Labor rate: $75–$150 per hour, depending on location and shop type (independent shop vs. dealership).
Most buyers should expect the labor contribution to fall within a few hundred dollars, with the exact figure tied to local rates and the job’s complexity.
Model-year and engine considerations
Honda CR-Vs use different powerplant layouts across generations, which can affect replacement difficulty and cost. Modern CR-Vs (roughly 2012 onward) typically present moderate access challenges, and many engines use a timing chain rather than a belt. Even with a chain, replacing the water pump can require removing timing-related components, which increases labor time. In older generations where a timing belt is present, a water pump replacement is often performed as part of a timing belt kit, raising both parts and labor costs.
- Models with timing chains: generally still labor-intensive but may not require belt-related kit; cost is mostly for labor and pump/thermostat/coolant.
- Older models with timing belts: belt kit, tensioners, and seals may be included; expect higher overall bills due to kit components and belt removal.
Always verify your specific engine type and whether a timing belt kit or chain-related work is required before agreeing to service.
Getting a quote
To obtain a reliable estimate for your CR-V, gather quotes from a few sources and compare what’s included. Here are practical steps to ensure you’re not surprised by costs.
- Call multiple repair shops and ask for a written estimate that itemizes parts, labor, and any environmental or shop fees.
- Ask whether the price includes a coolant flush and thermostat; confirm whether the warranty applies to parts and labor.
- Inquire about any potential additional charges if the mechanic discovers problems behind the timing cover or if belt/kit replacement is necessary.
Shopping around and asking for a transparent breakdown helps you gauge value and avoid sticker shock at the counter.
Summary
Replacing a water pump on a Honda CR-V typically costs about $500 to $900 in the United States, with higher prices possible at dealerships or if extra work is required. The exact price depends on engine type, access difficulty, and whether ancillary parts (thermostat, coolant, belt/kit) are replaced during the service. For the most accurate figure, obtain written estimates from several local shops and confirm exactly what is included in each quote. If you’re comfortable with DIY and have the right tools, you may save on labor by handling part replacement yourself, though this is a complex task for most owners.
Summary takeaway: expect a few hundred dollars in parts and a few hundred more in labor, with the total generally landing in the $500–$900 range for most modern CR-Vs, and higher if special circumstances apply. Always verify the specifics for your model year and engine configuration when requesting quotes.
