How much does it cost to replace a water pump in a Lexus ES350?
Replacing a water pump on a Lexus ES350 is a mid-range repair that can be priced differently depending on parts, labor, and where you have the work done. This article summarizes current typical costs and the factors that influence them.
On average, expect about $400 to $900 at an independent shop, and roughly $800 to $1,400 at a Lexus dealership. The exact number depends on the pump choice, labor time, and whether any additional parts or services are required during the job.
What affects the price
The total cost of a water pump replacement is driven by several factors, including the quality of parts, the amount of labor required, and regional rates. The following outline explains these cost drivers and how they usually translate into a price range.
- Parts cost: Water pumps range from budget aftermarket units to OEM (original equipment) parts. Expect roughly $60 to $320 for the pump itself, plus about $20 to $60 for a gasket and $10 to $30 for coolant or related materials.
- Labor hours: Access to the water pump on the ES350 can vary. Commonly, technicians allot about 2 to 5 hours for the job, with 3–4 hours being typical for many ES350 installations.
- Labor rate: Shop hourly rates vary by region and facility, generally about $80 to $150 per hour, with higher rates at dealers or specialty shops.
- Engine architecture and job scope: The 3.5L V6 in the ES350 uses a chain-driven setup, which can require removing a portion of the timing cover or other components in some cases, increasing labor time.
- Vehicle year, condition, and warranty considerations: Earlier or later model years may have slightly different routing or mounting hardware; existing leaks or coolant issues can add parts or time to the service. OEM parts may come with a longer warranty, at a higher price.
In summary, the price reflects not just the pump itself, but the complexity of the replacement and the parts quality you choose.
Typical price ranges by source
To give a practical sense of what you might pay, here are common ranges you’ll encounter depending on where the work is performed.
- Independent mechanic or national chain shop: Parts roughly $60–$320; labor 2–5 hours; total typically $400–$900.
- Lexus dealership: Parts roughly $150–$400; labor 4–6 hours; total typically $800–$1,400.
Prices can vary by region and shop policy, so it’s wise to obtain multiple quotes and request a detailed breakdown (parts, labor, coolant, and any additional items) before committing to service.
Summary
The cost to replace a water pump on a Lexus ES350 generally lands in the $400–$900 range at an independent shop and $800–$1,400 at a dealership, with actual numbers depending on parts quality, labor time, and regional rates. Expect higher costs if the job requires extra work due to engine access or additional components. Always compare quotes and confirm what’s included to avoid surprises.
How much is a water pump for a Lexus ES350?
between $814 and $1,035
The average cost for a Lexus ES350 Water Pump Replacement is between $814 and $1,035.
How long do Lexus water pumps last?
Hi Nick!! For your 2014 Lexus GX 460 with 120,000 miles, you're at a key maintenance milestone. The water pump, while not a routine service item like oil or filters, is often replaced around 100,000–150,000 miles, especially as preventive maintenance.
What year to stay away from Lexus ES 350?
You should avoid the 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Lexus ES 350 models due to common issues like melting dashboards, engine/transmission problems, and other mechanical failures. While some later years also have specific reported problems, such as a hollow door design on some 2019 models that causes noise, the 2007-2015 period contains the most widely cited issues.
Years to avoid and common problems
- 2007–2009: Prone to oil leaks, engine issues like blown head gaskets, and AC problems from a defective evaporator core. The 2007 model is particularly known for its melting dashboard. Transmission problems like rough shifting and hesitations are also common.
- 2011: Has a high number of complaints for various problems, including engine and transmission issues, as well as other mechanical failures.
- 2013–2015: Reportedly have issues with exploding sunroofs, engine stalls when turning, and door lock malfunctions. Some of these years also saw problems with ventilated seats and powertrain fluid leaks.
- 2019: Some owners reported that the doors feel hollow and let in a lot of road noise, a problem that was reportedly fixed around the 2020-2021 model years.
Years that are generally considered more reliable
- 2012: Often mentioned as a good year to buy.
- 2017–2019: Generally considered reliable with modern features.
- 2020 and later: The years following the 2019 model year are generally considered more reliable, with some specific minor issues such as the hollow doors on 2019 models being addressed in later models.
Is it worth fixing a water pump on a car?
A sudden, catastrophic water pump failure can lead to thousands of dollars in subsequent damage. While these types of failures are rare, they do happen. Basically, if you can replace a water pump during the course of normal maintenance, it's probably worth doing.
