It depends on your exact car. For example, if the reservoir is buried behind a wheel liner or bumper, the job can climb to $600–$900 because of extra labor. For more precise costs for your car and location, use an estimator like the one in the Jerry app.
Real customers Jerry has helped
Costs for replacing your windshield washer reservoir depend on your exact vehicle, where you live and the quality of oil used. With Jerry, you can quickly see what drivers are paying right now. Below are real examples of customers we’ve helped secure top prices for when they need to replace their windshield washer reservoir.
Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.
What actually drives the price?
Jerry helps customers track down great repair prices every day, and we’ve learned there are a few key reasons those prices can differ:
Your car’s layout:
Hidden reservoirs add removal of liners/bumper and sensors—i.e., more labor time.
Labor rate & shop type:
Independents and dealers vary widely by region. Plan around $120–$250/hr, though some metro dealers are higher.
Part quality:
Aftermarket can save money, but fit at the pump grommet and level sensor is critical. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is the “no-surprises” option when access is tight.
One-time items:
Grommets, O-rings and plastic fasteners are cheap insurance against repeat leaks.
What is the windshield washer reservoir?
A windshield washer reservoir is the plastic tank that holds your washer fluid—that’s what sprays on your windshield when you pull the wiper lever. It’s usually tucked under the hood with a cap marked by a windshield/water symbol. When you hit the washer button, a small pump pulls fluid from this reservoir and sends it through hoses to the spray nozzles.
If the reservoir is cracked, leaking, or empty, you might notice weak spray, no spray at all, or a low washer fluid warning light (if your car has one). In cold climates, using plain water instead of proper washer fluid can cause the reservoir or lines to freeze and even crack. If you’re constantly refilling fluid and it keeps “disappearing,” or your washers don’t work even though the tank is full, it’s worth having a mechanic inspect the reservoir, pump, and hoses.
On this 2017 BMW X5, the washer-fluid tank wasn’t easy to reach. It sat behind the plastic liner inside the right-front wheel well, toward the back. To get to it, the shop had to pull the wheel off and then remove a bunch of stubborn plastic clips to take the liner out. Only after all that “digging” was the reservoir sitting out in the open and simple to swap.
The part itself was roughly $180 for a good-quality replacement tank, plus a few bucks for new rubber seals and clips. The job was booked at about three hours, and with typical shop labor rates of $150–$220 an hour, the total bill landed around $650–$860. The labor to reach it is what makes a simple repair feel like a half-day project.
Signs your windshield washer reservoir needs attention
If your windshield washer fluid isn’t working the way it used to, the reservoir (the plastic tank that holds the fluid) might be damaged. Here are some simple signs to watch for:
- Washer fluid keeps running out quickly, even though you’re not using it very often
- Puddle or wet spot under the front of your car after it’s been parked, especially near where the washer tank sits
- Washer warning light comes on frequently or you keep getting “low washer fluid” messages soon after refilling
- You can hear the washer pump motor running, but little to no fluid sprays onto the windshield
- Visible cracks or damage on the reservoir or its hoses if you look under the hood
- Strong washer fluid smell around the front of the car after you’ve just used the sprayers
Your action plan: Save money without cutting corners
Follow this step-by-step plan to accurately diagnose and fix the problem. It will help you work with your mechanic to ensure the repair is completed correctly and without wasted time.
Confirm the leak:
Park on a dry surface, fill the washer reservoir, run the washers for a few seconds, and then look under the car for fresh drips or a small puddle near the front bumper area. Customers also use the Jerry app to help them get a confident diagnosis before taking their car to the shop.
Decide DIY vs. pro:
If the reservoir is easy to see and reach from above with basic tools you’re comfortable using, DIY may be fine, but if it’s buried behind the bumper or requires removing lots of panels, it’s safer and less stressful to let a shop handle it.
Get apples-to-apples quotes:
Call or message at least 2–3 reputable shops and ask each for a written estimate that clearly lists parts (OEM vs. aftermarket), labor hours, shop fees, and taxes so you can compare true totals, not just the headline price. The Jerry app helps customers get accurate quotes from nearby shops for windshield washer reservoir repairs.
Warranty/contract check:
Before authorizing any repair, quickly review your vehicle warranty, extended warranty, or service contract (and even any dealer “free maintenance” promises) to see if washer system components are covered so you don’t pay out of pocket unnecessarily.
DIY vs. Pro: Honest breakdown
When you need a new windshield washer reservoir, you might want to look into other related services too—bundling them can lower your overall cost. Jerry makes it easy to compare reliable prices for several repairs at once.
Pro tip: Ask the parts counter for the exact location of your reservoir by VIN before buying. Five minutes of research can save two hours of contortions.
Related repairs
When you need a new windshield washer reservoir, you might want to look into other related services too—bundling them can lower your overall cost. Jerry makes it easy to compare reliable prices for several repairs at once.
- Washer pump replacement: if the motor that pushes the fluid is weak or silent, even with a full reservoir
- Washer hoses and fittings: cracked or loose lines can leak fluid before it ever reaches the nozzles
- Spray nozzle cleaning or replacement: clogged or broken nozzles can cause weak spray or no spray at all
- Washer fluid level sensor: if the “low washer fluid” light stays on even when the tank is full
- Wiper blade replacement: worn or streaky blades can make visibility poor, even if the washer system works
- Windshield chip or crack repair: fixing glass damage helps your wipers and washer fluid work more effectively and safely
What our customers are asking
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How long will a windshield washer reservoir replacement take?
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How long can I drive with a bad washer system?
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Is this covered under warranty or a service contract?
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Does a new reservoir include the pump?
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Why is my low-washer light staying on after replacement?
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Are there temporary workarounds?
Steve Kaleff began working on cars at the very young age of nine years old, when his dad actually let him make fixes on the family car. Fast forward to the beginning of a professional career working at independent repair shops and then transitioning to new car dealerships. His experience was with Mercedes-Benz, where Steve was a technician for ten years, four of those years solving problems that no one could or wanted to fix. He moved up to shop foreman and then service manager for 15 years. There have been tremendous changes in automotive technology since Steve started his professional career, so here’s looking forward to an electric future!
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
