How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Transmission? - Car Talk (2024)

• Written ByJohn Goreham
• 7/11/2024

One of the scariest repairs any vehicle owner might face is a transmission replacement. We won't sugar coat this one: A transmission replacement can be one of the most expensive repairs possible on any car, truck, or SUV.

We will give you a more detailed answer and break down the costs in detail, but a new transmission can cost $5,000 or more in today's modern automobile.

What exactly is a transmission?

The transmission in your car works in conjunction with the engine to regulate the speed at which the engine operates and how much power and torque it delivers to the axles or constant velocity joints. In front-engine vehicles, the transmission is either under or just behind the engine under your car. Transmission contains gears or similar mechanisms and is encased in a housing. There is a lubricating fluid called transmission fluid inside. In an automatic transmission, there is a torque converter, and in a manual transmission, a clutch, both of which are possible to repair or replace.

Types of transmissions

There are two general categories of transmissions: Manual and Automatic. A manual is one that you shift yourself with a stick shift. An automatic transmission is one that changes the gears automatically. You simply select forward or reverse.

Automatic transmissions come in many varieties today. Geared transmissions are the most common, followed by continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and a specialty type called dual synchronous gear (DSG) transmissions. Some brands, such as Toyota hybrids, use a unique automatic that uses electric motors and gears together, and even battery-electric vehicles use a form of transmission, though they don’t have multiple gears.

How do I know if I need a new transmission?

A check engine light is the most likely sign you might need transmission work. If your transmission is starting to fail, it will often “slip.” This is a sensation you can feel. It will feel as if the engine is revving up, but the car is not moving forward more quickly. Another common symptom of a transmission issue is when your car will not shift on its own into the next gear. Sometimes, the car will also not want to go from park to drive. Banging, whining, and clunking are all symptoms of a bad transmission.

Why did my transmission fail?

Transmissions can fail due to a defect, they can fail from old age, or they can suffer damage from an unusual event. Racing and hard use can also cause damage to a transmission. Vehicles that perform a lot of towing can have premature transmission failure if they are not properly treated and more frequently serviced.

How often should I service my transmission?

More and more manufacturers are building everyday vehicles with transmissions that don’t require routine servicing. 30,000 or 60,000-mile transmission services were the norm until recently. A service generally consists of changing the fluid inside by draining it and replacing it. Consult your owner's manual to see when your automaker suggests service should be performed, and note that under certain conditions (towing), a more frequent service interval is recommended.

Related Story - Why You Should Not Pay for a Shop to “Flush a Transmission”

Can my transmission be repaired?

It is very common for a transmission to be repairable. Sometimes, the linkage that moves the gears needs to be repaired. Other times, certain parts of the transmission are broken and can be repaired. Changing fluid sometimes helps. Other times, it is the clutch, a bearing, or the torque converter, not the actual transmission, that has failed. It is better (financially speaking) if it is one of these things.

Warranty extensions and service programs

Since transmissions are complex and often begin to have trouble when new designs are introduced, it is not uncommon for manufacturers to extend the warranty on a model’s transmission. Honda and Subaru both had massive extended warranty programs for their vehicles over the past 15 years or so. If your transmission fails, check to see if any such program exists for your specific model. Phone your dealer, or use NHTSA’s recall lookup tool to find out. These programs typically extend the duration of the vehicle’s warranty coverage for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles.

How is a transmission replaced?

Replacing a transmission is no small job. The transmission must be removed from the car and a new one put in its place. This requires both a lift and also a jack to support components during the swap.

Transmission replacement cost - New or rebuilt (refurbished)?

Depending on the age and make of your vehicle, a rebuilt transmission may be the only type available to you. Your mechanic can choose a supplier she trusts. We would not expect a new transmission to be used in any situation other than a warranty replacement done by a dealer.

What is the best place for a transmission replacement?

We would say that repair chains are not a wise choice for such a big, expensive job. There are specialty shops that do transmission replacements, and your mechanic may even suggest one. Many independent shops will do a replacement, and your dealer service department can do it. We suspect the dealer’s cost will be significantly higher than all the other options.

Can I replace the transmission myself?

Replacing a transmission is not a DIY job you can do in your driveway unless it happens to be your hobby and habit to restore vehicles. In which case, you are probably not reading this story.

How much does it cost to replace a transmission?

An automatic transmission replacement in a mainstream vehicle can range from a low of around $2,500 to as much as $7,500. Both labor and parts are costly. Fancy low-volume cars will have a higher cost. This is one job that may make sense to price shop around for rather than just using the first place you find. Check reviews on Google and other sources. This is a big job you want done right.

What are my options if I don’t replace the transmission?

The cost to repair or replace a transmission can easily be higher than the value of an older used car. There is a point at which it no longer makes sense to put more money into an older vehicle. Selling the car as is and notifying the buyer of the problem is one option. Another is to donate the vehicle.

Read more on the topic of Owning a Car here.

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