Transmission Replacement Cost

Replace a failed transmission with rebuilt, remanufactured, or used.

$3,000 – $7,000

Typical labor: 8 to 15 hours

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Parts vs Labor

65% / 35%

Typical share of total cost

Labor Time

8 to 15 hours

At a typical shop

Difficulty

Shop Only

5 of 5

Prices are national averages. Your exact cost depends on your vehicle, location, and shop. Get a free personalized AI estimate above.

Common Symptoms

Slipping between gears

Loud whining or grinding

No movement when in drive

Transmission warning light

Burnt fluid smell

What It Is

The transmission transfers engine power to the wheels and changes gear ratios as you speed up or slow down. It's one of the most expensive parts of any car.

Why It Matters

A failed transmission usually means the car is undriveable. Repair costs often approach the value of older cars.

How to Save Money on Transmission Replacement

Get quotes for rebuilt, remanufactured, and used transmissions, prices can vary by thousands
A reputable transmission specialist often beats both dealers and general repair shops
Before approving, check what a similar used car costs, sometimes selling is the better move

Often Done Together

Shops commonly pair transmission replacement with these jobs to save on overlapping labor:

Transmission Fluid Service

$150 – $400

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Frequently Asked Questions

Rebuilt vs remanufactured vs used?

Remanufactured is rebuilt to original spec with new parts and usually has the best warranty. Used is cheapest but unknown remaining life. Rebuilt is in between.

Is it worth fixing the transmission on an old car?

Calculate the repair vs the car's value. If the repair is more than 60 percent of the car's value, often not worth it.