How Much Cost To Repair A Transmission?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Average transmission repair costs range from

$300 to $1,400

. For example, if your manual transmission needs a new clutch, you can reasonably expect to pay around $800 to $1,500. On the other hand, transmission replacement is one of the most expensive repairs you can get. Replacements can range from $1,800 to $3,400.

How much does it cost to replace the transmission?

The average transmission repair costs

$1500 to $5000

in 2020 for most domestic vehicle makes and models in the United States. Major transmission repairs can easily cost $1000 to $2000 in labor alone and may take as little as a few days or up to a month to complete if you're waiting on parts to arrive.

Is it cheaper to rebuild or replace a transmission?


A transmission replace is the most expensive option when fixing your transmission

. In many cases you will hear this referred to as “re-manufactured.” Basically, the manufacturer will replace parts that have gone bad with modified parts. This is an option if the transmission is too damaged to even consider a rebuild.

Why is transmission work so expensive?

Transmission repairs are so expensive

because of the diagnosis involved in figuring out which part of the transmission has failed

. For instance, assume you're driving along on your way to work, and you've come to a stop at a red light.

What causes transmission to fail?

Transmission failure can be caused by

slipping, symptomatic noises, lack of fluid due to leaks, overheating, or outside factors that affect the transmission

.

How much is a new automatic transmission?

On average, replacing a vehicle transmission costs around $2,600, with average prices the replacement of a transmission ranging from about

$1,800 to $3,400

in the US for 2020 according to TransmissionRepairCostGuide.

How long does it take to replace a transmission?

The amount of time required to replace a transmission often depends on the type of transmission and the vehicle. It usually only takes

a day or two to replace a transmission in most rear wheel vehicles

. However, some late-model, front-wheel drive vehicles can be quite labor-intensive and take three to four days.

What are the signs of transmission problems?

  • Refusal to Switch Gears. If your vehicle refuses or struggles to change gears, you are more than likely facing a problem with your transmission system. …
  • Burning Smell. …
  • Noises When in Neutral. …
  • Slipping Gears. …
  • Dragging Clutch. …
  • Leaking Fluid. …
  • Check Engine Light. …
  • Grinding or Shaking.

How long does it take a mechanic to rebuild a transmission?

Most individuals want to get their cars back on the road as quickly as possible. However, it varies; it should be completed in

as little as one day, while the average is three to four days

. Another auto shop frequently detaches the transmission to make a day-long rebuild easier.

How long does a rebuild transmission last?

On average, a rebuilt transmission is expected to last between

30,000 – 50,000 miles

. If the work is done extremely well and regular maintenance is performed, a transmission rebuild can last as long as the original transmission (120,000 – 200,000 miles on average).

How much does it cost to check transmission?

The cost to have your fluid changed by a dealer, service center or independent mechanic ranges from

$80 to $250

. The average cost is around $100 for both automatic and .

Does a transmission cost more than a motor?

An estimated replacement cost can range from $1,800 to 3,400. They may range from $500 to $1,200 depending on the repair shop and their expertise.

The average cost of Remanufactured Transmission is between $1,300 and $3,400, depending on your engine preference.

Why is a new transmission so expensive?

The answer is that a lot of the time it isn't unless the transmission break is extremely premature in the vehicle's life.

Once a car gets to a certain age and mileage count, the new transmission may cost more than what the car is worth

. We call this totalled in the car industry.

What happens if transmission fails while driving?

TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE

It is also possible your transmission can totally fail. In this case,

your car could refuse to move, change gears, or there could be decreased or total lack of power while driving

. If you are experiencing these problems take your car in immediately.

Can a transmission be repaired?

Automotive transmission problems can run the gamut in severity and in repair cost.

It can be as easy as replacing fluids or it can be a more than $5000 reconstruction

. Minor transmission repairs involve replacing defective solenoids, re-sealing for leaks, replacing parts, and throttle cable adjustment.

What does a slipping transmission feel like?

When the transmission slips, it might feel like

the vehicle is slow to respond

. Sometimes it doesn't respond at all when you press the gas pedal. The noticeable change in the transmission's performance might be accompanied by a noise or change in pitch as it changes gears.

Can I drive with a slipping transmission?

Is driving with a faulty transmission okay? Short answer:

no!

The only thing you should do if you think you have a faulty transmission is go for a quick jaunt to your local mechanic. If you have a bad transmission it's only a matter of time before your vehicle literally won't be able to drive anywhere.

When should I replace transmission?

One of the most important factors is the age and mileage of the transmission. Automatic transmissions often fail

between 80,000 and 150,000 miles

. Manual transmissions can fail even sooner than that, especially when routine maintenance is neglected.

How many labor hours does it take to replace a transmission?

A big portion of any transmission replacement or rebuild is the labor cost. It's

at least six hours

to remove and install a transmission, often twice that.

What happens when you replace a transmission?

Done properly, rebuilding a transmission should produce results that make the transmission ‘like new' again.

All worn parts are replaced, seals and soft parts reinstalled, and the same body is placed back in the same vehicle it came from

.

How much does a junkyard transmission cost?

Repair Type Cost Range Replacement Labor (R+R) $500 to $1200 – Used / Salvage Yard

$800 to $1500
– Rebuilt / Local Rebuild $1100 to $2800 – Remanufactured $1300 to $3400

What does a bad transmission sound like?

If the sound resembles

humming, buzzing, or clunking

, you may be experiencing transmission failure. Bad automatic transmissions may emit humming, buzzing, or whining noises while manual transmissions have harsher “clunking” sounds.

How do you check transmission?

Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, replace it slowly, and then pull it back out.

Check the fluid level—how high the fluid comes up on the dipstick—against the “full” and “low” or “fill” marks on the dipstick

. The color of transmission fluid can tell you a lot about the health of your car's transmission.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.