Manual Gearbox Replacement Costs in 2025: What Drivers Should Expect

For most cars in 2025, replacing a manual gearbox typically costs $2,000–$5,000 in the U.S., £1,500–£4,500 in the U.K., and €1,800–€5,000 in the EU, depending on the vehicle, the part (used, remanufactured, or new), and labor rates. Prices can rise to $8,000/£6,500/€7,500 or more for performance and European luxury models. Below, we break down the parts, labor, regional differences, when a rebuild is cheaper, and how to get an accurate quote.

What Drivers Typically Pay in 2025

Manual gearboxes remain cheaper to replace than most automatics, but costs vary widely. In North America, shop labor is often $100–$200 per hour and removal/installation is commonly 6–12 hours, more for AWD and trucks. In the U.K., typical labor runs £60–£120 per hour; in the EU, €80–€160 per hour is common. Parts make up the largest swing: used units are cheapest, remanufactured offer the best value and warranty, and brand-new OEM is most expensive. Clutch and flywheel replacements are frequently added while the gearbox is out to avoid duplicating labor later.

Cost Breakdown: Parts vs. Labor

Parts

You can source a used, remanufactured, or new gearbox, and you’ll likely add a clutch kit and fluids while the transmission is out. Here’s what those options typically cost in 2025.

• Used/salvage manual gearbox: $500–$2,000 (U.S.); £400–£1,500; €500–€1,800, usually 30–90 day warranty
• Remanufactured gearbox: $1,800–$3,500; £1,500–£3,000; €1,800–€3,500 with 12–36 month warranty
• Brand-new OEM gearbox: $3,500–$6,000+; £3,000–£5,000+; €3,500–€6,000+ (often special-order)
• Clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, release bearing): $200–$800; £180–£600; €200–€750
• Dual-mass flywheel (if equipped): $400–$1,200; £350–£900; €400–€1,100
• Fluids, seals, mounts, small parts: $80–$350; £60–£250; €70–€300
• Core charge (refundable with old unit): $200–$800; £150–£600; €200–€700

Choosing a remanufactured unit often balances cost and reliability; used units can be cost-effective if mileage and compatibility are verified, while new OEM is typically reserved for high-value or specialty vehicles.

Labor

Labor time depends on drivetrain layout, subframe design, and corrosion. Most jobs also include clutch hydraulics bleeding and test driving. Regional hourly rates vary substantially.

Here are typical labor hour ranges by vehicle type to help you gauge shop estimates.

• Front-wheel-drive compact (Civic/Corolla class): 5–8 hours
• Rear-wheel-drive coupe/sedan (Miata/BRZ/3-Series): 6–10 hours
• AWD or subframe-drop vehicles (e.g., Subaru, some hot hatches): 8–14 hours
• Body-on-frame trucks/4x4s: 8–16 hours

Multiply hours by your local shop’s rate to estimate labor. For example, 8 hours at $150/hr equals $1,200 in labor alone.

When a Rebuild or Repair Is Cheaper

Not every gearbox needs full replacement. If the case is intact and gears aren’t destroyed, a rebuild can be a smart, cheaper route. Availability of skilled rebuilders and parts makes a big difference.

• Worn synchros or minor gear wear: rebuilds often $1,200–$2,800 (U.S.); £900–£2,200; €1,100–€2,600 plus R&R labor
• Bearing noise only: bearing kits $200–$800; total with labor typically $1,200–$2,500; £900–£2,000; €1,000–€2,300
• Cracked case, broken shafts, or heavy gear damage: replacement is usually more economical than repair

Ask for teardown findings before approving a rebuild; reputable shops will document wear and provide a parts list and warranty terms.

Real-World Price Examples

These examples reflect typical totals (parts + labor) from independent shops in 2025. Dealer pricing may be higher, and local rates and parts availability will affect your quote.

• Compact FWD (Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Fiesta): U.S. $1,800–$3,500; U.K. £1,200–£2,800; EU €1,700–€3,200
• RWD sports (Mazda Miata, Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ): U.S. $2,200–$4,200; U.K. £1,600–£3,300; EU €2,000–€3,800
• AWD or dual-mass flywheel models (Subaru, VAG hot hatches): U.S. $3,000–$5,500; U.K. £2,200–£4,200; EU €2,800–€5,000
• European luxury/performance (BMW M3 manual, Audi S4 manual): U.S. $4,500–$8,500; U.K. £3,500–£6,500; EU €4,200–€7,500
• Light-duty pickups (Tacoma, Ranger, Ram NV3500/NV4500): U.S. $3,500–$6,500; EU €3,200–€6,000

If your quote is far outside these bands, verify whether it includes a new OEM gearbox, significant rust/subframe work, or additional components.

Ways to Save Without Cutting Corners

There are practical steps to control costs while maintaining reliability and safety.

• Replace the clutch kit, pilot bearing, and rear main seal while the gearbox is out to avoid paying labor twice
• Opt for a remanufactured unit with a written 12–36 month warranty
• Consider a low-mile used gearbox only with the correct code and verified compatibility
• Confirm core charges, shipping, and taxes upfront
• Compare independent specialty shops’ labor rates and turnaround times
• Avoid non-OEM performance parts unless you accept potential warranty issues

These steps can shave hundreds off the job and improve long-term reliability.

Questions to Ask a Shop

Clear, specific questions help ensure accurate quotes and fewer surprises.

• Is the quote for used, remanufactured, or new OEM? What’s the exact part number/gearbox code?
• How many labor hours are quoted and at what hourly rate?
• What’s included: clutch kit, flywheel resurfacing/replacement, fluids, mounts, hardware, taxes?
• What are the warranty terms on parts and labor, and who honors them?
• What’s the turnaround time and parts availability?
• Are there potential add-ons (rusted fasteners, subframe bushings, hydraulics)?

Documenting these answers in writing helps you compare shops apples-to-apples.

How to Estimate Your Own Job

A simple formula: Total cost ≈ Gearbox (used/reman/new) + Clutch/flywheel + Misc. parts/fluids + (Labor hours × hourly rate). Example (U.S.): reman gearbox $2,600 + clutch kit $450 + misc. $150 + (8 hours × $150) $1,200 = $4,400 out the door, plus tax. If you choose a used unit at $1,200, the same job might land near $3,000–$3,200.

Bottom Line

Replacing a manual gearbox typically costs $2,000–$5,000 in the U.S. (£1,500–£4,500; €1,800–€5,000), with higher figures for AWD, trucks, and European performance cars. Remanufactured units strike the best balance of cost and warranty; a rebuild may be cheaper if damage is limited. Get an itemized quote that specifies parts type, labor hours, and what’s included.

Summary

Expect a manual gearbox replacement to run in the low thousands, driven by your choice of used, remanufactured, or new parts and local labor rates. Add a clutch kit and related seals while the gearbox is out, and favor shops offering clear, written estimates and meaningful warranties. For many drivers, a remanufactured unit with a fresh clutch provides the best long-term value.

How much does it cost to rebuild a manual gearbox?

On average, costs can run from $1200 for minor repairs to upwards of $3500 for a complete rebuild. Replacement costs are similar but sometimes fall lower depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The larger the vehicle, the more expensive the transmission will be.

How much does it cost to replace a manual transmission?

Replacing a manual transmission costs between $1,500 and $6,500, depending on the vehicle’s make and model, the type of transmission (new, used, or rebuilt), and the complexity of the labor involved. Factors like the age of the vehicle, whether it’s a luxury or standard model, and the shop’s location and labor rates will also influence the final price. 
Factors influencing the cost:

• Vehicle Make and Model: High-end or high-performance vehicles often have more expensive and specialized transmissions, leading to higher costs. 
• Type of Transmission:
  • Used/Salvage Transmissions: These are the least expensive option but vary in condition and availability. 
  • Remanufactured/Rebuilt Transmissions: These are factory-inspected and refurbished transmissions that offer a balance of cost and reliability. 
• Labor Costs: The complexity of the removal and installation process varies. Some vehicles may require removing the entire subframe or even the engine to access the transmission, increasing labor time and cost. 
• Shop Rates: Labor rates can vary significantly between different repair shops and geographic locations. 
• Extent of Damage: If the transmission needs a total replacement, it will cost more than a simple repair or rebuild. 
• Vehicle Age and Condition: Older or rarer vehicles can be harder and more expensive to find parts for, increasing overall costs. 

How to get an accurate quote:

• Get Multiple Quotes: It’s wise to shop around and compare prices from several reputable mechanics. 
• Ask for Details: Inquire about the warranty offered on the new or rebuilt transmission and any potential additional costs. 
• Consider a Rebuild: If the transmission is not completely failed, a local rebuild can be a more economical option than a full replacement. 

How to tell if a manual gearbox is bad?

Unusual sounds such as grinding, humming, or clunking can signal worn bearings or internal damage, particularly in a manual gearbox. Ignoring these warning signs increases the risk of complete failure, which could result in the car becoming undriveable and require expensive replacement work.

Is it cheaper to rebuild or replace a manual transmission?

Rebuilding a transmission can be a more economical choice compared to a full replacement. Since only faulty parts are replaced, the cost of materials is lower, making it a budget-friendly option for many vehicle owners.