How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Stick Shift Transmission?

Expect to pay roughly $2,000 to $5,500 in the U.S. to replace a manual (stick shift) transmission, including parts and labor. Economy cars often land toward the lower end, while trucks, AWD, and performance models can push $3,500 to $7,000 or more. Prices vary widely based on the vehicle, the type of replacement (used, rebuilt, remanufactured, or new), regional labor rates, and whether you also replace the clutch and related components, which is commonly recommended during the job.

What Drives the Price

Several variables determine the final bill. Understanding them helps you compare quotes and avoid surprise add-ons.

• Vehicle make, model, and drivetrain: Small FWD cars tend to be cheaper; AWD, trucks, and performance models cost more due to labor time and parts pricing.
• Parts choice:
  – Used (salvage) transmission: lower upfront cost, higher risk.
  – Rebuilt (in-house): your unit is repaired; cost depends on damage.
  – Remanufactured (factory-level overhaul): pricier but consistent quality and warranty.
  – New OEM: often the most expensive and sometimes discontinued for older manuals.
• Clutch and flywheel: Many shops recommend replacing the clutch kit, pilot/throwout bearings, and inspecting or resurfacing/ replacing the flywheel during installation.
• Labor hours and rates: Typical U.S. shop rates range about $100 to $200 per hour; labor time varies 6 to 12+ hours depending on layout and corrosion.
• Ancillary parts/fluids: Mounts, seals (e.g., rear main seal), gear oil, hardware, and shop supplies add to the total.
• Dealer vs. independent: Dealerships usually charge more for parts and labor; reputable independents can save 10% to 30%.
• Shipping and core charges: Reman/new units may carry freight and a refundable core charge if you return a rebuildable old unit.

When you compare bids, make sure each quote includes the same scope: the transmission source and warranty, the clutch/flywheel plan, fluids, seals, taxes, fees, and any core or shipping costs.

Typical Price Ranges by Parts Choice

Here’s how total installed costs commonly stack up by the type of transmission you choose, noting that exact figures depend on the vehicle and market conditions.

• Used (salvage-yard) unit:
  – Parts: about $300 to $1,200 (manuals are often cheaper than automatics).
  – Installed total: roughly $1,200 to $3,500.
• Rebuilt (your unit repaired locally):
  – Installed total: roughly $1,800 to $4,500, depending on internal damage and parts availability.
• Remanufactured (factory reman):
  – Parts: commonly $1,500 to $3,500.
  – Installed total: about $2,800 to $6,000.
• New OEM:
  – Parts: often $2,500 to $6,000+ if available.
  – Installed total: about $3,500 to $7,500+.

For many owners, a remanufactured unit offers the best balance of reliability and warranty, while used can be a budget fix if you accept higher risk and shorter warranties.

Labor Time and Related Items Commonly Replaced

Manual transmission swaps involve significant labor and are a good time to handle wear items you don’t want to revisit later.

• Labor time (typical ranges):
  – Compact RWD/2WD: about 4 to 8 hours.
  – FWD cars: about 6 to 12 hours.
  – AWD/4×4 and trucks: about 8 to 14 hours.
• Shop rates: roughly $100 to $200 per hour in many U.S. markets.
• Common add-ons:
  – Clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, release bearing): $300 to $900 parts.
  – Pilot bearing/bushing: $10 to $40.
  – Flywheel: resurface $40 to $80; replacement $250 to $700+ if dual-mass.
  – Rear main seal: $15 to $60 parts; worth doing “while you’re in there.”
  – Gear oil/MTF: $30 to $80.
  – Mounts/bolts/hardware: $50 to $250.
  – Shop fees and taxes: $25 to $150+.

Including a new clutch kit and addressing seals and the flywheel can add several hundred dollars but helps ensure the job lasts and prevents repeat labor later.

Illustrative Real-World Estimates

Actual totals vary by region and vehicle; these ballpark ranges reflect recent U.S. shop pricing for common examples.

• 2012 Honda Civic Si (manual, FWD): Used unit installed $1,800 to $3,200; reman installed $3,200 to $4,800 (with clutch and fluids).
• 2015 Ford Mustang GT (manual, RWD): $3,500 to $6,500 installed depending on parts choice and whether the clutch/flywheel is replaced.
• 2018 Subaru WRX (manual, AWD): $3,800 to $7,000 installed; AWD packaging and parts cost drive the higher range.
• 2006 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 (manual): $3,200 to $6,000 installed; 4×4 adds labor time and potential transfer-case handling.

Performance models, heavy-duty trucks, and rare or discontinued gearboxes can exceed these ranges, especially if sourcing new OEM or specialized reman units.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

A consistent process helps you compare apples to apples and lock in a reliable figure before committing.

1. Provide your VIN so the shop can confirm the exact transmission code and parts compatibility.
2. Describe symptoms and any prior diagnostics; ask for a confirmation test before authorizing replacement.
3. Request a line-item estimate showing transmission source, warranty, labor hours/rate, clutch/flywheel, seals, fluids, fees, shipping, and core charges.
4. Ask about warranty terms on both parts and labor, and whether labor is covered if a warrantied unit fails.
5. Clarify turnaround time and parts availability; manuals may require special ordering.
6. Get two or three quotes from reputable independents and, if applicable, a dealer for baseline comparison.

If one quote is much lower than others, verify the parts source, warranty, and that the scope matches—missing clutch or fluid costs can make a bid look artificially cheap.

Warranties and Core Policies

Warranty coverage and core handling can materially affect both price and peace of mind.

• Remanufactured units typically include 12 months/12,000 miles up to around 3 years/100,000 miles of parts coverage; some brands offer nationwide support.
• Used (salvage) transmissions often carry 30–90 days parts-only; labor coverage is rare.
• Labor is not always covered even if the part is; ask explicitly about labor reimbursement on warranty claims.
• Core charges (often $300 to $1,000) are refunded when your old transmission is returned in rebuildable condition within the specified time window.
• Warranty validity may require proof of correct fluid, clutch installation, and seals; keep your invoices.

Understanding the fine print helps you weigh a lower upfront price against the potential cost of rework if something fails.

When Replacement Isn’t Your Best Option

Not every shifting issue demands a full transmission swap, and sometimes a targeted repair or maintenance can solve the problem.

• Linkage or hydraulic issues: Misadjusted cables, worn bushings, or a failing clutch master/slave cylinder can mimic gearbox failure.
• Clutch-only problems: A worn clutch can cause grinding or slipping without internal transmission damage.
• Fluid service: Correct-spec fluid changes can improve synchro performance in some cases.
• Selective rebuild: If only bearings or synchros are worn, a local rebuild may be cheaper than replacement, especially on common gearboxes.
• Vehicle value check: On high-mileage, low-value cars, selling or sourcing a budget used unit might make more financial sense.

Insist on a proper diagnosis before committing; a second opinion can prevent unnecessary major work.

Bottom Line

Replacing a manual transmission typically runs $2,000 to $5,500 installed, with substantial variability by vehicle, parts choice, and labor market. Budget extra if you’re adding a clutch kit, flywheel work, and seals—smart preventative steps that can save repeat labor.

Summary

Most stick shift transmission replacements cost between $2,000 and $5,500 in the U.S., rising for AWD, trucks, and performance models or when choosing reman/new units. Get line-item quotes, confirm warranties, and consider replacing the clutch and related parts while the transmission is out to maximize reliability and value.

How expensive is it to replace a manual transmission?

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.

Is manual transmission cheaper to fix?

Manual transmission cars require more frequent servicing. However, when things go wrong with an automatic, repairs can cost more and take more time. Costs depend mainly on how you’re planning on using the car.

Is it cheaper to fix a transmission or replace it?

Rebuilding: Typically costs 30-50% less than a new transmission. The price can vary based on the make and model of the vehicle and the extent of the repairs needed. Replacement: A new transmission can be significantly more expensive, especially for luxury or high-performance vehicles.

How to tell if a manual transmission is blown?

6 Signs Of A Blown Transmission

1. Strange Noises. If you hear clunking, grinding, or whining sounds every time you shift gears, visit a mechanic for car repairs right away.
2. Strange Smells.
3. Shifting Issues.
4. Slippage.
5. Overheating.
6. Extreme Heat from Inside Your Car.