What It Costs to Replace a Transmission in the U.S. Right Now

Expect to pay about $3,000–$8,000 to replace a conventional automatic transmission in most passenger vehicles, $3,000–$9,000 for many CVT or dual‑clutch units, and $1,500–$5,000 for manuals. Luxury, European, heavy‑duty, and hybrid applications can run $6,000–$15,000 or more. Final price depends on the vehicle, whether you choose a new, remanufactured, rebuilt, or used unit, local labor rates, and required programming or ancillary parts.

Typical Price Ranges by Transmission Type

Automatic (Traditional Torque‑Converter)

For the most common passenger vehicles, a remanufactured automatic installed by an independent shop typically falls between $3,500 and $7,000, while a brand‑new OEM unit can push past $8,000 in some models. Labor and fluids make up a smaller share of the bill than the unit itself.

Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT)

Installed CVT replacements commonly land between $3,500 and $7,000, with some popular crossovers (e.g., Nissan, Subaru) often quoted $4,000–$6,700. Fluid type and programming procedures can add cost relative to traditional automatics.

Dual‑Clutch Transmissions (DCT)

DCT replacements usually cost $4,000–$9,000 installed. Performance applications and European marques (e.g., VW/Audi, BMW, Mercedes‑AMG, Porsche) can exceed that range due to unit price and higher labor rates.

Manual Transmissions

Manual replacements are the least costly, typically $1,500–$5,000 installed. Because the gearbox must come out, most shops recommend a clutch kit (often $400–$1,200) and possibly a flywheel ($100–$600) at the same time, which can raise the total.

Hybrids and Specialty/Heavy‑Duty

Hybrid transaxles (eCVTs) frequently range $4,000–$8,000+ installed due to part cost and high‑voltage procedures. Heavy‑duty pickups (e.g., Allison, Aisin, ZF 8‑/10‑speed) commonly run $5,000–$10,000+, and premium European sedans/SUVs can crest $10,000–$15,000.

Key Cost Drivers

Multiple variables push transmission replacement costs up or down. The following factors are the ones most likely to change your final bill.

• Unit type: new OEM (highest), remanufactured (common middle ground), rebuilt (varies by builder), or used salvage (cheapest upfront, higher risk).
• Make/model and drivetrain: luxury/European brands, HD trucks, AWD/4×4 systems, and rare units cost more and take longer.
• Labor hours and local rates: 6–12 hours is typical; shop rates range roughly $100–$200+ per hour depending on region.
• Programming and calibration: modern vehicles often require TCM reprogramming, relearn, or coding ($100–$300+).
• Fluids and parts: specialized ATF/CVT fluid ($120–$300), filters, mounts, cooler lines, flexplate/hardware, and ancillary seals.
• Warranty coverage: longer, nationwide warranties raise the unit price; common terms are 12 mo/12k up to 3 yr/100k miles.
• Shipping and core charges: freight on a transmission is significant; core deposits ($300–$1,000) are refunded when the old unit is returned.

Taken together, these elements explain why two seemingly similar jobs can differ by thousands: a widely available reman unit in a common sedan will price far below a scarce, dealer‑only transmission in a luxury SUV.

Replacement vs. Rebuild vs. Used: Picking the Right Path

Not every failed transmission needs a brand‑new unit. Here’s how the main options compare when you’re weighing cost, downtime, and risk.

• Remanufactured replacement: Typically the best balance of price, speed, and reliability; unit is factory‑reconditioned with upgraded parts and tested. Commonly $2,500–$6,000 for the unit alone before labor.
• Rebuild at a local shop: Internals are repaired as needed; price varies with damage and shop expertise. Often $3,000–$6,000 for automatics; quality depends on builder and warranty is usually more limited.
• New OEM: Highest cost but sometimes the only option for certain models; can be $4,000–$10,000+ for the part itself.
• Used (salvage): Cheapest upfront at $800–$2,500 for the unit, but mileage/unknown history risk is real; warranties are short and labor is the same if it fails.

When budgets are tight and the car is older, a used unit might make sense; for daily drivers you plan to keep, a reman with a strong warranty is often the smarter long‑term value.

Real‑World Installed Price Examples (U.S.)

The following ranges reflect typical quotes from independent transmission specialists and dealers through late 2024; your local market may vary.

• 2016 Honda Accord automatic: $4,000–$6,500 installed.
• 2017 Nissan Rogue CVT: $4,000–$6,700 installed.
• 2020 Subaru Outback CVT: $4,500–$7,000 installed.
• 2015 Ford F‑150 10‑speed (10R80): $4,500–$7,500 installed.
• 2012 Toyota Camry automatic: $3,800–$5,500 installed.
• 2018 Ram 2500 (68RFE/Aisin): $5,500–$9,500+ installed.
• 2014 BMW 5‑Series (ZF 8HP): $6,500–$10,000+ installed.
• 2008 Honda Civic manual: $1,800–$3,200 installed (add for clutch/flywheel if needed).

Quotes tighten considerably once a shop runs your VIN, confirms drivetrain, and checks unit availability and warranty terms.

How the Bill Breaks Down

A transmission job is mostly parts. Here’s how a typical invoice is structured and where the dollars go.

• Transmission unit (new/reman/rebuilt/used): often 70–85% of total.
• Labor: commonly 6–12 hours; $500–$1,800 depending on rate and complexity.
• Fluids, filter, seals, mounts: $150–$600.
• Programming, relearn, road test: $100–$300+.
• Cooler flush or replacement: $50–$300.
• Freight and core deposit: variable; core refunded when returned.
• Taxes and shop supplies: location dependent.

On AWD/4×4 vehicles, extra labor to remove driveshafts and transfer cases, plus added fluids, can tack on $300–$800 or more.

How Long It Takes

Once the transmission is on hand, most replacements take one to three working days, including removal, installation, programming, and testing. Availability can be the wild card: common reman units arrive in 1–3 days; rare or back‑ordered transmissions may take a week or more.

How to Save Money and Protect the New Unit

There are a few practical ways to keep costs in check and ensure the replacement lasts.

• Get two or three itemized quotes from reputable shops; compare parts type and warranty, not just price.
• Choose a remanufactured unit with nationwide warranty if you plan to keep the car.
• Bundle related parts: cooler lines, mounts, and for manuals a clutch kit—cheaper now than later.
• Confirm the cooler is flushed or replaced to prevent contamination of the new unit.
• Ask about software updates and OEM fluid; the wrong ATF/CVT fluid can void warranties.
• Check for goodwill or extended coverage: some manufacturers have CVT or specific transmission programs on certain model years.

Spending a bit more for correct fluid, proper programming, and a proven cooler service often pays back by avoiding an early repeat failure.

Questions to Ask Your Shop Before Authorizing Work

A short checklist can clarify expectations and protect your wallet.

• Is the unit new, remanufactured, rebuilt, or used? Who supplies it?
• What are the warranty terms (miles/years), and is it nationwide and transferable?
• Is programming/coding included? Are software updates performed?
• What’s the labor time estimate and hourly rate?
• Are cooler flush/replacement, fluids, mounts, and taxes included in the quote?
• Is there a core charge, and how is it refunded?
• What is the expected lead time and total downtime?

Clear, written answers reduce surprise add‑ons and help you compare quotes apples‑to‑apples.

When a Repair (Not a Full Replacement) Makes Sense

Some transmission problems are solvable without replacing the entire unit, especially when the failure is electronic or external.

• Fluid service and filter: $180–$400; can resolve harsh shifts if fluid is degraded.
• Solenoid pack or TCM: $250–$900 parts plus labor; common on some automatics.
• Valve body replacement: $400–$1,200 parts plus labor; addresses shift quality and codes.
• Sensors (speed/pressure) and wiring repairs: $100–$500; often straightforward.
• External leaks (pan gasket, seals, lines): $150–$600; prevents low‑fluid damage.

If diagnostics show internal mechanical damage (burnt clutches, metal in pan), a rebuild or replacement is usually more economical than piecemeal fixes.

Summary

Replacing a transmission typically costs $3,000–$8,000 for mainstream automatics, $3,000–$9,000 for many CVT/DCT units, and $1,500–$5,000 for manuals, with luxury, hybrid, and heavy‑duty vehicles often higher. Your final price hinges on the unit type, vehicle, labor rates, and add‑ons like programming and fluids. Gather itemized quotes, weigh remanufactured versus new or used, and confirm warranty and included services to get the best long‑term value.