2011 Honda Pilot Transmission Replacement Cost: What Drivers Can Expect in 2025

Replacing the transmission in a 2011 Honda Pilot typically costs $4,000–$7,000 for a remanufactured unit installed, with many owners landing around $5,200–$6,200. Budget options using a used transmission can run $2,200–$4,000, while a brand-new OEM unit installed can reach $6,500–$9,000. Prices reflect 2025 U.S. market averages and vary with shop rates, parts choice, and drivetrain (2WD vs 4WD).

Why the Price Varies So Widely

The 2011 Pilot uses a 5-speed automatic that can be replaced with several types of units—new, remanufactured, rebuilt, or used—each with different parts costs and warranties. Labor rates have climbed in recent years, and regional differences, warranty coverage, and related parts can shift the bottom line significantly.

Typical Price Ranges by Replacement Option

The following options cover the most common paths owners take, from budget-friendly used units to dealer-installed assemblies. Use these figures as a planning guide; your final estimate will depend on local labor rates and parts availability.

• Dealer-installed Honda remanufactured transmission: $5,000–$7,000 total (parts often $3,400–$4,200; labor 8–12 hours at prevailing rates; fluids, taxes, and fees extra). Warranty is commonly 3 years/36,000 miles when installed at a Honda dealer.
• Independent shop with reputable reman (e.g., Jasper or equivalent): $4,000–$6,000 total, with 2–3-year warranties typical (some up to 100,000 miles).
• Local rebuild of your unit: $3,800–$6,500 installed, depending on what’s found inside and the shop’s warranty (often 12 months/12,000 miles to 36 months/36,000 miles).
• Used/salvage transmission: $2,200–$4,000 total (used unit $800–$1,800; labor and fluids $1,200–$2,200). Warranty is limited (often 30–90 days parts-only) and risk is higher.
• Brand-new OEM transmission: $6,500–$9,000 installed, reflecting higher parts cost plus labor and fluids.

Most owners choose a remanufactured unit for the balance of cost, reliability, and warranty. Used units can save money upfront but carry significantly more risk, especially on higher-mileage vehicles.

What’s Included—and What Can Add to the Bill

Beyond the transmission itself, several line items can influence the total cost. Understanding these helps you interpret estimates and minimize surprises.

• Labor time: Typically 8–12 hours. 4WD (VTM‑4) models can add time and modestly higher cost versus 2WD due to additional components.
• Fluids and supplies: Honda DW‑1 ATF (often 8–10 quarts), seals, gaskets, and shop supplies usually add $150–$300.
• Torque converter: Included with most reman/new units; if rebuilding locally, confirm it’s replaced or remanufactured.
• Cooler service: Flushing or replacing the transmission cooler/lines is recommended to prevent contamination; $100–$300.
• Mounts, axles, or sensors: Worn mounts, axle seals, or failed shift solenoids found during the job can add $100–$500+.
• Core charges and shipping: Reman units often carry refundable core deposits ($500–$1,000) and potential freight fees.
• Taxes and shop fees: Vary by state and facility, often $100–$500.

Ask for an itemized estimate and clarify whether the torque converter, cooler service, and programming or relearn procedures are included to avoid unexpected add-ons.

How Long the Job Takes

Most shops complete a transmission swap in 1–3 business days, depending on parts availability and whether additional repairs are needed. Dealer scheduling and shipping for reman units can extend timelines during peak demand periods.

Repair vs. Replace: Do You Need a Full Transmission?

Some driveability issues can be solved without a full replacement. Before committing, it’s worth confirming whether a targeted repair could resolve your symptoms.

• Likely repairable: Low or dirty fluid (service flush), leaking cooler lines or axle seals, external shift solenoids, or a faulty pressure switch.
• Often requires replacement/rebuild: Persistent slipping in multiple gears, burnt fluid with metallic debris, no movement in Drive/Reverse, severe shudder with TCC issues, or internal gearset/clutch damage confirmed by pan inspection.

A proper diagnosis—including scanning for transmission codes, checking line pressure, and inspecting the pan and fluid—can save thousands if the issue is minor.

How to Get a Solid, Apples-to-Apples Estimate

Because estimates vary, a consistent comparison approach helps you choose the best value, not just the lowest price.

1. Request itemized quotes from at least three shops: a Honda dealer, a transmission specialist, and a reputable independent.
2. Confirm what’s included: torque converter, cooler flush/replacement, fluids, seals, programming/relearn, taxes/fees, and towing if needed.
3. Verify warranty terms: length (time/miles), parts-and-labor coverage, and whether it’s nationwide or shop-only.
4. Ask about the source and build details: OEM reman vs Jasper or equivalent, updates applied, and any known fixes for common failure modes.
5. Clarify turnaround time and core return procedures to avoid extra charges or delays.

With comparable quotes in hand, you can weigh cost against warranty strength, convenience, and the shop’s reputation to make a confident decision.

Current Market Context (2025)

Parts supply is generally stable for this generation of Pilot, but labor rates continue to trend upward in many metro areas. Expect higher totals at dealerships and brand-certified facilities, while independent specialists may offer better pricing and broader warranty options on remanufactured units.

Bottom Line

For a 2011 Honda Pilot, plan on $4,000–$7,000 for a quality remanufactured transmission installed; used units can dip nearer $3,000 but with higher risk, and brand-new OEM assemblies can approach $9,000. An itemized estimate, verified warranty, and proper cooler service are the keys to a long-lasting repair.

Summary

Expect to pay around $5,200–$6,200 on average to replace the transmission in a 2011 Honda Pilot with a remanufactured unit, including labor and fluids. Costs range from $2,200–$4,000 with a used transmission to $6,500–$9,000 for a brand-new OEM unit. Factors such as drivetrain, shop type, warranty, and necessary ancillary parts or services will move the final number. Obtain itemized, like-for-like quotes and prioritize reputable parts and warranties for the best long-term value.

Is it worth it to replace your transmission?

Replacing a transmission is worth it if the car is relatively new and well-maintained, otherwise the cost may exceed the vehicle’s value. Consider factors like the car’s age and mileage, the extent of internal damage, and the cost of replacement versus the vehicle’s market value to decide if it’s a financially sound investment compared to buying a new vehicle. 
Reasons to Replace a Transmission

• Extend Vehicle Life: If your car is otherwise in good condition, a new or rebuilt transmission can keep it running for several more years. 
• Improve Fuel Efficiency: A new transmission can restore optimal gear shifting, leading to better gas mileage and long-term savings. 
• Severe Internal Damage: If internal components like gears or the torque converter are severely broken, replacement may be the only long-term solution. 
• High-Mileage Vehicles: For cars with high mileage, a replacement can be a better investment than rebuilding, which may only offer a temporary fix. 

Factors to Consider

• Car’s Age and Mileage: Older, high-mileage vehicles are more likely to develop other issues after a major repair, making replacement less practical. 
• Repair vs. Value: If the transmission repair or replacement cost is close to or exceeds the vehicle’s current market value, it may not be financially sensible. 
• Reliability: A new or remanufactured transmission often comes with a warranty, offering more peace of mind than a potentially less reliable repair or a used transmission. 
• Emotional Value: If the car holds sentimental value or you want to avoid the large payments associated with a new vehicle, a transmission replacement might be a reasonable choice, even if it’s not the best financial decision. 

Questions to Ask Yourself 

• What is the car’s overall condition beyond the transmission?
• What is the vehicle’s current market value?
• How much will a new transmission cost, including labor and parts?
• Will other components likely need replacement soon?
• How long do you plan to keep the vehicle after the repair?

How much does it cost to replace the transmission on a Honda Pilot?

A Honda Pilot transmission replacement can cost anywhere from approximately $5,000 to over $10,000, depending on the year of the Pilot and whether you choose a brand-new, rebuilt, or used transmission. The price includes both the cost of the transmission unit itself and the significant labor involved in its removal and installation. 
Cost Factors

• Type of Transmission: New transmissions are generally more expensive than rebuilt or used ones. 
• Year of the Pilot: Newer models with 9 or 10-speed transmissions may have higher replacement costs. 
• Labor Costs: Replacing a transmission is a complex and lengthy job, and labor is a significant portion of the total cost. 
• Parts Availability: The cost of parts can vary depending on whether you purchase them from a dealership, an independent shop, or a supplier like AutoZone. 

Where to Get an Estimate

• Dealerships: Offer high-quality, manufacturer-recommended parts with warranties but can have higher labor rates. 
• Independent Shops: May offer more competitive pricing for both parts and labor. 
• Specialized Transmission Shops: Provide expertise in transmission work and can offer a range of options. 

Recommendation

• Get multiple quotes: Contact several repair facilities, including your local Honda dealership and independent mechanics, to compare prices and options. 
• Ask about warranties: Inquire about the warranty offered on the new or rebuilt transmission, as well as the labor warranty for the installation. 
• Weigh the options: Consider the age and overall condition of your vehicle when deciding between a new, rebuilt, or used transmission. 

What year do Honda pilots have bad transmissions?

Honda Pilot Model Years With the Most Problems
Transmission problems were reported in 2005 Honda Pilots as well. The 2016 model year Pilot drew a high number of owner complaints related to the transmission, the engine, and the vehicle’s electrical systems.

Do 2011 Honda Pilots have transmission problems?

The biggest Honda Pilot transmission problems appeared in the 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017, and 2019 versions of the Honda Pilot. The rest of the models provide much better in this category.