How Much Is a Clutch for a Car?

In 2025, a typical clutch replacement for a mainstream car in the U.S. costs about $900 to $2,500 installed; if the flywheel also needs replacement, expect $1,400 to $3,500. Performance, luxury, or difficult-to-service models can reach $2,000 to $5,000. Prices vary by vehicle, parts quality, drivetrain layout, and local labor rates. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you budget accurately and know what to ask a repair shop.

What a Clutch Replacement Typically Includes

A standard clutch job generally replaces the clutch disc, pressure plate, and release (throw-out) bearing—often sold together as a clutch kit. Many modern manuals also use a concentric slave cylinder (CSC) integrated with the release bearing, which is commonly replaced at the same time to avoid repeat labor. Shops also inspect or replace the flywheel, pilot bearing, rear main seal, and related hardware while the transmission is out.

How Much Does It Cost? Current Price Ranges (2025)

Installed prices depend on parts cost and labor time (often 4–10+ hours) multiplied by local labor rates (commonly $90–$200 per hour in the U.S.). Here’s what drivers typically see today.

• Mainstream compact/midsize cars (manual): $900–$2,500 installed
• With flywheel replacement (dual-mass or damaged): $1,400–$3,500
• Performance/luxury/European models: $2,000–$5,000 (more for high-power setups)
• Clutch kit parts alone: $150–$700+ (mainstream), $800–$2,000 (performance)
• Flywheel parts: $100–$400 (solid), $400–$1,200 (dual-mass)
• Labor time: 4–6 hours (RWD trucks/sedans) to 8–12 hours (tight FWD/AWD/transverse layouts)

These ranges reflect current parts pricing and shop rates after recent inflation. Individual quotes can land outside the range based on design complexity and regional costs.

International Price Snapshots (2025)

Outside the U.S., installed costs are similar when adjusted for currency and local labor markets. Here are ballpark figures for common markets.

• UK: £600–£1,500 installed; £900–£2,000+ with flywheel (labor often £60–£120/hour)
• Eurozone: €800–€2,200 installed; €1,300–€3,000+ with flywheel
• Canada: C$1,000–C$3,000 installed; C$1,800–C$4,000 with flywheel
• Australia: A$1,000–A$3,000 installed; A$1,800–A$4,500 with flywheel

Local taxes, parts sourcing, and technician availability can shift these figures for specific cities or regions.

What Drives the Price Up or Down

Several factors determine where your car lands within the range. Understanding them can help you compare quotes fairly.

• Drivetrain layout: AWD and transverse engines often require more labor time than simple RWD layouts.
• Flywheel type: Dual-mass flywheels are pricier and usually replaced, not resurfaced.
• Parts brand and spec: OEM and performance clutches cost more than basic aftermarket kits.
• Integrated hydraulics: Concentric slave cylinders add parts cost but are wise to replace while accessible.
• Access complexity: Subframes, exhausts, and tight engine bays add time—and labor cost.
• Shop rate: Dealer rates and high-cost metros increase totals; independents may be lower.
• Extras: Rear main seal, pilot bearing, mounts, and hardware can add modest parts cost with big labor savings while the transmission is out.

Each of these can shift the quote by hundreds of dollars; the flywheel decision and labor hours are usually the biggest levers.

Real-World Examples for Popular Vehicles

Exact costs vary by VIN and region, but these examples illustrate typical ranges for common models when serviced at reputable independent shops.

• 2010 Honda Civic (manual): $900–$1,600 installed; with flywheel $1,300–$2,200
• 2015 Subaru WRX (manual): $1,200–$2,200; with flywheel $1,700–$2,900
• BMW 3 Series (E90/E92 manual): $1,400–$2,400; with dual-mass flywheel $1,900–$3,200
• VW GTI Mk7 (manual): $1,300–$2,200; with dual-mass flywheel $1,800–$3,200
• Jeep Wrangler JK (manual): $1,000–$2,000; with flywheel $1,500–$2,800
• Ford Ranger (older manual models): $900–$1,700; with flywheel $1,300–$2,300

Dealer quotes often run higher; high-performance or modified vehicles can exceed these estimates, especially with uprated clutch kits.

Dual-Clutch, CVT, and EV Considerations

Not every transmission uses a traditional manual clutch, and that changes the repair picture.

• Dual-clutch (DCT/DSG): Clutch pack replacements typically cost $1,200–$3,000 installed; mechatronics issues are separate and can be costly.
• CVT: No conventional clutch replacement; major service involves the CVT itself, not a friction clutch.
  
• Traditional automatics: Use a torque converter; “clutch” service doesn’t apply as it does to manuals.
• EVs: No clutch in the conventional sense; single-speed gearboxes have different maintenance needs.

Confirm your transmission type before pricing a “clutch job,” as the terminology and components differ substantially.

When It’s Not “Just the Clutch”

Many clutch jobs expand once the transmission is out, either to fix worn components or to prevent repeat labor.

• Flywheel: Dual-mass units are commonly replaced; solid flywheels can sometimes be resurfaced.
• Hydraulics: Concentric slave cylinders (CSC) and master cylinders are often renewed to avoid future leaks.
• Seals and bearings: Rear main seal, pilot bearing/bushing, and input shaft seal are inexpensive while accessible.
• Hardware and mounts: New bolts, alignment pins, and worn mounts improve longevity and feel.

These add-ons typically add modest parts cost but can save you another large labor bill later.

How to Budget and Get an Accurate Quote

Clear, itemized estimates help you compare apples to apples and avoid surprise costs.

1. Provide your VIN, mileage, and transmission type to shops for precise parts matching.
2. Request a line-item estimate (parts, labor hours, shop rate, taxes/fees).
3. Ask whether the quote includes the release bearing, CSC (if equipped), pilot bearing, and hardware.
4. Clarify flywheel plan: resurface (if solid) or replace (if dual-mass or out of spec).
5. Inquire about optional “while you’re in there” items (rear main seal, mounts) and warranty terms.
6. Compare at least two independent shops and a dealer; weigh reputation and warranty, not just price.
7. Confirm break-in guidance and whether any post-install adjustments or re-torques are needed.

Following these steps usually narrows variability and reduces the risk of scope creep once the job starts.

Signs Your Clutch May Be Failing

Early diagnosis can prevent collateral damage and plan the repair on your schedule.

• Engine revs rise without corresponding acceleration (slipping), especially in higher gears
• High or inconsistent engagement point on the pedal
• Chatter, shudder, or vibration when taking off
• Difficulty selecting gears, grinding, or a “notchy” feel
• Burning smell after hills or heavy loads
• Soft pedal or fluid loss (possible hydraulic issue)

Document symptoms and conditions (gear, speed, load) to help your technician pinpoint the cause quickly.

Break-In and Warranty Tips

Most new clutches need a gentle break-in of 300–500 miles of varied, light-load driving to seat properly—avoid full-throttle launches and towing. Many aftermarket kits carry 12-month/12,000-mile warranties (terms vary), and improper use or installation can void coverage. Keep your invoice and follow the installer’s instructions.

Bottom Line

Expect $900–$2,500 for a typical clutch job in the U.S., or $1,400–$3,500 when a flywheel is needed, with performance and luxury models costing more. The biggest variables are labor hours, flywheel type, and parts quality. Get a VIN-specific, itemized quote that details the clutch kit, hydraulics, and flywheel plan to avoid surprises and ensure the repair lasts.

Does AutoZone have clutches?

We have everything from a full clutch kit, equipped to meet OEM specifications, to clutch pivot balls and alignment tools. No matter the extent of your repair or rebuild, AutoZone brings you the best products all while saving you money at checkout.

Is fixing a clutch a big job?

For an experienced mechanic with all the proper tools and equipment, changing a clutch usually eats up one full day of labor, over two to five calendar days once you’ve factored in time for ordering parts and machine work. It usually requires removal of the transmission, or sometimes removal of the engine instead.

Is it worth replacing the clutch on a car?

It’s important that you have your clutch checked out as soon as possible if you suspect it’s not working properly. A worn-out, damaged or broken clutch can be dangerous. Leaving your clutch until it fails could cost you more money on repairs, too.

How much does it cost to replace your clutch?

A clutch replacement typically costs between $700 and $2,500 or more, though the exact price depends heavily on the vehicle’s make and model, labor rates, and the quality of the parts used. Luxury and performance cars, along with front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive models, can incur higher labor costs due to increased complexity and time requirements. Labor is often the largest expense because replacing a clutch is a time-intensive process that can take 4 to 10 hours, notes 770 Auto Service.
 
Factors influencing the cost:

• Vehicle Type: Trucks, SUVs, and European or high-performance vehicles are generally more expensive to repair than compact cars. 
• Parts: The price of the clutch kit itself can range from a few hundred dollars for basic models to over $1,500 for performance or specialty vehicles. 
• Labor: Labor accounts for a significant portion of the total cost, as the replacement process is labor-intensive and can vary in time depending on the car’s design. 
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive vehicles often have higher labor costs than rear-wheel drive vehicles because their front subframes may need to be dropped to access the transmission. 
• Additional Parts: It’s often cost-effective to replace other related parts at the same time, such as the flywheel (or have it machined), pilot bearing, throw-out bearing, and rear main oil seal, adding to the total cost. 

How to get an accurate estimate:

• Contact Multiple Shops: Call several mechanics to get quotes for your specific vehicle make and model to find the best price. 
• Understand Your Vehicle: Be aware of your vehicle’s drivetrain (front-wheel, rear-wheel) and if it’s a luxury or high-performance model, as this information will affect the repair cost. 
• Ask for an Itemized Quote: Request a breakdown of parts and labor to understand where the costs are coming from.