How Much Does a Car Transmission Cost in 2025?

The price of a car transmission typically ranges from about $800 to $8,000 for the part alone, and roughly $1,800 to over $10,000 installed, depending on vehicle, transmission type, and whether you choose new, remanufactured, rebuilt, or used. Prices vary widely: manual gearboxes tend to be cheaper, while CVT, dual‑clutch, heavy‑duty truck, luxury, and hybrid units often cost more. Below is a detailed breakdown of what drives those costs and how to budget accurately.

What You’re Actually Paying For

“Transmission price” is more than just the unit. It includes the transmission or transaxle itself, the labor to remove and replace it, required fluids and programming, and often ancillary parts like a torque converter or clutch. Taxes, shipping, and a refundable core charge can add to the upfront bill.

• Transmission unit: New OEM units are usually the most expensive; remanufactured and rebuilt units cost less; used (salvage) units are cheapest but riskiest.
• Labor: Removal/installation typically takes 6–15 hours for automatics, 4–8 for manuals, and more for AWD, hybrids, and rust-prone vehicles. U.S. labor rates often run $90–$200 per hour.
• Required extras: Fluids ($100–$400), programming/coding ($100–$400), torque converter for automatics ($200–$600), or clutch/flywheel for manuals ($400–$2,000), plus mounts, coolers, lines, and seals as needed.
• Core and shipping: Many suppliers add a refundable core charge ($300–$1,500) and freight ($150–$400) on reman/rebuilt units.
• Warranty: New and quality reman units usually include stronger warranties (often 2–3 years, some up to 100,000 miles) than local rebuilds or salvage units (which can be as short as 30–180 days).

Together, these items explain why installed prices can be several thousand dollars higher than the part price alone, and why quotes can vary among shops and regions.

Typical Price Ranges by Transmission Type

Different transmission designs carry different costs to build, service, and program. These broad 2025 ranges reflect typical U.S. retail pricing for mainstream vehicles; luxury, performance, and heavy-duty applications trend higher.

• Conventional automatic (planetary AT): Part $2,000–$6,500 (new OEM often higher); installed $3,500–$9,000+. Half-ton trucks and luxury models can exceed $10,000 installed.
• CVT (continuously variable): Part $2,800–$7,500; installed $4,000–$9,500. Some popular CVTs (e.g., certain Nissan/Jatco units) are often replaced with reman assemblies rather than rebuilt in-car.
• Dual‑clutch (DCT/DSG): Part $3,000–$7,500; installed $5,000–$10,000. Mechatronics or valve‑body repairs can sometimes fix issues for $1,000–$2,500 without replacing the whole unit.
• Manual gearbox: Part $1,200–$3,500; installed $1,800–$4,500. A clutch kit and flywheel, if needed, can add $700–$2,000 installed.
• Hybrid transaxle/eCVT (power‑split): Part $3,500–$8,000; installed $5,000–$10,000, reflecting added complexity and limited supply.
• Heavy‑duty/luxury/performance: It’s common to see installed totals from $7,000 to $15,000+, especially for high‑output trucks, European luxury cars, and performance models.

These ranges assume a quality unit with appropriate warranty. Lower prices often indicate used or short-warranty options, while upper-end quotes tend to include OEM parts and more extensive labor or accessories.

New vs. Remanufactured vs. Rebuilt vs. Used

Your choice of replacement strategy is the single biggest price lever. Here’s how the options compare and what you can generally expect to pay and receive.

• New OEM: Typically $3,000–$10,000+ for the part; installed totals commonly $5,000–$12,000+. Strongest fit-and-finish and dealer-backed warranties (often 12–36 months) but highest price.
• Remanufactured (factory/spec reman): About $2,500–$5,500 for the part; installed $4,000–$8,000. Popular balance of cost, availability, and warranty (often up to 3 years/100,000 miles from major remanufacturers).
• Rebuilt (local): Roughly $1,800–$4,000 for the unit; installed $3,000–$6,000. Quality depends on the rebuilder’s expertise and parts used; warranties vary from 12–24 months, sometimes less.
• Used/Salvage: About $800–$2,500 for the part; installed $1,800–$4,500. Lowest upfront cost, but history is unknown and warranties are short (30–180 days typical). Best for older, low-value vehicles where budget is critical.

If reliability and long-term ownership matter, remanufactured units often offer the best value. Used units can make sense when minimizing spend on a high-mileage vehicle.

Labor Time and Regional Variation

Removal and installation time swings with drivetrain layout (FWD, RWD, AWD), packaging, and corrosion. Many modern automatics need 8–15 labor hours; manuals can be 4–8 hours. AWD, subframe drops, or hybrid safety procedures add time. At $90–$200 per hour, labor alone can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the job and location.

When a Repair Is Cheaper Than Replacement

Not every transmission failure requires a full replacement. Targeted fixes can resolve shifting problems or leaks at a fraction of the cost.

• Service and minor repairs: Fluid/filter service $150–$400; pan gasket/seal work $300–$900; external cooler/line repairs $150–$500.
• Controls and hydraulics: Valve body or solenoid pack $400–$1,800; DCT/DSG mechatronics $1,000–$2,500; TCM/ECU programming or replacement $100–$1,200.
• Manual-specific: Clutch kit and resurfaced or new flywheel $700–$2,000 installed; synchro/bearing rebuilds vary widely $1,200–$3,000+ depending on parts and availability.

A trustworthy diagnosis (including scan data, pressure tests, and road evaluation) helps determine whether a partial repair is viable or whether internal damage necessitates a full unit.

How to Get a Reliable Quote

Because scope and quality vary, it’s smart to standardize what you ask for and compare like-for-like bids.

1. Get a proper diagnosis: Request a scan for transmission codes, adaptation values, and a road test; ask for findings in writing.
2. Ask for an itemized estimate: Separate unit cost, labor hours/rate, fluids, programming, accessories (converter/clutch), taxes, shipping, and any core charge.
3. Compare sources and warranties: New vs. reman vs. rebuilt vs. used, and the length/terms of coverage (parts and labor, nationwide support, transferability).
4. Confirm programming and fluids: Verify OEM-specified fluid and that coding/adaptations are included in the quote.
5. Plan for core returns and shipping: Understand deadlines and packaging so you recover your core deposit.
6. Ask about timing: Parts availability, shop backlog, and whether subframe drops or alignment add days/cost.

Following these steps will make competing quotes easier to compare and reduce surprises during the job.

Indicative Real-World Examples

Actual figures vary by region and mileage, but these ballparks illustrate current market norms for mainstream vehicles:

• 2015–2017 midsize sedan (6‑speed automatic): Reman unit installed $4,200–$6,200; new OEM often $5,500–$8,500 installed.
• 2017–2020 compact SUV with CVT: Reman/replacement installed $4,500–$6,500; new OEM $6,000–$9,000.
• 2018–2022 half‑ton pickup (10‑speed automatic): Installed $5,000–$7,500 depending on source and warranty.
• 2014–2019 DCT hot hatch/sedan: Mechatronics repair $1,200–$2,200; full transmission installed $5,500–$9,000.
• 2012–2016 compact car with manual: Gearbox rebuild or used swap installed $1,800–$3,200; adding a clutch/flywheel pushes totals toward $2,500–$4,000.

Use these only as guideposts; always seek vehicle‑specific quotes tied to your VIN and symptom set.

Bottom Line

Expect to pay roughly $1,800–$10,000+ installed for a transmission in 2025, with the low end reflecting used/manual options and the high end tied to complex automatics, CVTs, DCTs, hybrids, and premium models. Your biggest levers are the type of unit (new vs. reman vs. rebuilt vs. used), labor time, and warranty. Obtain an itemized, VIN‑specific estimate and compare at least two reputable shops before committing.

Summary

A car transmission can cost $800–$8,000 for the part and $1,800–$10,000+ installed, depending on type, source, vehicle, and labor rates. Remanufactured units often balance cost and warranty best; used units minimize spend but carry risk. Accurate diagnosis and itemized, apples-to-apples quotes are the keys to avoiding overspend.

Are car transmissions expensive to fix?

The cost of transmission repairs or replacement varies between make and model. Basic repairs cost between $200 to $500+ and extensive repairs cost anywhere between $1000 and $5000+, especially if the transmission requires complete overhaul or replacement.

Can I still drive my car if the transmission is bad?

No, you generally should not drive with a bad transmission, as it is dangerous, can cause further damage to your vehicle, and may lead to complete breakdown. Driving with a faulty transmission can lead to a loss of control, sudden lurches, or failure to engage gears, increasing the risk of an accident. Continuing to drive can result in more expensive repairs and potentially irreparable damage, such as overheating and grinding gears from a lack of transmission fluid. It is best to have a qualified mechanic diagnose and repair the issue as soon as you notice symptoms like leaking fluid, slipping gears, or strange noises. 
This video explains what happens to a transmission when it’s failing and what to do: 1mSell Those Flipping CarsYouTube · Jul 17, 2023
Why Driving with a Bad Transmission is Risky

• Safety Hazards: A malfunctioning transmission can lead to sudden, unpredictable behavior, such as slipping gears or lurching, which can cause you to lose control of the vehicle. 
• Further Damage: The more you drive with a faulty transmission, the more internal components wear down. This can turn a minor issue into a much more severe problem, potentially requiring a complete and costly transmission replacement. 
• Complete Breakdown: A damaged transmission can fail entirely, leaving you stranded. 
• Engine Strain: A struggling transmission forces the engine to work harder, leading to reduced fuel efficiency and increased fuel consumption. 

Signs of a Bad Transmission

• Leaking Fluid: A reddish, sweet-smelling fluid on the ground under your car is a major indicator of a transmission fluid leak. 
• Slipping Gears: The transmission may fail to stay in gear, causing the car to rev up unexpectedly. 
• Strange Noises: You might hear grinding, clunking, or whining sounds from the transmission. 
• Difficulty Shifting: The transmission may be slow or unresponsive when changing gears. 
• Delayed or Failed Engagement: You may experience a delay, or complete failure, when trying to put the car into a gear, especially reverse. 

What to Do If You Suspect a Bad Transmission

1. Pull Over Safely: If you experience any of these symptoms, pull over to a safe location and stop driving the vehicle. 
2. Check Fluid Levels: Check your transmission fluid level, but be aware that even if fluid is present, the problem may be more serious. 
3. Contact a Mechanic: The best course of action is to have the vehicle towed to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair immediately. 

What is the average cost to replace a transmission in a car?

Average Cost of Transmission Replacement
As a general estimate, the replacement cost for a mainstream car with an automatic transmission can range from $2,500 to $5,000, including parts and labor. Manual transmission replacements may cost slightly less, ranging from $1,500 to $3,000.

Is it worth replacing a transmission on a car?

Replacing a car’s transmission is worth it when the repair cost is significantly less than the vehicle’s value, the car is otherwise in excellent condition with low mileage, and you want to keep the car for practical or sentimental reasons. However, it may not be a good investment if the vehicle is old or in poor overall shape, as other major components could fail soon after. You should also consider the cost of a new car, your personal financial situation, and whether a new or rebuilt transmission is the right choice for your specific car. 
When it’s likely worth it:

• Car Value: The cost of replacing the transmission is less than the car’s total worth, and the car is worth keeping. 
• Vehicle Condition: The car is otherwise in good working order, with low mileage, and the engine and other major systems are in good shape. 
• Financial Factors: You’re not ready for a new car payment and want to extend the life of your current vehicle. 
• Sentimental Value: You have a strong emotional attachment to the car. 

When it’s likely NOT worth it:

• High Cost vs. Value: The repair cost is close to or exceeds the car’s value. 
• Poor Overall Condition: The car is old, has high mileage, and has other failing major components. 
• Unreliable Transmission Type: The car has a less reliable transmission, such as a dual-clutch, which may be costly to replace and prone to failure. 

Key Considerations:

• Vehicle Condition: Get a thorough inspection to ensure other major systems are in good condition before investing in a new transmission. 
• Transmission Type: Consider a new, rebuilt, or high-quality used transmission to balance cost and reliability. 
• Get a Second Opinion: A professional mechanic can help you decide if the repair is the best option. 
• Weigh the Alternatives: Consider your budget and the financial implications of buying a new car versus repairing your current one.