How much does a new transmission cost for a 2018 Ford Explorer?
Typically, a new OEM transmission replacement for a 2018 Ford Explorer installed by a shop runs about $4,000 to $7,000, depending on drivetrain and labor; remanufactured or rebuilt units are usually in the $3,000 to $5,500 range, and used or salvaged transmissions can be $1,800 to $3,000, with additional labor. Prices vary by region, shop, and whether the vehicle is front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The 2018 Explorer uses a six-speed automatic transmission, and replacement costs can be influenced by whether you’re replacing a standard drivetrain or an AWD setup, as well as the need for accompanying parts such as a torque converter, seals, and transmission fluid. This article breaks down the common options, typical price ranges, and factors that affect the final bill.
Transmission replacement options for a 2018 Ford Explorer
Below are the main paths buyers choose when replacing a transmission, along with typical price ranges you can expect for each option.
- New OEM transmission installed (brand-new unit from Ford or an authorized supplier). Typical installed price range: about $4,000 to $7,000, with variation by drivetrain (FWD vs AWD) and local labor rates.
- Remanufactured (factory-rebuilt) transmission. Typical installed price range: about $3,000 to $5,500, depending on the remanufacturer and whether any updated components are included.
- Used or salvaged transmission (low-cost option, higher risk). Typical installed price range: about $1,800 to $3,000, plus labor; reliability and warranty are important considerations.
- Aftermarket or independent-shop rebuilt by a specialist. Typical installed price range: about $2,500 to $4,500 for the unit plus labor, with varying warranty terms.
When choosing among these options, you’re weighing upfront cost against long-term reliability and warranty protection. A new OEM unit generally carries the strongest warranty and longest expected lifespan, while used or salvage transmissions carry more risk but lower initial cost.
What affects the price of replacing a transmission
Several factors can push the final bill higher or lower beyond the base price of the unit itself.
- Labor rates and regional differences. Labor costs vary widely by shop location and expertise, especially for AWD variants requiring more complex installation.
- drivetrain type. AWD Explorers typically require more labor and parts, increasing total cost compared with front-wheel-drive models.
- Additional components and services. Torque converter replacement, valve body updates, cooler lines, radiator checks, and transmission fluid flushes can add to the price.
- Core charges and warranties. Some options include core return fees or longer warranties, which can influence upfront pricing.
- Vehicle condition and related repairs. If mounts, sensors, or software updates are needed, the job may require additional time and parts.
In short, the final price is a function of the chosen replacement path, the vehicle’s drivetrain, and the shop’s labor rate plus any ancillary work required to ensure the replacement is reliable.
Tips for getting a solid estimate
To avoid surprises, gather multiple quotes and ask for itemized estimates that include parts, labor, fluid services, and warranty terms. Verify that the quote includes the necessary ancillary work (e.g., torque converter, cooler lines, software updates) and ask about the warranty length on both parts and labor. Also consider the shop’s reputation and whether they use OEM remanufactured components or aftermarket equivalents.
Summary
Replacing a transmission on a 2018 Ford Explorer typically costs a few thousand dollars, with a wide range depending on whether you install a brand-new OEM unit, a remanufactured transmission, or a used/salvage unit. Budget roughly $4,000–$7,000 for a new OEM installation, about $3,000–$5,500 for a remanufactured unit, and $1,800–$3,000 for a used transmission, plus labor and potential added services. Always obtain multiple, detailed quotes and weigh the trade-offs between upfront cost and long-term reliability.
How much is a new transmission for a 2018 Ford Explorer?
The cost of a new 2018 Ford Explorer transmission could be over $3,500 depending on the car, however, transmission services such as fluid changes and a transmission fluid flush are highly less costly, in some cases costing less than $150.
Is it ever worth replacing a transmission?
Whether replacing a transmission is worth it depends on a cost-benefit analysis of the vehicle's age, its total value, the cost of the replacement, and your own plans for the car. If the repair cost is less than 30-40% of the car's current value, or if you plan to keep the vehicle for several more years, replacement may be a good investment. However, if the car is older and has other issues, or if the replacement cost is close to or exceeds the car's worth, it may be better to consider selling the vehicle.
Factors to consider
This video explains the factors to consider when deciding whether to replace your car's transmission: 42sNexologyYouTube · Sep 4, 2025
- Vehicle's value: Compare the cost of replacement to the car's current market value. If the repair is more than 30-40% of the car's worth, it may not be a good financial decision.
- Vehicle's condition: If the rest of the car is in good condition with no major issues, a transmission replacement can be a worthwhile investment. However, if the car has many other problems, it may be better to cut your losses.
- Your plans for the car: If you plan to keep the vehicle for several more years, replacing the transmission is more likely to be worth the cost. If you only plan to keep it for a year or two, it may not be.
- Cost of the replacement: Costs can range from $1,500 to over $8,000, depending on the vehicle and the type of transmission (new, rebuilt, or used). Be sure to factor in labor costs as well.
- Reliability of the model: Some car models have a history of transmission problems, which may make replacement less desirable.
Options for replacement
- New transmission: This is often the most expensive option, but it comes with a new warranty.
- Remanufactured transmission: A remanufactured unit has been rebuilt to "as-new" condition and often comes with a good warranty, making it a solid choice.
- Used transmission: This is the cheapest option but comes with the highest risk, as you don't know its history. It is generally not recommended unless you can test it first.
Does the 2018 Ford Explorer have transmission issues?
In the 2018 Ford Explorer, transmission problems have been reported by consumers as causing the vehicle to shake while idle, hesitate or outright refuse to accelerate, shift gears erratically, and unintentionally roll.
How much does it cost to replace a transmission in a Ford Explorer?
Replacing a transmission in a Ford Explorer typically costs between $3,000 and $7,000, including parts and labor. The price can vary significantly based on whether you use a new, remanufactured, or used transmission, and whether you go to a dealership or an independent repair shop. Dealerships may charge more, with estimates for new transmissions reaching up to $9,000 in some cases, while independent shops might be lower.
Cost factors
- New vs. Remanufactured vs. Used: A new transmission is the most expensive option, while a remanufactured unit is usually cheaper. Used transmissions are the cheapest but may be less reliable.
- Location: Dealerships often charge higher labor rates and parts prices than independent shops.
- Parts: The cost of the transmission itself varies by model and the type of part (new, remanufactured).
- Labor: Labor costs are a significant part of the total. Some estimates suggest around nine hours of labor is typical for a replacement.
Sample cost estimates
- Independent Shop: An independent shop might charge between $4,854$ 4 comma 854$4,854 and $5,220$ 5 comma 220$5,220 for a replacement, according to Kelley Blue Book.
- Dealership: A dealership may charge more, with a quote from one Ford owner reaching $5,423$ 5 comma 423$5,423 for a replacement transmission and another being quoted up to $9,000$ 9 comma 000$9,000 for a new one, see Facebook and Facebook.
- Parts and labor: Parts can range from approximately $3,956$ 3 comma 956$3,956 to $4,242$ 4 comma 242$4,242 and labor from $1,687$ 1 comma 687$1,687 to $1,827$ 1 comma 827$1,827 for a replacement at an independent shop, see Kelley Blue Book.
Tips
- Get multiple quotes from both dealerships and independent mechanics.
- Ask about the warranty on the new or remanufactured transmission.
- Confirm the final price includes all parts, labor, and taxes before authorizing the work.
- Check if your vehicle is under warranty, which could cover the replacement cost.
