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How much does it cost to replace a full transmission?

Replacing a full transmission can be a significant expense for vehicle owners, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 or more, depending on the make, model, and year of the vehicle, as well as the specific transmission type and labor costs in your area.


Understanding Transmission Replacement Costs


The cost of replacing a full transmission can vary widely due to several factors:



  • Vehicle Make and Model: Luxury and high-performance vehicles often have more complex and expensive transmissions, leading to higher replacement costs.

  • Transmission Type: Automatic transmissions are generally more expensive to replace than manual transmissions.

  • Labor Costs: The labor required to remove and replace a transmission can be significant, with hourly rates ranging from $50 to $150 or more, depending on the mechanic or repair shop.

  • Parts Availability: Certain transmission models may be more difficult to find, leading to higher parts costs.

  • Additional Repairs: In some cases, other components, such as the torque converter or clutch, may need to be replaced along with the transmission, further increasing the overall cost.


It's important to note that the cost of a transmission replacement can also be influenced by the specific make and model of the vehicle, as well as the location and reputation of the repair shop.


Factors Affecting Transmission Replacement Costs


When considering the cost of a full transmission replacement, it's essential to understand the various factors that can impact the final price:



  • Transmission Type: Automatic transmissions are generally more complex and expensive to replace than manual transmissions.

  • Vehicle Make and Model: Luxury and high-performance vehicles often have more specialized and costly transmissions.

  • Labor Costs: The labor required to remove and replace a transmission can be significant, with hourly rates varying widely based on the mechanic or repair shop.

  • Parts Availability: Certain transmission models may be more difficult to find, leading to higher parts costs.

  • Additional Repairs: In some cases, other components, such as the torque converter or clutch, may need to be replaced along with the transmission, further increasing the overall cost.


By understanding these factors, vehicle owners can better estimate the potential cost of a full transmission replacement and plan accordingly.

Is it worth replacing a transmission?


If your transmission fails due to overheating, overheating may be the problem, and replacing the transmission is the recommended repair. However, if your transmission fails due to a mechanical or electrical failure, it may be cheaper and more efficient to rebuild the transmission than to replace it.



Is it cheaper to replace engine or transmission?


Larger systems, such as with the transmission or radiator, will be more costly to replace, but they are still less expensive than a new vehicle or an entire engine replacement.



How much do mechanics charge to replace a transmission?


On the other hand, transmission replacement is one of the most expensive repairs you can get. Replacements can range from $1,800 to $3,400. Depending on the repair shop and technicians, labor charges can range from $500 to $1,200.



How much does a full transmission swap cost?


On average, replacing your transmission can cost between $4,000 and $7,000. However, there are many factors that impact the final price of a transmission replacement, including: The make, model and year of your vehicle.



Can you fix a bad transmission without replacing it?


In some cases, a transmission repair can solve the problem without needing a full replacement. This is often the more cost-effective option, but it's important to consider the damage's extent and the vehicle's age.



What makes a transmission go out?


Worn-Out Gears: As gears age, they begin to wear out, which can cause slipping (especially in manual transmissions). Overheating: Just like your vehicle's engine, your car's transmission depends on fluids to help keep it cool. If your car has low fluid or dirty or worn-out fluid, it can overheat.



How long does a full transmission replacement take?


How long does it take to replace a transmission? The answer will depend on your particular vehicle, but on average, expect a turnaround of one to two days. More complicated replacements might take three or four days. And if you just need a repair, your wait time could be even shorter.



What is the lifespan of a new transmission?


between 100,000 to 200,000 miles
The lifespan of a transmission can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, driving habits, maintenance routines, and whether it's manual or automatic. On average, a transmission should last between 100,000 to 200,000 miles, or approximately 7 to 10 years for most drivers.



Can I trade-in a car with a bad transmission?


Your dealership will need to do an evaluation of your car to offer you an accurate trade-in value, but the general rule of thumb is almost any kind of car dealership will trade-in any kind of vehicle as long as it is driveable. If they can't fix it and sell it on their lot, chances are they know another lot that will.



How much is it to get a full transmission on a car?


The exact transmission cost will vary, based on your particular vehicle and your service department of choice, but you can expect to pay in the ballpark of $1,800 and $3,400 for brand-new parts. However, that doesn't include transmission labor costs, which can run between $79 and $189.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.