How much is a new Subaru Outback transmission?
For a brand-new Subaru Outback transmission installed by a dealer, you’re generally looking at about $6,500 to $9,500 in total, depending on year, engine option (2.5L CVT versus 2.4L turbo), and local labor rates.
The price you’ll pay hinges on several variables, including the specific transmission variant used on your Outback, whether you buy the part from an authorized Subaru dealer or an aftermarket supplier, and how much labor your shop estimates for the installation. Below is a detailed look at typical costs and viable alternatives.
Cost landscape for a new Subaru Outback transmission
Below is a snapshot of typical costs you might see when sourcing a brand-new transmission for a Subaru Outback, including the part and installation, with notes on variations by model year and option.
- OEM transmission price (part only): approximately $4,800–$6,500
- Labor to install (including fluid and related service): roughly $1,700–$3,000
- Total installed cost (dealer or authorized shop): typically $6,500–$9,500
- Variations by model and configuration: turbo models or newer engines can push toward the higher end, while older or base configurations may be toward the lower end
The figures above reflect common market ranges and can vary by region, shop, and the exact specification of your Outback. If your vehicle is under a specific Subaru warranty program or extended coverage, some costs may be offset by warranty provisions.
Alternatives to a brand-new OEM transmission
For buyers seeking to reduce upfront costs, there are viable alternatives to purchasing a brand-new OEM unit. Each option carries its own tradeoffs in reliability, warranty, and longevity.
- Remanufactured/rebuilt CVT (aftermarket or OEM reman): part price around $2,800–$4,800; labor $1,000–$2,500; total installed typically $3,800–$7,300
- Used or salvaged transmission (low-mileage unit from a junkyard or tanufacturer rebuild): part price about $2,000–$3,800; labor $800–$1,800; total $2,800–$5,600
- Rebuild with OEM components (if available for your model): price generally $3,000–$6,000 plus labor; warranty may be limited
Prices for remanufactured or used units often come with shorter or limited warranties compared with a new OEM transmission. It’s important to verify what’s covered, the core charge (if any), and the availability of technicians experienced with Subaru CVTs.
What affects the price the most
Several factors can swing costs up or down. Key considerations include the Outback’s engine variant (2.5L naturally aspirated vs 2.4L turbo), year of manufacture, whether the transmission is a standard CVT or turbo-equipped setup, geographic labor rates, and the seller’s warranty terms. Additionally, some shops may require related components or service (cooler, mounts, fluid, or control modules) to be replaced alongside the transmission, which adds to the total.
What to do next
If you’re facing a transmission replacement decision, gather quotes from multiple reputable shops, and ask specifically about: the exact transmission model (year and engine), whether the price includes the fluid, core charges, and how the warranty on the transmission is structured. Consider the tradeoffs between a new OEM unit and a remanufactured or used replacement, and weigh the reliability and warranty coverage against upfront cost. In some cases, local shops may offer promotions or bundled maintenance that can reduce total outlay.
Summary
Replacing a Subaru Outback’s transmission is a major repair with a wide price range. A new OEM installation typically runs about $6,500–$9,500 installed, with turbo or newer models tending toward the higher end. Remanufactured, rebuilt, or used transmissions can lower the upfront cost significantly but may come with shorter warranties. The best approach is to compare multiple quotes, clarify what is included in each price, and choose a solution that balances cost, reliability, and coverage for your vehicle’s expected remaining life.
What years did the Subaru Outback have transmission problems?
The Subaru Outback models from 2010 to 2013 may be more likely to have transmission issues. These problems often include rough shifting, slipping gears, and even transmission failure. Another common problem in these years is the torque converter locking up when braking, especially in the 2010 models.
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.
What is the life expectancy of a Subaru transmission?
I see some with 50k go bad and others well over 200k even with crappy maintenance history. In general you can expect the lifespan to compare to most other transmissions.
How much does it cost to replace a transmission in a Subaru Outback?
Subaru Outback Transmission Cost
The price of a new Subaru Outback transmission could be over $3,500 depending on the car, however, transmission services such as fluid changes and a transmission fluid flush are considerably fewer expensive, in some cases costing fewer than $150.
