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Is transmission expensive to fix?

Transmission repairs can be quite costly, often ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the severity of the issue. The exact cost of a transmission repair can vary significantly based on factors such as the make and model of the vehicle, the specific problem with the transmission, and the labor costs in your local area.


Understanding Transmission Repair Costs


A transmission is a complex mechanical system responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. When a transmission fails or experiences problems, the repair can be expensive due to the specialized knowledge and equipment required to diagnose and fix the issue. Some common transmission problems that can lead to high repair costs include:



  • Transmission fluid leaks

  • Worn or damaged gears

  • Faulty solenoids or sensors

  • Transmission slipping or not shifting properly

  • Complete transmission failure, requiring a rebuild or replacement


The cost of a transmission repair can vary widely, but it's not uncommon for a major repair to cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more. In some cases, the cost of a complete transmission replacement can be as high as $4,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.


Factors Affecting Transmission Repair Costs


Several factors can influence the overall cost of a transmission repair, including:



  • Labor costs: The labor required to diagnose, disassemble, and repair the transmission can be significant, and labor rates can vary widely depending on the location and the mechanic's expertise.

  • Parts and materials: The cost of replacement parts, such as gears, bearings, seals, and other components, can add significantly to the overall repair cost.

  • Transmission type: Automatic transmissions are generally more complex and expensive to repair than manual transmissions.

  • Vehicle make and model: Some vehicles have more complex or specialized transmission systems, which can increase the cost of repairs.

  • Extent of the damage: The more extensive the damage to the transmission, the higher the repair costs will be.


It's important to note that in some cases, the cost of a transmission repair may exceed the value of the vehicle, making it more economical to replace the entire vehicle rather than repair the transmission.

How does a vehicle act when the transmission is going out?


When your transmission is failing, the most common issue it displays is gear slipping. This causes the engine to lose power, RPMs will often increase, and the engine might smell bad. When the transmission has actually gone out, basically your vehicle will not move.



How much does a new transmission cost?


The average price range for transmission replacement is between $1,800 and $3,400 for a brand-new component. The additional cost of labor is often between $500 and $1,200, and you should also take taxes and associated fees into account.



What are the signs of a bad transmission?


Top Signs Your Transmission May Be Failing

  • Transmission won't engage or stay in gear.
  • Shifts are delayed or missing gear shifts.
  • Transmission slipping or engine is revving high.
  • Transmission fluid is leaking.
  • If there's a burning smell.
  • If there is buzzing, clunking, humming noise.
  • Car has no power.



Is it worth it to fix 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.



Can a bad transmission be fixed?


While some transmission issues can be successfully repaired, there are limitations to what can be fixed. Internal damage to the transmission gears, torque converter, or other major components may require a full replacement.



What happens right before your transmission goes out?


A manual transmission will make very abrupt grinding noises when you change gears if it's faulty. An automatic transmission, on the other hand, will make a whining, humming, or buzzing sound.



Can I drive with bad transmission?


Driving car with bad transmission is not a good idea. It can risk you and others moving on road. Your car can lose power or may fail to run when you are in an emergency. So better is to repair before you stop on a road.



Will insurance pay for a new transmission?


Auto insurance generally doesn't cover the repair or replacement of your car's transmission unless the damage was a result of a covered incident.



Are transmission problems expensive to fix?


Repairing an automatic transmission costs an average of $ 1000 to $ 2000, but replacing an automatic transmission can cost up to $ 3500. Repairing a car with a manual transmission is usually cheaper than repairing a car with an automatic transmission.



Does insurance cover transmission?


Auto insurance generally doesn't cover the repair or replacement of your car's transmission unless the damage was a result of a covered incident.


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.