Replacing a Transmission Cost

• A rebuilt or remanufactured transmission can cost $1,000 -$6,000 or more depending on location; the age, make and model of vehicle; whether the transmission is manual (less expensive) or automatic; and the warranty provided. Factory-remanufactured transmissions typically cost more, come with a longer warranty (75,000-100,000 miles or two-three years) and take a day or two to install. Rebuilding a transmission generally comes with a shorter warranty (30 days to one year), the process can take three to four days (or more), and costs can increase if extensive problems are revealed after the transmission is disassembled. CostHelper readers report paying $1,200 -$4,179 to replace a transmission in a passenger car, at an average cost of $2,324; $1,600 -$4,500 to replace a transmission in a pickup truck, for an average $2,792; and $1,700 -$6,000 for an SUV or minivan, with an average cost of $3,090.
• A used transmission from a salvage or junk yard can cost $200 -$600 or more, depending on the year, make and model of vehicle; the mileage and condition of the junked car; and the relative availability or rarity of that particular transmission. A used transmission is a gamble, because there's no way of knowing how the vehicle was maintained or damaged, or why it was junked. Also, because of the computerized control systems in modern transmissions, a transmission from a 2001 vehicle might not work properly in the 2002 model. Most repair shops will not install a used transmission because of these risks. CostHelper readers report paying $288 -$415 for do-it-yourself installation of a used transmission, with an average cost of $361; and a CostHelper reader in Pennsylvania bought a used transmission for $200 and paid a local transmission shop $500 to install it.

• Replacing or rebuilding a transmission is typically a long and complicated process, with extensive labor costs. AutoMD.com lists 60 steps for replacing an automatic transmission.

• Some repair shops offer discounts for AAA members.
• Because shifting in a modern automatic transmission is done electrically through a computer system, what appear to be minor transmission problems can be caused by corrosion on the battery terminals; in these circumstances, replacing or rebuilding the transmission will not be necessary, according to the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association.

• Deciding whether to replace a failed transmission is typically done on a case-to-case basis, depending on the overall age and condition of the vehicle, and whether it's likely other major parts will also fail soon. Symptoms of automatic transmission wear or failure include abnormal noise, shifting delays, unable to shift into one or more gears, a flashing transmission-warning light or a check-engine light. According to Consumer Reports, what appears to be a transmission problem may be an engine problem, and the engine should be checked before focusing on the transmission.
• The Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association describes typical transmission repair/replacement options, noting that brand-new transmissions are only used in the production of new vehicles; a transmission bought at a dealership will have been remanufactured in the factory.
• Search for local shops through the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence or the International Automotive Technicians Network.
• Ask about the warranty provided and whether a shop rebuilds transmissions themselves or if they buy remanufactured transmissions from the vehicle manufacturer or specialized remanufactured transmission manufacturers like Jasper Engines & Transmissions.
• Generally it is not possible for a shop to give a firm quote for the cost of rebuilding a transmission until it has inspected the vehicle and done diagnostic tests; a ballpark estimate often changes after the work has started and things are opened up, and the mechanic can see exactly what needs to be done.

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