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CostHelper > Cars  > Replacing a Transmission

Replacing a Transmission Cost


How Much Does Replacing a Transmission Cost?

 
average costUsed Transmission: $200-$600, DIY installationhigh costRemanufactured or Rebuilt Transmission: $1,000-$6,000+, installed

There are typically three choices for a transmission replacement -- remanufactured, rebuilt or used (from a salvage yard). Although the terms "remanufactured" and "rebuilt" are often used interchangeably, generally a remanufactured transmission is one that has been completely disassembled and reassembled in a factory, with all vital parts replaced, while a rebuilt transmission (also called refurbished, reconditioned or overhauled) is one that is disassembled and reassembled in a repair shop, with all worn or damaged components replaced, along with new gaskets, seals and other parts (but exactly what is included in rebuilding a transmission can vary from shop to shop).

Typical costs:

  • 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.
Related articles: Flushing a Transmission, Tune-up, Replacing a Timing Belt, Replacing a Water Pump, Replacing a CV Boot, Muffler

What should be included:
  • 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[1] .
Discounts:
  • Some repair shops offer discounts for AAA members[2] .
  • 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[3] ; in these circumstances, replacing or rebuilding the transmission will not be necessary, according to the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association.
Shopping for replacing a transmission:
  • 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[4] , 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[5] , 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[6] , the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence[7] or the International Automotive Technicians Network[8] .
  • 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[9] .
  • 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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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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Second Trans job in 4 years.
Amount: $1,550.00
Posted by: Keenan Todd Radney in Clinton Twp, MI.Posted: August 14th, 2021 07:08AM
Car Make: ChevyCar Model: Impala
Auto Shop: Tuffy Auto
$450.00 for used trans w/135k 6 mo. warranty through LKQ,I used them a lot for friends & family 95% success rate. $1095.00 for installation and labor. They have good used engines and trans. 2004 car. dropping car off 8/16/21.
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Trans Rebuild
Amount: $1,200.00
Posted by: Keenan in Warren, MI.Posted: August 14th, 2021 06:08AM
Car Make: 2004 ChevyCar Model: Impala
Auto Shop: Clem's Transmission
Came highly recommend car started shifting very hard, took it to them and they rebuilt trans took 4 days good guys at shop,but 2yrs later i am having a used trans dropped in. Also they gave me an 1yr warranty, they could not find the paperwork on previous rebuild and i could not find my receipt. Put receipts up people and take a pic with your phone.
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Auto transmission
Amount: $1,600.00
Posted by: Boyd in Salinas, CA.Posted: July 20th, 2021 08:07AM
Car Make: GmcCar Model: C2500
Auto Shop: Monterey transmission
They did a rebuild on a th 400 gm transmission. They have had my truck for 15 days. Quoted me 1600 for a complete rebuild with torq converter..hope to pick it up today. Unprofessional don’t call me back so wish me luck
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transmission swap
Amount: $730.00
Posted by: richy in plaistow,, NH.Posted: June 15th, 2017 04:06AM
Car Make: fordCar Model: explorer sport trac
Auto Shop: checo auto,lawrence,ma
Bought used tranny at brandy bows in plaistow,nh,$400.00 w/6 month warranty. Cost to swap tranny at checo's was 300.00 plus tax. Checo's is very honest ,I trust his service. If you are not in a hurry, replaced in 6 hours ,same day go to his garage.
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Used transmission
Amount: $5,000.00
Posted by: Annie,Burlington, NC in Greensboro, NC.Posted: April 21st, 2017 08:04PM
Car Make: BMWCar Model: 535i
Auto Shop: Crown BMW
My computer on my car read transmission malfunction and I had it towed to the dealer. The next day they told me it would be 14000.00 to fix it and I told them not me. They said my first gear was too low and the second and third gear prm was too high. They said it was internal failure. After speaking with BMW USA, they advised they would not be able to offer any assistance. I was hoping I would qualify under the lemon law, but I didnot.I called the service manager of the dealership trying to get the cost as low as possible.He said he would check around to see if they could find a used transmission. They did and advised with the cost and labor it would be 5000.00 plus tax with one year warranty. But if I have to come back before the warranty is up they would fix the car but I would have to pay for the labor. They said the cost of the transmission is 3600.00 and the remainder is labor. This was a CPO vehicle with 43,000 miles and I put about 40,000 on it myself. My warranty ran out in N
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rear main seal and clutch kit
Amount: $540.00
Posted by: Ruined in Redding, CA.Posted: January 18th, 2017 09:01PM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Civic EX '01
Auto Shop: Economy Radiator tire and Auto Repair
Had a rear main seal leak (have to break open tranny) and we went ahead and did the clutch and oil pan, transmission fluid and oil change. Add $77 for the slave cylinder, which is what the clutch pedal controls to move deploy the clutch
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Replaced Transmission. No forward movement
Amount: $1,600.00
Posted by: MRR in Concord, NC.Posted: December 30th, 2016 06:12PM
Car Make: Chevy 2003Car Model: Malibu
Auto Shop: Hill's Auto & AC Repair
Transmission works OK, but sloppy work and Batt Box loose, air filter box loose,wiring harness in wrong place;part of air inlet duct missing. Will never use this Company again. Will butcher your vehicle.
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Avoid Jasper Transmissions
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: redtruck in near Ruther Glen, VA.Posted: November 23rd, 2016 12:11PM
Car Make: ChevyCar Model: Truck
Auto Shop: AAA shop
Had a new transmission installed in truck with a warranty of 3 years/100,000 miles. It has been 3 years 6 months and only 20,000 miles...transmission needs to be replaced AGAIN and cannot be covered by warranty.
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Transmission swap
Amount: $1,174.25
Posted by: Christine Spence in Aberdeen, NC.Posted: October 15th, 2016 08:10PM
Auto Shop: Spence's Automotive Aberdeen, nc
Had transmission replaced in2007 Chevrolet Colorado 4x4. Bought it from salvage yard and they had it done in two days! Couldn't be happier!!!
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Transmkssion Remanufactured replacement
Amount: $2,800.00
Posted by: gregd in Fredericksburg, VA.Posted: June 24th, 2016 06:06PM
Car Make: JeepCar Model: Liberty
Auto Shop: Trans Tech Transmission Specialists
Decent price from a highly trusted local shop. 3yrs unlimited mile warranty on the replacement transmission/torque converter. Easy to work with and competent.
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Airbag recall then they told me tranny was bad
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Will Harris in Rochester, MN.Posted: May 27th, 2016 06:05AM
Auto Shop: Tom Kadlec Honda Rochester, MN
There is a recall on '07 Honda Accords for passenger side airbag. Took my car in to have the recall fixed. THEN this guy comes and tells my engine light is on. Funny it wasn't on when I came there. So we argue. I asked to see the manager who runs the whole dealership. I'm kind of making a scene. Those guys are crooks!! Does dealership have to equal crook? Jeez!!😡
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Used transmisson
Amount: $100.00
Posted by: Billy ray. in Modesto ,calif, CA.Posted: April 30th, 2016 05:04AM
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Used transmission quote?
Amount: $3,000.00
Posted by: John Arredondo in Garden Grove, CA.Posted: April 25th, 2016 11:04AM
Car Make: VolkswagenCar Model: Jetta 1.8T
Auto Shop: Transmission. Specialist
My transmission was damaged by hitting a driveshaft on the fwy I'm a disable veteran on social security low income, at the shops estamate was to replace the transmission after a day the shop called and told me they found a used transmission
With 34000 miles total cost installed $3000,00 ! I really need my car" I manage a house with six veterans my age when needed I do the driving only one with a license.
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Transmission Replaced
Amount: $998.80
Posted by: NoGearsbutPark in Carrollton, TX.Posted: April 29th, 2015 08:04AM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Civic-2001
Auto Shop: Carrollton Complete Auto
Bought a trans from JDM for $324.75 and CCA installed for $674.05. Car has 250k on it so probably isn't worth fixing...but I'm rollin the dice and hoping nothing else breaks.
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HONDA
Amount: $399.00
Posted by: CIERRA JOHL in PUMA VALEY, CA.Posted: February 28th, 2015 03:02AM
Car Make: Car Model: HONDA
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differential gasket, rear pinion seal, and transfer case seal
Amount: $550.00
Posted by: Nancy1120 in Las Vegas, NV.Posted: February 24th, 2015 10:02AM
Car Make: hummerCar Model: h3 alpha
Auto Shop: sun auto
I had the 3 replaced but who knows they could all be the same one!!!! I don't know but I think the price was extreme!!!!
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over price used tranny on warrenty
Amount: $1,200.00
Posted by: USArmy in tacoma, WA.Posted: January 23rd, 2015 03:01PM
Auto Shop: Tacoma Dodge wa
1195.00 for used tranny 600 for labor 145 for tranny flush 75 for labor. Tacoma dodge dealer ship. This was not a reman or rebuilt was used junk yard . Used our Warrenty company and got crap.... Would have paid 300.00 differance for the reman. But not given chance.. So it took them 7 hours to put it back in.lol I'm a mecanictly and it doesn't take that long.
was at dealer for 7 days had to get rentle car .
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2009 Chevy Traverse scammed for new transmission
Amount: $5,000.00
Posted by: Oscar Juarez in dallas, TX.Posted: November 4th, 2014 05:11PM
Car Make: ChevroletCar Model: Traverse
Auto Shop: Chevy Dealer
My Traverse started lunging back and forth when I accelerate and when I went in reverse. Took it to a Chevy dealer near me and was told the transmission would likely have to be replaced. They said a new transmission would cost more money than a used one. I let the clerk know that if the mechanic is trustworthy and won't try to scam me, then I would prefer a new transmission to get my money's worth. He assured me they were honest and I would have no issues. Well, after 6 days I got the car back with a "new transmission". Paid a whole bunch of money, but when I got home I noticed the transmission did not look new. There was black paint on some screws and on a few more areas. Also, it is leaking and when I drive, it still feels like there is something wrong with the transmission. I called to let them know of these issues, and they told me to take it back tomorrow so they can inspect it. I plan on asking for a receipt showing me that this is a new transmission.
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how much for a rebuilt honda 2001civic
Amount: $3,800.00
Posted by: Ripped off in watertown in waterbury, CT.Posted: November 3rd, 2014 03:11AM
Car Make: hondaCar Model: civic
Auto Shop: honda of watertown ct
when i first brought the car in for a starter ,they checked all the fluid levels -transmission anyway it's documented. when the transmission went i checked the fluid level -it was empty,a rip off yeah ,moving soon . NO MORE CARS.
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2007 chevy aveo transmission replaced at 61000 miles
Amount: $3,500.00
Posted by: Cindy morris in Winchester, TN.Posted: October 31st, 2014 12:10PM
Car Make: ChevyCar Model: Aveo
Auto Shop: Russell Barnett chevrolet winchester tn
Was told needed transmission after fluid on dipstick was checked! I told them to hold off on repair but they ordered tranny anyway. Not wanting to spend that much on a 2500 dollar car was told to pay a 30 percent restocking fee before my car was released back to me. My car was being held hostage for the restocking fee, which was not my fault!
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transmission rebuild
Amount: $1,250.00
Posted by: matrick in los Angelos, CA.Posted: October 11th, 2014 12:10AM
Auto Shop: all magic trans. service
We will see. Three days to do the work. He showed me the faulty parts and told me how it was driving and what was wrong. Hoping for a good job and a good warranty
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External Resources:
  1.  www.automd.com/22/how-to-replace-an-automatic-transmission/
  2.  www.aaa.com/scripts/WebObjects.dll/ZipCode.woa/wa/route?stop=yes&
  3.  www.atra.com/articles/transmission_problems/transmission_problems_caused_by_batter...
  4.  www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/repair/repair-pal-encyclopedia-content.htm?
  5.  www.atra.com/transmission_repair
  6.  www.atra.com/shopfinder
  7.  www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop/Shop-Locator.aspx
  8.  autorepair.iatn.net/
  9.  www.jasperengines.com/automatic-transmissions.php
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