Transmission replacement cost
The average transmission replacement costs $6,238 to $6,764, with about $5,110 for the transmission and $1,127 to $1,654 for labor. Depending on the vehicle and whether you choose a used, rebuilt or new unit, most jobs land between $3,000 and $15,000.
Quick answer
$6,238 – $6,764national average, parts and labor
The national average is $6,238 to $6,764. Simple four-speed automatics can cost about $3,000; modern 8- and 10-speed units and luxury models reach $15,000 or more.
Average transmission replacement cost
- Labor$1,127–$1,65421%
- Transmission$5,11079%
Share of a typical repair bill, using the middle of each range.
The transmission is by far the biggest part of the bill. Labor typically takes 6 to 12 hours.
Cost by type of transmission
| Transmission | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 4-speed automatic | $3,000 – $4,000 |
| 6-speed automatic | $4,000 – $5,000 |
| 8- or 10-speed automatic | $8,000 – $9,000+ |
Figures quoted by a transmission shop owner in ConsumerAffairs (2026).
Manual transmissions are usually cheaper to replace than automatics. CVTs (continuously variable transmissions) are usually replaced as a unit rather than repaired.
Cost on example vehicles
| Vehicle | Estimate |
|---|---|
| 2005 Nissan Altima | $4,757 – $5,221 |
| 2016 Acura RDX | $6,929 – $7,680 |
| 2018 Ford F-150 | $5,709 – $8,992 |
| 2018 Honda Civic | $6,763 – $13,151 |
| 2015 BMW X3 | $12,523 – $15,722 |
RepairPal estimates cited by ConsumerAffairs (Austin, Texas pricing).
New, rebuilt, remanufactured or used?
- Used (salvage): lowest price, shortest warranty, unknown mileage.
- Rebuilt by a local shop: your unit is repaired with new wear parts; simpler four-speeds can cost $2,000 to $3,500.
- Remanufactured: factory-rebuilt to original specifications, often with a nationwide warranty.
- New from the dealer: highest price.
See Transmission rebuild cost for more on rebuilding.
Rule out cheaper fixes first
Slipping or harsh shifting is not always a dead transmission. Low or burnt fluid, a bad sensor or solenoid, or a software update can fix some problems for a few hundred dollars. See Transmission repair cost and Transmission fluid change cost.
How to get a fair estimate
- Ask for a written estimate that lists parts, labor hours and the shop’s hourly rate before any work starts.
- Ask whether the quote uses OEM, aftermarket or remanufactured parts, and what warranty comes with the parts and the labor.
- Get a second quote for any repair over a few hundred dollars. Independent shops often charge less per hour than dealers.
- Ask the shop to show you the old part or the reading that proves it failed, and to call you before doing extra work.
- Check for recalls and warranty coverage first: many powertrain, emissions and hybrid parts carry longer factory warranties.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a new transmission cost?
About $6,238 to $6,764 on average with labor, and anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 depending on the vehicle and the type of replacement unit.
Is it worth replacing a transmission?
It can be if the car is otherwise reliable and worth clearly more than the repair. On an older car worth $5,000 or less, a used unit or replacing the car may make more sense; try our repair or replace calculator.
How long does it take to replace a transmission?
About 6 to 12 hours of labor, so one to three days at most shops once the unit arrives.
Sources
Prices are national averages and typical ranges from published cost data. Your price depends on your vehicle, location, parts and shop, so get a written estimate. Car Repair Atlas is not a repair shop; read our disclaimer.