Transmission Replacement Cost: The Variables That Affect The Price

Transmission Replacement Cost: Factors and Considerations

When a car’s transmission fails, it can leave you immobile and searching for the best way to get going again. Replacing a transmission with a used unit or rebuilding your present unit is an expensive proposition. In this article, I’ll discuss several transmission replacement cost options and explain the steps involved in repairing your transmission.

The Factors Involved In Calculating How Much Transmission Replacement Costs

1) Removal and Re-installation Labor

There are two ways to remove a transmission: 1) By supporting the engine and removing just the transmission from the bottom of the vehicle, or 2) By removing the entire engine/transmission out of the vehicle as a single unit and then separating the two. The method depends on the vehicle’s design, with the cost being much higher if the shop has to pull the engine and transmission.

2) Whether the Vehicle is FWD, RWD, 4WD or AWD

Labor for removal and re-installation is the least costly on an RWD vehicle. Labor costs go up on an FWD and are the most costly on 4WD and AWD vehicles.

3) The Type of Transmission

Manual transmission— Generally speaking, this is the least costly to buy, use, or rebuild.
Traditional Automatic Transmission— Prices on used transmissions vary based on availability. Prices on rebuilding depends on the price and availability of parts.
Constantly Variable Transmission— Prices on these new transmission can be as high as $7,000 due to the limited number of working used units and the scarcity of parts.

Transmission Replacement Cost

Here are a few examples of actual labor times for transmission removal and re-installation (R&R), as well as the labor time/cost to rebuild the transmission.

• 2014 Buick Truck Encore AWD 1.4L Turbo R&R: 7.4 hours, Overhaul once removed 8.3 hours plus parts cost. 15.7 hours @ $145/hour = $2,,276.50 plus approximately $1,800 in parts.  $4,076.50
• 2014 Dodge or Ram Truck RAM 1500 Truck 2WD V6-3.6L R&R 5.2 hours, Overhaul 7.4 hours plus parts cost. 12.6 hours @ $145/hour = $1,827 plus approximately $1,800 in parts = $3,627
• 2014 Dodge or Ram Truck RAM 1500 Truck 4WD V6-3.6L R&R 5.9 hours, Overhaul 7.4 plus parts cost. 13.3 hours @ $145/hour= $1,928.50 plus approximately $1,800 in parts= $3,728.50
• 2014 BMW 528i xDrive Sedan AWD L4-2.0L Turbo R&R 8.9 hours, 8.9 hours @ $145 = $1,290.50, plus New transmission $8,989.00 = $10,279.50
• 2014 Nissan-Datsun Altima Sedan V6-3.5L CVT R&R 11.2 hours @ $145/hour = $1,624 plus a new transmission $2878.57 = $4,502.57

This image shows a Subaru CVT transmission. The most common failure point on this transmission is the valve body. The repair costs about $3,000.

Rebuilt, Used, or New?

New Transmission: Installing a brand-new transmission is the most expensive option and can cost between $4,000 and $7,000. A new transmission comes directly from the manufacturer and is assembled using brand-new parts, which ensures optimal performance.
Rebuilt Transmission: This is when your vehicle’s existing transmission is taken apart, and worn-out components are replaced. A rebuilt transmission generally costs less than a new one, ranging from $2,000 to $4,000. It’s a popular option for those looking for a middle-ground solution.
Used Transmission: Buying a used transmission comes with risks. The only way a junkyard can determine the condition of a used transmission is by knowing whether it was working before the crash that totalled the vehicle. Junkyards have no other way to test a transmission. Generally, the junkyard gives a warranty of 90 days.

The biggest downside to buying a used transmission comes if there are known failure issues. Those same fault issues will show up in the used transmission unless the shop updates the transmission before installing it, and those issues haven’t been updated.

Alternatives to Full Transmission Replacement

Not all transmission problems require a complete replacement. Depending on the issue, there might be more cost-effective alternatives:

Shift solenoid Replacement: Minor issues such as a faulty solenoid or sensor could be resolved with a repair, which would cost significantly less than a full replacement. Transmission repairs generally range from $300 to $1,500.

Warranty and Longevity Considerations

One of the benefits of investing in a new or remanufactured transmission is the warranty that often comes with the replacement. New transmissions may come with warranties lasting 3 to 5 years or up to 100,000 miles. Rebuilt or remanufactured transmissions typically offer a shorter warranty period, ranging from 12 months to 3 years. Be sure to factor in warranty coverage when comparing transmission replacement costs, as a longer warranty can offer peace of mind and better long-term value.

©, 2024 Rick Muscoplat