Transmission Repair Cost in 2026
$1,800 – $8,000
Transmission work ranges from $150 for a fluid service to $8,000+ for a full replacement on a modern automatic. A rebuild typically costs $1,800–$3,500; a remanufactured replacement runs $4,000–$8,000 installed. CVT and dual-clutch units sit at the high end.
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Transmission cost by repair type
| Repair type | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Transmission fluid change / flush | $150 – $400 |
| Solenoid or sensor replacement | $300 – $900 |
| Transmission leak repair (seals/gaskets) | $250 – $800 |
| Transmission rebuild | $1,800 – $3,500 |
| Remanufactured transmission (installed) | $4,000 – $8,000 |
Transmission replacement cost by vehicle (2026)
| Vehicle | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series | $1,890 – $3,530 | $840 – $1,260 | $2,730 – $4,790 |
| BMW 5 Series | $1,890 – $3,530 | $840 – $1,260 | $2,730 – $4,790 |
| BMW X3 | $1,890 – $3,530 | $840 – $1,260 | $2,730 – $4,790 |
| Chevrolet Silverado | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
| Chevrolet Malibu | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
| Ford F-150 | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
| Ford Escape | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
| Ford Explorer | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
| Ford Mustang | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
| Honda Civic | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
| Honda Accord | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
| Honda CR-V | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
| Hyundai Elantra | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
| Hyundai Sonata | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
| Jeep Wrangler | $1,490 – $2,770 | $660 – $990 | $2,150 – $3,760 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $1,490 – $2,770 | $660 – $990 | $2,150 – $3,760 |
| Jeep Cherokee | $1,490 – $2,770 | $660 – $990 | $2,150 – $3,760 |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | $1,890 – $3,530 | $840 – $1,260 | $2,730 – $4,790 |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | $1,890 – $3,530 | $840 – $1,260 | $2,730 – $4,790 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | $1,890 – $3,530 | $840 – $1,260 | $2,730 – $4,790 |
| Nissan Altima | $1,420 – $2,650 | $630 – $950 | $2,050 – $3,600 |
| Nissan Rogue | $1,420 – $2,650 | $630 – $950 | $2,050 – $3,600 |
| Nissan Sentra | $1,420 – $2,650 | $630 – $950 | $2,050 – $3,600 |
| Toyota Camry | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
| Toyota Corolla | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
| Toyota Tacoma | $1,350 – $2,520 | $600 – $900 | $1,950 – $3,420 |
What affects the price
- Transmission type — CVTs and dual-clutch gearboxes cost significantly more than conventional automatics.
- Rebuild vs replacement — a rebuild reuses the case and hard parts; reman units cost more but carry a warranty.
- Vehicle make — European luxury brands can double both parts and labor.
- Drivetrain — AWD/4WD vehicles require more labor to remove and reinstall the unit.
- Diagnostics first — many "transmission" symptoms are $300–$900 solenoid or sensor issues, not a failed unit.
Symptoms of a bad or failing transmission
- Slipping between gears or delayed engagement into drive/reverse
- Harsh, jerky, or clunky shifts
- Whining, humming, or clunking noises while driving
- Burnt smell or dark, dirty transmission fluid
- Red fluid puddles under the car
- Check-engine or transmission warning light
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to rebuild or replace a transmission?▾
Rebuilding is typically $1,000–$2,500 cheaper than installing a remanufactured unit, but a reman transmission comes with a stronger warranty (often 3 years/100k miles). For high-mileage vehicles, compare both quotes against the car's value.
What are the signs of a failing transmission?▾
Slipping between gears, delayed or harsh shifting, whining or clunking noises, burnt-smelling fluid, red fluid leaks under the car, and a check-engine or transmission warning light.
How long does a transmission repair take?▾
A fluid service takes under an hour. A rebuild or replacement typically takes 2–5 shop days depending on parts availability.
Does insurance cover transmission failure?▾
No — standard auto insurance excludes mechanical breakdown and wear. Only mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) or an extended warranty may cover it.
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All prices are estimated US national averages for 2026 (parts + labor) and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual quotes vary by vehicle, region, and shop.