Transmission
Transmission rebuild or replacement: what it costs
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $1,800 | $3,800 |
| Labor: 10 to 16 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $1,100 | $2,400 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $50 | $150 |
| Total, rounded | $2,950 | $6,400 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
A failed automatic or manual transmission is rebuilt or swapped for a remanufactured unit. Signs include slipping, grinding, no movement or heavy fluid leaks.
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What is usually included
- Remanufactured or rebuilt transmission
- New fluid and filter
- Torque converter if needed
- Cooler flush
- Road test
What moves the price
- Rebuild versus remanufactured versus used
- Transmission type, 4WD or CVT
- Torque converter and cooler
- Warranty length
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Is this rebuilt, remanufactured or used?
- What's the warranty length and coverage?
- Is the torque converter included?
- Was every other cause ruled out?
Can you do it yourself?
Not a DIY; the transmission is heavy, needs a lift and special tools, and one wrong part or setting can ruin the rebuild.
Shopping for the part? Search car parts on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Make sure the part fits your car before buying.
Common questions
Is a rebuild worth it on an older car?
Compare the cost with the car's value. If the rest of the car is solid, many owners choose it.
What's the difference between rebuilt and remanufactured?
Rebuilt means repaired in place. Remanufactured is built to spec in a factory setting and often has longer warranties.
Can I get a second opinion?
Yes. A fluid or sensor issue can look like a failed transmission, so a second look is worthwhile.
How much does transmission rebuild or replacement cost?
A typical range across the US is $2,950 to $6,400. That is an estimate from parts prices, labor hours and the local labor rate, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $3,100 to $6,800 |
| New York City area | $3,050 to $6,600 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $3,050 to $6,700 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $3,000 to $6,500 |
| Houston area, Texas | $2,900 to $6,300 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $2,900 to $6,300 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $2,950 to $6,400 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $3,000 to $6,500 |
| Miami area, Florida | $2,900 to $6,400 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $3,100 to $6,700 |