Transmission Repair and Replacement FAQ

David-George 07/10/2020 4:26pm

FAQ

What’s the cost of a new transmission?
Depends. Do you have a manual transmission or an automatic transmission? Do you drive an expensive sports car or a compact sedan? Can you get by with a transmission rebuild (done locally) or do you need a remanufactured transmission (done in a factory setting)? These factors and more will affect the overall cost.

Taking all this into consideration, you can expect to pay an average of $2,900 – $7,100 for a new transmission. That’s a lot of gas money.

Yes, this is an incredibly broad range because it relies on so many factors. To get a closer estimate for your particular vehicle, tell us your car’s make and model, or, better yet, take it to a mechanic who can give you an answer in person.

In short, getting a new transmission, also known as transmission replacement, is one of the most expensive jobs performed by your mechanic.
What are the symptoms of a bad transmission?
There are several tell-tale signs, but it all depends on your type of transmission.

Manual Transmissions

The clutch system, which disengages the engine from the drivetrain to change gears, usually has the highest number of issues. Sometimes it just needs an adjustment, other times it needs to be replaced. If your clutch isn’t the problem, it’s your gearbox. Common warning signs are:
- Difficulty switching gears
- Unable to switch gears
- Grinding or a crunching sound
- Clutch slips or doesn’t “feel right”
- Burning smell or high engine revs
Automatic Transmissions

Automatic transmission issues are far more complex than manual transmission problems because they have twice as many parts. In general, automatic transmission problems fall into four categories:
- Car is slow to move after putting gearshift lever in Drive or other forward gear
- Car doesn’t move when you shift into a forward gear
- Bucking and kicking when driving
- Slowing down despite pressing harder on the gas pedal
For more details, see the Kelley Blue Book article Do I Need a New Transmission?
I have a transmission leak. What should I do?
This is one of the most common problems. Transmission fluid is usually red or green to distinguish it from oil and other fluids in your car. If you’re certain it’s your transmission, take it to your mechanic as soon as you can.

Generally, it’s not dangerous to drive with a leak in the sort-term, but it’s really not a good idea. Even if it’s a small leak, small leaks can turn into big leaks, which could lead to bigger problems down the road.
Is a new transmission and a transmission replacement the same thing?
If your mechanic says you need a new transmission, what you’ll be getting is a transmission replacement, so there really is no difference. However, there are two different types of transmission replacement: Rebuilt and Remanufactured.
- Rebuilt Transmission—Also called overhauling or reconditioning, this process involves inspecting and replacing only the parts that have failed. This work can be done in a local shop. This is the least costly of the two.
- Remanufactured Transmission—This process involves completely restoring your transmission back to factory standards. This needs to be performed at a factory assembly line location and is the most expensive.
So even though your mechanic says you need a new transmission, you won’t be getting a “brand new” transmission. In most cases, brand new transmissions are reserved only for new cars.
What does a transmission repair cost?
If you need transmission repair, the good news is at least you don’t need transmission replacement. The bad news is it’s still costly. Repair costs vary widely, too, due to a number of factors: make of your car, extent of damage, manual vs. automatic transmission, dealership vs. independent shop, even your location. That said, the following is a short list of typical transmission repairs along with their estimated costs:
- Transmission Leak: Common causes can be anything from a cracked fluid line to a faulty transmission pan.
- Transmission Fluid Flush: A transmission fluid flush involves draining all existing fluid and replacing it with brand new fluid. Average cost is between $165 and $290, but again, the cost depends on your make and model.
Other common transmission repairs include solenoid replacement and linkage tightening or replacing.