How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Car Transmission?

When you turn the key in your vehicle, you want to know you'll get where you're going without trouble. There's a lot that happens under the hood to make that possible, including in your transmission, which helps the power from your engine reach your wheels. If your transmission fails, you won't be able to drive. Transmission replacement costs can be more than $5,000, but you might not need to replace the entire transmission to get back on the road. Repairing or rebuilding the transmission could save you thousands.

Your car's transmission, also known as a gearbox, harnesses the power from your vehicle's engine and transmits it to the wheels. Transmissions allow cars to switch gears, move efficiently and keep the engine from working too hard.

The transmission uses a series of gears to keep the engine's revolutions per minute (RPM) relatively low. Without a transmission, an engine would turn too fast and wear out quickly. Here's a broad, three-step overview of how transmissions work:

1. A gear lever moves and connects gears. If you have a manual transmission, the driver controls the gear lever by pushing the clutch. If you have an automatic transmission, this is controlled by the car's computer systems.
2. The gear lever connects clutch plates, which convey power from the engine to the gears. These gears are connected to the car's differentials, the systems that turn the wheels.
3. The gear lever changes the power ratio between the engine and the wheels by connecting with different gears at different times. This means you can control the amount of power the wheels are getting, while still allowing the engine to operate at a stable rate.

If your transmission starts to fail, your car will become a lot less smooth to drive. You might notice signs and symptoms of transmission failure, including:

• Clunking and other noises. You may hear an array of noises—from humming to buzzing to clunks from the engine—when you're shifting gears.
• Trouble shifting gears. Experiencing gear slips, hard shifting, shaking, vibrations or engine revving when you shift gears are all signs of trouble.
• A burning smell can indicate that the transmission or engine is running too hot.
• A check engine light, which can indicate high temperatures.
• Leaking fluids. Red liquid beneath your car could indicate your transmission is leaking fluid. Black or brown transmission fluid is a sign that the fluid is too old or has been overheated.
• Lack of acceleration.

When you notice these signs, it's time to see a mechanic. If your transmission fails while you're driving, you could experience a sudden and dangerous loss of power. On the other hand, seeing a mechanic early could help you avoid a total transmission replacement.

On average, replacing your transmission can cost between $4,000 and $7,000. However, there are many factors that impact the final price of a transmission replacement, including:

• The make, model and year of your vehicle. Large, luxury and newer vehicles generally have pricier transmissions.
• The type of transmission. Manual transmissions are usually cheaper than automatics.
• Where you're buying it. Transmissions from the auto manufacturer (OEM parts) are generally more expensive than transmissions made by third parties.
• Labor costs. Going to a dealership for a transmission replacement is often more expensive than using an independent auto shop. Unfortunately, transmission replacement is a major repair that usually can't be DIYed.
• Your location. People living in high-cost-of-living areas will likely pay more for a new transmission.

If your transmission goes, putting in a new transmission is the most expensive fix. You may be able to save money by repairing or rebuilding your existing transmission rather than replacing it altogether.

During a transmission rebuild, a mechanic removes the transmission from your car. Then they inspect, clean and repair all the parts before reassembling and reinstalling the transmission. A rebuild costs about half the price of a transmission replacement—about $2,000 to $3,500.

Here's an overview of your options for repairing a broken or failing transmission.

Once your transmission goes, you have to either repair it or get a new vehicle. That's why most car owners dread transmission replacements, which are among the most costly car repairs.

While you can't always avoid transmission trouble, you can help keep your transmission running well by doing the following:

• Keep up with routine maintenance, including having your transmission serviced. Your owner's manual should have recommendations for how often the service should be done.
• Top off transmission fluid regularly, and always use the right type for your vehicle. Your owner's manual will have this information, too.
• Don't tow too much. If your vehicle can tow, stick to the manufacturer's weight limits. Towing too much weight can strain your engine and your transmission.
• Stop fully before shifting between drive, reverse, neutral and park.
• See a mechanic as soon as you notice signs of transmission trouble.

The transmission is a critical part of your car. Without it, you won't be able to drive. While transmission replacement costs can run $5,000 or more, getting your transmission rebuilt instead can save you about half the cost. If you notice transmission trouble early, transmission repair costs are much more affordable than replacement or rebuilding.

The Synchrony Car Care^TM credit card can help you manage the cost of transmission replacement and other unexpected costs of car ownership. Learn more about the Synchrony Car Care™ credit card and apply today.