Transmission repair cost by vehicle make and model (2026)
Find your vehicle below for specific cost ranges. All costs are at an independent transmission specialist. Dealer pricing runs 30 to 50% higher.
| Vehicle | Transmission | Minor | Rebuild | Replace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | U760E / U881E (8-spd) | $300 – $900 | $1,800 – $3,200 | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Honda Accord | 10-spd auto / CVT | $300 – $800 | $1,800 – $3,000 | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Honda Civic | CVT / 6-spd manual | $250 – $700 | $1,500 – $2,800 | $2,200 – $4,000 |
| Toyota RAV4 | Direct Shift CVT / 8-spd | $300 – $800 | $1,800 – $3,200 | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Nissan Altima | Jatco CVT8 | $300 – $700 | Rarely rebuilt | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Nissan Rogue | Jatco CVT8 | $300 – $700 | Rarely rebuilt | $3,500 – $6,000 |
| Subaru Outback | Lineartronic CVT (TR690) | $300 – $800 | Rarely rebuilt | $4,500 – $8,600 |
| Ford F-150 | 10R80 (10-spd) | $400 – $1,000 | $2,500 – $4,500 | $3,500 – $6,000 |
| Chevy Silverado 1500 | 10L80 (10-spd) | $400 – $1,000 | $2,500 – $4,500 | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Ram 1500 | ZF 8HP75 (8-spd) | $400 – $1,000 | $2,500 – $4,000 | $3,200 – $5,500 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | ZF 8HP / 845RE | $400 – $1,000 | $2,200 – $4,000 | $3,000 – $5,500 |
| Ford Explorer | 10R60 (10-spd) | $400 – $900 | $2,200 – $4,000 | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 8-spd DCT / 6-spd auto | $300 – $800 | $1,800 – $3,200 | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| BMW 3 Series | ZF 8HP (8-spd) | $500 – $1,200 | $3,500 – $5,500 | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| BMW 5 Series | ZF 8HP (8-spd) | $500 – $1,500 | $3,500 – $6,000 | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| Mercedes C-Class | 9G-TRONIC (9-spd) | $500 – $1,500 | $3,500 – $6,000 | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| Audi A4 | ZF 8HP / S tronic DSG | $500 – $1,200 | $3,500 – $5,500 | $4,500 – $8,000 |
// CVT vehicles marked "Rarely rebuilt" are typically replaced rather than rebuilt due to specialised tooling requirements.
Domestic: Ford, Chevy, Ram, Jeep
Domestic trucks and SUVs use heavy-duty transmissions designed for towing and payload. The Ford 10R80 and Chevy 10L80 are 10-speed units with more clutch packs and wider gear spreads than sedan transmissions, which raises rebuild complexity and cost.
4WD note: If your truck or SUV is 4WD, the transfer case may need to be addressed during transmission work. Adds 1 to 3 hours of labour. Make sure your quote accounts for it.
The Ram 1500 uses a ZF 8HP75, the same family used in BMW and Jaguar. Sophisticated unit. Look for a shop that specifically works on ZF transmissions.
Japanese: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru
Toyota and Honda conventional automatics are among the most affordable to rebuild, with established procedures and widely available parts. CVT-equipped Nissan and Subaru vehicles are a different story.
For detailed CVT costs and known issues, see the CVT transmission cost guide.
European: BMW, Mercedes, Audi
European transmissions cost 40 to 80% more than comparable domestic or Japanese vehicles. Why:
- // ZF units: Most European vehicles use ZF transmissions that require specialised tooling
- // Dealer diagnostics: Some models require manufacturer scan tools for reprogramming
- // Specialised fluid: $15-$30 per litre vs $5-$10 for domestic ATF
- // Parts availability: Genuine parts ordered from manufacturer, adding cost and time
- // Labour complexity: Tight engine bays, more electrical connections, additional sensors
Despite higher cost, ZF transmissions are well-engineered and reliable when properly maintained. Fluid changes every 30,000 to 50,000 miles are critical.
Why trucks cost more
Larger clutch packs, wider bands, stronger gears for towing loads
12-16 quarts vs 8-10 for a sedan, raising fluid costs
Must be removed and reinstalled, adding labour
Heavier and harder to manoeuvre, more time required
Common questions
Which vehicles are most expensive to repair transmissions on?+
European luxury (BMW, Audi, Mercedes) is most expensive at $3,500 to $6,000+ for a rebuild due to ZF transmissions, dealer-only diagnostics, and specialised fluids. Full-size trucks with heavy-duty transmissions are also higher at $2,500 to $4,500.
Why do truck transmissions cost more to rebuild?+
Trucks use heavier-duty transmissions designed for towing: larger components, more clutch packs, higher fluid capacity, and 4WD transfer case interaction. The transmission is physically larger and heavier, requiring more labour for R&R.