Transmission Repair Cost by Vehicle Make and Model (2026)
Last verified April 2026
Find your vehicle below for specific cost ranges. All costs include parts and labour at an independent transmission specialist. Dealer pricing is typically 30-50% higher.
| Vehicle | Transmission | Minor Repair | Rebuild | Replace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | U760E / U881E (8-speed) | $300 - $900 | $1,800 - $3,200 | $2,500 - $4,000 |
| Honda Accord | 10-speed auto / CVT | $300 - $800 | $1,800 - $3,000 | $2,500 - $4,500 |
| Honda Civic | CVT / 6-speed manual | $250 - $700 | $1,500 - $2,800 | $2,200 - $4,000 |
| Toyota RAV4 | Direct Shift CVT / 8-speed | $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-speed) | $400 - $1,000 | $2,500 - $4,500 | $3,500 - $6,000 |
| Chevy Silverado 1500 | 10L80 (10-speed) | $400 - $1,000 | $2,500 - $4,500 | $3,500 - $5,500 |
| Ram 1500 | ZF 8HP75 (8-speed) | $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-speed) | $400 - $900 | $2,200 - $4,000 | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 8-speed DCT / 6-speed auto | $300 - $800 | $1,800 - $3,200 | $2,500 - $4,500 |
| BMW 3 Series | ZF 8HP (8-speed) | $500 - $1,200 | $3,500 - $5,500 | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| BMW 5 Series | ZF 8HP (8-speed) | $500 - $1,500 | $3,500 - $6,000 | $5,000 - $9,000 |
| Mercedes C-Class | 9G-TRONIC (9-speed) | $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 specialized tooling requirements.
Domestic Makes: 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 increases rebuild complexity and cost.
4WD considerations: If your truck or SUV is 4WD, the transfer case may need to be addressed during transmission work. Transfer case removal adds 1 to 3 hours of labour. Make sure your quote accounts for this if applicable.
The Ram 1500 uses a ZF 8HP75, the same family of transmissions used in BMW and Jaguar vehicles. It is a sophisticated unit, and not every independent shop has experience with it. Look for a shop that specifically works on ZF transmissions.
Japanese Makes: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru
Toyota and Honda conventional automatics are among the most affordable to rebuild, with well-established rebuild procedures and widely available parts. However, CVT-equipped Nissan and Subaru vehicles are a different story.
Nissan CVT warning: If you own a 2013-2018 Nissan Altima, Rogue, Sentra, or Pathfinder, check with Nissan for any remaining warranty extension or goodwill coverage before paying for a CVT replacement. Some dealers will still cover or discount the work on known problem units.
For detailed CVT costs and known issues, see our CVT transmission cost guide.
European Makes: BMW, Mercedes, Audi
European transmissions cost 40-80% more than comparable domestic or Japanese vehicles for several reasons:
- ZF transmissions: Most European vehicles use ZF units that require specialized rebuilding knowledge and tooling
- Dealer-only diagnostics: Some models require manufacturer-specific scan tools for reprogramming after transmission work
- Specialized fluid: European transmissions often require specific fluid specifications that cost $15-$30 per litre vs $5-$10 for domestic ATF
- Parts availability: Genuine parts may need to be ordered from the manufacturer, adding cost and time
- Labour complexity: Tighter engine bays, more electrical connections, and additional sensors increase R&R time
Despite the higher cost, European transmissions from ZF are generally well-engineered and reliable when properly maintained. Fluid changes every 30,000-50,000 miles are critical.
Why Trucks Cost More
Full-size trucks consistently fall at the higher end of transmission repair costs. Here is why:
Heavier-duty components
Larger clutch packs, wider bands, stronger gears to handle towing loads
Larger fluid capacity
12-16 quarts vs 8-10 for a sedan, increasing fluid change costs
4WD transfer case
Must be removed and reinstalled during transmission work, adding labour
Physical size and weight
The transmission is heavier and harder to manoeuvre, requiring more time
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vehicles are most expensive to repair transmissions on?
European luxury vehicles (BMW, Audi, Mercedes) are the most expensive, typically $3,500 to $6,000+ for a rebuild due to complex ZF transmissions, dealer-only diagnostics, and specialized fluids. Full-size trucks with heavy-duty transmissions are also on the higher end at $2,500 to $4,500.
Why do truck transmissions cost more to rebuild?
Trucks use heavier-duty transmissions designed for towing, which means larger components, more clutch packs, higher fluid capacity, and often 4WD transfer case interaction. The transmission itself is physically larger and heavier, requiring more labour time for removal and reinstallation.