Key takeaways
- Leaving manual transmissions aside, published estimates for a full replacement run from $2,500 (J.D. Power, July 2023) to $7,100 (Kelley Blue Book); RepairPal's September 2026 average is $6,238 to $6,764.
- In our October 21, 2026 snapshot, typical used-yard asking prices ran from $541 to $3,208 for a Nissan Altima CVT and from $2,603 to $3,580 for a Ford 10R80, before labor.
- For all five, the median remanufactured price ($2,199 to $5,449) was above the typical used price (middle of the version medians, $1,250 to $3,000).
- Labor is set by the shop. RepairPal estimates $1,127 to $1,654, and in Texas there is no sales tax on repair labor.
- Match the replacement by VIN: the 4L60E from a 2003 Silverado 1500 is listed under different interchange numbers for 4X2 and 4X4, at different prices.
How much does a transmission replacement cost?
Leaving manual transmissions aside, the published estimates we found for a full replacement run from $2,500 to $7,100, and the newest one sits near the top of that range. The figures depend on whose data you read and what vehicle they assume.
The key numbers
- $6,238–$6,764RepairPal average total, September 2026, not adjusted for locationRepairPal
- $1,127–$1,654the labor share of that average, before taxesRepairPal
- $2,500–$6,000a truck transmission replacement, parts and laborJ.D. Power
- From $541a used transmission alone: low end for an Altima CVTTexas Engine Finder price snapshot, October 21, 2026
These are averages across many vehicles. None of them tells you what your car or truck will cost, because the biggest line on the bill, the transmission itself, moves a lot by model and by the kind of unit you buy.
| Source | Published | Estimate | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| J.D. Power | Jul 30, 2023 | $2,500–$5,000 | Mainstream car with an automatic transmission, parts and labor |
| J.D. Power | Jul 30, 2023 | $1,500–$3,000 | Manual transmission replacement on a car |
| J.D. Power | Jul 30, 2023 | $2,500–$6,000 | Truck, parts and labor (U.S. average) |
| Kelley Blue Book | Undated (archived copy) | $2,900–$7,100 | Average for a new transmission; KBB calls the range broad |
| RepairPal | Updated September 3, 2026 | $6,238–$6,764 | RepairPal average; labor $1,127–$1,654, parts around $5,110; excludes taxes and location |
What the transmission itself costs
The table shows asking prices we collected on October 21, 2026: used-yard listings for each transmission, and remanufacturer catalog prices for the same family.
- 4L60EUsed$600–$2,613Reman$2,199–$2,849
- 4L80EUsed$1,250–$2,915Reman$2,577–$2,799
- 6L80Used$1,201–$3,228Reman$2,849–$3,349
- 10R80Used$2,603–$3,580Reman$3,999–$4,320
- Nissan Altima CVTUsed$541–$3,208Reman$4,549–$6,249
For each version we priced, we set aside the cheapest quarter and the dearest quarter of its used asking prices, which leaves out the outliers. The range in the table runs from the lowest version's 25th percentile to the highest version's 75th percentile. These are asking prices, not quotes, and none of them include labor.
The used Altima CVT range is the widest in the table, and every remanufactured Altima listing cost more than the top of its used range. The 4L60E goes the other way: the cheapest remanufactured listing ($2,199) sat below the top of the used range ($2,613), so used is not always the cheaper choice.
| Transmission | Vehicles in our used sample | Used: typical asking price | Used listings | Remanufactured: listed from–to | Reman listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GM 4L60E | 1999 and 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $600–$2,613 | 294 | $2,199–$2,849 | 184 |
| GM 4L80E | 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD | $1,250–$2,915 | 97 | $2,577–$2,799 | 55 |
| GM 6L80 | 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe | $1,201–$3,228 | 295 | $2,849–$3,349 | 24 |
| Ford 10R80 | 2018 Ford F-150 | $2,603–$3,580 | 242 | $3,999–$4,320 | 17 |
| Nissan Altima CVT | 2010, 2015 and 2020 Nissan Altima | $541–$3,208 | 297 | $4,549–$6,249 | 7 |
Get a price for the part
Tell us the year, make and model. One independent supplier quotes availability, price and shipping — free to ask.
What labor adds to the bill
Labor is set by the shop that fits the transmission, so get it in writing before you commit to a part. RepairPal's September 2026 average (not adjusted for location) puts labor for a transmission replacement at $1,127 to $1,654, before taxes.
Where the money goes: RepairPal's average replacement
- Partsaround $5,110
- Labor$1,127–$1,654
- Average total$6,238–$6,764
The FTC explains that some shops charge a flat rate based on an independent or manufacturer's estimate of how long the job takes, while others bill the time the technician actually worked. Ask which one applies. Then ask for a written estimate that names the condition to be repaired, the parts and the expected labor charge, and keep a signed copy.
In Texas, the Comptroller says there is no sales tax on the labor to repair a motor vehicle. If the shop itemizes parts and labor on the invoice, it collects sales tax on the parts only.
Used, rebuilt, remanufactured or new: what you are paying for
The four options differ in how much of the transmission has been renewed, and the labels are not used consistently. The FTC treats remanufactured, rebuilt and reconditioned as terms that generally mean the same thing: parts restored to a sound working condition.
Kelley Blue Book separates them. In its definition, a rebuild inspects the transmission and replaces only the parts that failed, can be done in a local shop, and is the less costly of the two. A remanufactured transmission is restored to factory standards at a factory location. Because the words overlap, ask any seller exactly what was replaced.
A used transmission is what the FTC calls a salvage part: taken from another vehicle without alteration. The FTC cautions that the reliability of salvage parts is seldom assured, so get the seller's warranty terms in writing. Brand new is the rarest option. Kelley Blue Book says that in most cases brand new transmissions are reserved for new cars.
A quick decision table
Match the kind of unit to what matters most to you, then let the written quote decide.
| Option | What it is | Price evidence | Ask before you buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used | Taken from another vehicle without alteration (FTC) | Used-yard ranges in our snapshot, e.g. $600–$2,613 for a 4L60E | An exact VIN match, the mileage, and the seller's written warranty terms |
| Rebuilt by a shop | Failed parts replaced, can be done in a local shop (KBB) | Quoted by the shop; not in our data | Which parts were replaced, and whether the warranty covers labor |
| Remanufactured | Restored to factory standards at a factory location (KBB) | $2,199–$2,849 for a 4L60E up to $4,549–$6,249 for an Altima CVT | Whether shipping and any core charge are included; whether the warranty covers labor |
| New | In most cases reserved for new cars (KBB) | Not priced in our snapshot | Whether one is offered for your exact model |
What else can go on the bill
Extra parts and charges can move the total, so ask for each one to be listed. J.D. Power notes that additional repairs, such as replacing the clutch or torque converter, may be required and add to the overall cost. RepairPal also says related repairs may be needed.
Nissan's CVT warranty-extension bulletin makes a useful checklist of the parts a full CVT job can touch. A quote that names each of them is easier to compare with another.
What Nissan's CVT warranty extension covers
- The CVT assembly and internal CVT components
- Gaskets and seals
- The CVT control valve body
- The torque converter
- A cooler kit, if applicable
- Reprogramming of the transmission control module (TCM)
Remanufactured prices are not always like for like either. In our October 21, 2026 snapshot, one remanufacturer priced its units shipped to a repair shop and charged extra for home delivery. The FTC also notes that many manufacturers' warranties cover the replacement part but not the labor to install it. Ask what is included before you compare two numbers.
Signs your transmission may need replacing
Hard shifts, slow engagement, failure to shift and slipping are the common symptoms, but none of them proves the transmission is finished.
Symptoms the FTC lists
- Abrupt or hard shifts between gears
- A delayed or no response when shifting from neutral to drive or reverse
- Failure to shift during normal acceleration
- Slippage: the engine speeds up but the vehicle does not respond
- A red oily spot under the car, which points to a transmission or power-steering fluid leak
The FTC also warns that poor transmission performance can come from something as simple as a disconnected hose or a plugged filter, and says to make sure the technician checks the simple items first. For an expensive repair it suggests a second opinion, and notes that shops doing only diagnostic work, without selling parts or repairs, may give an objective view.
Watch for leaks too. Kelley Blue Book says transmission fluid is usually red or green and that small leaks can turn into big ones.
Watch: why a second opinion matters
How to save: a used transmission matched by VIN
The lowest asking prices in our snapshot were for used units, but a used transmission only saves money if it fits your exact vehicle, and the VIN is how you prove the fit.
Matching the family name is not enough. In our snapshot, the 4L60E from a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was listed under two interchange numbers: the 4X2 version at $1,672 to $2,613 and the 4X4 version at $781 to $1,882. Give the supplier your 17-character VIN so the right version is quoted.
One family name, two prices: 4L60E from a 2003 Silverado 1500
- 4X2 versionone interchange number$1,672–$2,613Texas Engine Finder price snapshot, October 21, 2026
- 4X4 versionanother interchange number$781–$1,882Texas Engine Finder price snapshot, October 21, 2026
After the quote arrives
- 1Supplier termsget the warranty and shipping terms in writing.
- 2Shop estimateget the written labor estimate and keep a signed copy.
- 3Repair orderit should list each repair, the parts and their cost, and labor (FTC).
- 4Old partsask for your replaced parts back; state law may require it (FTC).
Nissan Altima CVT transmission replacement cost
For a Nissan Altima, the CVT itself is the big variable. In our October 21, 2026 snapshot, used Altima CVTs were typically listed at $541 to $3,208 across 297 listings, and remanufactured units at $4,549 to $6,249 from 7 listings.
Used CVTs from a 2020 Altima were typically $541 to $1,300, against $1,324 to $1,746 for a 2015 and $995 to $3,208 for a 2010.
Altima CVT: used by model year, and remanufactured
- 2020 Altimaused$541–$1,300Texas Engine Finder price snapshot, October 21, 2026
- 2015 Altimaused$1,324–$1,746Texas Engine Finder price snapshot, October 21, 2026
- 2010 Altimaused$995–$3,208Texas Engine Finder price snapshot, October 21, 2026
- Remanufactured7 listings$4,549–$6,249Texas Engine Finder price snapshot, October 21, 2026
Nissan extended the CVT warranty on 2017 and 2018 Altimas from 60 months/60,000 miles to 84 months/84,000 miles, whichever occurs first. On a 2017 or 2018 car that will usually have run out by now; a Nissan dealer can confirm by VIN.
F-150 and GM truck transmission replacement costs
For a 2018 Ford F-150 with the 10R80, used asking prices in our snapshot ran $3,000 to $3,580 for the 3.5L turbo 4X4, $2,603 to $3,401 for the 5.0L 4X2 and $2,699 to $3,348 for the 5.0L 4X4. Remanufactured 10R80s were listed at $3,999 to $4,320.
2018 F-150 10R80: by engine and drive
- 3.5L turbo 4X4used$3,000–$3,580Texas Engine Finder price snapshot, October 21, 2026
- 5.0L 4X2used$2,603–$3,401Texas Engine Finder price snapshot, October 21, 2026
- 5.0L 4X4used$2,699–$3,348Texas Engine Finder price snapshot, October 21, 2026
- Remanufactured10R80$3,999–$4,320Texas Engine Finder price snapshot, October 21, 2026
On GM trucks, the 4L60E had the lowest used range of the three GM transmissions in our table, at $600 to $2,613, with remanufactured units at $2,199 to $2,849. A 4L60E rebuild is priced by the shop that does it, so put that quote next to these two numbers before you decide.
The heavier 4L80E from a 2003 Silverado 2500 HD ran $1,250 to $2,915 used. The 6L80 from a 2015 Silverado 1500 or 2012 Tahoe ran $1,201 to $3,228 used and $2,849 to $3,349 remanufactured.
Questions
How much does a full transmission replacement cost?
Published estimates differ. J.D. Power's July 2023 estimates put a mainstream car with an automatic transmission at $2,500 to $5,000 including parts and labor, and a truck at $2,500 to $6,000. RepairPal's September 2026 average (not adjusted for location) is $6,238 to $6,764. The unit you choose moves the total most: in our October 21, 2026 snapshot, typical used asking prices ran from $541 to $3,580 depending on the transmission.
How much is transmission labor?
The shop that does the work sets it. RepairPal's September 2026 average (not adjusted for location) is $1,127 to $1,654, before taxes. Shops bill either a flat rate from a published time estimate or the hours actually worked, so ask which, and get the labor charge in a signed written estimate.
Is getting a used transmission a good idea?
It can be the lowest-cost option, but only if it matches your vehicle exactly. The FTC cautions that the reliability of used (salvage) parts is seldom assured, so match the unit by VIN and get the supplier's warranty terms in writing before you buy.
How much is a used 4L60E?
In our October 21, 2026 snapshot, used 4L60E transmissions were typically listed at $600 to $2,613 across 294 listings from 1999 and 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks. Remanufactured 4L60E units were listed at $2,199 to $2,849. Labor is extra.
Is it cheaper to fix a transmission or replace it?
It depends on what has failed. The FTC says poor transmission performance can come from a disconnected hose or a plugged filter, and to have the simple items checked first. Kelley Blue Book calls a rebuild, which replaces only the failed parts, the less costly of its two replacement types. For an expensive job, the FTC suggests a second opinion.
Does the 2018 Nissan Altima have transmission problems?
Nissan extended the CVT warranty on 2017 and 2018 Altimas to 84 months/84,000 miles, whichever occurs first, to address customer concerns, including those raised in class actions. The bulletin does not give a failure rate. On a 2017 or 2018 car that will usually have run out by now; a Nissan dealer can confirm by VIN.
Sources
- RepairPal — Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate (estimates last updated September 3, 2026; read via Internet Archive snapshot of September 24, 2026, the live page refused our requests) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- J.D. Power — How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Transmission on a Car? (Dustin Hawley, Jul 30, 2023) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- J.D. Power — How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Transmission on a Truck? (Dustin Hawley, Jul 30, 2023) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- J.D. Power — How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Transmission on a Truck? (additional repairs) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Kelley Blue Book — Transmission Repair and Replacement Prices (read via Internet Archive snapshot of December 27, 2024; the live page refused our requests) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Kelley Blue Book — Transmission Repair and Replacement Prices (rebuilt vs remanufactured; archived December 27, 2024) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Kelley Blue Book — Transmission Repair and Replacement Prices (brand new transmissions; archived December 27, 2024) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Kelley Blue Book — Transmission Repair and Replacement Prices (leaks; archived December 27, 2024) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- FTC Consumer Advice — Auto Repair Basics (labor pricing, second opinion, diagnostic charges) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- FTC Consumer Advice — Auto Repair Basics (diagnostic charges and written estimates) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- FTC Consumer Advice — Auto Repair Basics (types of parts) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- FTC Consumer Advice — Auto Repair Basics (transmission symptoms) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- FTC Consumer Advice — Auto Repair Basics (slippage, leaks) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- FTC Consumer Advice — Auto Repair Basics (after the work is done) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Texas Comptroller — Publication 94-113, Motor Vehicle Repairs, Remodels and Maintenance (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Nissan — Quality Action Campaign Bulletin: CVT Warranty Extension, Revision 1 (November 2, 2023), filed with NHTSA (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Nissan — Quality Action Campaign Bulletin: CVT Warranty Extension, Revision 1 (duration and VIN check) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Texas Engine Finder price snapshot, October 21, 2026 — 4L60E (used-yard asking prices and remanufacturer catalog prices) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Texas Engine Finder price snapshot, October 21, 2026 — 4L80E (used-yard asking prices and remanufacturer catalog prices) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Texas Engine Finder price snapshot, October 21, 2026 — 6L80 (used-yard asking prices and remanufacturer catalog prices) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Texas Engine Finder price snapshot, October 21, 2026 — 10R80 (used-yard asking prices and remanufacturer catalog prices) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Texas Engine Finder price snapshot, October 21, 2026 — Nissan Altima CVT (used-yard asking prices and remanufacturer catalog prices) (accessed October 21, 2026)