How Much Will It Cost to Fix My Transmission?

By Mister Transmission

Transmission repairs can be costly. Determining what you can expect to pay to get your vehicle back on the road depends on these factors

Of all the components that comprise your vehicle’s engine, the transmission is quite possibly the most complex. All mechanical devices need to be serviced and repaired occasionally. If your transmission has failed and is in need of a repair, or if you’ve noticed warning signs that something’s amiss and suspect a repair is required, the first thing that’s likely to pop into your head is, “How much will it cost to fix my transmission?”

Fair question. But there is no single answer. It depends on many factors ranging from the type of transmission your vehicle has (manual or automatic, five-speed or six-speed), to how old or how many kilometres it has driven, to whether or not it is under warranty. It could be that your vehicle’s transmission fluid level is too low or that the fluid viscosity is the wrong type for your car. Or it’s possible your transmission has failed and it must be rebuilt or replaced.

Spotting Potential Problems Early is Key to Keeping the Cost Down

As transmission repairs can prove to be costly, it’s wise to be aware of what the warning signs are before a total breakdown occurs. If you recognize a potential problem before it unfolds, you can potentially save yourself a lot of money, and certainly a lot of stress.

If your car has an automatic transmission or gearbox, some of the most common symptoms to be mindful of include:

  • Delayed engagement. When shifting from “Park” to “Reverse” or “Drive”, there’s a delay before the gear shifts. Thus, even if you rev the engine, the vehicle doesn’t move right away.
  • Gear slippage. Also known as transmission slippage, when the gear changes for seemingly no reason while driving, and when it does, the sound of the engine will change.
  • A burning smell. If your car’s transmission fluid is well beyond its best before date, it won’t smell pleasant (think rotten eggs or rotting fish). Furthermore, if the fluid hasn’t been changed in a long while, is low, or if the transmission fluid is overheating it will begin to give off a noticeable burning smell.
  • Unusual noises. When your car is in park or idling in neutral, if you hear unusual noises like rattling, clanging, or grinding sounds, it’s possible you may need to have worn out parts replaced like the bearings or gear teeth.

If your car has a manual transmission, be wary of these common warning signs:

  • Leaking fluid. Transmission fluid is red in colour (or it should be). If you find a pool of red liquid beneath your car, chances are your transmission is bleeding its vital fluid. Without fluid, the transmission will overheat and eventually seize up.
  • Gear failure. If you notice your car isn’t changing gears smoothly, and the clutch feels wrong or different when you’re driving, the clutch may be dragging, the hydraulic system may be failing, or the clutch may be warped.
  • Inability to change gears. If you can’t change from one gear to another with ease or at all, that’s a clear sign something is very wrong with your transmission. It’s possible the synchronization may be off between the clutch and gearbox.
  • Faulty shift lever. If the shift lever becomes hard to move while switching gears, any number of issues could be behind this problem from having the wrong type of fluid in your transmission to damage done to internal components such as the shift rails or shifting forks.

One of the easiest signs to spot that something might be wrong beneath the hood regardless of the type of vehicle you drive or the transmission it has is on your dashboard: the engine warning indicator. If the engine warning light illuminates, it’s recommended you have a mechanic check to see what the cause is. It might not have anything to do with your transmission, but it’s better to be sure than to be sorry.

Last but not least, get the transmission fluid and filter changed as often as is recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. It is the best preventative maintenance you can have performed on your transmission. Doing so will help prevent full-on breakdowns and expensive repairs over time.

Are you experiencing transmission problems? Call the experts at a Mister Transmission near you to book a service appointment, and ask for your free 21-point multi-check inspection.

image-reviews image-reviews
Customer Reviews
Ken 非常专业,推荐!
David Shih
Ken 非常专业,推荐!
Date: April 30, 2025
Website: Google
The front person and mechanic...
Cynthia Saunders
The front person and mechanic were awesome. Checked oil level, added and identified the problem quickly. Was very impressed with the service received. Do recommend checking them out if having issues with your transmission
Date: April 30, 2025
Website: Google
I am fearful of transmission...
Paul Legeny
I am fearful of transmission problems as they are usually very costly. I took my Jeep Cherokee to Luke's shop on Kennedy Road South. He took it for a test drive, ran diagnostics and checked the transmission fluid. He agreed that there was a hesitation when shifting out of first and second gears but noted that it gets better when it warms up. Diagnostics revealed an error code which was out of his scope as it was not a transmission issue. The fluid was good and he suggested that I take it to another shop to address the error code and bring the car back and he will have another look at it. When I asked how much for his services, no cost at all to me. Thank you Luke...I really appreciate your honesty and you truly are an ambassador for Mr. Transmission!
Date: April 30, 2025
Website: Google
I went in for a...
Toby Collins
I went in for a tire changeover, and they always look over my car making sure it’s in tip top shape. I needed a few other things this time, as they were definitely due. Very pleased how they take care of me and my car. Highly recommend! I’ve been going here for years.
Date: April 30, 2025
Website: Google
Nice people to deal with....
Laura Tory
Nice people to deal with. Good service.
Date: April 30, 2025
Website: Google
I had a fantastic experience...
Team Cloutier
I had a fantastic experience with Mister Transmission. They called me back right away and were able to schedule a diagnostic appointment very quickly. The whole process was clear, professional, and left me feeling genuinely well taken care of. You can tell they really care about their customers. Chris, the owner, was amazing—knowledgeable, friendly, and truly went above and beyond. Highly recommend!
Date: April 29, 2025
Website: Google
You got love Ken, very...
Abu Manal
You got love Ken, very nice guy
Date: April 29, 2025
Website: Google
The service here at Mister...
Lyle Acorn
The service here at Mister Transmission was excellent. I have had problems in the past with mechanics shops, and I am so glad to have found such a trustworthy and fair shop that I can put my faith in. Highly recommend , if a 6th star was available I'd definitely give it to Jamie and his talented crew
Date: April 29, 2025
Website: Google
Great company. price was awesome....
James Stuart
Great company. price was awesome. Work was done right. But they really went above and beyond when a part in the transmission went sour. After the rebuild was done. They had it in replaced and back to me in one day. Exceptional service from start to finish. Highly recommend them
Date: April 29, 2025
Website: Google
Gus was friendly and helpful....
Matthew
Gus was friendly and helpful. He laid out my options clearly. When the repair was complete, they even updated my car’s computer software for free! Next-level service; would recommend!
Date: April 28, 2025
Website: Google
Featured Services
Transmission Repair

The evolution of transmissions has made these machines and systems increasingly complex. When transmission repairs are required, determining the cause and cure for what ails can be tricky.

Read More
Transmission Technology

At Mister Transmission we have access to leading-edge diagnostic equipment, enabling us to offer you the fastest and most accurate findings about what’s going on inside your vehicle’s transmission.

Read More
Transmission Maintenance & Service

Just as you have other parts of your car serviced, your transmission needs maintenance to ensure a long life and avoid transmission problems.

Read More
Mister Transmission Blogs
Recent Blogs
Preventative Transmission Maintenance: 5...
A vehicle's transmission is one of its most critical components, responsible for
Read More
April 30, 2025
Transmission Rebuild Vs. Replacement: Wh...
When a vehicle's transmission begins to fail, owners often face a crucial decision:
Read More
April 23, 2025
Transmission Overheating Causes: How To ...
Transmission overheating occurs when the system becomes too hot to function properly.
Read More
April 16, 2025
Signs Of A Failing Transmission Filter A...
The transmission filter plays a crucial role in keeping the transmission system clean
Read More
April 7, 2025
Manual Vs. Automatic Transmission Mainte...
Your vehicle’s transmission plays a crucial role in keeping your car running
Read More
March 31, 2025
Honda Transmission Replacement Price: Wh...
The cost of replacing a Honda transmission varies depending on the model, year, and
Read More
March 28, 2025
How Much Does A New Transmission Cost? A...
A vehicle’s transmission is one of its most crucial components, responsible for
Read More
March 24, 2025
Cheap Transmission Repair Services: Wher...
Transmission repair costs can be high due to the complexity of the system. Unlike
Read More
March 7, 2025
How To Find The Best Transmission Repair...
A vehicle's transmission is one of its most crucial components, ensuring smooth gear
Read More
February 28, 2025
Automatic Transmission Slipping Issues: ...
Automatic transmissions are crucial components of modern vehicles, allowing smooth
Read More
February 21, 2025