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
Lorenzo and his team did...
Fernando Munoz
Lorenzo and his team did a great job on my VW Cabriolet. Lorenzo is very knowledgeable and provides an honest opinion. Repair had a fair cost, and I had a friendly service. I'm so pleased about finding a great transmission shop and shop crew.
Date: November 4, 2024
Website: Google
My sincere thanks to the...
Patricia Pike
My sincere thanks to the team at the Beechville Mr. Transmission. They spent the time to clearly explain what they were going to do and when it turned out that my transmission was unrepairable, they didn't charge for the time they had taken to look at it. They were very helpful and provided me with advice on next steps. Thanks guys. - Patti
Date: November 4, 2024
Website: Google
Thanks Phil for the great...
Dan Zybert
Thanks Phil for the great service you guys did for me fast transmission service with great warranty and prices.
Date: November 4, 2024
Website: Google
Casey and all the people...
Kaitlin Farmer
Casey and all the people there were so kind and helpful ! We really appreciate their service! We love how Casey would update us often. And the work that was done on our Dodge Journey was great. Highly recommend going here! Thanks Mister Transmission for all your great work !!
Date: November 2, 2024
Website: Google
Mister Transmission has always been...
Sunny L.
Mister Transmission has always been our first choice for vehicle repairs. They take the time to thoroughly check everything and, incredibly, they don’t charge any diagnostic fees. This is a huge relief, as other shops often charge hundreds just to diagnose an issue, even when they don’t fix it. Mister Transmission’s commitment to transparency and customer care makes them stand out. We trust them completely with our vehicles and highly recommend their service to anyone looking for reliable, honest auto repair.
Date: November 1, 2024
Website: Google
I had the best experience...
Tanya Comrie
I had the best experience with Mister Transmission at the Queensway. Uli took really good care of me and was very professional, kind and courteous. He was able to explain thoroughly what was the problem and gave me constant updates in terms of what was happening with my car. He took a hopeless situation with my car’s transmission (as stated by dealership) and fixed my car. It runs as good as new. John, the mechanic was very thorough as well. If you need your transmission done, please go to this location. As mentioned in another post, the owner and everyone at Mister Transmission are very honest and do a fantastic job. I cannot say enough good things about this place. Thanks Uli!
Date: November 1, 2024
Website: Google
Great service
Alan Fraser
Great service
Date: November 1, 2024
Website: Google
I recently had my transmission...
Nate Wilson
I recently had my transmission give out on my Nissan Rogue, I brought the car in and was explained the process, the price was fair and the work was done professionally. I was even able to get my brakes and exhaust repair at the same time. This shop offers it all for me, make sure to talk to Noah in the front for all your needs.
Date: October 31, 2024
Website: Google
Thank you Jordan and the...
Omar
Thank you Jordan and the amazing team. 1st class service.
Date: October 31, 2024
Website: Google
Thank you Jordan and the...
Omar
Thank you Jordan and the amazing team. 1st class service.
Date: October 31, 2024
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
Honda Transmission Repair: Ensuring Long...
When it comes to maintaining your Honda's performance and reliability, the
Read More
October 7, 2024
Tips For Maintaining A Healthy Transmiss...
Maintaining a healthy transmission is crucial for the overall performance and
Read More
September 27, 2024
Top Reasons For Transmission Failure
Transmission issues can be a major concern for vehicle owners, leading to costly
Read More
September 20, 2024
What Happens If You Ignore Transmission ...
Ignoring transmission problems can lead to a series of escalating issues, potentially
Read More
September 13, 2024
How To Identify A Failing Transmission
Understanding when your transmission is beginning to fail can save you time, money,
Read More
September 6, 2024
The Lifespan Of A Repaired Transmission
Maintaining the health of your vehicle's transmission is crucial for its overall
Read More
August 28, 2024
Why Transmission Repairs Can Be Expensiv...
Transmission repairs are one of the most significant automotive expenses a vehicle
Read More
August 21, 2024
Can Driving With A Bad Transmission Dama...
Driving with a malfunctioning transmission can cause serious damage to your vehicle.
Read More
August 14, 2024
The Costs Of Transmission Repairs: What ...
Transmission repairs can be a significant financial burden for car owners.
Read More
August 9, 2024
Should You Repair Or Replace Your Transm...
When faced with transmission problems, many car owners grapple with the decision of
Read More
July 31, 2024