So your transmission has failed and you’ve decided (or are coming to the conclusion) that the best course of action is to either have it rebuilt locally or replace it with a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
The following is a comparison of the difference in warranties, procedures, quality, and cost between the two most popular methods of fixing a vehicle with a transmission problem.
Not sure what transmission your vehicle has? Use one of these 5 other ways to find out.
Rebuilt vs Remanufactured Transmission Cost
The table below shows what a fair price is for a replacement remanufactured transmission for a number of makes & models.
Click the prices to go direct to the supplier’s website page.
Reman Transmission Pricing Table
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 4L60E / 4L65E | 2100 |
| 4L80E | 2256 |
| 4T45E / 4T40E | 1935 |
| 4T65E | 1935 |
| 5L40E (Exc. BMW) | 2453 |
| 6T40 / 6T45 | 2432 |
| 6T75E / 6T70 | 2432 |
| 6L80 / 6L90 | 2559 |
| Allison 1000 | 2478 |
| 4R75E/W 4R70W | 2025 |
| 4R100 / E4OD | 2226 |
| 4F27E | 1856 |
| 5R55S/N/W/E | 2203 |
| 5R110W | 2432 |
| AX4N / AX4S | 2037 |
| CD4E | 1947 |
| FNR5 / AWTF-80 | 2148 |
| 6F50 / 6F35 | 2480 |
| 6R60 | 2559 |
| 6R80 | 2559 |
| AWF21 | 2233 |
| 6R140 | 3864 |
| 41TE (A604) | 1905 |
| 46RE (A518) | 2053 |
| 47RE (A618) | 2204 |
| 48RE | 2712 |
| 42RLE | 2152 |
| 545RFE | 2348 |
| 62TE | 2409 |
| 65RFE | 2478 |
| 68RFE | 3543 |
| W5A580 / NAG1 | 2589 |
| Nissan RE5R05A | 2583 |
| Nissan CVT | Call |
| 722.6 | Call |
More Information by Transmission Type
Warranty
Rebuilt / Local Rebuild
A rebuilt transmission is typically covered by a 12-month/12,000 mile warranty (whichever comes first). This is a very basic warranty, but it will pay for repairs, should there be any defective parts in the transmission or torque converter. However, you’re often limited to which shops can perform the repairs. And labor charges may or may not be covered, so be sure to read the fine print.
Remanufactured
A quality remanufactured transmission will often come with a 3-year/unlimited mile warranty. Because of the scope of the remanufacturing process, a longer warranty can be offered.
Many companies selling reman transmissions also provide nationwide parts and labor coverage, which allows you to go to the shop of your choice, regardless of what state you happen to be in when your transmission fails. The warranty is also typically transferrable, should you ever decide to sell the vehicle.
Rebuilding Procedure
Rebuilt / Local Rebuild
Also called refurbishing, overhauling or reconditioning, the rebuilding process involves disassembling, inspecting, cleaning and replacing damaged or worn parts in a shop setting.
To rebuild a transmission, a technician will remove it from the vehicle, take it apart and inspect all of the key components.Any parts that are still inside the manufacturer’s acceptable wear limits are reused, and anything that’s too worn will be replaced.
In most cases, all of the “soft parts” like gaskets, seals, bands and o-rings are replaced. And finally, the whole thing is put back together and reinstalled in the car.
The quality of components used in a rebuild may not be ideal at a less-than-reputable shop.
Remanufactured
Remanufacturing a transmission involves completely restoring a transmission back to factory standards in a factory assembly line setting – making it as close to new as possible.
In some cases, the transmission is upgraded to include “bug fixes” and factory updates from the manufacturer such as modifications to the valve body as well as more durable parts (eg. higher quality friction material) to address common weak points of the transmission that typically caused the failure. This ensures that the transmission is as up-to-date as possible with the design and components used in brand new transmissions.
The process starts by disassembling a core (a broken/used transmission), then cleaning and inspecting all of the parts (crankshaft, camshaft and rods, head & block castings, etc.) and checking them against original equipment specifications.
All of the components that are identified as being out of specification (too worn out or damaged), are replaced with new parts or parts that have been requalified to meet very specific tolerances and standards.
The valve body is then tested and remanufactured back to original specification. Metal surfaces are measured and machined to the correct dimensional tolerances. All of the electronic components are tested, then new solenoids and other electrical parts are installed.
After machining and painting the case, the transmission is reassembled on an assembly line, quality checked, then hot/cold tested on a dynamometer or “dyno” prior machine prior to shipment. A dyno is a device that measures torque, power, RPMs and line pressure to make sure the transmission meets specifications and works properly.
Turnaround Time
Rebuilding a transmission takes time. The transmission must be removed, disassembled, parts purchased, reassembled, and installed back in the vehicle which can take 3 to 5 days.
A remanufactured transmission on the other hand, is already complete, and shipped directly from the factory. Depending on the time it takes to be ordered, shipped and delivered, and the installer’s schedule, the job of actually installing a remanufactured transmission should take about 1 to 2 days.
Quality
When it comes down to it, both options are a re-created or “refurbished” transmission made up of a mix of new and old parts. The difference is, all of the key components in a reman transmission are new, and the dyno testing helps prevent problems from even leaving the factory.
How do I know if I am buying a Remanufactured Transmission from a Legit Supplier?
Pro Tip: Resist the urge to buy low priced reman transmissions over the Internet from companies that have no address listed on their website. Any company offering higher than a 3 year warranty is a red flag: Keep in mind that no GM, Ford or Chrysler dealership offers higher than a 3 year warranty on remanufactured transmissions. If you prefer to not have to take a chance, buy a remanufactured transmission through an auto parts store such as Autozone, Oreillys or Advance Auto Parts.
Red flags to watch for:
–Higher than normal warranty. Anything higher than 3 years is not industry standard. Keep in mind that GM, Ford or Chrysler dealers only offer a 3 year warranty on transmissions.
–Priced low. Priced lower than normal remanufactured pricing found at Autozone, Oreillys, Advance Auto Parts above.
–No commercial location. No street address listed, or the street address listed is a home or mail forwarding address.
–No local telephone number. Companies ran out of a home typically will only have a toll-free number. Legitimate companies have both toll-free and local numbers.
–Bad reviews. Patterns of bad reviews, especially regarding warranty situations.
Legitimate remanufactured transmission suppliers:
-Have a street address listed on their website. Google the full street address. If there is no full street address listed on the website, or or if the address appears to be a mail forwarding address, it is likely ran out of a house.
-Have no pattern of 1 star reviews on their Google Business listing, Yelp or Better Business Bureau profile. Google the name of the company.
-Have a local telephone number and not just a toll-free 800 number. Legitimate companies have both toll-free and local numbers.
Cost
Before 2009, it was more economical to have your transmission rebuilt at a local transmission rebuild shop vs. replace it with a remanufactured transmission.
In 2018, the price to replace your transmission with a remanufactured can be less than having it rebuilt, with a longer warranty (3 years vs. 1 year).
Rebuilt / Rebuild- $1500 to $3500 – 1 Year Warranty Standard
The customer is given an estimated price range before the transmission is removed & disassembled.
When having your transmission rebuilt, the repair shop should give you a price range based on their initial diagnosis. An accurate price cannot be determined until the transmission has been taken apart and properly diagnosed. The extent of the internal damage will determine where in the range the final cost will be.
An exact price given over the phone or email before the shop has inspected the transmission is a red flag. There is no way to know exactly how much labor and replacement parts will be needed to get your transmission back on the road.
Remanufactured – $1300 to $3400 – 3 Year Warranty Standard
The customer is quoted a fixed price for the transmission.
When you buy a remanufactured transmission you pay one price, and all of the internal components are Original Equipment (OE) spec or better. There are no surprise charges because the transmission has already been completely remanufactured and tested at the factory.
The installation cost of the remanufactured transmission is in addition to the cost of the transmission. The labor cost to remove your transmission and install the reman typically ranges from $500 to $1200 and it should take them about 1-2 days to install it and get you back on the road.
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 4L60E / 4L65E | 2100 |
| 4L80E | 2256 |
| 4T45E / 4T40E | 1935 |
| 4T65E | 1935 |
| 5L40E (Exc. BMW) | 2453 |
| 6T40 / 6T45 | 2432 |
| 6T75E / 6T70 | 2432 |
| 6L80 / 6L90 | 2559 |
| Allison 1000 | 2478 |
| 4R75E/W 4R70W | 2025 |
| 4R100 / E4OD | 2226 |
| 4F27E | 1856 |
| 5R55S/N/W/E | 2203 |
| 5R110W | 2432 |
| AX4N / AX4S | 2037 |
| CD4E | 1947 |
| FNR5 / AWTF-80 | 2148 |
| 6F50 / 6F35 | 2480 |
| 6R60 | 2559 |
| 6R80 | 2559 |
| AWF21 | 2233 |
| 6R140 | 3864 |
| 41TE (A604) | 1905 |
| 46RE (A518) | 2053 |
| 47RE (A618) | 2204 |
| 48RE | 2712 |
| 42RLE | 2152 |
| 545RFE | 2348 |
| 62TE | 2409 |
| 65RFE | 2478 |
| 68RFE | 3543 |
| W5A580 / NAG1 | 2589 |
| Nissan RE5R05A | 2583 |
| Nissan CVT | Call |
| 722.6 | Call |
Other Repair & Replacement Options
– “New” Transmissions
If you go to your local dealership and ask for a new transmission, you’ll actually be getting a remanufactured transmission. Car manufacturers don’t build parts for sale to the general public. Every transmission that comes off the production line, goes into a car. When a dealer needs to replace one under warranty, they’re sent one from a factory authorized remanufacturer. So that “new” transmission, isn’t actually new at all.
– Used Transmissions
When you buy a used transmission from a junk yard, you could be buying somebody else’s problems. Salvage yards aren’t equipped to perform a sufficient mechanical inspection. They simply remove the transmission from a junked/wrecked car, then sell it to you.
There’s no way to know how long a used transmission will last. And the junk yard warranty only means that they’ll give you another “gently used” transmission, if the one you just bought does not work properly. The labor charges to put a second or third transmission in typically come out of your pocket.
All that said, this is the cheapest way to get your car back on the road–but also the riskiest.
– Repaired Transmissions
Getting a transmission repaired / patched typically involves fixing or replacing a specific component which requires much less time and effort than a rebuild or replacement. For example, a failed solenoid, transmission leak or broken input shaft can be repaired without having to take the entire transmission apart. The goal is to keep costs down by doing the minimum required to make the transmission work again.
Example: This is typically the level of work done at used car dealerships for resale of a car at a dealers auction.
Repairs are cost effective, but it may not be an option if the transmission’s problem has caused significant internal damage, but minor repairs are all that’s needed to fix many transmission issues and trouble codes. This type of repair typically has an expected higher failure rate.
Keep in mind that every option may not be practical for your situation. A lot depends on the type of car you have, the mileage, the type of failure, and so on.
A Reair Shop will be happy to diagnose your car’s problem, and discuss the transmission repair options that are available to you.
What Transmission Do I Have?
I have a 2011 Ford Ranger with a 4 cylinder engine this may be hard to believe but someone has got up under my truck from the back to the front loosening bolts and taking bolts also removing wires transmission on the front drain plug is that the transmission Bolt right next to it I know you can over tighten them and crack them but when I was looking I noticed on the flat side of the nut s on it like a little chisel had been placed on it and hammered because it’s a weak part of the transmission this had created a crap about 3 to 4 inch long when I got up to the engine where your oil filter is oil was everywhere the oil filter has been living where I could fully see the Rubber seal along the trip up today before filter I’ve seen many bolts loosened and tampered with this truck was dry underneath it with no leaves it was like a new truck it’s very nice I can repair some of this but the crack in the transmission is pretty big can it be can have that crap welded
No working nead change
I have a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD, crew cab, with 24 inch rims and tires. The 4L60 transmission didn’t hold up to the bigger tires and is slipping really bad at 150,000. My question is what transmission will match up to the 5.3 motor and have the up grade needed to run those rims no problem???
I took my 1974 k10 to a transmission shop, cause of leaking problems.the owner could not get the oil pump out because , the bushing was stuck to the oil pump shaft. From over heating. So he took it to a nother shop to be looked at. The 2nd shop said it need to be rebuilt. Question who is responsible for the warranty? If any.it was $900 to rebuild, $700 labor. 1rst shop will warranty his labor putting it in. It a 350trans.
In 2007 my transmission let go at 143,000 plus, the trans shop said on PLYMOUTH/Chrysler, we DON’T rebuild them, known for issues, best to put Factory REMAN in, cost was only $1395 total, this was a Thursday, father & son shop, father on VACATION, he said he can have it in on Saturday or Monday if I wanted, drop it off on Monday, might be ready by end of day or if not, then Tuesday, well he had it, I left a $100 deposit only for him to place the order, he had other jobs lined up, but its who’s transmission comes in 1st and they only had 3 bays with lifts or work from the ground, many were done like that, the son worked mainly like that when younger, dad had 2 other guys working their. Busy place, they REBUILT Chevy’s all day long with Ford’s back then. Had kits up on wall in stock, but the kid wasn’t as great as dad, he went to using REMAN over rebuilding them, then if they did die, you could get the labor again only and not do a free JOB. Business slowed down and his father was older, he laid off others, so just dad in part time, he REBUILT the transmissions he said, I put in Factory Remans in, clean like BRAND NEW parts going in and clean working for the most part plus there’s a tag on the transmission with it’s rebuild date on it and when it was tested, that also came with the paperwork they gave you, he ended up cutting me a break. My nephew’s transmission let go on Tuesday, so I was back with his, my NEPHEW was gonna pay me back because he didnt have the money, it was a chevy S10 4×4 transmission, $1795 to replace that, had by end of the week, my nephew even got better gas mileage and at the same time, he had a rear mail oil leak that wasn’t bad bad but leaking, he knew he had a leak but never looked, he replaced that for $25 extra, I said my mother has the same SUV, how much to change the filter and fluids in it, NORMALLY he gets from $110 to $250 depending on vehicle, this, I’ll do for free if you bring down tomorrow, you pay for the kit and fluid, cost about $35 a total, I waited about 2 hours as he let drain well and he started working on another VEHICLE. He said you gave me a lot of work this week, its our way of saying thanks for not going to the big transmission shops that ADVERTISE on TV, YES we have 1 where we live. I thought of going there, but 1 of my friends had his Muscle car Transmission REBUILT by them. I did drop his name, he sent you, I said nope but he said you did his and I know his car, I’ve been on it enough until he had no choice to drive like once a month, POLICE gave him tickets, he dragged raced it down the quarter mile up in Epping New Hampshire and trailered it from RI to there for the day, it pulled 9 SECOND quarter mile hits, big 427 BUILT with a 4 speed behind it, then he changed it witch was very hard for him to go to an automatic. It was a Factory standard 1972 Chevelle BUILT but he wasn’t hooking up on the strip as good as he could, so he bought a brand new racing transmission threw his job, now known as ADVANCE AUTO, the one in our city, we had a machine shop in ours, that’s where he worked REBUILDING ENGINES/HEADS, anything to do with engines he did. Back then it was called another name. It went threw 3 names, well they torn down that old building, otherwise, there would of been 3 Advanced auto in 1/2 mile on the same road, went from our city & State, threw the Tip of the town next door of another State which was 3 or 4 apartment houses on other side of road long, then went into a bigger town of that same state, there still there, they joke about playing catch with a football but no Tom Bradys among them. But we are only 30 minutes from stadium SOUTH. Transmissions. You ask yourself the QUESTION, are you keeping the car or not, it can save a $1000 if REBUILT by them and your selling it, but then you have a transferrable warranty to the new owner in which the 1 REBUILT by LOCAL shop, they won’t honor that, only a Factory transmission will, so that’s like giving a 2 1/2 year warranty on car on a major component. Then you should get what your asking, also make sure there’s a Factory TAG on the TRANSMISSION, if not, then show me all the paperwork with name and date to me and to vin of my car on that warranty information. If don’t have, then talk to a LAWYER, have it towed to another shop at your cost, have them look and write a report out, they can tell if its a Factory REBUILT or not, if not, then it becomes civil, then file a suit with a LAWYER and sue for extra MONEY paid plus warranty that was supposed to come with it. But I DON’T think that would happen. Yes there thieves out there, not many when they specialize in mainly one area, they do other work when slow but not a lot. Today’s transmissions like the Paddle shifters, junk junk junk, I won’t buy a car that has it. If you own one. Then buy a HIDDEN dash cam for when you take in for SERVICE, they will take it for a test drive and beat the hell out of it. Only the video will prove it now. DON’T BELIEVE me, look up on You Tube and look that up from Dealerships and put in your car. If own rear wheel drive, then check the bottom of rear quarters for rubber from tires, they love doing burn outs, I do to but my own cars that can take it. I seen a MUSTANG in a NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY DEALERSHIP GET SMOKED OUT BUT EVERY WINDOW OPENED UP, HE PICKED UP HIS FRIENDS, THE GUY WAS A WAIT ON AND OIL CHANGE AND A INSPECTION I BELIEVE, WHICH THEY CAN GIVE A CAR UP TO A MILE FOR A TEST DRIVE, THIS GUY PUT ON ABOUT 5 MILES. I WISHED I KEPT THE LINK, THEN I WOULD ATTACH IT. NOT ALL SHOPS ARE LIKE THIS. Buddy used a cell phone to record the ride, he made calls by face to face to show what he was in, they came out because he was around the corner, the sad part, he has no license, so Dealership would pay out big time, a LAWYER would get you a new car for free plus MONEY after that. I think it was like Lee’s Ford or something, it showed name. I bet he don’t work there anymore. Like others stated. Read every line Before you sign, never give the okay to fix what’s wrong with VEHICLE, you could get a $5,000 bill because they fixed things that would need it in a year or you might have a hole in muffler but okay for now, most get holes faster than you think. They put a new EXHAUST on. Then they see the tune up hasn’t been done yet. There’s another $450, my father inlaw would do that. Then he bitched over price. Oil changed cost $1,900 he states. Yup you told them to fix whatever. They did. You DON’T know if bad or not but they say shocks had signs of wear, oil leaking from seals, so they got replaced. I use a reference called repairpal.com I don’t use those shops because there farther than my corner garage, but I have and idea of what things should COST when fixed or serviced. It ask for your MAKE MODEL and year and any other stuff that it may need. DON’T know if all over the USA now, but in MASSACHUSETTS and Rhode Island area’s . So if you DON’T have 1, then look up our state but it list states I BELIEVE. Then gives 5 places closest to you and honors that QUOTED PRICE.
Just got a remanufactured CVT put into our 2013 Nissan pathfinder. We had the work done at the dealership and they told us the warranty was only 12 months??!! Isn’t it supposed to be 36 months?
Yes – 36 months is standard along with 100,000 miles.
12 months is right for a part now new on the car from the factory
Transmission (automatic) on 2008 Ford F150, mileage 78,940 – cost $1,750 in March 2015. Same repair shop against rebuild transmission on same Ford F150, mileage 106,702 – cost $2,036.48 in Nov 2018. Time for a new truck?
I need a new transmission for my volkswagen eos turbo 2010 has 56,000 miles , I think i will be going with a rebuilt transmission .
Looking for a 07 Rebuilt transmission for a mercury mountaineer V6. It is totally shot.
Im looking for ah rebuilt transmission for my Volkswagen golf.. have bin restoring it an now this problem .. can u contact me an let me kno it u have any .
I need a new transmission for my car, and I think I’ll be going with a rebuilt transmission. My car won’t be lasting too much longer, so I don’t need too long of a warranty. I think the rebuild is the better option anyway since you’ll likely get it from your mechanic and they can tweak it for you.