Buick transmission problems can be a costly issue. Minor fixes might only cost you $50 or less, but major repairs like a Buick transmission replacement or rebuild can run you between $800 and $6,000—before labor costs. And, historically speaking, transmission problems have been a common issue for Buick owners.
The good news is that Buick’s transmission problems are old news, and the company has taken strides to become one of the most dependable names in the automotive world. In fact, according to J.D. Power, Buick is one of the most reliable makes on the road today, second only to Kia.
But, no vehicle is immune to transmission problems. Here to give you an idea of how much Buick transmission repair costs is the trusted car insurance
broker and car fixer-upper, Jerry
. We’ll show you which Buick models have the most transmission problems, how much Buick transmission repairs cost on average, and we’ll show you how to save money on your Buick insurance costs
, too. 
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers How much does a Buick transmission repair cost?
Buick transmission repair costs can vary greatly depending on what’s causing the problem, how severe it is, what year and model you drive, and where you’re getting your repairs done. Generally, you can expect transmission issues for a Buick to cost between $50 and $6,000. But, if the issue is covered by your Buick warranty
, you might not have to pay anything at all. The most expensive procedure that you can have done to your Buick transmission is a transmission replacement. A transmission replacement can cost anywhere between $800 and $6,000, depending on what kind of parts you choose to use (more on that later). But, that’s not the only type of transmission work your Buick may require.
Here are some other common Buick transmission services:
Buick transmission oil switch replacement: $20 to $90
So, just because your transmission is the site of the problem, it doesn’t mean the fix will necessarily cost you an arm and a leg. However, your car’s transmission can be one of the most costly components to repair.
On the plus side, the average Buick transmission has a life of about 200,000 miles, which is about the same lifespan as the typical Buick, so generally speaking, the transmission should last the life of your Buick—unless you drive a 2008 Buick Enclave.
What does a transmission do?
The transmission is the mechanical component that regulates the amount of power that is distributed to your vehicle’s wheels. It’s what shifts gears—be it manually or automatically—to ensure that the wheels are turning at the proper speed.
Every new Buick is outfitted with an automatic transmission or in the case of the Buick Encore GX
, a continuously variable transmission
(CVT). Buick has not manufactured a manual transmission vehicle since the 2016 Buick Regal GS
, and with stick-shifts rapidly disappearing from the industry, the brand is not likely to put out another. Is it cheaper to repair or replace a transmission?
When it comes to Buick transmission services, transmission replacement is the most costly of all, costing $3,500 to $6,000 on average. The exact price that you’ll pay hinges on what kind of transmission you choose to replace the old one with.
If you choose to replace your old transmission with a genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) transmission, you’ll pay top dollar for it—between $2,000 and $6,000 for just the parts. And, unless you’re an experienced mechanic with all the necessary equipment to do the work yourself, you’ll have to pay for labor, too, which can cost upwards of $1,000 depending on the local market.
There are cheaper options for your Buick transmission replacement. Remanufactured transmissions, rebuilt transmissions, and salvaged transmissions are all cost-effective ways to get your Buick back on the road. A salvaged transmission is your cheapest bet, typically somewhere between $800 and $1,500. Of course, the quality and reliability of salvaged parts are comparatively low, and you may have to replace your transmission again after a short while.
Remanufactured transmissions are transmissions that have been rebuilt by a Buick specialist to factory spec. Remanufactured transmissions cost less than both Buick OEM transmissions. For example, a remanufactured transmission for a 2016 Buick Enclave will likely cost you from $2,000 to $3,000 and a rebuilt 2016 Buick Enclave transmission sells for a similar price.
Does it cost more to repair a manual transmission or an automatic?
Manual transmission repairs tend to cost less than automatic transmissions and CVTs because they have fewer moving parts, making them easier to replace, fix, and maintain. For example, fixing a manual transmission often only requires replacing the clutch, which costs between $677 and $829 for a Buick Regal according to RepairPal.com On the other hand, you can expect to pay between $3,500 and $6,000 to repair an automatic transmission on a Buick Enclave.
Common Buick transmission problems
Transmission problems are somewhat common among Buicks, especially in models produced between 2008 and 2013.
Transmission failure is far and away the most common transmission issue reported by Buick drivers, but you may run into these transmission problems, as well:
At the bottom of most transmission issues is low or dirty transmission fluid. Like all vehicle fluids, it is essential to make sure that your transmission fluid is kept clean and at a good level. It is also integral to the health of your transmission to have your transmission fluid flushed routinely.
What year Buicks have the most transmission problems?
While transmission issues have dogged Buick in the past, the problem is inflated by one model in particular: the Buick Enclave
. The Enclave was plagued with transmission problems beginning in 2008 and persisting through to 2013. The years 2016 and 2017 also saw more transmission problems for the Enclave, inflating Buick’s overall transmission failure numbers.
Besides the Enclave, the Buick LaCrosse
has experienced some problems with transmission slip, but this issue hasn’t been near as problematic as the Enclaves transmission woes. Signs your Buick transmission is wearing out
It’s important to know how to spot the signs of transmission problems, especially if your Buick is approaching the 200,000-mile mark. Here’s what to look for:
Trouble shifting: If you notice that your Buick struggles to change gears, it might be an indication of transmission troubles.
Weird sounds in neutral: If your vehicle is making strange sounds, particularly while your Buick is in neutral, it could mean there’s something wrong with your transmission.
Strange smells: If you smell something burning, the culprit could well be transmission failure.
Shaking, jumping, and grinding: If you are experiencing a jerky ride, you might have a failing transmission.
Dash warning lights on: If you see the Check Engine Light
or Transmission Service Light come on in your instrument cluster, it may be a major transmission problem.
You can verify potential issues with an onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) scanner. This tool can check for engine trouble codes, like the P0730 engine code
, which signals if your gear ratio is off, or engine code P0846
, which monitors transmission fluid issues. What to do if your Buick transmission fails
If you suspect that your Buick transmission might be about to go, it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle to your local Buick dealership as soon as you can.
You can also take your Buick to an independent mechanic. They may offer more personalized service and discounts that can keep your cost of repair down. On the other hand, a Buick dealership will have any and all special parts as well as knowledgeable technicians with expert training in Buick transmissions.
How to maintain your Buick transmission
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your Buick transmission working smoothly. Changing your transmission fluid regularly
can help prevent costly transmission failure. Low or dirty transmission fluid is a common cause of transmission failure. Making your vehicle work too hard by hauling heavy loads can also cause your transmission to fail. Here are some things you can do to help prevent Buick transmission failure:
Have your transmission fluid checked monthly
Use the proper transmission fluid type as outlined in your Buick owner’s manual
Automatic transmission drivers should refrain from switching gears while the vehicle is in motion.
Replace your transmission filter approximately every 30,000 miles.
Let your Buick warm up for 60 seconds before shifting into Reverse or Drive.
Schedule a yearly transmission inspection.
Keeping up with regular maintenance will go a long way to preventing major problems and helps to keep your cost of car ownership down.
How to check transmission fluid
Not sure how to check your transmission fluid? Don’t worry, it’s super easy—first, you’ll want to warm up your car to let the transmission fluid expand. Then, with the car still running:
Find the transmission fluid dipstick. It looks just like the dipstick for your engine oil, but it will be situated further into the engine compartment.
Just like checking your oil, pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, then stick it back in and pull it out again.
Check to make sure that the transmission fluid reaches the “warm” line on the dipstick
If it does not reach the “warm” line, add transmission fluid little by little, checking the level with the dipstick in between pours.
Put the dipstick back where you found it.
Transmission fluid should be clear and dark red, sort of like heavy cranberry juice. If your Buick’s transmission fluid is brown or black, it’s dirty, and it’s time to flush your transmission fluid and swap out your filter.
If your fluid is light pink, that’s another problem. Light pink transmission fluid is usually the result of water or coolant contamination, leading to the need for a full transmission replacement.
If you can’t find a transmission dipstick, it’s probably because your Buick has a “sealed transmission”. You can check your Buick transmission fluid level by using the inspection plug located on the side of the transmission case and adding fluid as necessary using the fill plug on top. This process might be a tad tedious and complicated, and we recommend taking your vehicle to a qualified Buick specialist to have your transmission fluid checked.
How to save on Buick insurance costs
Keeping your transmission fluid clean and topped-up will help you keep down your cost of car ownership by heading off major wear and tear to your transmission. Another way to keep your costs low is by saving car insurance with the Jerry
app. Jerry is a licensed car insurance broker
that finds you the best deals on auto coverage and helps bring down your Buick insurance costs. By comparing quotes from over 55 top insurance companies, Jerry can get you the best deal on the kind of insurance you need, helping you save tons of money on your annual car insurance costs. Jerry users save over $800 a year on average, and you can cancel your old policy and switch providers right in the app. You never have to talk to another person, but if you need a hand we have a team of professionals waiting to hear from you.
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