Does your Chevrolet require a transmission repair? While some simple repair jobs can cost well under $200, a full Chevrolet transmission replacement can easily set you back $2,000 to $5,000 on average.
Chevrolets are a mixed bag when it comes to reliability, but when it comes to transmission problems, certain model years—from the 2005 Impala to the 2018 Colorado—fare far worse than others.
That’s why Jerry
, the world’s only trusted car insurance
broker app, has created this guide to everything you need to know about Chevrolet transmission repairs and replacements. We’ll take a closer look at the estimated costs of a possible Chevrolet transmission repair and stick around until the end to see how you can save on Chevrolet insurance costs
. 
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 Chevrolet transmission repair cost?
Repair costs regarding a Chevrolet transmission can vary widely depending on the severity of the damage involved, along with your location and the model you own. Generally, Chevrolet transmission repairs tend to cost between $50 and $5,000, or higher based on the amount of work that must be done.
As most drivers know, the most expensive transmission repair for any Chevrolet vehicle (or any vehicle really!) you can expect is a full transmission replacement—costing between $1,000 and $5,000 on average. Other common Chevrolet repair services include:
But with proper care, the average Chevrolet transmission can last up to 300,000 miles while the average Chevrolet vehicle itself can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. So if you keep up with regular maintenance on your Chevrolet vehicle, there’s a good chance you may be able to avoid replacing your Chevy’s transmission at all.
What does a transmission do?
So what exactly does this pricey component do for your Chevrolet? The transmission controls how much engine power reaches your wheels at any given speed by shifting gears—either automatically or manually.
While most newer Chevrolets come equipped with automatic transmissions, the American automaker still offers a manual transmission in certain vehicles. As of the 2022 model year, the Chevrolet Spark
and Chevrolet Camaro
are both available with a manual gearbox. Is it cheaper to repair or replace a transmission?
As previously mentioned, the most expensive type of transmission service is a transmission replacement that could possibly set you back between $1,000 to $5,000. But the final price tag all boils down to the type of transmission you choose to replace your old one with.
An OEM replacement is the most costly type of transmission replacement you can expect—replacing your transmission with a genuine OEM transmission
will cost between $2,000 and $4,000 for parts alone. And don’t forget about labor costs as well! Depending on your location, you end up paying an extra $500 to $1,200 for this additional expense. If you don’t have this kind of money to spend, cheaper replacement alternatives include a remanufactured or rebuilt transmission. A remanufactured transmission (or one rebuilt by Chevrolet specialists) usually costs between $2,000 and $4,000, while rebuilt transmissions can cost somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000.
You can even find a used transmission from a salvage vehicle! As the cheapest option, a salvage transmission ranges between $800 and $1,500. But proceed with caution as a used transmission can certainly be less reliable than a new one.
Does it cost more to repair a manual or an automatic transmission?
In general, manual transmission repair costs are more affordable compared to automatic or continuously variable transmissions. The reason? Manual transmissions have fewer parts and an overall simpler construction—making them cheaper in terms of repairs and replacements.
Common Chevrolet transmission problems
Besides engine issues, transmission problems are common in several Chevrolet vehicles—with the worst offender being the powerful Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. Here are some of the most common transmission problems that you may encounter with your Chevrolet:
Shifting hard or rough results in surging and jerking
Intermittent slipping while in automatic mode
If you’re not keeping up with changing out your transmission fluid, this may be why you’re experiencing transmission problems. As with your regular engine oil changes, your transmission requires the same type of care. Make sure to get annual transmission fluid flushes and routine fluid level checks to prevent Chevrolet transmission issues.
What year do Chevrolets have the most transmission problems?
Transmission problems can happen to any Chevrolet vehicle, but certain vehicles tend to see more transmission problems than others. Below are the most common problem years for some of the most popular Chevrolet models:
2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Signs your Chevrolet transmission is going bad
So how do you know if your Chevrolet transmission is failing you? Here are some key signs:
Burning odor: One telltale sign of transmission failure includes a distinctive burning rubber smell that will seep into your cabin.
Check Engine Light or a Transmission Service Light: Don’t ignore your Check Engine Light
! While we usually think of this light as alerting us to very minor problems, it could be a problem with your transmission as well. Grinding or shaking: If your ride is driving rougher than usual, it might be your transmission.
Rough shifting: Having a tough time changing your gears? There’s a good chance there might be something wrong with the transmission.
Unusual noises in Neutral: If your vehicle is in Neutral and you’re hearing strange noises, it may signify that you’re experiencing transmission failure.
Before you head down to your local repair shop for a suspected transmission problem, you can first use an onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) scanner to determine the issue. Keep an eye out for the P0730 engine code
, which means there may be an incorrect gear ratio, or the P0846 engine code
, which communicates an issue with your transmission fluid pressure. What to do if your Chevrolet transmission fails
Has your Chevrolet transmission completely failed on you? Then it might be time to go to your local repair shop or Chevrolet dealership to figure out the problem.
As with any car issue, the sooner you can have it looked at the better. Choose between an independent auto shop that may provide better deals or stick with a Chevrolet dealership with skilled technicians that specialize in repairing Chevrolet transmissions.
How to maintain your Chevrolet transmission
So what’s the best way to maintain your Chevrolet transmission? Keeping up with regular maintenance checks and transmission fluid changes will help extend the life of your Chevrolet transmission and overall performance.
Low or contaminated fluid and overloaded vehicles that put a strain on your drivetrain are two common causes of transmission failure. Avoid these problems by:
Checking your transmission fluid regularly
Getting your annual transmission inspection
Not changing gears while the vehicle is moving if you have an automatic transmission
Replacing your transmission filter on a regular basis
Using the proper transmission fluid suggested by your Chevrolet’s owner’s manual
Warming up your car before you begin driving
How to check transmission fluid
Checking your transmission fluid is actually easier than you might think. Make sure to warm up your vehicle for a couple of minutes first so the fluid can expand and keep it running while you check your transmission fluid. Then you’ll just:
Find your transmission fluid dipstick that may be located in the back of the engine bay, which looks similar to an oil dipstick.
Take out the dipstick and clean it. Then reinsert the dipstick and remove it again.
Make sure the fluid extends to the “warm” line on the dipstick.
If needed, try adding fluid in small amounts, while checking the level with the dipstick as you do so.
Put the dipstick back in its place.
Your Chevrolet’s transmission fluid should be a darker red color. On the other hand, a brown or black fluid color usually indicates that the fluid has been contaminated and you’ll need to replace it as soon as possible.
Worst of all, a light pink fluid color can mean the transmission fluid has been contaminated by either coolant or water, which may result in a total transmission replacement.
How to save on Chevrolet insurance costs
Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule can help keep your Chevrolet’s transmission in tip-top shape and prevent you from paying high repair costs over time. But if you’re looking for another way to lower your Chevrolet ownership costs, you can easily save on your car insurance premium with the one and only Jerry
. How does it work? After you download the licensed insurance broker
app, just sign-up within 45 seconds to access several customized quotes from a host of over 55 of the nation’s top insurance companies. Once you find a rate that works for you, Jerry’s team of expert insurance agents will take care of the rest—including helping you cancel your old policy. That’s right! Jerry is the one-stop shop that all drivers need in their pockets. On average, our customers save over $800 a year on car insurance when they make the switch!
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