Toyota Transmission Repair and Replacement Cost
On average, it costs between $1,800 and $10,000 to repair or replace a Toyota’s transmission—click here to learn more.
Written by Andrew Biro
Reviewed by Shannon Martin
Regardless of the vehicle make, transmission repairs aren’t cheap, and Toyota is no exception—depending on the model, you’ll be looking at a repair bill somewhere between $1,800 and $10,000, with transmission rebuilds and replacements being the most expensive services. Toyota transmission problems are most common between the 2017 and 2020 model years, but no recalls have been issued at this time.
Known for their durability, Toyota vehicles are some of the most reliable on the market. So no matter whether you drive the compact Yaris or a rugged Tacoma, you’re sure to spend less than the average driver on annual repairs. However, a few recent model years experienced above-average transmission-related issues—and those can get expensive very quickly.
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How much does a Toyota transmission repair cost?
As is the case for all vehicle makes, the cost of Toyota transmission repair work varies considerably depending on the specific model, the extent of the repairs, and where you go to have the job done. Typically, you can expect Toyota transmission repairs to cost somewhere between $300 and $5,500 or more, with most falling closer to the higher end of that scale.
Of course, the most expensive transmission-related repair for a Toyota—or any vehicle, for that matter—is a full transmission replacement, a procedure that only becomes necessary after a total transmission failure. On average, replacing your Toyota’s transmission will cost between $5,000 to $10,000. Here is a look at where some popular 2017 Toyota models fall within this range:
The cost of a few other common Toyota transmission repair services are outlined below:
When it comes down to it, your Toyota transmission is one of the most expensive components to repair, and even minor fixes can add up over time. Fortunately, the average Toyota transmission lasts between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, which is the same lifespan as most Toyota vehicles as a whole—meaning you may never need to replace your transmission.
What does a transmission do?
If you aren’t particularly savvy when it comes to automobiles, you may be wondering what purpose your Toyota transmission serves in the first place. Fundamentally, the transmission—which is part of the powertrain—helps move power to the wheels to ensure that they can move at a given speed. This is achieved through the manual or automatic shifting of gears.
Today, most Toyota vehicles use an automatic transmission—usually a continuously variable transmission (CVT)—but the company still offers several models with a manual transmission, including:
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a transmission?
In most cases, it is cheaper to repair your transmission than replace it entirely, as a complete replacement is the most expensive transmission-related service. However, the exact cost of replacing your Toyota’s transmission will largely depend on the type of transmission you choose to install.
If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on a transmission, your best bet is to go with a rebuilt transmission—these usually have a starting cost of $2,000 and up, but may not last as long as new or remanufactured transmission. Reach out to transmission specialists like
AAMCO
, who work with rebuilt transmissions and offer discounts and warranties
. A remanufactured transmission—e.g. one that Toyota specialists have rebuilt to the manufacturer’s specifications—is going to be your second-cheapest option and typically has a starting cost of $2,500 and goes up from there. Large auto part stores like
Advanced Auto Parts
have the best deals on remanufactured transmissions, plus a handy transmission search tool
where you can easily find the correct transmission and price. Keep in mind that these prices do not include installation. Finally, an OEM transmission replacement will be your most expensive option—and it involves replacing your old transmission with a genuine OEM transmission at a Toyota dealership. You will want to contact your local dealership for pricing.
Does it cost more to repair a manual transmission or an automatic?
Generally speaking, it costs more to repair an automatic (or continuously variable) transmission than to fix a manual transmission, as automatic transmissions are more complex in design and utilize more parts.
If, for example, you own a Toyota Corolla with a manual transmission, you’ll likely pay $1,000 to $2,000 less for your transmission repair than its automatic transmission counterpart.
If, for example, you own an older model Toyota Corolla with a manual transmission, you’ll likely pay somewhere between $1,800 and $3,400 for a replacement. On the other hand, Toyotas with an automatic transmission—which encompasses most models produced within the last two decades—have replacement costs ranging between $3,400 and $6,000.
Common Toyota transmission problems
While transmission problems aren’t exceedingly common in Toyotas, they do make up a high percentage of the complaints surrounding Toyotas built within the last five years, especially amongst the Highlander, Sienna, Avalon, and RAV4 models.
Of those models that do experience transmission problems, the most common include the following:
- Abrupt loss of power
- Premature transmission failure
- Delayed, sudden, or rough shifting
- Inability to shift from one gear to another
- Failure to accelerate from a stopped position
Which Toyota model years have the most transmission problems?
While there are many Toyota vehicles with reported transmission problems, there are a few model years with high concentrations of transmission-related issues—check the list below for the worst years for transmission problems in some of Toyota’s most popular models:
- 2017 to 2020 Toyota Highlander
- 2017 to 2020Toyota Sienna
- 2018 to 2020Toyota Avalon Sedan
- 2019 Toyota RAV4
Signs your Toyota’s transmission is going bad
If you aren’t sure how to identify a faulty transmission, you’ll want to be on the lookout for the following symptoms—especially if your Toyota reaches the 150,000 to 200,000-mile mark.
- Leaking fluid: Puddle of fluid underneath your vehicle? You're likely dealing with a transmission fluid leak if you see a viscous, slick red fluid pooling under your Toyota.
- Shaking or grinding: A malfunctioning transmission often results in a rough ride characterized by the feeling of shaking or grinding.
- Burning smell: If your transmission fails, you’ll notice a distinct burning smell of rubber in the cabin.
- Rough shifting: Reluctant or difficult shifting is a telltale sign that something is wrong with your Toyota’s transmission.
- Odd noises in Neutral: If you’re experiencing transmission problems, you may notice strange noises even when the car is in the “Neutral” position.
- Check Engine or Transmission Service light comes on: There are many minor reasons why your Toyota’s Check Engine light might turn on, but it can also signal something major, such as a faulty transmission.
What to do if your Toyota’s transmission fails
In the event that your Toyota’s transmission fails entirely, you’ll need to get to a dealership or auto repair shop as soon as possible. Time is of the essence once you start noticing transmission problems, and the sooner you can get to a mechanic, the better.
If you already have an automotive technician you trust to get the job done, you can bring your Toyota to them or ask about transmission specialists in the area. You can usually find better deals and stellar customer service at independent auto shops, but your local Toyota dealership will have higher expertise when working on your specific vehicle.
How to maintain your Toyota transmission
One of the easiest ways to keep your Toyota’s transmission working properly—while also reducing the likelihood of a costly, premature failure—is to check and change your transmission fluid regularly.
Some of the most common causes of transmission damage and failure are low/contaminated fluid and an overloaded vehicle, which puts excess strain on your Toyota’s drivetrain. To avoid these issues, make sure to:
- Check your transmission fluid periodically, about once a month
- Use the correct type of transmission fluid as recommended by your Honda’s owner’s manual
- For automatic transmissions, avoid changing gears while the vehicle is moving
- Regularly replace the transmission filter
- Allow your car to warm up before you start driving
- Get an annual transmission inspection
As is the case for most components in your vehicle, regular transmission maintenance can help extend the overall lifespan of your Toyota and even improve performance.
How to check your transmission fluid
Fortunately, checking your Toyota’s transmission fluid is a pretty straightforward process. It isn’t that much different from checking your oil—though it’s usually recommended that you have your engine running when checking transmission fluid. Once you’ve let your vehicle idle for a few minutes, you’ll need to:
- Locate the transmission fluid dipstick.
- Unsheath the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag or towel, and reinsert it.
- Remove the dipstick once more and verify that the fluid reaches the “warm” mark on the dipstick.
- If it doesn’t, add fluid in small increments and check the level between each pour.
- Replace the dipstick.
Healthy transmission fluid will have a very distinct, translucent red color—but once it becomes contaminated with dirt and grime, it will turn dark brown or black, in which case both the fluid and filter need replacing.
However, if your Toyota’s transmission fluid has turned a light pink, you’re likely looking at a coolant or water leak, which can seriously damage a transmission if left unchecked.
Of course, not all Toyota vehicles—especially some of the newer models—have transmission fluid dipsticks, as they utilize something called a “sealed” transmission. If you need to check the transmission fluid in one of these vehicles, you can remove the inspection plug alongside the transmission case.
Since sealed transmissions are often more difficult to service than their traditional, non-sealed counterparts, you’re better off having a professional mechanic take care of any maintenance or repair work to avoid seriously damaging your Toyota.
MORE: Recommended maintenance schedule for a toyota
How to save on Toyota insurance costs
Repairing or replacing your vehicle’s transmission is an expensive ordeal, one that can put a serious drain on your savings. Fortunately, licensed
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