Transmission work isn’t cheap! If your Volkswagen needs transmission repairs, you could be facing a pretty big repair bill. While some minor repairs could cost $100 or less, a Volkswagen transmission replacement or rebuild can cost from $1,000 to $3,400 on average. Sadly, Volkswagen owners frequently report transmission problems with their vehicles.
Volkswagens are known for being sporty and reliable on the road. The Jetta has been available in the U.S. since 1979! VW’s attractive price points also make them popular with drivers. That said, Volkswagens commonly struggle with transmission problems—especially newer Jettas, Golfs, and Beetles.
It’s understandable to be worried about a big bill from the mechanic, but your Volkswagen might not require a full transmission replacement. Jerry
, the trusted car insurance
broker, is here to help you estimate the costs of repairing your Volkswagen’s transmission. We’ll also give you tips for saving on Volkswagen insurance costs
, so you have more money in your pocket for repairs! How much does a Volkswagen transmission repair cost?
A lot of factors contribute to the cost of repairing a VW transmission. The model, age of the vehicle, location of the repairs, mileage, and the cause of the transmission problems all determine how much you’ll shell out—which is why repair costs range between $20 and $3,400.
Replacing the entire transmission will cost you thousands—it’s one of the most expensive repairs a car might need. Fortunately, not all transmission problems will require this. Here are some common transmission repairs that aren’t nearly as expensive:
Volkswagen transmission fluid service: $100 to $150
Volkswagen transmission speed sensor replacement: $100 to $200
Volkswagen transmission oil switch replacement: $20 to $90
Expect a VW transmission to last for about 100,000 miles. If your Volkswagen is nearing that mark, you’ll probably need to replace the transmission at some point.
MORE: The best Volkswagen station wagons
What does a transmission do?
You know the transmission is important, but what exactly does it do? The transmission is part of the powertrain, and it ensures your wheels get the right amount of power to drive at a given speed. The transmission does this by shifting gears, either manually or automatically.
More and more vehicles are offering automatic-only transmission, and Volkswagen offers automatic for its current lineup. But, VW still offers manual transmission for its popular VW Golf
, Volkswagen Beetle
, and VW Jetta
models. Is it cheaper to repair or replace a transmission?
Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a cheap transmission replacement. This service usually costs at least a few thousand dollars, but the exact price depends on what type of transmission system you choose to install.
If you get your Volkswagen’s transmission replaced at a dealership, you’ll pay the most because they’ll use genuine VW parts (original equipment manufacturer parts). An OEM transmission replacement is the most expensive.
You do have some options for saving money with transmission replacement, though. Ask a repair shop to install a remanufactured or rebuilt transmission, or even a used transmission from a salvage vehicle. The salvage transmission will be cheapest, ranging from $800 to $1,500. But, you’ll trade quality and reliability for a cheaper mechanic’s bill.
If you want a compromise, ask local Volkswagen specialists if they have a remanufactured transmission they could install. A remanufactured transmission usually costs less than a total transmission rebuild, so you could save between $1,000 and $2,000.
Does it cost more to repair a manual transmission or an automatic?
Good news for manual transmission owners—transmission repair costs are lower for manual than for automatic transmission. This is because manual transmissions are simpler and have fewer parts, so they’re easier and faster to repair. However, automatic transmissions typically don’t have to be replaced as often since they’re more efficient at shifting gears.
Transmission replacement usually costs from $1,800 to $3,400, with manual transmissions falling on the lower end of this spectrum. If you’ve got an automatic transmission or a direct-shift gearbox (DSG), expect to pay more.
Common Volkswagen transmission problems
Volkswagen is no stranger to transmission problems. RepairPal.com notes that the most common complaint of VW is that high-mileage transmissions have shifting problems. CarComplaints.com listed a grinding noise from the transmission as the worst reported VW problem. The Jetta is notorious for both of these problems. However, you could also notice some of these common transmission issues:
Transmission seizes up because of transmission damage
Trouble going into reverse
Check engine light comes on
Low transmission fluid is the #1 cause of transmission problems. You know how important regular oil changes are for your engine. Well, annual transmission flushes and routine transmission fluid level checks are also critical in preventing Volkswagen transmission failure.
What year Volkswagens have the most transmission problems?
Transmission problems are possible with many VW vehicles, but the Volkswagen Jetta and Golf have had more than their fair share of transmission issues. Here are the most common problem years for these models:
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Signs your Volkswagen transmission is going bad
If you’re not a transmission’s expert, you might wonder how to tell when your VW’s transmission is failing. While the best thing you can do is get regular transmission fluid checks, you can also watch out for these distinctive signs of transmission problems, especially if your VW has over 100,000 miles on it.
Rough shifting: If your Volkswagen struggles to shift gears, there might be something wrong with the transmission.
Fluid leaks: If you spot fluid transmission (thick red fluid) underneath your VW, you’re probably dealing with a transmission fluid leak.
Noisy in neutral: An odd thumping sound, especially when the Volkswagen is in neutral, might mean you need more transmission fluid. However, it could be a sign of a bigger problem with the transmission.
Burning smell: If you smell burned oil, sorry, but it’s a bad sign. If the transmission fluid gets too hot, the fluid can burn. Then, the low fluid level can trigger other transmission problems.
Grinding or shaking: Your Volkswagen should always handle smoothly. If you begin to notice grinding sounds or you feel like you’re being jerked around by the car, the transmission isn’t working correctly.
Check Engine Light or a Transmission Service Light: We know it’s tempting, but don’t ignore your Check Engine Light! This might be the transmission telling the VW’s computer that there’s a problem.
If you’re still not sure what’s going on with your VW or you think there’s a transmission problem, do a little sleuthing on your own. Get an on-board diagnostics (OBD-II) scanner to check for engine trouble codes. For example, the P0846 engine code detects problems with transmission fluid pressure. Look out for the P0705 engine code, which indicates that the transmission fluid is dirty or there are defective transmission parts.
MORE: How to replace power steering fluid for a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
What to do if your Volkswagen transmission fails
Transmission problems won’t go away on their own, so head to your trusted auto repair shop or Volkswagen dealership as soon as possible. If you catch a transmission problem early, you can potentially save on repair costs.
If you already have a mechanic you trust, take your VW to them and ask them to diagnose the problem. You could also bring your vehicle to a local transmission specialist or head to a VW dealership. You might be able to save at a local repair shop, but if they can’t figure out what’s wrong, the VW dealership will have specialized technicians with expertise in fixing Volkswagen transmissions.
MORE: How to decide if you should take your car to a repair shop or a mobile mechanic
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How to maintain your Volkswagen transmission
Cars run at their best when they get regular checkups—and your VW is no exception! The best way take care of the transmission is to catch problems early and maintain the transmission fluid.
We’ve already mentioned that low or contaminated fluid is the #1 cause of transmission problems, but there are other things that contribute to transmission trouble. To protect your VW from overloading, which strains the drivetrain, you should:
Check your transmission fluid about once a month
Use the correct type of transmission fluid as recommended by your Volkswagen’s owner’s manual
For automatic transmissions, avoid changing gears while the vehicle is moving
Regularly replace the transmission filter
Allow your vehicle to warm up before you start driving
Get an annual transmission inspection
Don’t overload your vehicle. Check the weight and carrying load of your vehicle before you drive up very steep hills.
These are just simple ways you can extend the life of your VW’s transmission and keep it running smoothly.
How to check transmission fluid
Checking your VW’s transmission fluid might sound daunting, but it’s actually just as easy as checking your engine oil! The key difference is that you should check the transmission fluid while the car is running. Turn on the engine and let your VW warm up for a few minutes so the transmission fluid expands. Then:
Find the transmission fluid dipstick. It will look similar to the oil dipstick, but it’s usually further back in the engine bay.
Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, then reinsert it and take it out again.
Ensure that fluid reaches the “warm” line on the dipstick.
Add fluid in increments, if necessary, checking the level with the dipstick in between.
Ideally, your Volkswagen’s transmission fluid should be a clear, dark red color—think super thick Hawaiian Punch! If the fluid on the dipstick looks brown or black, it means the fluid is really old or contaminated. You’ll have to replace the fluid and the filter.
Hopefully, you don’t see light pink fluid, which is a bad sign. Pink fluid means that the transmission fluid has been contaminated by either water or coolant. While this doesn’t sound too bad, it typically means your vehicle needs a total transmission replacement.
If you can’t find your VW’s transmission fluid dipstick, don’t panic! Many Volkswagens now have sealed transmissions, so to check the fluid, you’ll have to remove and inspect a plug on the side of the transmission case. You can check your owner’s manual for more detailed instructions, but since sealed transmissions are more complex, it’s a better idea to take your VW to the professionals for service.
How to save on Volkswagen insurance costs
Preventative maintenance is the best way to prevent costly trips to the mechanic. Another great way to save on Volkswagen insurance costs
is to shop around for competitive car insurance quotes with Jerry
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