Transmission Repair Cost NZ: Complete 2026 Price Guide

Quick Answer

Transmission repair in NZ costs $300 - $800 for minor repairs, $1,500 - $3,500 for major repairs, and $3,000 - $7,000+ for a full rebuild or replacement. Automatic transmissions typically cost more than manual gearboxes.

Transmission Repair Costs by Type

Repair Type	Manual	Automatic
Fluid change/service	$150 - $300	$200 - $400
Clutch replacement (manual)	$800 - $2,000	N/A
Solenoid replacement	N/A	$400 - $900
Torque converter	N/A	$1,200 - $2,500
Synchro repair	$600 - $1,500	N/A
Full rebuild	$2,000 - $4,000	$3,500 - $7,000
Replacement (used)	$1,500 - $3,000	$2,500 - $5,000
Replacement (new/reman)	$3,000 - $5,000	$4,500 - $8,000+

Warning Signs Your Transmission Needs Attention

Urgent - Get Checked Immediately

• Burning smell from under car
• Transmission slipping (revs high, no power)
• Won't go into gear
• Grinding noise when changing gears
• Red/brown fluid leaking

Warning - Book a Check Soon

• Delayed gear engagement
• Harsh or jerky shifting
• Whining or humming noises
• Check engine light on
• Difficulty selecting gears

Automatic vs Manual: Cost Differences

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Manual Transmissions

Generally cheaper to repair. The most common repair is clutch replacement ($800-$2,000). Synchro issues and worn bearings are also common. Manual boxes are mechanically simpler with fewer parts that can fail.

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Automatic Transmissions

More complex and expensive to repair. Electronic components, solenoids, and torque converters add to repair costs. Regular fluid changes are essential for longevity. CVT and dual-clutch automatics can be even more expensive.

Repair vs Rebuild vs Replace

Option	Best For	Cost Range
Targeted Repair	Single component failure, low-mileage vehicle	$300 - $1,500
Full Rebuild	Multiple issues, want to keep the car long-term	$2,000 - $7,000
Used Replacement	Major failure, budget option	$1,500 - $5,000
New/Reman Unit	Total failure, want warranty coverage	$4,000 - $8,000+

What Affects Transmission Repair Costs?

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Vehicle Make & Model

European cars (BMW, Audi, VW) and luxury vehicles cost significantly more. Japanese cars typically have cheaper parts and simpler designs.

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Location

Auckland and Wellington tend to have higher labour rates. Smaller towns may have longer wait times for parts but lower labour costs.

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Specialist vs General Mechanic

Transmission specialists often have better expertise and may diagnose issues more accurately, potentially saving money long-term.

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Parts Availability

Common vehicles have readily available parts. Rare or older vehicles may need parts imported, adding cost and time.

How to Save Money on Transmission Repairs

✓ Get multiple quotes - Prices can vary by $1,000+ for the same work
✓ Consider a used transmission - From a low-km Japanese import can save 50%
✓ Don't delay minor issues - A $300 fluid leak can become a $5,000 rebuild
✓ Regular servicing - Transmission fluid changes extend life significantly
✓ Check warranty - Many new/reman transmissions come with 12-24 month warranties

When is Repair Not Worth It?

Consider replacement or selling the car if:

• Repair cost exceeds 50% of car's value
• Vehicle has other major issues (engine, rust)
• Car has very high mileage (200,000km+)
• Multiple previous transmission repairs
• Parts are extremely difficult to source

Get a Proper Diagnosis First

Many transmission symptoms can be caused by simpler issues - low fluid, dirty filter, or electronic faults. A proper diagnosis ($100-$200) can save you thousands by identifying the actual problem before committing to major repairs.