GMC Transmission Repair and Replacement Cost
Extensive GMC transmission repairs and replacements can typically cost $4,000 to $6,000, depending on different factors.
Written by Melanie Krieps Mergen
Reviewed by Shannon Martin
The cost of transmission repairs on a GMC depends on the work that needs to be done. For example, if you simply need a transmission fluid change, you can expect to spend $100 to $300. But if you need a full-on transmission replacement, you’re looking at costs closer to $4,000 to $6,000.
One of the most fearsome categories of car repairs is transmission repair because it’s one of the most expensive fixes you can make on a vehicle. But more minor services like fluid changes are far less costly, and keeping up with a
preventative car maintenance schedule
can save you from making more expensive repairs further down the road.So, when it comes to GMCs specifically, what do various transmission repair costs look like?
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversHow much does a GMC transmission repair cost?
How much a GMC transmission repair could cost you will depend on a whole host of factors, including:
- The type of transmission repair
- What GMC year and model you drive
- The availability and costs of any necessary replacement parts
- Labor costs where you live
Generally speaking, GMC transmission repairs range from $100 to $6,000.
Of course, that’s a pretty wide range, because the severity of the transmission issue is going to determine what kind of service you need. On the lower end of the repair cost spectrum are more straightforward fixes like transmission fluid changes, and the upper end is where you’ll start dealing with extensive transmission repairs or full-out replacements.
For many GMC vehicles, a complete transmission replacement can range anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000. Here are a few popular GMCs and their average transmission replacement cost:
When it comes to other transmission-related services, here are some common ranges for GMCs.
What does a transmission do?
Your vehicle’s transmission transfers the power your engine creates to move your vehicle forward at the right speed.
Regardless of whether it’s a manual or automatic transmission, it’s a pretty complex piece of equipment—and pretty important—which is part of why it costs so much. These days, most new GMCs have an automatic transmission, with the Canyon’s optional manual transmission being a rare exception.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a transmission?
In most cases, it’s more expensive to replace a transmission completely. As stated above, that price range often lands somewhere between $4,000 and $6,000 for a GMC.
If your current transmission is still salvageable, it will often be less expensive to repair it. During a transmission rebuild, a mechanic will disassemble your vehicle’s transmission and inspect its many moving parts, cleaning it and replacing damaged ones as needed. Transmission rebuilds on GMCs can range from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on how extensive the damage is and the current rate of labor.
On older vehicles, sometimes owners question whether it’s even worth it to pay for a transmission replacement. If the cost of a transmission repair or replacement exceeds the value of the entire vehicle, some drivers opt to buy a newer vehicle instead. On the other hand, if your car has more sentimental value to you, or if you still prefer it over other vehicle options, you might still prefer to take a chance on a transmission replacement anyway.
Does it cost more to repair a manual transmission or an automatic?
Manual transmissions are typically cheaper to repair and maintain than automatic transmissions or continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), since they tend to be less complex and have fewer parts.
Common GMC transmission problems
Transmission problems are relatively common on high-mileage GMC vehicles. On
CarComplaints.com
, the top two most frequent complaints among users were transmission failure. The 2008 GMC Acadia claimed the top spot, while the 2007 Acadia claimed second place.But outright failure or faulty parts isn’t the only reason your GMC transmission could experience problems. For example,
contaminated or leaking transmission fluid
is a common problem among vehicles that could cause serious damage over time, but regular maintenance can help catch problems early before repairs become more expensive.What year GMCs have the most transmission problems?
In addition to the models listed above, GMC has some more recent models that may have transmissions with questionable reliability. A 2022 federal lawsuit related to problems with eight-speed transmissions from General Motors was linked to several GMC models, including:
- 2017-2019 GMC Canyons
- 2015-2019 GMC Sierras
- 2015-2019 GMC Yukons
MORE: Are GMCs expensive to maintain?
Signs your GMC transmission is going bad
The higher the mileage on your odometer gets, the likelier it is that transmission problems could start to reveal themselves. If you suspect your transmission is going bad, here are some symptoms your GMC might start showing.
- Fluid leaks: It can be unnerving to discoverfluid is leaking from your car, especially if you’re unsure what fluid it is. If the fluid is dark red in color, it could very well be transmission fluid (in which case it’s not a good idea to drive your vehicle).
- Strange noises: If you’re hearing strange new noises coming from your vehicle, especially revving when shifting gears or sitting in neutral, you might have a transmission problem on your hands.
- Burning smell: If your transmission is overheating, you might notice burning smells coming from your vehicle.
- Jerking or shaking: A transmission on its way out will often become a rougher ride, especially when switching between gears.
- Difficulty or resistance switching between gears: Your transmission is at the heart of shifting gears to help your car move at the right speed with the right amount of power—so when that starts becoming difficult, you might have a transmission problem.
- Check Engine Light or a Transmission Service Light: Thecheck engine lightcan be something of a mystery—sometimes the reason it lights up could be a non-issue, while in other cases, it could signal more serious problems—like transmission issues. If your transmission service light specifically comes on, you’ll want to visit a mechanic.
Transmission problems are not an issue you want to delay addressing. If you suspect your vehicle is developing issues, you should have a mechanic inspect it as soon as possible.
What to do if your GMC transmission fails
If your GMC’s transmission fails without warning, you’ll need to get your vehicle to an auto shop as soon as possible. If your car can’t make it there safely, you may need to have it towed. Having roadside assistance coverage can be a saving grace in situations like this.
As for where you take your vehicle for repairs, you have a few options to consider. You might already have a trusted go-to repair shop in mind, or you might prefer to find one specializing in transmission repair. A GMC service center will ideally have technicians with specialized training on your vehicle.
MORE: How to decide if you should take your car to a repair shop or a mobile mechanic
How to maintain your GMC transmission
Changing it at the proper intervals recommended by your owner’s manual—can help keep your transmission functioning better longer and catch problems early before they become more serious.
Depending on what kind of GMC you drive, your owner’s manual may tell you where your transmission fluid dipstick is and how to use it to check your fluid levels. In other cases, however, it might advise you that checking it regularly isn’t necessary if its a sealed transmission. The transmission fluid shouldn’t decrease unless you have a fluid leak—in which case you’ll want to have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
- If you have an automatic transmission, don’t shift gears while the vehicle is in motion
- Replace your transmission fluid at the proper intervals, or if you discover your fluid has excess buildup
- Use the required transmission fluid type named by your GMC owner’s manual when changing your transmission fluid
- If any warning lights related to your transmission appear on your dashboard, heed their advice and get your vehicle serviced if necessary
- Get a professional transmission inspection yearly
By keeping up with routine and preventative maintenance and not pushing your GMC past its limits, you can help your GMC’s transmission perform at its best for as long as possible.
How to check transmission fluid
On some vehicles, checking your transmission fluid is comparable to checking your engine oil. Your owner’s manual will tell you where your transmission fluid dipstick is located and how to use it to check your transmission fluid level.
While you check the transmission fluid level, you should also pay attention to the fluid’s color and consistency.
Most transmission fluid is dyed a dark red color to help distinguish it from other fluids. However, if the fluid appears dark brown or black, or if it seems too thick to circulate properly or has a grainy texture, it’s likely been contaminated by excess debris and is ready for a change.
That said, most new GMC vehicles have sealed transmissions, which makes the fluid more difficult to check. If you don’t feel comfortable checking your sealed transmission yourself, it’s best to have a certified mechanic inspect it for you.
MORE: 10 ways to get cheap car insurance that’s actually good
How to save on GMC insurance costs
Staying on top of basic maintenance tasks like transmission fluid changes and addressing repairs will help your GMC last longer, saving you money and reducing the odds you’ll need to make more expensive repairs later on. Another way to same money is to make sure you’re not overpaying for your GMC insurance costs.
When it comes to the latter, the
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