Transmission Fluid Change Cost: Parts, Labor & Average Price

An automatic transmission fluid service typically costs $221 – $264, according to Jerry. Prices go up for machine flushes, for CVT and dual-clutch transmissions, and for heavier vehicles that hold more fluid.

The figures below were checked on Oct 11, 2026. Shops use "change," "service," and "flush" loosely, so the tables separate the methods and the vehicle types.

A drain-and-fill removes the fluid that drains out of the pan and replaces it. Part of the old fluid stays in the torque converter and the cooler lines, so a drain-and-fill does not renew everything. Some services also drop the pan and replace the filter and gasket.

A flush uses a machine to push new fluid through the system while the old fluid comes out. It replaces more of the fluid but costs more, and carmakers differ on whether they recommend it. Some manufacturers specify a particular method or a particular fluid, so check your owner's manual before you agree to a flush.

Fluid capacity and the difficulty of the job set the price. A sedan with a small pan costs less than an SUV, and a heavy-duty pickup holds more fluid and may need a larger pan and extra labor.

Dealerships usually charge more, but they also stock the carmaker's own fluid and know the service procedure for your model. Independent shops often charge less. Ask any shop which fluid it plans to use and whether it meets your vehicle's specification, because the wrong fluid can harm shifting and wear.

Chain prices differ from store to store. The Midas rows are single-store "starting at" prices, not averages for the brand. A shop may quote more once it knows your vehicle and the fluid it needs.

• Service method. A drain-and-fill costs less than a machine exchange.
• Transmission type. Conventional automatics, CVTs, and dual-clutch transmissions use different fluids and procedures, and the specialty types cost more.
• Fluid type and amount. Some carmakers require a specific fluid that costs more than a generic product.
• Filter and gasket. A pan-drop service adds parts and labor.
• Vehicle size. Trucks and SUVs hold more fluid than small cars.
• Shop type. Dealers charge more than independent shops in most cases.
• Condition. Dirty, burnt, or contaminated fluid may point to a bigger problem, and the shop may recommend an inspection.

Intervals vary a lot between vehicles, and some carmakers describe the fluid as lifetime fill while others call for periodic service. Your owner's manual lists the recommended schedule and the severe-service schedule, which applies to towing, heavy loads, and stop-and-go driving. Follow the manual for your car rather than a general rule.

Warning signs include delayed or rough shifting, slipping, a burning smell, and fluid that looks dark or has debris in it. If you notice these, have the transmission inspected before you pay for a flush. A flush will not repair a worn transmission, and in some cases the shop may advise against it.

The sources behind this guide do not measure the same thing. One reports a narrow range for a standard automatic transmission service. Another covers a broad mix from basic drain-and-fill jobs to flushes on specialty transmissions. Armor Lubricants is a lubricant maker, so its numbers are its own estimate for a mix of service types.

Read the label on each row before comparing. A low figure for a drain-and-fill on a sedan and a high figure for a flush on a truck are not the same job.

A drain-and-fill can be a DIY job on some vehicles, and the parts cost much less than the shop price. Some transmissions have no dipstick, require the fluid to be at a set temperature when you fill it, or use a fill plug that needs a special tool. Overfilling or underfilling can damage the transmission. Used fluid must also be disposed of properly at a recycling location.

For CVT and dual-clutch transmissions, a professional is usually the safer choice, because the procedure and fluid are specific to the transmission. Machine flushes need shop equipment.

• Is this a drain-and-fill, a pan drop with a filter change, or a machine flush?
• What fluid will you use, and does it match my owner's manual specification?
• Does the price include the filter and gasket?
• Will you inspect for leaks or worn parts while the fluid is out?
• Do you offer a warranty on the service?