How Much Does Transmission Flush / Fluid Change Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Transmission Flush / Fluid Change Include?
A transmission fluid change or flush replaces the old transmission fluid with fresh fluid to maintain smooth shifting, prevent overheating, and extend transmission life. A drain-and-fill replaces 30-40% of fluid, while a full flush replaces nearly all of it.
The national average cost for transmission flush / fluid change is $225 per service. Most homeowners pay between $100 and $400, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Service Type
Drain-and-fill: $75-$200. Full machine flush: $150-$400
Fluid Type
Conventional ATF: $5-$10/quart. Synthetic: $10-$20/quart. Most cars need 8-16 quarts for a flush
Shop Type
Quick lube shop: $100-$200. Independent mechanic: $125-$250. Dealership: $200-$400
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Fluid type (conventional vs synthetic)
- ✓Service type (drain-and-fill vs full flush)
- ✓Transmission type (automatic vs manual vs CVT)
- ✓Vehicle make and model
- ✓Filter replacement
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.A drain-and-fill ($75-$150) is cheaper and safer for high-mileage transmissions than a full flush
- 2.Check your owner's manual — many modern transmissions use 'lifetime' fluid that may not need changing for 100K+ miles
- 3.Independent shops charge 40-60% less than dealerships
- 4.Some vehicles have easily accessible drain plugs — making DIY drain-and-fill feasible ($30-$60 in fluid)
📈 Transmission Flush / Fluid Change Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.8% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $191 | — |
| 2021 | $199 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $212 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $218 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $225 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Transmission Flush / Fluid Change Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $82 | $185 | $328 |
| Alaska | $128 | $288 | $512 |
| Arizona | $95 | $214 | $380 |
| Arkansas | $80 | $180 | $320 |
| California | $135 | $304 | $540 |
| Colorado | $108 | $243 | $432 |
| Connecticut | $122 | $275 | $488 |
| Delaware | $105 | $236 | $420 |
| Florida | $98 | $221 | $392 |
| Georgia | $90 | $203 | $360 |
| Hawaii | $142 | $320 | $568 |
| Idaho | $92 | $207 | $368 |
| Illinois | $105 | $236 | $420 |
| Indiana | $88 | $198 | $352 |
| Iowa | $86 | $194 | $344 |
| Kansas | $85 | $191 | $340 |
| Kentucky | $84 | $189 | $336 |
| Louisiana | $87 | $196 | $348 |
| Maine | $102 | $230 | $408 |
| Maryland | $115 | $259 | $460 |
| Massachusetts | $130 | $293 | $520 |
| Michigan | $92 | $207 | $368 |
| Minnesota | $102 | $230 | $408 |
| Mississippi | $78 | $176 | $312 |
| Missouri | $87 | $196 | $348 |
| Montana | $95 | $214 | $380 |
| Nebraska | $88 | $198 | $352 |
| Nevada | $102 | $230 | $408 |
| New Hampshire | $112 | $252 | $448 |
| New Jersey | $125 | $281 | $500 |
| New Mexico | $90 | $203 | $360 |
| New York | $132 | $297 | $528 |
| North Carolina | $90 | $203 | $360 |
| North Dakota | $90 | $203 | $360 |
| Ohio | $90 | $203 | $360 |
| Oklahoma | $83 | $187 | $332 |
| Oregon | $110 | $248 | $440 |
| Pennsylvania | $102 | $230 | $408 |
| Rhode Island | $115 | $259 | $460 |
| South Carolina | $87 | $196 | $348 |
| South Dakota | $85 | $191 | $340 |
| Tennessee | $86 | $194 | $344 |
| Texas | $93 | $209 | $372 |
| Utah | $95 | $214 | $380 |
| Vermont | $108 | $243 | $432 |
| Virginia | $105 | $236 | $420 |
| Washington | $115 | $259 | $460 |
| West Virginia | $80 | $180 | $320 |
| Wisconsin | $94 | $212 | $376 |
| Wyoming | $92 | $207 | $368 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should transmission fluid be changed?
Manual transmission: every 30,000-60,000 miles. Automatic: every 60,000-100,000 miles. CVT: every 60,000-90,000 miles. Check your owner's manual — some manufacturers claim 'lifetime' fluid but many mechanics recommend changes at 60K-80K regardless.
Is a transmission flush safe?
For transmissions maintained regularly, yes. For high-mileage transmissions (150K+) that have never had fluid changed, a flush can dislodge debris and cause issues. In that case, a gentle drain-and-fill is safer. Consult a trusted mechanic.
🏙️ Transmission Flush / Fluid Change Cost by City
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