Transmission
Torque converter replacement: what it costs
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $200 | $900 |
| Labor: 6 to 10 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $660 | $1,500 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $20 | $60 |
| Total, rounded | $880 | $2,475 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
The torque converter links the engine to the automatic transmission. A bad one causes shudder, slipping, overheating or whining.
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What is usually included
- New torque converter
- New front seal
- Fluid and filter service
- Cooler flush
- Test drive
What moves the price
- Converter price by type
- Labor to remove the transmission
- Transmission repairs done at the same time
- Vehicle type
Questions to ask before you say yes
- How did you decide it's the converter?
- Is the fluid and cooler flushed?
- Should the transmission be rebuilt too?
- Does the converter warranty cover labor if it must come out again?
Can you do it yourself?
Not a DIY; the transmission has to come out of the car, which takes a lift, a transmission jack and many hours.
Shopping for the part? Search car parts on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Make sure the part fits your car before buying.
Common questions
What are signs of a bad converter?
Shudder at steady highway speed, slipping, overheating, or a whine. Fluid with metal flakes is a bad sign.
Why is labor so high?
The transmission must come out of the car to reach it. That means many hours of work, plus new fluid and seals.
Can fluid fix a shudder?
Sometimes. A fluid change with the right type can calm a mild shudder. If it comes back, the converter is likely worn.
How much does torque converter replacement cost?
A typical range across the US is $880 to $2,475. That is an estimate from parts prices, labor hours and the local labor rate, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $970 to $2,725 |
| New York City area | $940 to $2,625 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $940 to $2,675 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $910 to $2,525 |
| Houston area, Texas | $850 to $2,425 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $850 to $2,425 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $880 to $2,475 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $910 to $2,525 |
| Miami area, Florida | $850 to $2,475 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $970 to $2,675 |