Transmission Fluid Change Cost by Car Make and Model (2026 Estimates)
Costs vary enormously by vehicle — a Toyota Camry service costs $120–$220 while a BMW 3 Series can cost $250–$500 for the same category of work. Here's what 15 common vehicles actually cost, with the fluid spec for each.
| Vehicle | Trans Type | Fluid Spec | Drain & Fill | Full Flush | Dealer Premium | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry (2018–2026) | 8-speed Automatic | Toyota ATF WS | $120–$220 | $200–$350 | 30–45% | Yes |
| Toyota RAV4 (2019–2026) | 8-speed Automatic | Toyota ATF WS | $120–$230 | $200–$360 | 30–45% | Yes |
| Honda Accord (2018–2026) | 10-speed Automatic | Honda ATF DW-1 | $110–$210 | $190–$340 | 25–40% | Yes |
| Honda CR-V (2017–2026) | CVT | Honda HCF-2 | $150–$280 | $200–$370 | 25–40% | No |
| Ford F-150 (2017–2026) | 10-speed Automatic | Motorcraft MERCON ULV | $130–$240 | $210–$380 | 30–45% | Yes |
| Ford Explorer (2020–2026) | 10-speed Automatic | Motorcraft MERCON ULV | $140–$250 | $220–$380 | 30–45% | Yes |
| Chevrolet Silverado (2019–2026) | 8 or 10-speed Automatic | GM DEXRON-HP | $130–$240 | $210–$370 | 30–45% | Yes |
| Honda Civic (2016–2026) | CVT or 6-speed Manual | Honda HCF-2 (CVT) / Honda MTF (Manual) | $90–$200 | $180–$320 | 25–35% | Yes |
| Subaru Outback (2020–2026) | Lineartronic CVT | Subaru CVTF-II | $200–$350 | $290–$476 | 20–35% | No |
| Nissan Altima (2019–2026) | CVT (Jatco JF017E) | Nissan NS-3 | $180–$320 | $280–$450 | 25–40% | No |
| BMW 3 Series (2019–2026) | 8-speed ZF Automatic | BMW ATF-6 / ZF Lifeguard 9 | $250–$500 | $350–$600 | 40–60% | No |
| Audi A4 (2017–2026) | 7-speed DSG / S-Tronic | VAG G 052 182 / G 055 025 | $220–$450 | $320–$550 | 40–55% | No |
| Hyundai Elantra (2017–2026) | 6-speed Automatic or DCT | Hyundai SP-IV / SP-IVm | $100–$200 | $180–$310 | 30–40% | Yes |
| Kia Sorento (2021–2026) | 8-speed Automatic | Kia ATF SP-IV | $110–$210 | $190–$340 | 30–40% | Yes |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee (2021–2026) | 8-speed ZF Automatic | Mopar ATF+4 or ZF fluid | $140–$260 | $220–$380 | 35–50% | Yes |
Dealer vs Independent Shop: When It Matters by Make
The dealer isn't always the right choice — but it's not always a ripoff either. Here's when each option makes sense by vehicle brand.
How to Find Your Transmission Type and Fluid Specification
- Owner's manual: Check the maintenance section — it lists exact fluid spec, volume, and change interval.
- Dipstick or fill cap: Many transmissions have the fluid spec printed directly on the dipstick or filler cap.
- Manufacturer's VIN lookup: Enter your 17-character VIN on your manufacturer's parts website to see factory specifications.
- Transmission case: The transmission itself often has a metal tag or stamped spec on the case — visible from underneath.
- Call your dealer parts department: They can look up the exact fluid requirement by VIN in under 2 minutes, free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do transmission fluid costs vary so much by vehicle?
Transmission type (manual vs automatic vs CVT vs DCT), fluid specification, fluid volume required, and labour time all differ by vehicle. A Toyota Camry uses widely available, affordable ATF WS. A BMW uses expensive ZF fluid in a sealed unit that requires specialist equipment to service correctly.
What transmission fluid does a Toyota Camry use?
Toyota Camry uses Toyota ATF WS (World Standard). Do not substitute generic ATF — WS is a specific Toyota specification. It's available from Toyota parts departments and from Aisin-Warner aftermarket suppliers. Typical drain-and-fill cost: $120–$220 at an independent shop.
What transmission fluid does a Honda Accord use?
Honda Accord uses Honda ATF DW-1. This is Honda-specific — generic ATF damages the friction clutch packs. DW-1 is available from Honda parts departments. Drain-and-fill cost: $110–$210 at an independent shop.
How do I find what fluid my car needs?
Check your owner's manual maintenance section, look at the dipstick or filler cap (often stamped with fluid spec), enter your VIN on the manufacturer's parts website, or call your dealer's parts department and give them your VIN — they can look it up immediately.