Full removal of the transmission to replace the friction disc, pressure plate, throw-out bearing, and pilot bearing.
Reviewed by SubaruReview Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-05-15 · Editorial standards
How this repair stacks up against the other common Subaru transmission jobs — useful when you're sequencing what to fix first.
| Repair | Cost range | Labor | Parts | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Clutch Replacement Cost (this page) | $1,450–$2,800 | 7–10 hrs | $650–$1200 | 4/5 |
| Subaru CVT Replacement Cost | $4,500–$8,500 | 8–12 hrs | $3500–$6500 | No |
| WRX/STI Clutch Replacement Cost | $1,400–$2,800 | 8–10 hrs | $450–$1200 | 4/5 |
This repair is part of our Subaru repair-cost database and connects back to the transmission & AWD guide where we cover service intervals and failure modes.
Normal wear of the organic friction material over 80k-120k miles. Premature failure is common in turbocharged models (EJ255/FA20F) due to high heat cycles or in FB25 engines when the release bearing grease dries out, causing 'snout' wear.
Total loss of propulsion, damage to the flywheel surface, and potential failure of the release bearing which can score the transmission snout (quil), requiring an expensive TSK sleeve kit.
Expect $1,450–$2,800 at most US shops, parts plus labor.
7–10 labor hours typically.
Yes — DIY difficulty 4/5.
Total loss of propulsion, damage to the flywheel surface, and potential failure of the release bearing which can score the transmission snout (quil), requiring an expensive TSK sleeve kit.
Cost, labor-hour, and parts-price ranges on this page are aggregated national-average estimates. Individual figures are not tied to a single primary source and should be treated as directional — request a written quote from a Subaru dealer or an independent Subaru specialist before booking work. See our editorial standards for how we build these ranges.
No primary source is currently cited for the specific figures on this page. Treat quantitative details as directional pending verification — see our Corrections Policy to help us update it.
Independent Subaru specialists usually come in $300–$1,000 below dealer pricing on the $1,450–$2,800 range shown above, without giving up OEM parts. See real quote breakdowns in the Subaru repair-costs hub.
The most common trigger is AC Compressor Failure, documented with symptoms, root cause, and a permanent-fix path. Fixing the underlying failure first is what stops you from paying for this job twice.
Bundling transmission work at one visit almost always beats paying labor twice. Owners on this platform also price out Subaru CVT Replacement Cost and WRX/STI Clutch Replacement Cost at the same appointment.
Yes — we rate it 4/5. Follow the job-steps checklist above and the money-saving tips, and cross-check the reliability hub for related failures worth inspecting while you're in there.
It's tracked inside our Engine Guides cluster alongside every related failure and fix. Browse all topic hubs to see repair cost in the context of the underlying engine or drivetrain issue.
Dig into the Problems Database to plan your next maintenance sprint, or browse every model hub for buyer's guides, generation breakdowns, and known-issue lists.