Subaru CVT Replacement Cost

    Replace TR580/TR690 Lineartronic CVT with reman or new unit.

    Reviewed by SubaruReview Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-05-10 · Editorial standards

    $4,500–$8,500national average
    Parts
    $3500–$6500
    Labor
    812 hrs
    DIY-friendly?
    No

    How this repair stacks up against the other common Subaru transmission jobs — useful when you're sequencing what to fix first.

    Subaru CVT Replacement Cost compared with other transmission repairs on Subaru.
    RepairCost rangeLaborPartsDIY
    Subaru CVT Replacement Cost (this page)$4,500–$8,5008–12 hrs$3500–$6500No
    WRX/STI Clutch Replacement Cost$1,400–$2,8008–10 hrs$450–$12004/5
    Subaru Clutch Replacement Cost$1,450–$2,8007–10 hrs$650–$12004/5
    Costs are US national averages from our repair-cost database. DIY column is difficulty out of 5; 'No' means specialty tools required.

    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.

    Why this fails

    Torque-converter lockup wear or chain-belt failure in 2010-2018 CVTs; 2019+ TR580 revisions are more reliable.

    What the job involves

    1. Drain CVT and remove driveshafts
    2. Drop transmission cradle
    3. Install reman CVT with updated valve body
    4. Refill with Subaru CVTF-II only
    5. Drive cycle relearn

    If you delay this repair

    Chain-belt failure can damage valve body and torque converter — full new unit required.

    Save money

    • Check VIN against Subaru extended warranty (10yr/100k powertrain) before paying
    • Reman from JASPER or Subaru saves $1,500-2,000 vs new
    • Drain-and-fill every 30k prevents most failures

    FAQ

    How much does Subaru CVT Replacement cost in 2026?

    Expect $4,500–$8,500 at most US shops, parts plus labor.

    How long does the job take?

    8–12 labor hours typically.

    Can I do this myself?

    Not recommended for most DIYers; specialized tools or shop equipment usually required.

    What happens if I delay?

    Chain-belt failure can damage valve body and torque converter — full new unit required.

    Sources

    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.

    People also ask

    Is CVT Replacement cheaper at an indy shop or the dealer?

    Independent Subaru specialists usually come in $300–$1,000 below dealer pricing on the $4,500–$8,500 range shown above, without giving up OEM parts. See real quote breakdowns in the Subaru repair-costs hub.

    What actually causes this repair in the first place?

    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.

    Can I DIY this to save money?

    Not realistically. Special tools and shop equipment push this outside home-garage territory. The repair-costs hub has tips for getting fair independent quotes without paying dealer rates.

    How does this repair fit into overall Subaru reliability?

    It's tracked inside our Transmission & AWD 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.

    Ready to buy or refresh your current build?

    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.