Same job at other shop types (everything else as set above): Independent shop (~$100/hr) $556–$1,160 · Chain shop / franchise (~$120/hr) $576–$1,200 (the headline above) · Dealership (~$175/hr) $631–$1,310. Each figure applies that shop type's hourly labor rate (market estimates, shown above) to the calculator's own hours and parts assumptions. It is modeled, not a quote.
Check a quote against these ranges
This sets your number beside published ranges and owner-written bills. It is not a verdict: ask the shop what the quote includes (parts grade, labor hours, fees, tax). It runs in your browser and nothing you type is sent anywhere.
How serious did it get for owners?
10% of the 793 complaints report a tow, the most common serious outcome; the other outcomes counted below are rarer, and an owner can file without mentioning one.
What it shows: Towed is the largest at 79, followed by Injury reported at 18; the smallest shown is Fire reported at 1.
Counts below are complaints filed with NHTSA, not failure rates: a longer bar means more owners reported it.
Is your car affected?
What it shows: The most common band for complaints about this repair is under 50,000 (42%), against 60% for all complaints: the biggest difference between the two.
What it shows: The most common band for complaints about this repair is 6-9 years (39%). The biggest difference from all complaints is under 3 years old: 24% against 40%.
Is it urgent, and what do owners notice first?
793 owner complaints name this part.
What owners describe. Warning light: 39%; Dealer could not fix or repeat repair: 17%; Stalled or lost power: 17%.
Owners most often describe "warning light", in 39% of these complaints.
Which trouble codes do owners report?
P0700 Transmission Control System (MIL Request) is the largest group at 10, out of 793 complaints.
The code owners quote most is P0700. Read your own code from a scan and give the shop the exact code, not only "the light is on".
How fast were owners driving when it happened?
25-44 mph is the largest group at 30%, out of 397 complaints.
Owners reported it most often at town speeds. Tell the shop what speed it happens at, because that narrows the diagnosis.
Which model years show up most in the complaints?
2015 is the most common model year in 793 complaints naming this part (26%); 3 model years account for 60%.
What it shows: 2015 is the largest at 206 (26%), followed by 2016 at 163 (21%); the smallest shown is 2025 at 7 (1%).
Are cars still worth repairing at this age?
The average light vehicle on U.S. roads is 12.8 years old in 2025, up from 8.4 years in 1995, and the average passenger car is 14.5 years old.
What it shows: 2025 is the largest at 12.8 years, followed by 1995 at 8.4 years; the smallest shown is 1995 at 8.4 years.
Which drive types show up most in complaints about this part?
Among 489 owner complaints about this part where the VIN identifies the vehicle, 22% involve vehicles with FWD/Front-Wheel Drive, against 14% of complaints about all the parts we track.
What it shows: 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 is the largest at 46%, followed by FWD/Front-Wheel Drive at 22%; the smallest shown is AWD/All-Wheel Drive at 10%.
How common is a bill this size for a household?
30% of U.S. adults had a major vehicle repair or replacement in the 12 months before the Federal Reserve's 2025 survey, the most common unexpected expense, with a median cost of $1,000 to $1,999 among those who knew the amount.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Adults with a major vehicle repair or replacement | 30% |
| Adults with any major unexpected expense | 59% |
| Any major unexpected expense, family income $100,000 or more | 62% |
| Any major unexpected expense, family income $25,000 to $49,999 | 61% |
| Any major unexpected expense, family income $50,000 to $99,999 | 62% |
| Any major unexpected expense, family income under $25,000 | 47% |
| Usual amount paid for a major vehicle expense (median) | $1,000 to $1,999 |
Is shop labor getting more expensive, and are shops short of workers?
Wages of private-industry installation, maintenance and repair workers rose 31.3% from late 2019 to 2026 quarter 2, against 29.3% for all private workers, and 2.3 of every 100 employees in other services, the sector holding repair shops, quit each month against 1.9 across all jobs (BLS, national).
| Measure | Repair workers (pay) and other services (turnover) | All private workers |
|---|---|---|
| Hires a month per 100 employees (12-month average) | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| Job openings per 100 jobs (12-month average) | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Quits a month per 100 employees (12-month average) | 2.3 | 1.9 |
| Total pay and benefits, change over the last 12 months | +3.6% | +3.3% |
| Wages and salaries, change over the last 12 months | +3.7% | +3.1% |
| Wages and salaries, change since the fourth quarter of 2019 | +31.3% | +29.3% |
How often do owners actually win a lemon-law case?
In Connecticut's 2025 lemon-law program, 113 of 141 arbitration hearings (80%) ended in a refund or replacement vehicle, while Texas ordered 14 repurchases or replacements after hearings among 576 complaints filed in fiscal 2020; these are program totals for all vehicles and defects, not for transmission control module replacement.
| Program and year | Cases | What happened |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut, 2025 | 141 hearings | 113 refund or replacement (80%), 15 cash and keep, 13 no action |
| Texas, fiscal 2020 | 576 complaints filed | 302 settled before a decision; 14 vehicles ordered repurchased or replaced after hearings (78 post-hearing orders) |
| New York, 1998 | all cases | consumers prevailed in 68% of new-car cases and 63% of used-car disputes (awards and settlements combined) |
| Connecticut decisions since 2018 on the makes in this page's owner complaints | Ford 35, Jeep 64 of 357 | the file lists each case, not its outcome |
Has the replacement part I am buying been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 equipment recalls coded to this part since 2015 (power train), covering 533,117 items sold as parts rather than whole vehicles; the largest, by Zf North America, Inc. in 2016, covered 505,000.
| Year | Maker and product | NHTSA component | Defect | Items |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Zf North America, Inc.: Sensor Cluster | automatic transmission control. | certain Transmission Control Sensor Clusters manufactured May 1, 2013, to July 15, 2014. | 505,000 |
| 2019 | Aisin World Corp. Of America: Trans. Control Module | automatic transmission control. | certain Transmission Control Modules (TCM), part numbers PSPD189E1, PEFB189E1B, PAC6189E1A, PEFB189E1A. | 24,265 |
| 2018 | Chrysler (Fca Us Llc): 300 | automatic transmission control. | certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023. | 1,930 |
| 2017 | Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Tec: Transmission | automatic transmission control. | certain Endurant transmissions, part numbers EEO-17F112C, EEO-16F112C and EEO-18F112C and PACCAR. | 1,338 |
| 2023 | Allison Transmission, Inc.: 6th Gen Tcm | automatic transmission control. | certain Emergency Vehicle Series 6th Generation Transmission Control Modules (TCM). | 584 |
Has this part been recalled abroad on cars that may share it?
Manufacturers filed 12 foreign recall campaigns that name transmission control with NHTSA since 2015; the latest, from Mazda Motor Corp. in 2024-12. These are recalls abroad, and they apply to U.S. cars only if the same model is sold here.
| Filed | Manufacturer | Foreign recall no. | What the filing says |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-12 | Mazda Motor. | 278 | Of the affected vehicles that contain the subject condition: 100% Description of the Defect: Due to improper parking sensor module software settings, there may be inconsistencies in detecting distances of different obstacles by the ultra-sonic sensor. |
| 2024-07 | Mazda Motor. | 176 | The subject condition: Approximately 0.02% Description of the Defect: On certain MHEV vehicles equipped with 3.3-liter diesel engines, the transmission control module (TCM) software programming may lead to improper clutch control or disengagement during. |
| 2024-05 | Mazda Motor. | 108 | None Alleged fatalities: None Program for Remedying the Defect: Owners will be notified of the defect and Mazda dealers will reprogram the transmission control module (TCM) with improved software as a preventative action. |
| 2023-04 | Mazda Motor. | 064 | Alleged fatalities: None Program for Remedying the Defect: Owners will be notified of the defect and Mazda dealers will reprogram affected transmission control modules with improved software as a preventive action. |
| 2019-11 | Mazda Motor. | 228 | Certain conditions, a partial clutch application by the driver may be falsely determined to be a full clutch application by the engine control module. |
| 2019-11 | Mazda Motor. | 225 | Therefore, transmission error detection may not function correctly, conflicting with foreign On Board Diagnosis requirements. |
How many recalled cars are actually fixed, so should I check mine?
Across 9 NHTSA recalls coded to this part filed 2015 to 2024, 71.9% of the 1,583,735 recalled vehicles had been repaired after 8 quarters, against 66.2% for all recalls, which leaves about 445,378 vehicles still carrying the defect.
| Year | Vehicles | Recalled vehicles | Repaired | Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Dodge Charger; Chrysler 300 | 811,290 | 80.8% | automatic transmission control. |
| 2024 | Ford F-150 | 552,188 | 54.8% | automatic transmission control. |
| 2023 | Ram 1500 | 131,700 | 84.2% | automatic transmission control. |
| 2022 | Ford F-150 | 47,084 | 86.6% | automatic transmission control. |
| 2022 | Ford Mustang | 25,032 | 56.1% | automatic transmission control. |
| 2024 | Ford Maverick, Escape; Lincoln Corsair | 9,312 | 98.8% | automatic transmission control. |
| 2023 | Ford Explorer | 3,674 | 72.6% | automatic transmission control. |
| 2020 | Ford Transit Connect | 2,903 | 73.1% | automatic transmission control. |
If this part was recalled, is the repair free?
Federal law (49 U.S.C. 30120) requires a maker to fix a recalled defect without charge for cars first bought within 15 calendar years (tires within 5), and NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for parts matched to a transmission control module replacement since model year 2015, covering about 23,568 vehicles.
| Rule or count | What it says |
|---|---|
| Age limits | The free-remedy duty does not apply to a car first bought more than 15 calendar years, or a tire first bought more than 5 calendar years, before the recall notice. |
| Failure to fix | A repair not done adequately within 60 days of presentation is prima facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time; the maker must then replace the vehicle or refund the purchase price less depreciation. |
| Free remedy | A maker must fix a recall defect without charge. |
| NHTSA recalls matched to a transmission control module replacement since model year 2015 | 2 recall campaigns covering about 23,568 vehicles |
Which transmission designs are in cars of my age?
EPA's Automotive Trends data show continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) went from 2.3% of new cars in model year 2005 to 28.6% in 2024, while manual transmissions fell from 6.2% to 0.9% (sales-weighted national shares).
| Model year | Manual | Conventional automatic | CVT | Average gears |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 9.7% | 90.2% | 0.0% | 4.1 |
| 2005 | 6.2% | 91.6% | 2.3% | 4.5 |
| 2010 | 3.8% | 85.3% | 11.0% | 5.2 |
| 2014 | 2.8% | 78.3% | 19.0% | 6.0 |
| 2018 | 1.6% | 76.0% | 22.3% | 6.5 |
| 2021 | 0.9% | 72.4% | 26.6% | 7.0 |
| 2024 | 0.9% | 70.5% | 28.6% | 7.0 |
Has the maker published a fix?
A bulletin is a repair procedure a maker sends its dealers, not a safety defect: if your maker is listed, ask the dealer whether one covers your car and quote its number.
| Maker | Vehicles | Bulletin number | Date | What it says |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep | Grand Cherokee L 2026; Grand Wagoneer 2026 and 1 more | 08-289-26 | Jul 22, 2026 | Transmission Control Module (TCM) Diagnostic Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: Exhibit/set one or more of the following DTCs: P2797-00 - Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump Performance. |
| Audi | S5 2015; A4 2015 and 10 more | TSB_2028902_5 | Jun 23, 2026 | This bulletin provides informaiton when the transmission warning message appears in the cluster; P074100 stored in the TCM. |
| Land Rover | Range Rover Sport 2024; Range Rover 2024 | D067 Range Rover 15MAY26 | May 15, 2026 | Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated on the vehicles instrument panel cluster, due to a Transmission Control Module (TCM) network communication fault. |
| RAM | 2500 2026; 3500 2026 | 21-029-26 REV. A | May 1, 2026 | Flash: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): P0826-00 - Up/Down Shift Switch. |
| RAM | 3500 2026; 2500 2026 | 21-029-26 | Apr 8, 2026 | Flash: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may SYMPTOM: Exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ? |
| Dodge | Charger 2026 | 21-020-26 | Mar 26, 2026 | Flash: Transmission Control Module (TCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: Exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): P2096-00 - Downstream Fuel Trim. |
16 more bulletins name this part; the car finder at the top checks yours, and the NHTSA bulletin file linked below lists them all.
Manufacturer warranty extensions naming this part (2)
| Maker | Vehicles | Date | Notice number | What the maker extended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford | Fiesta 2011–2015; Focus 2012–2016 | Aug 3, 2021 | 14M02-S5 | DPS6 automatic transmission control module causing engagement or power. |
| Ford | Fiesta 2011–2015 | May 1, 2015 | 15-0017 | Automatic transmission control module. |
What do owners say?
4 complaints quoted word for word, each with its NHTSA number.
I just read that GM was doing a recall on the Transmission Control Module but it does not include my car, which is what failed on my car at 19,000 miles.
Or 2 the TCM can be replaced/reprogrammed for over $2500 which is not a guaranteed fix.
After about 3 miles the check engine light came on and a TCM warning appeared on the radio screen.
The reset the transmission control module and the issue has returned, it shouldn't have these issues at 19k miles!
Check your car
Our calculator's default estimate is $576–$1,200 for a TCM, the computer that decides when your automatic transmission shifts. That default is an OEM aftermarket module on a midsize car at a chain shop.
What does the TCM replacement price cover?
The estimate covers the module itself and the labor to fit it. Labor is 1 to 2 hours in the calculator, so the part is usually most of the bill. It does not cover a diagnosis fee, taxes, or any other part the shop finds failed once the module is out.
Reprogramming is where quotes differ. A new module often has to be set up to your car before it works, and some shops fold that into labor while others charge it on its own line. Ask which way your quote does it.
How much does each part type cost?
These are the calculator's ranges for a midsize car at a chain shop, changing one setting at a time from the default.
| Setting | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Remanufactured TCM | $384–$816 |
| OEM aftermarket TCM (default) | $576–$1,200 |
| Dealer OEM TCM | $840–$1,920 |
| Independent shop | $556–$1,160 |
| Chain shop (default) | $576–$1,200 |
| Dealership | $631–$1,310 |
| Economy car | $500–$1,040 |
| Midsize car (default) | $576–$1,200 |
| SUV or truck | $728–$1,520 |
Remanufactured means a used module that was rebuilt and tested. OEM aftermarket is a new module made to the maker's design by another company. Dealer OEM is the maker's own part. Ask the shop which one the quote assumes, and what warranty comes with it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a failing TCM?
It depends on the symptom. A steady warning light with normal shifting is less urgent than a car that slips or will not move, so have the codes read soon and tell the shop exactly what the car does.
Is a remanufactured TCM a bad idea?
Not by itself. At $384–$816 against $840–$1,920 for a dealer OEM module, it is the cheapest route, so ask what warranty the rebuilder gives and whether the shop will install it.
Sources
Data shown on this page
- NHTSA owner complaint file (2015-2019 · 2020-2024 · 2025-2026) downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA service bulletin file (2015-2019 · 2020-2024 · 2025-2026) downloaded 2026-10-05
- Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Table 1-26a: Average Age of Automobiles and Trucks in Operation in the United States data from 2025
- NHTSA owner complaint files with VINs decoded by NHTSA vPIC data from 2025
- Federal Reserve Board, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 (SHED), tables 23 and 24, figure 23 downloaded 2026 report on 2025 survey
- BLS Employment Cost Index (installation, maintenance and repair occupations, private industry) and Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (other services, NAICS 81) downloaded 2026 Q02
- Connecticut DCP Lemon Law annual report (2025), data.ct.gov Lemon Law Arbitration Decisions, Texas DMV Lemon Law Annual Report FY2020, New York Attorney General (1999 release on 1998 results) data from 2026
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall flat file (equipment recalls, report type E) downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, Foreign Campaigns (filings under 49 CFR 579.11, public API) downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall quarterly reports (basis of the Annual List of Recall Completion Rates) downloaded 2026-10-05
- 49 U.S.C. 30120 (Remedies for defects and noncompliance), text via Cornell Legal Information Institute; NHTSA recall campaigns data from 2026
- U.S. EPA, The 2025 EPA Automotive Trends Report (EPA-420-R-26-001) downloaded 2026-10
Terms: US government data, public domain; Federal Reserve Board data, cite the source.
Observed: records as filed; owner reports are unverified and are not failure rates. Derived: computed from the records; an association, not a cause. Reported: figures as reported by the publisher, not independently verified. Rule: a published legal rule, not a measurement; whether it covers a given repair depends on the car and the facts.
What is our own estimate
The price range comes from our calculator's formula. Its parts prices, labor hours per job and shop-rate tiers are CalcScrape estimates, not a published price dataset. Checked against RepairPal's range ($929–$1,006) on 2026-10-04: our default's midpoint is 8% below the middle of that range. Price evidence grade C: one outside published range; the hours and parts prices behind the estimate are CalcScrape assumptions and have not been checked against repair invoices. Methodology