Infiniti QX60 Transmission Replacement Cost [Labor & Parts]
The Infiniti QX60 is a crossover SUV that features a 295 HP V6 engine and features a speedy 9-gear automatic transmission. However, the Infiniti QX60 is known to suffer from transmission problems, usually when it hits the 100,000-mile mark. If the transmission is gone, then you will have to replace it.
On average, you can expect to spend about $3,800 to replace the transmission in an Infiniti QX60. The typical price range is between $2,000 and $5,000. Some owners may have to spend more than $5,000 to replace their transmission. Compared to other comparable luxury brands, the Infiniti QX60 has lower transmission replacement costs and lower annual maintenance costs.
There are several things that go into the costs of replacing an Infiniti QX60. So we put together this comprehensive article on the costs of replacing an Infiniti QX60. We will talk about transmission replacement costs for the Infiniti and compare costs to
What Does a Transmission Do?
The transmission is one of the most important components of a car and is responsible for disconnecting the driveshaft from the engine so the car can switch gears when adjusting speeds. The transmission allows you to keep the engine idling without turning the wheels and switch to the correct gear ratio when changing speeds.
Since transmission produces a lot of friction, they are sealed and contain an amount of transmission fluid that keeps the gears lubricated while turning.
The transmission itself is made from several distinct parts including
Torque converter
Gearset
Clutches
Bands
Pressure sensors
Valve body
How Much Does it Cost to Replace an Infiniti QX60 Transmission?
On average, you can expect to spend approximately $3,800 to fully replace the transmission in an Infiniti QX60. Parts are an estimated $1,800 while labor is about $2,000.
The typical price range for an Infiniti QX60 transmission rebuild is $2,000 on the low end and $5,000 on the high end. Depending on the age of your car, mechanic, and your location, you could end up spending more than $5,000 to replace the transmission.
Infiniti QX60 Transmission Replacement Cost vs Comparable Models
Below is a table showing the average cost of replacing an Infiniti QX60 transmission compared to similar models of car. Keep in mind that these costs are averages and your actual costs may differ depending on your location and the age of your car.
| Make/Model | Avg. Transmission Replacement Cost |
| Infiniti QX60 | $3,800 |
| Acura MDX | $3,500 |
| Buick Enclave | $2,800 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | $3,500 |
| Lincoln Aviator | $4,000 |
| Cadillac XT6 | $3,200 |
| Lexus GX | $4,800 |
| Kia Telluride | $2,800 |
| Audi Q7 | $3,400 |
| Volvo XC90 | $6,000 |
As you can see, the Infiniti QX60 falls roughly in the middle of the spectrum when it comes to transmission replacement costs. The closest comparison is either the Acura MDX or the Audi Q7.
The Infiniti Qx60 has very low annual maintenance costs at $639, which is much lower than the national average of $1,127 for luxury vehicles. So even though the transmission itself is not cheap to replace, the SUV has low annual maintenance costs.
Factors that Affect Transmission Replacement Costs
Extent of Damage
Transmission damage usually appears with other kinds of damages, especially if it failed while you were driving. A failed transmission can also damage your driveshaft and clutch components, which you will need to replace as well.
Rebuild vs Replacement
In some cases, you may not need to replace the entire transmission. If only one or two components are damaged, you can get away with just replacing the broken parts. Completely replacing a transmission is significantly more expensive than rebuilding an existing transmission.
Mechanic’s location
Generally speaking, your mechanic’s location will affect replacement costs. For example, car repairs in California or Colorado will likely be more expensive than repairs in Georgia or Kentucky.
Age of your car
As always, the age of your car matters too. Older cars are typically more expensive to repair because they have older parts that might be hard to find. You may have to spend more money looking for discontinued parts. In contrast, newer cars typically have more parts available and have fewer maintenance issues because they do not have wear and tear.
Signs of a Bad Transmission
Here are the most common signs of a bad transmission.
Shaking and Grinding
The first sign of a bad transmission is a shaking or grinding when you move the gear shift. Transmissions contain several smaller gears and pieces that move against one another. If something breaks or the gears become unsynced, they can start to grind against each other, causing the shifter to vibrate and shake when engaged.
Loud Scraping Sounds
Another common sign of a broken transmission is loud scraping noises coming from the engine block. If the gears or pressure plates break, the parts will start to grind against each other, creating a loud scraping sound. If you hear a grinding noise coming from your engine block, you should pull your car over and get it towed to a mechanic.
Inability to Shift Gears
The transmission disconnects the driveshaft from the engine so you can switch gears. If the transmission is broken, then it can be difficult or impossible to actually shift gears. In some cases, you won’t be able to put your car out of park and won’t be able to drive at all. If your transmission blows while driving, it can be dangerous.
Dragging Clutch
On manual cars, the flywheel and clutch may not entirely disengage if the clutch pedal has too much slack. That can cause the transmission to suddenly pop out of gear while driving.
A dragging clutch makes it very hard if not impossible to change gears. You will notice that your gears are popping in and out if your engine suddenly starts revving louder while moving at the same speed.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
The last sign of a broken transmission is leaking transmission fluid. The transmission requires lubrication to reduce friction while the gears are turning. A broken transmission can leak lubricant, causing your transmission and engine to produce more heat. Low levels of transmission fluid can cause serious damage if you drive for too long.
Burning Smell
If you have leaking transmission fluid, then you may also smell burning transmission fluid or oil. This can happen when your transmission cracks and leaks coolant fluids onto your car’s hot engine. Burning transmission fluid smells somewhat like burning marshmallows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace the transmission on an Infiniti QX60?
It costs approximately $3,800 on average to replace the transmission on an Infiniti QX60. You can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000. If you live in an area with high living costs, then you may have to pay more than $5,000 for a full transmission rebuild.
How often should I replace my transmission?
Most modern cars, especially those with automatic transmissions, are designed to never need replacing. They come sealed shut with transmission fluid inside and are meant to last the lifetime of the car. With older models, the transmission may need replacing after about 100,000 miles.
Whether you need to replace your transmission depends heavily on how you drive your car and whether you get regular maintenance. If you neglect to get maintenance, then your transmission may fail at just 30,000 miles.
Can I drive with a bad transmission?
It is not recommended to drive with a bad transmission. In some cases, a bad transmission means that you won’t be able to start your car at all. Driving with a bad transmission is very dangerous as you can lose control of your car and crash. If you do experience transmission problems, you should take your car to a mechanic as quickly as possible to diagnose and fix the issue.
Can I replace a transmission on my own?
You can, but it is not recommended. Transmissions have a ton of moving parts and replacing one is a complex task that requires special tools. You would have to essentially disassemble your car to access the transmission, remove it, and install the new one, which takes a lot of detailed automotive knowledge. It’s usually best to have a professional replace your transmission.
Does the Infiniti QX60 come with a manual or automatic transmission?
The Infiniti QX60 only comes with an automatic transmission, but it does have a manual shift mode that mimics the feel of shifting gears with a manual transmission. The automatic transmission is subject to a handful of problems though.
Does the Infiniti QX60 have transmission problems?
Yes, the QX60 is known to have some transmission problems. Most owners report some kind of transmission problem after about 100,000 miles of driving the car.
The most coom transmission issue is gear slippage and falling out of gear while driving the car. Fortunately, the Infiniti QX60 is relatively cheap to maintain and repair, compared to other similar luxury models.
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Final Words
The crossover SUV is a popular genre of car and the Infiniti QX60 is a great entry. However, transmission problems are one of its greatest weaknesses.
If you do experience problems with your QX60, then you will need to get it replaced as quickly as possible. As always, make sure that you get quotes from several mechanics so you can get the best possible price.
