How often should transmission fluid be changed?

It varies widely by maker. Ford's 2020 Explorer says every 150,000 miles, Toyota's 2023 Camry replaces it only under towing or heavy idling, Honda uses the Maintenance Minder, and Hyundai's 2022 Elantra says no service under normal use.

Does CVT fluid need to be changed?

Check your schedule. Nissan's 2021 Rogue inspects CVT fluid every 10,000 miles under standard conditions and lists replacement every 60,000 miles under severe conditions, while Honda's 2022 Accord CVT is changed when the Maintenance Minder shows item 3.

Is a transmission flush necessary?

Usually not. Manufacturers that schedule transmission service call for a fluid change, often at high mileage or only under severe use, and some say no service at all under normal driving.

Typical national price: $150 to $356. Check your quote free

When manufacturers actually call for it

Most makers call for a transmission fluid change, not a flush, and many only under severe use or at very high mileage: Ford lists it at 150,000 miles, Toyota's Camry schedule replaces it only for towing or heavy idling, and Hyundai's 2022 Elantra says no service under normal use. Honda and some others do schedule it, through the Maintenance Minder or a fixed interval, so the owner's manual for your car is the answer.

2023 Toyota Camry / Camry AWD: Normal schedule only inspects the automatic transmission for leaks and its cooler hoses at 30,000-mile steps; fluid replacement appears only under 'driving while towing, using a car-top carrier, or heavy vehicle loading' and extensive idling or low-speed driving (at 60,000 and 120,000 miles). Transmissions are described as sealed and inspected for leakage. Maker's schedule
2020 Ford Explorer: Change automatic transmission fluid every 150,000 miles under normal scheduled maintenance. Maker's schedule
2022 Honda Accord Sedan (CVT): Replace transmission fluid when the Maintenance Minder shows sub-item 3; every 25,000 miles only if regularly driven in mountainous areas at very low speeds. Maker's schedule
2021 Nissan Rogue (2.5L, CVT): Standard driving conditions: inspect CVT fluid every 10,000 miles or 12 months. Replacement every 60,000 miles or 72 months is listed under severe driving conditions. Maker's schedule
2022 Hyundai Elantra (IVT): No check and no service required under normal use; replace every 60,000 miles only under severe use. Maker's schedule
2022 Chevrolet Equinox: Not on the normal schedule; the severe schedule changes it at 45,000, 90,000 and 135,000 miles. Maker's schedule

What consumer guides say

Intervals range from about 30,000 to over 100,000 miles, some fluid is meant to last the car's life, and power-flushing a high-mileage transmission can cause clogs. Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports warns against shops pushing transmission flushes and says to ask where the automaker calls for it. Consumer Reports

What it typically costs

$294 to $356national average, all vehicles, RepairPal: Transmission Fluid Change Cost Estimate
$150 to $175national average, transmission fluid change, Kelley Blue Book: Transmission Fluid Change Prices & Cost Estimates
$165 to $290national average, transmission fluid flush, Kelley Blue Book: Transmission Fluid Change Prices & Cost Estimates

National ranges; a dealer usually sits at the top. A quote a little over the range is normal. Well over it is worth a question.

What to ask at the counter

“Can you show me where my owner's manual calls for transmission service at my mileage, and under normal or severe conditions?”
“Is this a drain-and-fill or a machine flush, and which one does the manufacturer specify for my transmission?”
“Did you find a problem with the fluid itself, like a burnt smell or debris, that I can see?”

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Frequently asked questions

Is a transmission flush necessary?: Usually not. Makers that schedule transmission service call it a fluid change, and Consumer Reports warns that power-flushing a high-mileage transmission can dislodge sludge and cause clogs.
How often should transmission fluid be changed?: It varies widely by maker. Ford's 2020 Explorer says every 150,000 miles, Toyota's 2023 Camry replaces it only under towing or heavy idling, Honda uses the Maintenance Minder, and Hyundai's 2022 Elantra says no service under normal use.
Does CVT fluid need to be changed?: Check your schedule. Nissan's 2021 Rogue inspects CVT fluid every 10,000 miles under standard conditions and lists replacement every 60,000 miles under severe conditions, while Honda's 2022 Accord CVT is changed when the Maintenance Minder shows item 3.

Every service guide

Sources

ManufacturerToyota 2023 Camry / Camry AWD maintenance schedule
ManufacturerFord 2020 Explorer maintenance schedule
ManufacturerHonda 2022 Accord Sedan maintenance schedule
ManufacturerNissan 2021 Rogue maintenance schedule
ManufacturerHyundai 2022 Elantra Owner's Manual: Normal Maintenance Schedule
ManufacturerChevrolet 2022 Equinox Owner's Manual: Service and Maintenance
Price sourceConsumer Reports
Price sourceConsumer Reports
Price sourceRepairPal: Transmission Fluid Change Cost Estimate
Price sourceKelley Blue Book: Transmission Fluid Change Prices & Cost Estimates

Last reviewed September 27, 2026. Prices are national ranges, not quotes for your area; schedules vary by engine and model year, so check your own owner's manual.