Cost to Replace a Catalytic Converter

What is a catalytic converter?

A catalytic converter is part of a vehicle’s exhaust system that “cleans” exhaust by converting harmful emissions into safer ones before being released. Without it, your car would emit far more pollutants and fail its annual inspection.

Types of catalytic converters

There are three types of catalytic converters currently on the road today:

• Two-way catalytic converters: These older converters work to break down two types of emissions — hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO). After passing through the converter, these get released as carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).
• Three-way catalytic converters: Newer cars feature these components, which deal with nitrogen oxide (NO) in addition to HC and CO. After going through the conversion process, these are released as CO2, H2O, nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2).
• Diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC): Like two-ways, converters for diesel engines break down HC and CO. They can process NO — but not quite as effectively as three-way converters can.

How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?

According to RepairPal data, the average replacement cost for a catalytic converter ranges from $2,293 to $2,468. However, the price can vary from car to car — sometimes dramatically — depending on the make and model, the engine size, and the cost of parts and labor.

For example, RepairPal reports that for a full-size truck such as a 2019 Ford F-150 this service can cost as little as $942 or as much as $3,917. For a high-performance vehicle like a 2019 Dodge Charger, catalytic converter replacement may start as low as $1,055 but can run as high as $10,978.

Another key variable is whether your vehicle’s cat is built directly into the exhaust manifold, which is common for newer cars. Known as a manifold converter, this specialized component is usually more expensive than a direct-fit or universal converter and requires more disassembly to access. These factors can increase both the parts price and labor time if you end up needing yours replaced.

Case study: comparing the Honda Civic, Ford F-150 and BMW 740i

Our most recent study on catalytic converter replacement costs synthesizes estimates from five different mechanics across the country — the estimates below are based on three different car models.

Of our sample vehicles, the Honda Civic, which is generally affordable in terms of repair and maintenance, had by far the highest catalytic converter replacement costs. Meanwhile, the BMW 740i had the lowest average parts cost but a much higher labor cost. The Ford F-150, one of the most popular vehicles in America, had the lowest average replacement costs by far.

Additional costs in catalytic converter replacement

Replacing a catalytic converter often comes with extra charges beyond the part and labor. Note that labor costs can vary significantly by geographical location and individual shop labor rate. Standard labor hours for a catalytic converter replacement depend on the vehicle, but a typical book time is about one to three hours.

Factors like corrosion, welded units or hard-to-reach manifold converters can increase the time required, but you can get a ballpark sense of what you’re likely to pay in labor costs by finding the average hourly rate for mechanics in your area and multiplying it by one to three.

Here are the most common “hidden” or easily overlooked costs to watch for:

• Diagnostic fees: Before replacement, shops typically run scans or perform manual inspections to confirm the converter is the true issue — not an O2 sensor, misfire or fuel-system problem. Expect $50 to $150 depending on the shop’s labor rate.
• Taxes: Depending on your state, sales tax on parts can add 5% to 10% to the total bill, especially if the converter is an expensive OEM unit.
• Shop fees: Many repair shops charge environmental or supply fees, usually $15 to $50, to cover disposal, rags, chemicals and equipment use.
• Hardware and gaskets: Rusted bolts, clamps and exhaust gaskets often need replacement during catalytic-converter work. These add-ons are typically $20 to $100 but can be more if cutting and welding are required.
• Oxygen sensor replacement: O2 sensors often seize in place or fail around the same time as the converter. Replacing one typically adds $150 to $300 per sensor (part and labor). Some cars have multiple sensors, increasing the cost.

Because these expenses vary by vehicle age, rust level and the shop’s diagnostic process, it’s smart to ask for a line-item estimate upfront.

An online estimator tool can be a good starting point for price comparison, but visiting or calling at least two local shops is the best way to get an accurate out-the-door cost based on your specific vehicle’s year, model, engine size and VIN. Request a written quote that includes parts and labor, diagnostics, shop fees, tax, and any potential add-ons such as sensors or hardware. This helps you compare shops accurately and avoid unexpected charges when the final bill arrives.

OEM vs. aftermarket catalytic converter cost comparison

Replacing a catalytic converter can be expensive, and choosing between an OEM or aftermarket unit affects both cost and performance. OEM converters are typically pricier, ranging from about $800 to $3,000 depending on what vehicle they’re designed for, while aftermarket parts are priced more modestly at around $200 to $800.

To decide what will work best for your car and budget, compare dealer price quotes with reliable independent sources. List prices for aftermarket and OEM parts can vary widely by brand, model and retailer, so understanding the differences in price, warranty, compliance, fit and longevity can help you make the best choice.

Choose an OEM catalytic converter if:

• You want guaranteed emissions compliance, especially important in states with strict laws.
• Your vehicle is relatively new, under warranty or you plan to keep it for many years.
• You prefer reliable performance and long-term durability, even at higher upfront cost.

Choose a quality aftermarket catalytic converter if:

• Your vehicle is older or has high mileage, so the lower upfront cost makes more sense.
• Budget constraints are a concern, or you just need a functional replacement after theft or damage.
• You carefully select a reputable aftermarket brand that meets emissions standards (EPA or state-certified).

Emissions compliance

If you live in California or one of the 17 other U.S. jurisdictions that follow car and truck emissions standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), ensuring your vehicle complies with state laws can increase the cost of replacing a catalytic converter.

To avoid failing an inspection and facing a second expensive replacement, it’s important to choose the right certification. Make sure you install a state-certified, CARB-compliant unit that meets emissions regulations. This may cost more than one that is only EPA-approved.

How much does it cost to repair a catalytic converter?

When people talk about repairing a catalytic converter, they’re usually referring to the process of cleaning it, which can technically be done with $20 to $30 of cleaning supplies. However, most mechanics advise against even attempting to “repair” your cat yourself — and few are likely to take the job on.

“Cleaning a cat may seem like a good idea to save a few bucks, but most of the time it ends up costing about as much to replace it with a new one,” Jay Jindal of Jindal-Andre Automotive Services in Washington, D.C., explained. “Granted, some vehicles, like Toyota and Honda, have a much more expensive catalytic converter than brands like Ford. It’s best to weigh out the options.”

If your catalytic converter is damaged beyond just clogging, repair is generally not practical.

Even if you can improve your catalytic converter’s functions by cleaning it, it isn’t likely to save you much money in the long term. Most cats only get significantly dirty after many years of use (around 10 to 15, in most cases), and they’re likely to need replacing soon after this point, if not at the same time. After you spend the time and money to clean your converter, it probably won’t be long until you need to fork over the money to replace it.

Plus, it’s hard to predict whether a cleaning will actually save you money since cat repairs are billed by the hour at local labor rates. Getting an estimate ahead of time is difficult because a shop doesn’t know how dirty your catalytic converter is until it’s out of your vehicle.

As a result, you may have to spend more money figuring out why your catalytic converter clogged up in the first place.

» MORE: Most expensive car repairs

What if you have a warranty or insurance?

Under some circumstances, your insurance company or warranty provider may cover the cost of replacing your catalytic converter. Below, we’ve outlined two scenarios in which you may not have to pay as much — or at all — for a new cat.

• If your catalytic converter was stolen, you’ll want to check with your car insurance provider to see if you’re covered. Comprehensive car insurance should cover the cost of a catalytic converter replacement in this case. Keep in mind that you may still need to pay a deductible.
• If your catalytic converter failed and your vehicle is under warranty, you may not need to pay to have it repaired or replaced. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates that automakers provide special warranties for emissions components, including catalytic converters. Under these warranties, major emissions components are covered for eight years or 80,000 miles, whichever happens first.

» MORE: Car warranty vs. car insurance

Extended warranty coverage

The catalytic converter is often covered under a vehicle’s factory warranty. That’s usually not the case for extended warranties.

If your vehicle hasn’t been maintained properly, your warranty coverage will likely be denied.

However, an extended warranty can still be helpful in the event of a failed catalytic converter. While these warranties don’t cover the parts themselves, many cover mechanical issues that result in catalytic converter failure.

For example, a blown head gasket can allow coolant to burn off in your engine, and that coolant can gunk up the catalytic converter. An extended warranty may not cover the cat, but it will help you fix that pesky leaking head gasket to stop the issue from recurring.

A reviewer from Ohio felt that their extended warranty was still worth it even after they had to pay out of pocket for their catalytic converter replacement: “After not receiving a discount on my catalytic converter failure, I was hesitant when my mechanic submitted the list of items that needed repaired on my Jeep. … CarShield covered items that I didn't expect them to cover, including the rental car, front and back brakes, water pump assembly with everything that was associated, and saved me thousands of dollars.”

» MORE: Best extended car warranties

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