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How Much Does Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost?

Updated October 2026 By RepairCostLab Editorial Team

Expect to pay $510 to $2,600 at an independent shop for a typical car, and up to $2,775 at a dealership. Catalytic converters are one of the most expensive exhaust parts because they contain platinum, palladium and rhodium. Theft has also made them a common replacement.

Parts$400–$2,200
Labor$110–$400
Shop time1–2.5 hours
DIY difficultyIntermediate (3/5)

Estimate your cost

Vehicle type Where you'll get it fixed Your area

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Ranges cover aftermarket to OEM parts and typical book labor times. How we calculate this.

Catalytic Converter Replacement cost by vehicle type

Vehicle	Parts	Labor	Total
Compact / economy car e.g. Civic, Corolla, Elantra	$400–$2,200	$110–$400	$510–$2,600
Midsize sedan / crossover e.g. Camry, Accord, RAV4, CR-V	$460–$2,530	$120–$440	$580–$2,970
Truck / full-size SUV e.g. F-150, Silverado, Tahoe	$520–$2,860	$125–$460	$645–$3,320
Luxury / European e.g. BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus	$720–$3,960	$145–$520	$865–$4,480

Independent shop, average US labor rates. Aftermarket EPA-compliant converters at the low end; OEM or CARB-compliant units at the high end.

Independent shop vs. dealer vs. chain

Where	Hourly rate	Typical total
Independent shop	$110–$160	$580–$2,970
Chain (Midas, Firestone…)	$120–$175	$590–$3,010
Dealership	$160–$230	$635–$3,165

Shown for a midsize sedan or crossover.

What does it do?

The converter turns harmful exhaust gases into less harmful ones before they leave the tailpipe. It is required for emissions inspections.

Signs you need this repair

Check engine light with code P0420 or P0430
Rotten-egg smell from the exhaust
Loss of power or rattling under the car
Sudden loud exhaust (stolen converter)
Failed emissions test

Can you do it yourself?

Difficulty: Intermediate (3/5). Bolt-on on many cars, but rusted fasteners and welded designs often require a shop with a lift and cutting tools.

Doing it yourself saves the labor portion, roughly $110–$400, so you would pay only for parts ($400–$2,200).

Is it worth fixing?

Usually, because you cannot pass emissions without one. On an older car worth under $2,000, compare the quote with the car's value and consider an aftermarket EPA-compliant converter.

How to save money

Fix the root cause first (misfires, oil burning) or the new converter will fail too.
Check whether your comprehensive insurance covers theft.
In California and other CARB states you must buy a CARB-approved converter, which costs more.

Questions to ask your mechanic

What caused the converter to fail, and has that been fixed?
Is the replacement EPA-compliant, or CARB-approved if I live in a CARB state?
If it was stolen, can you provide paperwork for my insurance claim?

Asking for a written, itemized estimate (parts, labor hours and hourly rate) is your right in most states and makes quotes easy to compare.

Frequently asked questions

Why are catalytic converters so expensive?

They contain precious metals whose prices are high. OEM units for some vehicles exceed $2,000 in parts alone.

Can I drive with a bad catalytic converter?

Short term, usually yes, but you will fail emissions and a clogged converter can restrict power or overheat.

Does insurance cover a stolen converter?

Usually, if you carry comprehensive coverage, minus your deductible.

Related repair costs

Helpful guides

Bad Ignition Coil Symptoms: Signs and How to Confirm

Sources and methodology

Estimates combine typical book labor times, current aftermarket and OEM parts prices, and 2026 US shop labor rates. See exactly how we calculate them.

Found a price that looks wrong for your area? Tell us: we review every correction.