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How Much Does Exhaust Manifold Replacement Cost?

Updated October 2026 By RepairCostLab Editorial Team

Expect to pay $370 to $1,400 at an independent shop for a typical car, and up to $1,750 at a dealership. A cracked exhaust manifold makes a ticking sound that is loudest when the engine is cold. Broken studs are what make this job unpredictable.

Parts$150–$600
Labor$220–$800
Shop time2–5 hours
DIY difficultyHard (4/5)

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.

Exhaust Manifold Replacement cost by vehicle type

Vehicle	Parts	Labor	Total
Compact / economy car e.g. Civic, Corolla, Elantra	$150–$600	$220–$800	$370–$1,400
Midsize sedan / crossover e.g. Camry, Accord, RAV4, CR-V	$175–$690	$240–$880	$415–$1,570
Truck / full-size SUV e.g. F-150, Silverado, Tahoe	$195–$780	$255–$920	$450–$1,700
Luxury / European e.g. BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus	$270–$1,080	$285–$1,040	$555–$2,120

Independent shop, average US labor rates. Some manifolds include an integrated catalytic converter, which can push parts well above $1,000.

Independent shop vs. dealer vs. chain

Where	Hourly rate	Typical total
Independent shop	$110–$160	$415–$1,570
Chain (Midas, Firestone…)	$120–$175	$435–$1,655
Dealership	$160–$230	$525–$1,955

Shown for a midsize sedan or crossover.

What does it do?

The exhaust manifold collects exhaust gases from each cylinder and routes them into the exhaust pipe.

Signs you need this repair

Ticking noise at cold start that fades as the engine warms
Exhaust smell in the engine bay or cabin
Visible crack in the manifold
Check engine light from oxygen sensor readings

Can you do it yourself?

Difficulty: Hard (4/5). Rusted or broken studs often need drilling and extracting.

Doing it yourself saves the labor portion, roughly $220–$800, so you would pay only for parts ($150–$600).

Is it worth fixing?

Yes, if it is cracked. Exhaust leaks near the engine can reach the cabin and upset oxygen sensor readings.

How to save money

Ask if the quote includes broken stud extraction: it is a common surprise charge.
Replace the gaskets and studs at the same time.

Questions to ask your mechanic

Is it the manifold itself or only the gasket?
Does the quote include extracting broken studs?
Does my manifold include a catalytic converter?

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

Can I drive with a cracked exhaust manifold?

Short term, but exhaust fumes can enter the cabin and the crack will grow.

Why is labor so variable?

Seized or broken studs can add several hours.

Is a manifold gasket leak cheaper?

Yes, if the manifold itself is not cracked, only the gasket and studs need replacing.

Related repair costs

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.