Repair cost · Fuel & Exhaust
Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost
Average cost: A catalytic converter replacement costs between $2,280 and $2,480 on average, according to RepairPal's national estimate. Labor accounts for $236 to $347 and parts for $2,044 – $2,133. The figures exclude taxes and fees, and your price depends on your vehicle and where you live.
| National average, parts and labor | $2,280–$2,480 |
|---|---|
| Sources checked | 1 |
RepairPal puts the national average for a catalytic converter replacement at $2,280 to $2,480, before taxes and fees. Based on the midpoints of RepairPal's ranges, labor makes up about 12% of the bill and parts about 88%. Your quote can be higher or lower depending on the make, model and engine of your car, the parts used and local labor rates.
Cost breakdown
| RepairPal national average | |
|---|---|
| Total | $2,280 – $2,480 |
| Labor | $236 – $347 |
| Parts | $2,044 – $2,133 |
Source: RepairPal estimate, last updated September 3, 2026. Excludes taxes and fees and does not adjust for location.
What the catalytic converter does
The catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system. It uses precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium to convert harmful gases into less harmful ones before they leave the tailpipe. Because of those metals, converters are expensive, which is why parts make up most of RepairPal's average for this repair.
Signs of a failing converter
- A check engine light with a catalyst efficiency code.
- A rattling noise from under the car, which can mean the internal structure has broken.
- A sulfur or rotten-egg smell from the exhaust.
- Reduced power or poor acceleration from a clogged converter.
- A failed emissions test.
Converters usually fail for a reason
A converter rarely wears out on its own. Common causes include engine misfires, oil or coolant burning in the engine, a bad oxygen sensor or a fuel mixture that runs too rich. If the root cause is not fixed, a new converter can fail too. Ask the shop what caused the failure.
Original-equipment or aftermarket?
Aftermarket converters cost less, but they must be legal for your vehicle and state. Some states have stricter emissions rules and require converters certified for use there. Ask the shop to confirm the replacement is compliant.
Theft
Converters are a common theft target because of their metal content. If yours was stolen, check whether your comprehensive insurance covers it, and ask about anti-theft shields when replacing it.
Can you do it yourself?
Bolt-on converters can be a DIY job for experienced home mechanics, but emissions rules still apply, and some converters are welded in or built into the exhaust manifold. Most owners use a shop or exhaust specialist.
Questions to ask the shop
- What caused the converter to fail, and has that been fixed?
- Is the replacement legal for my vehicle and state?
- Are the oxygen sensors being checked or replaced at the same time?
How the job is done
- The shop reads codes and checks oxygen sensor data to confirm the converter is not working.
- Exhaust leaks and engine problems such as misfires are checked.
- The oxygen sensors are removed from the converter if needed.
- The converter is unbolted from the exhaust, or cut out if it is welded in.
- The new, compliant converter is bolted or welded into place with new gaskets.
- The oxygen sensors are reinstalled, codes are cleared and the car is driven to complete emissions monitors.
Frequently asked questions
Can a catalytic converter be cleaned? Fuel additives sometimes help with minor deposits, but they won't repair a damaged or failed converter.
Is it legal to remove a catalytic converter? No. Removing or disabling emissions equipment is illegal and will cause the car to fail inspections.
Why did my converter fail again? If the engine problem that damaged it, such as misfires or oil burning, wasn't fixed, the new converter can fail too.
Does insurance cover a stolen converter? Comprehensive coverage often covers theft, minus the deductible. Check your policy.
Is your quote fair?
Compare your written quote with the national range above. A quote well above $2,480 is not automatically wrong, because some vehicles need more parts or more hours, but it is worth asking the shop to explain the difference. Ask for the quote to be split into parts and labor, and for the parts to be listed by name and brand. If the labor portion is far above $347, ask how many hours the shop is charging and what makes your car take longer. Getting a second written quote for the same parts is the simplest way to check a price.
What happens if you wait
A catalytic converter usually fails because of another problem upstream. Misfires, an engine burning oil or coolant, or a rich fuel mixture send unburned fuel and contaminants into the converter, where they overheat it or coat it. If the converter clogs, the engine loses power, especially at highway speed, and fuel economy drops. A rattle from underneath may mean the internal honeycomb has broken apart. In many states, a failed converter also means the car fails emissions inspection.
Most importantly, if the cause is not fixed, a new converter can fail the same way. Before replacing a converter, the shop should check for misfires, oxygen sensor faults and oil or coolant consumption.
Theft and replacement
Catalytic converter theft is common because the metals inside are valuable. If yours was stolen, the car will be very loud and should not be driven far, since exhaust can leak near the cabin. Check whether your insurance comprehensive coverage pays for theft. Some owners add a shield or have the converter marked with the VIN to discourage theft.
After the repair
Use a converter that meets the emissions requirements of your state. Some states require CARB-approved converters, which cost more but are legally required there. Ask the shop to confirm compliance and keep the paperwork for inspection.
Direct-fit vs. universal converters
A direct-fit converter is shaped to bolt in place of the original, with matching flanges and sensor ports, so installation is quicker and cleaner. A universal converter is cheaper but has to be cut and welded into the existing pipe, which adds labor and depends on the welder's skill. Universal units may not be legal for every vehicle in states with strict emissions rules. For a car you plan to keep, a quality direct-fit converter from a reputable brand is usually the safer choice. Ask the shop which type it quoted and what warranty comes with it, since warranties differ widely between brands.