After a week of your car making strange rattling sounds, sluggish acceleration and a drop in fuel efficiency, you noticed that your check engine light finally came on. A mechanic tells you that it's a failing catalytic converter and names a price to fix it. But how much a catalytic converter costs varies depending on your vehicle, the part type and the shop.
A catalytic converter replacement ranges between $1,000 and $4,000 for parts and labor, although your final price depends on your vehicle's make, model and location.
Understanding what goes into that cost helps you budget for this essential repair and make better decisions about replacement options. The catalytic converter itself is an emissions-control component that turns toxic exhaust gases into safer byproducts. Most states require it to pass emissions testing, which is why, when it fails, you can't ignore it.
This guide breaks down what you should expect to pay, why replacement is expensive and what different budget options you have.
Catalytic Converter Replacement Costs Explained
Your total catalytic converter replacement cost covers both the part and the professional installation. The parts alone range from $300 to $2,500, and the labor can add $160 to $200 per hour. This wide range reflects variations based on vehicle type, converter quality and regional labor rates, with premium vehicles, trucks and SUVs demanding higher costs.
Why a Catalytic Converter Replacement Is Expensive
Catalytic converters are usually expensive because they have to be built with precious metals. Unlike most auto parts made from common materials, converters require significant amounts of platinum, palladium and rhodium , three of the most valuable metals in the world.
- Platinum: Acts as the catalyst to convert harmful carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water vapor.
- Palladium: Performs a similar function to platinum, acting as a catalyst to help oxidize hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and water vapor.
- Rhodium: Reduces some of the most harmful pollutants in vehicle exhaust, nitrogen oxides.
Even small amounts of these metals cost hundreds to thousands per ounce, and when the cost of metals rises, so too does the cost of a catalytic converter.
The value of these metals is why catalytic converter theft has increased in recent years. Thieves can remove a converter in minutes and sell it to scrap metal buyers for between $100 and $400, depending on the converter's condition, the vehicle and current metal prices.
Factors That Impact Catalytic Converter Cost
Beyond metals, other common factors that influence the cost of your catalytic converter include vehicle type, labor charges, converter type and engine size. Fully understanding each of these factors means you can make informed decisions about repair options.
Vehicle Type and Brand
Premium, luxury and newer vehicles usually require more expensive converters. A catalytic converter for an economy car, for example, might cost $500 to $1,200, while the same part for a luxury BMW could reach over $2,000. Hybrid vehicles often have especially expensive converters because they require more precious metals to handle their unique exhaust.
Related costs
There are a few related expenses that can quickly add to the total cost of your catalytic converter repair:
- Oxygen sensors: Often fail when the catalytic converter goes bad, adding approximately $300 per sensor to your final bill.
- Damaged exhaust pipes: Corrosion, cracks or leaks mean your pipes might need to be repaired or replaced.
- Heat shields or mounting hardware: Worn, broken or missing components might also need to be addressed to secure your exhaust system properly and prevent rattling and future damage.
Labor charges
Installation labor represents the bulk of the total catalytic converter replacement cost. Labor rates vary by location, averaging $160 to $200 per hour. Some vehicles might also have harder-to-reach converters, which will leave you with a higher bill.
OEM or Aftermarket Catalytic Converters
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) converters come directly from your vehicle's manufacturer, guaranteeing perfect fit and performance. However, they cost 40 to 70 percent more than aftermarket alternatives. Aftermarket converters can significantly reduce overall costs, but they may affect warranty coverage, longevity and emissions compliance.
Engine size and emission standards
Vehicles with larger engines need bigger catalytic converters, and those converters need more precious minerals, which increase your costs. States with stricter emissions laws, like California, have additional requirements, driving costs up higher.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets baseline federal emission standards, but states like California have the California Air Resources Board (CARB) with stricter standards. CARB-compliant catalytic converters contain more precious metals and demand higher prices. Consider your state's emission standards before purchasing a part.
Catalytic Converter Example Estimate
This table provides estimated catalytic converter replacement costs for common vehicles. Remember that actual prices vary based on location, shop type and if you choose OEM or aftermarket parts.
| Vehicle Model | Part Cost (Aftermarket) | Part Cost (OEM) | Labor Cost | Total Estimate |
| Honda | $200 to $400 | $900 to $2,000 | $100 to $200 | $1,000 to $2,200 |
| Ford | $350 to $700 | $800 to $2,400 | $150 to $300 | $950 to $2,700 |
| BMW | $700 to $1,500 | $1,250 to $2,400 | $200 to $400 | $1,450 to $4,000 |
These estimates from Otter Auto Parts and Auto Interio cover parts and labor, but don't cover additional repairs.
Replacement Options: OEM vs. Aftermarket vs. Universal
OEM parts promise better performance and a good fit, but aftermarket means massive cost savings. Let's break down the different options you have and what factors you should consider when choosing.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
These are converters made by your vehicle's original manufacturer, so they'll perfectly match your car's specifications.
- Pros: Guaranteed perfect fit, highest quality and maximum emissions reduction
- Cons: The highest price point to pay for peace of mind, often costing 40 to 70 percent more than aftermarket alternatives.
Direct-Fit Aftermarket
Third-party manufacturers manufacture direct-fit aftermarket converters to bolt directly onto your vehicle without requiring any modifications.
- Pros: Significantly lower cost compared to OEM, yet still offers bolt-on installation, eliminating the need for welding or custom fabrication. Quality brands offer good performance and durability.
- Cons: Quality can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, with some aftermarket converters containing fewer precious metals. Warranty coverage is limited as well.
Universal Converters
Universal converters are generic parts that require modifications, such as welding or cutting, to fit a variety of vehicles.
- Pros: The lowest initial part cost makes them attractive for older vehicles with limited remaining value.
- Cons: Requires a professional welder for installation, which increases labor costs and can negate any savings on the part of the user. May not be as effective at reducing emissions, and are illegal in CARB states.
FAQ
Still have more questions about catalytic converters? This FAQ will help you understand everything you need to know about this part and what to expect when it comes to repairs.
What is the purpose of a catalytic converter?
A catalytic converter reduces harmful pollutants in your vehicle's exhaust, using metals to convert toxic gases like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides into carbon dioxide, water vapor and nitrogen.
Can a car run safely without a catalytic converter?
You can still physically drive without a catalytic converter, but it is illegal in all 50 states, and you will fail any emission tests. You'll notice reduced performance, louder exhaust noise and the check engine light will remain on as long as you drive without it. Removing your converter also harms air quality.
How do I know which catalytic converter I need?
You need a converter that matches your vehicle's year, make, model, engine size and emission certification standard (federal or CARB). Speak with a qualified mechanic who can use your vehicle identification number (VIN) to find the exact part you need. Online parts retailers also offer VIN-based lookup tools.
Why is catalytic converter replacement expensive?
The high cost of catalytic converters comes from the precious metals: platinum, palladium and rhodium. These metals can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per ounce on the global market. Picking the right automotive repair shop will also help keep costs low.
What are the symptoms of a bad catalytic converter?
Common symptoms include: your car won't start, your check engine light turns on (usually accompanied by a P0420 or P0430 diagnostic code), reduced engine performance and acceleration, poor fuel economy, a rattling noise from underneath the vehicle, and failed emissions testing. You might also notice a sulfur or rotten egg smell from the exhaust.
Stay On the Road with AAA
Now you know exactly what goes into your catalytic converter replacement costs, so you can make informed decisions when dealing with this expensive but necessary repair. No matter if you pick OEM quality, aftermarket value or need guidance on which option is best, choosing the right auto repair shop means you'll get work at fair prices.
AAA members can take the stress completely out of unexpected auto repairs because membership offers access to auto repair facilities and exclusive discounts on parts and labor. When you need to fix a catalytic converter or handle any other automotive issue, AAA can connect you with professionals you can trust to deliver quality work.
And when unexpected problems do occur, AAA offers roadside assistance so you're never left stranded. We also have a complete car maintenance checklist so you can fix the issue before it leaves you waiting for a tow.