How much does a catalytic converter replacement cost?
Short answer: RepairPal’s national average for a catalytic converter replacement is roughly $2,280 to $2,480 before taxes and fees, and nearly all of that is the part. Before you pay, check the federal emissions warranty: catalytic converters are covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles on most cars and light trucks, under the conditions the EPA describes.
Fair price range
| Job | Typical total | Labor | Parts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalytic converter replacement | $2,280 – $2,480 | $236 – $347 | $2,044 – $2,133 |
Source: RepairPal national averages, estimates last updated September 3, 2026 (checked October 18, 2026). Totals exclude taxes and shop fees and don’t reflect your location; your vehicle, region and shop can put you well outside these ranges.
Prices vary widely: some vehicles have more than one converter, some converters are built into the exhaust manifold, and some states (California and others that follow its rules) require specific approved converters, which cost more.
What drives the price
- Which converter. Many vehicles have two or more; the right one has to be diagnosed.
- OEM vs. aftermarket. Aftermarket converters cost less but must be legal in your state.
- Manifold converters. Built-in converters mean a bigger, pricier part.
- Root cause. Misfires or oil burning can destroy a new converter, so the cause should be fixed first.
What’s normal, and what’s worth questioning
- A converter code (often P0420 or P0430) plus tests showing the converter is at fault, not just an oxygen sensor, supports the repair.
- Fixing a misfire or other engine problem first is the right order.
- Worth questioning: replacing the converter without checking the warranty, without checking O2 sensors and exhaust leaks, or without addressing a misfire.
Questions to ask the shop
- What code and test results show the converter itself has failed?
- Could an oxygen sensor or exhaust leak cause this code instead?
- Is my car still within the 8-year/80,000-mile federal emissions warranty for the converter?
- What caused the converter to fail, and has that been fixed?
- Is the replacement converter legal in my state (CARB-compliant if required)?
More questions by repair type →
Frequently asked questions
Is a catalytic converter covered by warranty?
Federal rules require automakers to warrant catalytic converters for 8 years or 80,000 miles (whichever comes first) on most 1995-and-newer cars and light trucks, for defects, subject to conditions such as proper maintenance. Check your warranty booklet and ask a dealer.
What are signs of a bad catalytic converter?
A check engine light with a converter efficiency code, a rotten-egg smell, rattling under the car, sluggish acceleration or a failed emissions test can all point to it. A rattle can also be a loose heat shield, so ask what was checked.
Can I drive with a bad catalytic converter?
Often for a while, but a clogged converter can cause power loss and overheating of the exhaust. A flashing check engine light means a misfire that can damage the converter: reduce speed and get it checked.
Why do catalytic converters fail?
Common causes are engine misfires, burning oil or coolant, and physical damage. Converters also get stolen for their precious metals. If it failed early, the underlying cause matters.
Related guides
- Check engine light flashing
- Check engine light
- Free quote checklist
- Is this repair quote fair? (free checklist)
Sources
- RepairPal: catalytic converter replacement cost
- US EPA: federally mandated emission control warranties
- NHTSA: check your vehicle for recalls
Also worth checking: open recalls on your vehicle (NHTSA, above) before paying for a repair. A recall repair is free at a dealer.
General information from someone with automotive sales and service-writer experience, not professional mechanical advice and not a substitute for an inspection by a qualified technician. Cost ranges are national averages from the sources listed and vary by vehicle, region and shop.