Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost
The average catalytic converter replacement cost is about $2,280 to $2,480, according to RepairPal. That figure covers the part plus the labor to install it, though taxes and fees are extra. The converter accounts for most of the bill, so this job runs well beyond a typical emissions repair.
How the cost breaks down
The part takes up most of the budget. RepairPal estimates the converter at roughly $2,044 to $2,133, with labor adding about $236 to $347. Edmunds, citing a February 2026 RepairPal estimate, gives a somewhat wider spread for the complete job.
| Item | RepairPal | Edmunds, citing RepairPal |
|---|---|---|
| Installation labor | $236–$347 | $144–$211 |
| Converter part | $2,044–$2,133 | roughly $2,202 on average |
| Combined total | $2,280–$2,480 | $2,164–$2,483 |
Most shops bill labor by the hour. AutoZone lists hourly rates of $70 to $130, and the job takes longer on some cars than others. That's why two people buying the same converter can pay quite different labor bills.
Plenty of vehicles carry more than one catalytic converter. When several need swapping out, the total can climb well past those figures.
How the part type changes converter cost
Your choice of converter shifts the price. The main options are:
- Factory converter (OEM). Edmunds says this option runs 40% to 70% higher than an aftermarket converter.
- Direct-fit aftermarket converter. Another manufacturer builds it, but it is shaped to bolt right into your vehicle's exhaust. Per AutoZone, the part by itself runs $300 to $2,500.
- Universal converter. A general part that gets cut and welded into the exhaust so it fits. Edmunds points out the welding can push labor up.
A universal converter will not always work. On many newer cars the converter is built into the exhaust manifold or down-pipe, and AutoZone says a direct-fit part is the only option there. Where a universal part does fit, AutoZone puts the cost of having a muffler shop weld one in at $200 to $300.
Your location matters as well. California calls for converters that meet its tougher standards. AutoZone also points to New York, Colorado, and Maine as states with a similar rule.
Prices for some popular models
The vehicle itself can shift the price a great deal. Edmunds says performance models, luxury cars, and large trucks and SUVs carry pricier converters, and hybrid converters can be especially expensive.
| Vehicle | Estimated replacement total |
|---|---|
| Nissan Altima | $1,577–$1,682 |
| Ford F-150 | $1,591–$1,656 |
| Average model | $2,280–$2,480 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $2,928–$3,063 |
Those totals leave out taxes and fees, and your local shop could quote higher or lower.
Budget converters and emissions testing
A low price can be tempting, but the converter's entire job is to clean the exhaust. RepairPal suggests OEM parts, since a budget converter can cause your car to fail an emissions test.
Certain tests inspect the converter itself as well. Georgia builds a visual converter check into its test, and Vermont inspects the converter by eye on each car. If the converter is missing or altered, the car fails that check. That failure can't be waived, so the part must be reinstalled.
Questions people ask
Should I replace a catalytic converter?
That depends on your car's value and your state's rules. Some states grant a waiver, allowing a car that still fails after a fixed amount of emissions work to remain on the road for a time. In Ohio, that figure is $450 of repairs and diagnosis. A waiver may be available if the car still fails after that much work, but a repair quote alone does not meet that requirement. Say the quote is $3,000 and the car is worth $2,500: the repair is $500 above the car's value, so selling may be the better move.
How can I fix a converter problem for less?
First confirm the converter is truly at fault. The trouble code P0420 usually points to a worn converter, but a bad oxygen sensor or an exhaust leak can trigger the same code. Replacing an oxygen sensor runs about $440 to $523, and an emissions diagnosis runs about $61 to $90, both well below the price of a new converter.
Does a waiver pay for a failed converter?
A waiver doesn't pay for anything. It simply keeps a car that still fails legally registered for a period. Eligibility depends on the state. Arizona, for example, does not offer a waiver for catalytic converter failures.
Why are nearby quotes different from the averages?
Edmunds says converter prices vary by region and track the market for the precious metals within the part. So a quote can shift from one area to the next, and from one month to another.