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CostHelper > Cars  > Catalytic Converter

Catalytic Converter Cost


How Much Does a Catalytic Converter Cost?

 
average costTwo-Way Catalytic Converter: $175-$840+, Installedhigh costThree-Way Catalytic Converter: $600-$3,000+, Installed

Resembling a muffler and sometimes called a "cat" or a "catcon," a catalytic converter is part of a vehicle's exhaust system. A catalytic converter uses chemical reactions to convert the toxic elements in the engine exhaust into less-toxic substances.

Typical costs:

  • A two-way or dual catalytic converter (typically found in diesel engines and in gasoline engines manufactured before 1981) typically costs $100-$600 or more, depending on the year, make and model of vehicle, and whether the part is made by the vehicle's original manufacturer (OEM parts) or another company (aftermarket parts). Installation generally takes about an hour, depending on the vehicle, and costs about $75-$120 an hour. This raises the total price for parts and labor to $175-$850 or more. For example, JC Whitney charges $186 for the aftermarket Bosal 49-state Legal Catalytic Converter[1] (not legal in California) for a 1998 Chevrolet S10.
  • A three-way catalytic converter (typical in most gasoline cars since 1981) can cost $200-$2,500 or more, depending on the year, make and model of vehicle, and whether the part is OEM or aftermarket. Installation takes about an hour on average, depending on the vehicle; total costs for parts and labor can be $300-$3,000 or more. CarMD.com[2] names replacing a catalytic converter as the third most common car repair related to a "check engine" warning light, and estimates the average cost for parts and labor at $1,029.
  • Catalytic converters on older model cars tend to have a simpler design, and are less expensive to replace than more recent high-tech versions. However, the older and rarer a vehicle is, the more costly it is to replace parts like a catalytic converter.
Related articles: Muffler, Tune-up, Oil Change, Replacing a Timing Belt, Replacing a Water Pump, Towing a Car

What should be included:
  • Before replacing a catalytic converter, check whether it is still under warranty. Under the EPA's Federal Emissions Warranty, the catalytic converter must be covered for eight years or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • In most cases, a catalytic converter doesn't fail unless a problem with a related part like a spark plug or an exhaust valve is ignored. Symptoms of catalytic converter problems[3] include trouble accelerating, a sudden drop in fuel efficiency, an odor like sulfur or rotten eggs in the exhaust, or failing an emissions test.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency prohibits[4] installing an aftermarket catalytic converter that doesn't meet EPA standards, or a used converter that has not been properly tested and label.
Additional costs:
  • Catalytic converters contain precious metals like platinum, which can make the converters a target of thieves who sell them to metal recyclers for $50-$250, according to the Sacramento Police Department[5] in California. Security measures can include an etching kit[6] ($15-$25), welding additional metal on the converter, or a catalytic converter lock[7] ($50-$160).
Discounts:
  • Most of the cost of replacing a catalytic converter is for the part itself rather than labor charges. Do-it-yourself installation is possible, but this doesn't necessarily save much money. The exact procedures vary depending on the year, make and model of the vehicle, but AutoMD.com provides a general overview of how to replace a catalytic converter[8] , with both written and video instructions.
Shopping for a catalytic converter:
  • A catalytic converter replacement must be compatible with the specific year, make and model of vehicle. The work can be done by a dealership, a muffler shop or a standard repair shop or department. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence provides a searchable directory[9] of certified shops.
  • Consumer Reports lists tips for finding a good mechanic[10] .
  • Catalytic converters are available from retailers like Amazon[11] , AutoPartsWarehouse.com[12] and Autozone.com[13] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
Exessive Heat Under My car And High Fuel Consumption
Amount: $195.00
Posted by: zerclon in MUSHIN, LA.Posted: July 29th, 2019 04:07AM
Vehicle Year: 2004Vehicle Make: Toyota
Vehicle Model: CamryMechanic or Shop: Mechanic
I still experience excessive heat under my car and high fuel consumption despite having replaced catalytic converter from manifold to under neath exhaust pipe. What next do i do?
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Vehicle runs good but when slowing down or stopping the motor shuts down I changed fuel filter and cleaned battery terminals check vacume lines do you have a answer what it could be
Amount: $40.00
Posted by: Graeme Hornby in Mackay, Other.Posted: July 10th, 2019 06:07PM
Vehicle Year: 2005Vehicle Make: Mitsubishi
Vehicle Model: MagnaMechanic or Shop:
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Failed emission's test, Diagnostics indicate a bad catalytic converter manafold and a bad 0'2 sensor and bad gasket
Amount: $624.95
Posted by: Charlene Turner in Wilmington, DE.Posted: May 28th, 2019 07:05PM
Vehicle Year: 2001Vehicle Make: Toyota Camry 4 cylander
Vehicle Model: Toyota Camry LEMechanic or Shop: Midas Muffler
Car was running fine. I had no idea that the cat was bad. I've had the check engine light on for 3 yrs. I thought it was just a bad 02 sensor.
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I already have the part need estimate on labor
Amount: $350.00
Posted by: Tiamiller in Ogden, UT.Posted: April 30th, 2019 01:04PM
Vehicle Year: 06Vehicle Make: Ford
Vehicle Model: FoccusMechanic or Shop: Shop
I had 1 installed buy a friend ends up the parts place gave us the wrong one I needed a California. They I willing to switch the parts now I need estimate on the labor it would be to install it
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Bad Cat
Amount: $1,709.00
Posted by: C.A.SNOW in Simi Valley, CA.Posted: April 26th, 2019 10:04AM
Vehicle Year: 2008Vehicle Make: Toyota
Vehicle Model: PriusMechanic or Shop: Simi Valley Toyota
Bought parts, installed it myself. MSRP $2400 for the part only. Plus $50 for front gasket, $30 for the back gasket. Jon at Simi Toyo took care of me.
I used a jack stand and a jack, a rubber block behind the wheel, and a metric socket set with swivel head and 12” extension, and a torque wrench.
There are only 4 bolts for the part, 4 bolts for a bracket, and the 2 rubber hangers
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Catalytic converter
Amount: $1,200.00
Posted by: Sue Panaro in Springfjeld, VT.Posted: January 31st, 2019 08:01AM
Vehicle Year: 2010Vehicle Make: Subaru
Vehicle Model: ImprezaMechanic or Shop:
I want to know if spark plug replacement might make the engine light go off.
Also,how can I be sure that cat.needs replacing?
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Am I being oercharged
Amount: $3,500.00
Posted by: Yvette Smith in Capital heights, MD.Posted: January 12th, 2019 07:01AM
Vehicle Year: 201Vehicle Make: Chevy
Vehicle Model: TraverseMechanic or Shop: Chevy Dealership
truck has 2 catalyst converter. They first fixed starter which the inially sited as problem. Which they charged $900 for. Now saying other codes coming up after repair. Why didn't they see that when they initially put it on the diagnostic machine.ysm
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Catalytic Converter
Amount: $473.51
Posted by: a user in Waterloo, IA.Posted: January 4th, 2019 03:01AM
Vehicle Year: 2006Vehicle Make: Honda
Vehicle Model: AccordMechanic or Shop: Metro Transmission & Auto Repair
Check engine light came on, I checked the code myself which was P0420 so took it to a reliable local transmission shop and he confirmed I needed a Catalytic Converter it only took a little over an hour to replace only thing was waiting for part to come in since no one around us had one which came in 12:30pm the next day
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Catalytic converter
Amount: $12,000.00
Posted by: Heather Lynn Quintanilla in Flushing, MI.Posted: December 29th, 2018 07:12PM
Vehicle Year: 2011Vehicle Make: Chrysler
Vehicle Model: 200Mechanic or Shop:
Need to know I'd I have one or 2 converts and how do I know what they're made of if anyone can help please and thank you.
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Catalytic Converter
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Roy Masterson in San Antonio, TX.Posted: December 23rd, 2018 09:12PM
Vehicle Year: 2008Vehicle Make: Hyundai
Vehicle Model: SonataMechanic or Shop: Firestone
Does this sound like a fair price to replace? Or should we trade it in?
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Catalytic Converter Replacement
Amount: $1,932.81
Posted by: Lib Murphy in Gaithersburg, MD.Posted: October 20th, 2017 03:10PM
Vehicle Year: 2004Vehicle Make: Toyota
Vehicle Model: MatrixMechanic or Shop: GoodYear
A few months ago I had to replace the spark plugs and was told my two rear brake drums needed replaced (quote for $360.80). Occasionally I noticed a rotten egg smell but not consistently so thought it was an outside smell. Work has not been done yet but my trusted mechanic says that this model car needs a new OEM Catalytic Converter from the dealership or it won't properly pass emissions check. This will cost $1,666.00. Everything else is for the front and rear gas kits, spring bolt kit, and labor. I also ended up having a rear exhaust leak, loose wheel well skirt, and tire treads are getting low (will need to replace all 4 within 6-8 months). Looks like I need to invest over $3,000 into this car and hope for the best, or just trade it now for a newer used car. :/
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Catalytic Converter
Amount: $1,040.00
Posted by: Patrica in NC in Greenville, NC.Posted: October 19th, 2017 01:10PM
Vehicle Year: 2010Vehicle Make: Nissan
Vehicle Model: RogueMechanic or Shop: Dealership
Mine seems in line with the average cost per this article.
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catalytic converter
Amount: $1,200.00
Posted by: Tim99 in Bellevue, WA.Posted: April 21st, 2017 03:04PM
Vehicle Year: 2011Vehicle Make: Chevy
Vehicle Model: CruzMechanic or Shop: Chevy dealer , Bellevue, WA
Had bad smell, like rotten eggs sometimes & engine light on. Mileage at 90k.
Thought it was from other vehicles on road, guess not. Last year had water pump replacment $500.
Cruze is getting costly on maintenance now it is 6 years old.
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Replace catalytic converter
Amount: $800.00
Posted by: Carlotta in Brunswick, OH.Posted: March 7th, 2017 01:03PM
Vehicle Year: 2008Vehicle Make: Kia
Vehicle Model: RondoMechanic or Shop:
includes labor is this an average cost
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catalytic converter
Amount: $2,675.00
Posted by: [email protected] in Stetling, VA.Posted: January 30th, 2017 07:01PM
Vehicle Model: Toyota Matrix 2003Mechanic or Shop: Honest Tom's
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chevy s10
Amount: $100.00
Posted by: Mike markham in Northfield, VT.Posted: August 31st, 2016 07:08PM
Vehicle Model: chevroletMechanic or Shop:
Want to know what they're worth
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Ripped off at sears
Amount: $650.00
Posted by: a user in Bedford, MA.Posted: May 5th, 2016 05:05AM
Vehicle Model: Pontiac grand prixMechanic or Shop: Sears Portsmouth nh
They installed aftermarket, which was incompatible with my CA Pontiac, now won't make good on proper cat needed. Now want to charge me $1600 to fix
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Ripped off at sears
Amount: $650.00
Posted by: a user in Bedford, MA.Posted: May 5th, 2016 05:05AM
Vehicle Model: Pontiac grand prixMechanic or Shop: Sears Portsmouth nh
They installed aftermarket, which was incompatible with my CA Pontiac, now won't make good on proper cat needed. Now want to charge me $1600 to fix
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Catalytic Converter replacement
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: ytlas3 in Artesia, CA.Posted: October 29th, 2015 02:10PM
Vehicle Year: 1990Vehicle Make: Dodge
Vehicle Model: Grand CaravanMechanic or Shop: DIY
My catalytic conveter rotted out and barely passed smog. Since I live in California and the converters have to be CARB compliant which are usually about 40% more costly than regular converters. I went with the cheaper generic one although a lot of parts places have complete bolt in units and prices vary depending on car model and year. Couple muffler clamps and a hangar.
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Catalytic Converter
Amount: $2,687.00
Posted by: OhioDi in AKRON, OH.Posted: July 11th, 2015 01:07PM
Vehicle Year: 2003Vehicle Make: Honda
Vehicle Model: CRV-ExMechanic or Shop:
I was just quoted $2687 for the Cat. Convert, 2 oxygen sensors and a fuel vapor storage canister(parts & labor included). This price also included about $290 in discounts. What would be a fair price? In my county we have to pass E Check for emissions/
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Toyota dealership gave me an estimate of 1700 dollars am I getting ripped off ?
Amount: $1,700.00
Posted by: Stephanie Whitney in Bradenton, FL.Posted: April 30th, 2015 02:04PM
Vehicle Model: toyota Corolla LEMechanic or Shop: gettle toyot
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
catalytic converter
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: gerald scalera in Yorktown hgts., NY.Posted: April 20th, 2015 06:04PM
Vehicle Year: 2004Vehicle Make: mitsubishi
Vehicle Model: endeverMechanic or Shop:
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catalytic converter potential cost
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: White Angel in Columbia, CT.Posted: April 15th, 2015 09:04AM
Vehicle Year: 2001Vehicle Make: nissan
Vehicle Model: altimaMechanic or Shop:
What kind of the catalytic converter does the altima have and has anyone found that with this year model it could just be a faulty spark plug or bad 02 sensor-i recently just had a a new vent control valve put on
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Is it a cat issue ?
Amount: $450.00
Posted by: Troy Wildasin in Allentown, PA.Posted: March 18th, 2015 07:03AM
Vehicle Year: 2003Vehicle Make: Chevy
Vehicle Model: ImpalaMechanic or Shop:
I was quoted $450 for a cat replacement by my trusted mechanic. The code is a P420. I just had the resonator looked at and replaced and code is still on. I have not cat problem symptoms (small, gas mileage, etc), but all it shows on the code is strictly a cat issue but car runs showroom fine.
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External Resources:
  1.  www.jcwhitney.com/bosal-catalytic-converter-49-state-legal-no-ca-shipments/p202340...
  2.  corp.carmd.com/PressCenter/2012/html/CarMD_VHI2_Embargo_032812_PRNewswire.htm
  3.  www.brakeandfrontend.com/issue/article.aspx?contentid=38643
  4.  www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/factshts/catcvrts.pdf
  5.  www.sacrt.com/documents/catalytic.pdf
  6.  www.amazon.com/Catalytic-Converter-Security-Etching-Kit/dp/B007AIY6CS
  7.  www.cat-lock.com/
  8.  www.automd.com/97/how-to-replace-a-catalytic-converter/
  9.  www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop/Shop-Locator.aspx
  10.  www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-to-find-a-great-car-mechanic/index.htm
  11.  www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=catalytic+...
  12.  www.autopartswarehouse.com/category/engine_-and-_drivetrain/catalytic_converters_-...
  13.  www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/2005-Scion-xB/Catalytic-Converter/_/N-jmqz9Z9l2w7
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