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      Your concern might be complex to diagnose and may require additional equipment to pinpoint the cause. In this case, you'll receive Digital Inspection results plus a quote to perform deeper diagnostic/test procedures.
      Home / Symptoms / Catalytic Converter Replacement Price
      The cost of a catalytic converter replacement is typically $1100 but it can vary if you want an EVAP system inspection to investigate what caused the problem
      If you are short on time and want to fast-track the process to professional help, clickYes

      How much is a Catalytic Converter replacement?

      A catalytic converter replacement for non-luxury vehicle brands like Chevrolet, Toyota, and Ford is typically between $1100 and $1300, depending on the vehicle model.

      For higher-end vehicles like performance cars and luxury SUVs, the prices are different. For example, a catalytic converter replacement can fall around the $3150 - $3350 range on a 2024 Audi A4.

      What are the costs of replacing the catalytic converter?

      A catalytic converter replacement goes beyond just having the part replaced; you also need to factor in labor costs, area rates, etc. Let’s break down the costs involved in a catalytic converter replacement:

      • The labor rate: Labor rates change between professionals (ASE technicians charge more than rookie mechanics) and wage differences for areas.

      • The shop’s neighborhood/area: The area will determine the replacement cost. For example, Santa Barbara in California has prices different from Albuquerque in New Mexico; this could be due to lease rates, cost of living, etc.

      • The vehicle type: European brands like Mercedes, BMW, Audi, etc., might have different prices for a catalytic converter replacement. For example, a Porsche 911 catalytic converter replacement can typically start at $3560.

      Let's Get To The Bottom Of It!

      Have you noticed a strong rotten egg or sulfur-like smell coming from your exhaust?

      This smell often means the catalytic converter isn’t properly breaking down exhaust gases.

      Has your car been struggling to accelerate or felt more sluggish than usual?

      A clogged or failing converter can restrict exhaust flow, making the engine feel weak or slow.

       

      Is your Check Engine light currently on or has it come on recently?

      Emissions-related issues often trigger this light, and the converter is a key part of that system.

       

      Have you been getting worse gas mileage than normal, even though your driving habits haven’t changed?

      A bad converter can make the engine work harder, which burns more fuel.

       

      Have you heard any rattling sounds from underneath your car, especially when starting it?

      A damaged catalytic converter can have loose pieces inside that rattle around.

       

      Has your car recently failed an emissions or smog test?

      A failing converter can no longer clean exhaust properly, causing a vehicle to fail required emissions checks.

       
      What is a catalytic converter and why is it important?

      A catalytic converter is a part of your car’s exhaust system. Its job is to reduce harmful pollution from the engine by turning bad gases (like carbon monoxide) into safer ones before they leave your tailpipe. It helps protect the environment and is required by law in most places.

      How do I know if my catalytic converter needs to be replaced?

      Some common signs include:

      • A rotten egg smell from the exhaust

      • Poor acceleration or engine performance

      • Lower gas mileage

      • A rattling sound under the car

      • The Check Engine light is coming on

      If you notice one or more of these, it’s a good idea to have it checked by a professional.

      Can I still drive with a bad catalytic converter?

      In many cases, yes—but it’s not a good idea. Driving with a bad converter can lead to more engine problems over time, cause your car to fail emissions tests, and possibly even break the law in areas with strict pollution rules.

      How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?

      The cost can vary a lot depending on your car’s make and model. In general:

      • Standard cars: $900–$2,500

      • Luxury or hybrid vehicles: Can be more expensive
        Labor and parts both affect the price. Some vehicles have more than one converter, which adds to the cost.

      Why is it so expensive?

      Catalytic converters use precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium—these are what make the gases cleaner. These metals are valuable, which is also why catalytic converters are often targets for theft.

      Can I replace it myself?

      Not recommended unless you have some mechanical experience. It usually involves cutting and welding parts of the exhaust system, which can be tricky and unsafe if done wrong. Also, most replacements need to meet local emissions laws, and doing it yourself might not meet those requirements.

      What happens if I remove it completely?

      Removing a catalytic converter is illegal in many places and will almost always make your car fail an emissions or smog test. It can also make your car louder and possibly damage your engine in the long run. It’s not worth the risk.

      How long does a catalytic converter last?

      They usually last 10 years or more, or around 100,000 miles, depending on how you drive and maintain your car. Some fail sooner due to engine issues or bad fuel.

      Is there anything I can do to make it last longer?

      Yes!

      • Keep up with regular oil changes and engine tune-ups

      • Fix engine misfires or warning lights right away

      • Avoid driving with a fuel-rich engine or burning oil

      • Use quality fuel when possible

      Are there more costs to consider besides common replacement costs?

      Yes, the common replacement costs are expected in any catalytic converter replacement. But you might get a better-specialized service, depending on what you want to achieve with your vehicle.

      Here are the possible types of service you can get.

      • “Just” a fix: This means you just need the catalytic converter replacement and nothing else. The downside is that you might not discover what caused the catalytic converter to go bad in the first place. So, let’s assume there’s a problem somewhere else in your car that’s forcing the catalytic converter to wear out faster. In this situation, a replacement won’t solve the issue; it might just make you return to the shop shortly to have another replacement. Going with this type of service probably won’t have extra costs besides the common ones at first. But it may mean you’ll spend way more than expected if the catalytic converter keeps failing.

      • Long-lasting fix: This means you want to permanently fix your vehicle and understand what might be wrong with it. So, you want to investigate if there’s an issue causing your catalytic converter to fail faster than expected. You’re willing to spend more money to cover extra processes that ensure your car runs safely and reliably.

      Costs of a long-lasting catalytic converter replacement 

      In addition to the common replacement costs, a long-lasting catalytic converter replacement has more factors that change the final price. Here’s what you can initially expect:

      • EVAP system inspection: An EVAP system inspection usually costs below $200. This is an investigation of the combustion and emissions-related components that involves the labor of service advisors and mechanics.

      • Component replacements: The inspection might indicate worn and affected components that require replacement. This depends on the specific condition of the vehicle.

      • Other system repairs: The shop might find other malfunctioning systems affected by the problem that require replacements and/or computer reprogramming. For example, replacing parts of the engine system that are worn out due to a bad catalytic converter can cost north of $1,000.

      Symptoms of a bad catalytic converter

      A bad catalytic converter makes your car smell like rotten eggs, lose fuel efficiency, flash the “check engine” light on the dashboard, etc. Let’s discuss what other symptoms you might expect from a faulty catalytic converter in more detail:

      • Rotten egg smell – A failing catalytic converter can emit a sulfur-like odor, which smells like rotten eggs, due to improper breakdown of exhaust gases.

      • Poor acceleration – A clogged or damaged converter restricts exhaust flow, leading to sluggish engine response when accelerating.

      • Decreased fuel efficiency – The engine has to work harder to push exhaust through a failing converter, which can increase fuel consumption.

      • Check Engine Light – The vehicle's onboard diagnostics system may detect issues related to emissions or oxygen sensors and trigger the light.

      • Rattling noise – Internal components of the catalytic converter can break apart, creating a metallic rattling sound, especially when starting the car or idling.

      • Failed emissions test – A malfunctioning catalytic converter can't properly reduce harmful emissions, causing the vehicle to fail smog or emissions inspections.

      • Engine misfires – If the converter is overheating or clogged, it can affect engine timing and cause misfires.

      • Dark exhaust smoke – A failing converter may allow unburned fuel or oil to escape through the exhaust, resulting in darker or thicker smoke.

      What’s at risk with a faulty catalytic converter?

      Some other car parts that work together with the catalytic converter will suffer. Here are some of these parts and how much they might add to the repair cost if the catalytic converter isn’t dealt with quickly:

      • Oxygen sensors – $150 to $300
      • Spark plugs – $100 to $200
      • Ignition coils – $200 to $400
      • Exhaust manifold – $400 to $900
      • Engine control module (ECM) – $800 to $2,000
      • Muffler – $200 to $600
      • Exhaust pipes – $150 to $500

      You’ll run safety risks if your vehicle keeps driving with a bad catalytic converter. Here are some unexpected things that can go wrong:

      • Engine overheating – A clogged converter traps heat, which can cause the engine to overheat and fail.

      • Loss of power on the highway – Sudden power drops can make it dangerous to merge or pass.

      • Stalling in traffic – A struggling engine may stall at lights or in intersections, increasing accident risk.

      • Increased fire risk – Excessive heat buildup under the car can ignite nearby components.

      • Toxic fumes in the cabin – A damaged converter can let harmful gases leak into the vehicle's interior.

      • Failed emergency acceleration – In a critical moment, the car may not respond fast enough due to restricted exhaust flow.

      Find Professional Help

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      If you are a shop owner and sick of business directories that are based on the cost of repair, AutoTechIQ is for you. If your customers receive Digital Inspection results then AutoTechIQ is definitely for you. Check out the certification page or how to rank in your area.

      Pinpoint the Issue

      • Have you noticed a strong rotten egg or sulfur-like smell coming from your exhaust?

        This smell often means the catalytic converter isn’t properly breaking down exhaust gases.

      • Has your car been struggling to accelerate or felt more sluggish than usual?

      • Is your Check Engine light currently on or has it come on recently?

      • Have you been getting worse gas mileage than normal, even though your driving habits haven’t changed?

      • Have you heard any rattling sounds from underneath your car, especially when starting it?

      • Has your car recently failed an emissions or smog test?

      FAQ on Catalytic Converter Replacement

      • What is a catalytic converter and why is it important?

        A catalytic converter is a part of your car’s exhaust system. Its job is to reduce harmful pollution from the engine by turning bad gases (like carbon monoxide) into safer ones before they leave your tailpipe. It helps protect the environment and is required by law in most places.

      • How do I know if my catalytic converter needs to be replaced?

      • Can I still drive with a bad catalytic converter?

      • How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?

      • Why is it so expensive?

      • Can I replace it myself?

      • What happens if I remove it completely?

      • How long does a catalytic converter last?

      • Is there anything I can do to make it last longer?

      Typical fixes to address the cause(s)

      These are typical processes and repair services that fix a check engine light issue

      How to get transparent, long-lasting repairs

      If you want to fix the root cause, relying on online price estimates is misleading. Online estimates will only price the specific repair, e.g., the catalytic converter replacement, and they won’t consider whether your vehicle needs an inspection to investigate and deal with the problem as a whole.

      The solution for the root cause of your catalytic converter being bad is based specifically on your vehicle’s condition. This involves many components and procedures that won’t appear on online estimates because every case has specific needs.

      The best way to get a precise estimate is to seek shops with a “transparency process” to perform an EVAP system inspection for you. Their transparency relies on documenting everything about your catalytic converter and clarifying their findings using edited images and videos they took of your car, explaining their suggestions and quotes.

      Let’s see an example of an EVAP system investigation because of a bad catalytic converter.

      A Transparent, Long-lasting Catalytic Converter Replacement Example

      A complete EVAP system inspection checks everything about the system’s condition, investigates chronic issues, and checks if all filtering and combustion components (engine control module (ECM), catalytic converter, tailpipe, oxygen sensors, PCV valve, charcoal canister, etc.) work as expected.

      For instance, if a shop is requested to do an EVAP system inspection due to a faulty catalytic converter, the mechanics will look through each EVAP-related component.

      They’ll check every component around and related to the catalytic converter for signs of wear, tear, or leaks to find any clues about damage and excessive wear. The inspection may reveal that various components need replacement and identify the culprit causing extra stress on the catalytic converter.

      What is a catalytic converter?

      A catalytic converter is a part of your car that helps clean up the pollution your engine creates. You know when scientists warn that vehicles cause a lot of pollution? That’s because the engine does a combustion process using fuel, which, at the end of the process, releases toxic gases.

      When your engine runs, it creates harmful gases, like pollution. But that pollution is not 100% released into the environment because of the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is like a filter that sits under your car, in the exhaust system. As the toxic gases from the engine pass through it, the converter cancels most of the harmful stuff before releasing the gas through the tailpipe.

      You don’t need to see it or touch it—it just does its job quietly while you drive. Think of it like a Brita filter, but for your car’s exhaust.

      DIY Catalytic converter test

      You can try some tests on your own to figure out if your vehicle might be having catalytic converter problems. These steps can’t confirm if you 100% have a faulty catalytic converter, but they’re basic guidelines that might point in that direction. Let’s see in more detail:

      1. Start the car and smell the exhaust

        • Let the engine run for a couple of minutes.

        • Walk behind the car and (from a safe distance) check for a strong, rotten egg smell.

        • What it could mean: A sulfur-like smell often points to a bad catalytic converter.

      2. Pay attention to how the car drives

        • On a normal drive, ask yourself:

          • Does the car feel sluggish when accelerating?

          • Does it feel like it doesn’t have the power it used to?

        • What it could mean: A clogged converter can choke the engine, making it slow and unresponsive.

      3. Watch your gas tank

        • If you’re filling up more often without driving more than usual, take note.

        • What it could mean: A failing converter can hurt gas mileage.

      4. Check if your “Check Engine” light is on

        • When you turn the key, the dashboard lights up. If the Check Engine light stays on after the car starts, that’s a red flag.

        • You can go to an auto parts store (like AutoZone or O’Reilly) for a free scan to see the exact code.

        • What it could mean: Codes related to emissions or oxygen sensors may point to converter problems.

      5. Listen for weird noises

        • With the engine running and the car in park, listen underneath the car.

        • If you hear a rattling sound, especially during startup or idle, that’s a possible sign of a broken converter inside.

        • What it could mean: The internal parts of the converter may be damaged or loose.

      The 'Find Shops Providing a DVI' Method

      A shop with transparent inspections commonly does DVIs too, which are free-of-charge visual inspections with the same level of transparency. You can find shops providing a DVI to get the reassurance that any inspection or repair will also be transparent.

      This method focuses on two things:

      • Does the shop have a modern DVI?

      • Does the shop have certifications?

      What’s a DVI? As mentioned earlier, it’s like an annual physical visit to the doctor to assess the body’s vital signs, but for a car instead; most auto repair shops don’t charge to do it.  The DVI regularly creates your vehicle’s “state of health,” explaining its overall condition. 

      The mechanic uses the DVI results to inform the conditions of your vehicle’s systems and the recommendations to get it running reliably. If they find issues, they’ll list them in order of priority.

      A DVI helps with a catalytic converter replacement

      The DVI starts with the mechanic checking vehicle systems (catalytic converter, exhaust pipe, tailpipe, exhaust manifold, oxygen sensors, etc.) for signs of wear/tear/leaks. They’ll document everything through notes, videos, and pictures.

      Here are some important things about a DVI:

      • It’s a visual inspection: The mechanic looks at the car’s components’ surface, searching for obvious problem signs.

      • It also checks for noises: The mechanic listens to your car's sounds and points out unusual noises.

      • It does not include further testing: A DVI doesn’t mean in-depth tests and investigations; it’s a surface-level report that tells whether a car needs evident repairs or deeper inspections.

      If they spot EVAP issues, they’ll take photos of them and edit images and videos to indicate what they found (damages, leaks, components’ locations, etc.). They’ll use arrows, circles, and text to make the images clear and easy to understand.

      Note that the DVI doesn't involve additional testing, so the advisor will be taking only notes based on what they see (visual inspection). In the image below, the vehicle went into inspection because it was flashing the "Check Engine" light on the dashboard. After a specialized inspection, the mechanic discovered too many residues clogging the catalytic converter.

      Inside view of a clogged catalytic converter that won't be able to work until it's either cleaned or replaced

      A document with the vehicle’s health status is sent to the customer, with room for questions through online/phone or over-the-counter communication. The customer sees what repair priorities their vehicle has and what should be checked in the near future. 

      In this case, they’ll see a catalytic converter replacement and an EVAP inspection to find out if the residue clogging up the catalytic converter is coming in heavy amounts from somewhere else. The focus is to educate and help the customer make informed decisions about their car.

      Certifications that help you

      Today’s auto industry has certifications for customer-educational and transparent businesses. For example, the AutoTechIQ certification makes shops that fit into the DVI method stand out on your local map. So you can find the one closest to you.

      The shops with an AutoTechIQ certification typically feature 100+ excellent Google reviews! You can quickly find this certification on a shop’s website or using AutoTechIQ’s “Find a shop” map.