How Much a Catalytic Converter Costs for a Car

Expect to pay roughly $600 to $3,500 for a catalytic converter replacement installed in 2025, with the part itself typically ranging from about $200 to $2,500 or more; luxury, hybrid, diesel, and V8 vehicles can exceed those ranges. Prices vary widely by vehicle, emissions rules (e.g., California CARB), and whether you choose OEM or compliant aftermarket parts. Below, we unpack the factors, real-world examples, and ways to save without risking failed emissions or repeat repairs.

What Drives the Price

Multiple technical and regulatory factors determine how much you’ll pay, from the converter’s precious-metal content to whether your state requires specific certifications. Understanding these variables helps set realistic expectations—and avoid overpaying.

• Vehicle and engine design: Large engines, V6/V8s with dual converters, or units integrated into the exhaust manifold are more expensive than simple, downstream “universal” cats.
• OEM vs. compliant aftermarket: OEM parts usually cost more but match factory fit; EPA- or CARB-compliant aftermarket units often cost less and can be fully legal when matched to your vehicle and state rules.
• Emissions compliance: CARB-compliant converters required in states like CA, NY, and CO typically cost significantly more than standard EPA-compliant units.
• Precious metals: Platinum, palladium, and rhodium content drives material cost; prices have moderated from 2021 peaks but remain volatile, keeping converters pricey.
• Labor complexity: Bolt-on replacements are faster and cheaper; cutting/welding, rust, or tightly packaged engine bays raise labor time.
• Related parts: Oxygen sensors, gaskets, and hardware often add $150 to $700+ to the job if they’re seized, failed, or due for replacement.
• Diesel and aftertreatment: Diesel systems with DPF and SCR (DEF/urea) components can cost much more than gasoline converters.
• Region and regulations: States with strict emissions checks and CARB rules, plus metro labor rates, tend to push totals higher.

Taken together, these elements explain why quotes for the “same” job can differ by thousands—vehicle specifics and local regulations matter as much as the part itself.

Typical Price Ranges

Parts (converter only)

These are ballpark parts-only prices you’re likely to see on a quote or parts invoice, excluding labor and taxes.

• Aftermarket universal (EPA-compliant, non-CARB, simple applications): about $200 to $500.
• Direct-fit aftermarket (EPA-compliant, most non-CARB states): about $350 to $1,200.
• CARB-compliant direct-fit (required in CA, NY, CO, and several other states): about $800 to $3,000, depending on vehicle and engine.
• OEM (dealer): about $900 to $2,500+ per converter; manifold-integrated or high-performance applications can exceed $3,000.
• Diesel aftertreatment components (DPF/SCR/cat assemblies): commonly $1,500 to $4,000+.

For many mainstream cars, a quality direct-fit aftermarket unit keeps costs reasonable; specialized or regulated applications push prices toward the high end.

Labor and Extras

Installation time and related parts can shift the total substantially, especially on older or rust-belt vehicles.

• Labor: roughly $150 to $400 for straightforward bolt-on jobs; $300 to $800+ if cutting/welding or tackling heavily rusted fasteners or tight packaging.
• Oxygen sensors: $100 to $350 each for parts; many cars have two to four sensors and some may need replacement during a cat job.
• Gaskets/hardware/hangers: typically $25 to $100.
• Shop supplies, taxes, and fees: variable, often $25 to $100+.

If your shop needs to fabricate sections or replace multiple sensors, labor and incidental costs become a meaningful part of the final bill.

Total Installed Estimates by Vehicle Category

The totals below combine typical parts and labor to show what owners commonly pay at independent shops versus dealers.

• Economy/compact sedans (non-CARB states): about $600 to $1,400.
• Midsize sedans and crossovers: about $800 to $2,000.
• Trucks/SUVs with V6/V8 or dual converters: about $1,200 to $3,500.
• Hybrids targeted by theft (e.g., Prius) in CARB states: about $2,000 to $3,800.
• Luxury/performance (BMW/Mercedes/Audi with manifold cats): about $2,000 to $7,000 depending on bank count.
• Diesel pickups with DPF/SCR service: about $2,000 to $5,500+.

Dealership quotes often sit at the upper end; competent independent exhaust or emissions specialists can come in lower while still using compliant parts.

Real-World Examples (Estimated 2025)

These examples illustrate what typical owners face this year; exact quotes depend on VIN, emissions family, and state rules.

• Toyota Prius (2004–2015, CARB states): parts $1,300 to $2,800 (CARB-compliant), installed $2,000 to $3,800; theft-resistant shields add $150 to $450 installed.
• Honda Civic/Accord (various years): aftermarket direct-fit $400 to $1,200; OEM $900 to $2,000; installed total $700 to $2,500 depending on compliance and sensors.
• Ford F-150 (V8, dual cats): $600 to $1,600 per converter; installed total $1,200 to $3,500 depending on configuration and rust.
• Subaru Outback/Forester (PZEV models pricier): $800 to $1,800 parts; $1,100 to $2,600 installed.
• BMW/Mercedes (manifold-integrated): $1,500 to $3,500 per side parts; $2,500 to $7,000 installed for both banks on some models.
• Ram/Chevy diesel pickups (DPF/SCR): $1,500 to $4,000+ parts; $2,500 to $5,500+ installed depending on which components are replaced.

If your vehicle has multiple converters or integrated manifold cats, ask the shop to specify which units are being replaced to understand the quote.

When Replacement Is Required—and How to Avoid Misdiagnosis

A check-engine light and poor performance don’t always mean the cat is the culprit. Careful diagnosis protects your wallet and ensures the new converter lasts.

• Common codes: P0420/P0430 (catalyst efficiency below threshold). Confirm with live data, upstream/downstream O2 behavior, and temperature or backpressure tests.
• Rule out upstream issues: Misfires, oil burning, coolant leaks, rich fuel trim, or exhaust leaks can trigger false catalyst codes and will ruin a new converter if not fixed.
• Exhaust leaks: Even small leaks near O2 sensors can mimic a bad cat—inspect flanges, flex pipes, and gaskets.
• Break-in and readiness: After replacement, follow the installer’s instructions for heat cycles and drive cycles to set monitors and pass inspection.
• Warranty: New vehicles have an 8-year/80,000-mile federal emissions warranty on OEM catalysts; aftermarket warranties are typically 2 to 5 years—keep paperwork.
• Legal note: In many states it’s illegal to install used catalytic converters or non-compliant units; ensure the part matches your vehicle’s emissions family and state requirements.

A reliable shop will diagnose root causes before quoting the converter; if they don’t, consider a second opinion to avoid repeat failures.

Theft, Insurance, and Legal Notes

Catalytic converter theft surged during precious-metal spikes and remains a risk, though incidents have generally eased as rhodium and palladium prices moderated from 2021 highs.

• Risk factors: Hybrids (cleaner exhaust = richer precious metals), high-clearance trucks/SUVs, and vehicles with easily accessed converters.
• Prevention: Install a theft shield, weld beads or etch/VIN-mark the converter, park in lit or secure areas, and consider motion-sensing alarms.
• Insurance: Comprehensive coverage typically pays for theft minus your deductible; ask your insurer about shields and whether they affect premiums.
• Compliance: CARB states require CARB-certified converters—shops can be fined for installing non-compliant parts. Keep your compliance label and receipt.
• Core returns: Some parts require returning the old converter as a core; this is normal and keeps your net cost down.

Taking basic security steps and confirming compliance can prevent both a second theft and a failed inspection.

How to Save Money Without Cutting Corners

You can trim costs while staying legal and maintaining reliability by being strategic about parts and providers.

• Get multiple quotes: Compare at least one dealer and two reputable independents or exhaust specialists.
• Choose compliant aftermarket when appropriate: A quality EPA- or CARB-certified direct-fit unit can offer near-OEM performance for less.
• Bundle smartly: If O2 sensors are aged or seized, replacing them with the cat can save labor later and protect the new converter.
• Fix the cause first: Address misfires, oil consumption, or leaky injectors before installing the new cat.
• Ask about warranties: Prefer parts with multi-year coverage and shops that back their labor.
• Avoid “cheap universal” in strict states: Non-compliant installs can fail inspections and cost more in rework.

With the right part and a competent installer, you can keep the total in check and avoid repeat visits to the shop.

Bottom Line

For most cars in 2025, a catalytic converter replacement lands between $600 and $3,500 installed, driven by emissions rules, vehicle design, and precious-metal content. Hybrids, luxury models, and diesels can run higher. Verify the diagnosis, choose a compliant part, and gather multiple quotes to balance legality, longevity, and cost.

Summary

Most catalytic converters cost $200 to $2,500 for the part and $600 to $3,500 installed, with higher totals for CARB-regulated states, hybrids, luxury, and diesel vehicles. Prices reflect precious-metal markets, compliance requirements, and labor complexity. Confirm root causes before replacing, consider compliant aftermarket options, and take steps to deter theft and protect your investment.