Repair Lane

Catalytic Converter Replacement

Replacement of a failed or stolen catalytic converter with a legal, emissions-compliant unit.

Difficulty: moderate~1.54 hrsHalf a day
Estimated total
$475–3,200
Parts$300–2,500
Labor$175–700
Labor time1.54 hrs
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What's involved

What this repair actually is.

The catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into harmless ones, and it fails from age, contamination, or engine problems upstream — or disappears overnight to thieves. We install a new EPA-compliant (or CARB-compliant where your vehicle requires it) converter with new gaskets and hardware, and can add an anti-theft shield while everything is apart.

Symptoms

How you can tell.

  • P0420/P0430 catalyst efficiency code
  • Rotten egg smell
  • Loss of power or poor acceleration
  • Extremely loud exhaust after a theft
  • Failed emissions inspection
If you delay

A clogged converter can choke the engine to a crawl and overheat; driving without one after a theft is illegal, deafening, and will fail inspection.

Educational estimate. Real pricing depends on your vehicle, the inspection, parts availability, taxes, and shop rates. Use this as a guide while you shop quotes.
Related

Often done together.