Catalytic converters are among the most expensive single parts on a vehicle, thanks to the precious metals inside them. Whether yours failed naturally or was stolen (catalytic converter theft has surged in recent years), the replacement cost is significant.
Cost Breakdown
| Type | Parts | Total Installed |
|---|
| Aftermarket (universal fit) | $200–$600 | $500–$1,200 |
| Aftermarket (direct fit) | $400–$1,200 | $800–$2,000 |
| OEM | $800–$2,500 | $1,200–$3,500 |
California emissions vehicles: If your car was sold in California (or is registered there), you must use a CARB-compliant converter, which costs 2-3x more than a federal converter. There is no legal workaround for this.
Theft Replacement
If your converter was stolen, file a police report first, then contact your insurance. Comprehensive coverage typically covers catalytic converter theft minus your deductible. Some states have passed laws requiring salvage yards to verify converter ownership, but theft remains rampant on high-target vehicles (Toyota Prius, Honda Accord, Ford F-150).
Check Your Quote
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Related Auto Repair Cost Guides
For other expensive repairs, see our brake job pricing guide, transmission repair costs, and AC compressor pricing.
How we calculated these numbers
Every price range, median, and benchmark in this guide is computed from real auto repair quotes that QuoteScore users have submitted for analysis, combined with our regional pricing benchmark database.
- Sample size: 355 auto repair quotes analyzed by QuoteScore.
- Benchmark data: 14,000+ regional pricing benchmarks updated quarterly, covering parts retail (RockAuto, AutoZone, Advance Auto, Home Depot, Lowe's, Ferguson) and labor rates by metro.
- Pricing date range: Quotes from late 2024 through February 2026; benchmark data refreshed within the last 90 days.
- Methodology: Outliers (top/bottom 5%) trimmed before computing medians. Region-specific labor rates separated from parts pricing. We disclose sample size when fewer than 50 quotes back a specific number.
Live database stats: /api/stats/public · Data corrections: quotescoreai@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?
Aftermarket catalytic converter replacement costs $1,000-$2,000 installed. OEM replacement costs $1,500-$3,500. Some vehicles (Toyota Prius, Honda Element) can cost $2,000-$4,000+ due to the specific converter design and precious metal content.
Why are catalytic converters so expensive?
Catalytic converters contain precious metals — platinum, palladium, and rhodium — that serve as catalysts to reduce harmful emissions. Rhodium alone costs over $4,000 per ounce. These metals make converters expensive to manufacture and also a target for theft.