Wondering how much a failing catalytic converter will set you back?
If your catalytic converter (CAT) fails — or worse, gets stolen — it can lead to expensive repairs and an increase in harmful emissions like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide.
Still, replacing the catalytic converter is essential to keep your car running clean and compliant.
So, let’s break down the catalytic converter cost and the early signs of failure. We’ll also cover the different types of catalytic converters and their typical lifespans.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost?
- How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft
- Is It Worth Replacing the Catalytic Converter?
- Warning Signs of Catalytic Converter Failure
- 4 FAQs about Catalytic Converters
How Much Does a Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost?
Here’s what you can expect to pay for installing a new catalytic converter:
A. Range
The average cost of replacing a faulty catalytic converter can vary significantly from $450 to $4200.
This includes:
- Parts cost: $300 to $4000
- Labor cost: $150 to $200
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Some factors influencing the average cost of the replacement catalytic converter include:
- Car’s make and model: Compared to the complicated CATs in modern vehicles, older cars have a simple catalytic converter — resulting in a low replacement cost. For example, a Toyota Corolla’s old catalytic converter may have a lower replacement cost than a BMW X1’s CAT.
- Component type: The replacement cost of a direct-fit catalytic converter is higher than that of a universal catalytic converter. Additionally, CARB-compliant catalytic converters are substantially more expensive than EPA-compliant ones.
- Quality of parts: OEM parts will cost more than aftermarket parts. While aftermarket catalytic converters come at lower prices, they typically don’t last as long and aren’t always made from high-quality materials.
- Extra charges for automotive repair: Your mechanic may need to use special tools to lift your vehicle and remove a welded or bolted catalytic converter, increasing the labor cost. Moreover, besides charging you for catalytic converter repair, they may bill you for fixing other damaged parts, like the exhaust pipe, oxygen sensors, muffler, etc.
- Warranty: A replacement catalytic converter with a longer warranty will have a higher upfront cost.
- Engine type: Catalytic converters for diesel engines are far less valuable than CATs for gasoline engines. This is because materials used for the former are inexpensive, and the precious metals, like platinum and palladium, used in them are less dense.
C. Why Does the Catalytic Converter Cost So Much?
The catalytic converter price is quite high due to the precious metals they contain, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals act as a catalyst to purify harmful exhaust gas, making them essential for the converter’s function.
As of October 7, 2024, platinum costs around $982.75 per ounce, while rhodium is worth a whopping $4,925 per ounce. The fluctuating cost of metals directly impacts the catalytic converter price, often driving them higher.
And that’s not all!
The presence of valuable metals inside catalytic converters makes them a common target for theft.
How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft
Catalytic converter theft is a serious issue that vehicle owners often face. In fact, some unethical scrap metal dealers accept a stolen catalytic converter to retrieve and sell the highly valuable metals in them.
To protect your vehicle, here are some precautions you can take:
- Always park your car in a safe and well-lit area.
- Get your license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN) etched onto the catalytic converter. This may alert a scrap catalytic converter dealer that it was stolen and make identifying and contacting the owner easier.
- Invest in anti-theft devices, like locks, alarms, and more, that’ll immediately notify you in case of any unusual activity. This will make it difficult for thieves to remove your catalytic converter.
- Install motion-sensitive lights and CCTV cameras in your parking area.
Remember, a thief could still get their hands on your car’s CAT and sell it as a scrap catalytic converter. So, you should consider getting car insurance that covers catalytic converter theft.
Now, whether your catalytic converter gets stolen or damaged, you shouldn’t put off getting a new one.
Let’s find out why.
Is It Worth Replacing the Catalytic Converter?
Yes, replacing a bad catalytic converter is definitely worth it.
A malfunctioning or old catalytic converter can lead to a significant buildup of exhaust gas, potentially causing engine damage. The US government also has strict laws related to the use of catalytic converters, as they’re essential for reducing harmful emissions of the internal combustion engine.
Moreover, if your state mandates annual vehicle emissions tests, your car won’t pass inspection with a damaged catalytic converter. Failing the emissions test could result in fines, and in some cases, you won’t be allowed to use your vehicle until you get the necessary repairs.
But how do you know if your car’s catalytic converter is acting up?
Warning Signs of Catalytic Converter Failure
Be on the lookout for the following symptoms of a bad catalytic converter:
- The smell of rotten eggs on account of unburnt fuel containing hydrogen sulfide exiting your exhaust pipe.
- Poor acceleration due to carbon buildup in your exhaust system and a restricted exhaust stream. If you have carbon buildup, you may also notice black smoke exiting the exhaust pipe and frequent engine misfires.
- Rattling noise while idling or driving due to a clogged catalytic converter.
- An exhaust leak directly under the vehicle’s cabin or near the firewall (a panel that prevents engine heat and noise from entering the cabin).
- Lit check engine light due to your oxygen sensor detecting a problem in the exhaust gas levels.
- The vehicle fails an emissions test due to the excessive release of harmful exhaust gas.
Got more questions about CATs?
Keep reading.
4 FAQs about Catalytic Converters
Here are answers to some common queries related to catalytic converters:
1. How Does a Catalytic Converter Work?
Your car’s catalytic converter reduces emissions by converting harmful gas collected from the exhaust manifold into less toxic substances, lowering your car’s impact on air pollution.
How?
It does this by using a metallic catalyst, such as rhodium, palladium, chromium, or platinum.
Inside the catalytic converter, a chemical reaction occurs when the metallic catalyst reacts with harmful vehicle emissions. The chemical reaction converts carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and unburned hydrocarbons (unburned fuel particles) into less harmful emissions like carbon dioxide and water vapor.
The water vapor and carbon dioxide then leave your car’s exhaust system via the exhaust pipe.
2. What Are the Different Types of Catalytic Converters?
Based on their build and design, catalytic converters are of three types:
- Direct-fit: It has fittings on each end, allowing it to be bolted directly into your car. It is built according to your vehicle’s specifications, such as year, make, and model.
- Universal: It’s designed to be compatible with most cars, provided that the diameters of the inlet and outlet tubes on the CAT and the exhaust system are the same.
- Manifold: This is integrated into a vehicle’s exhaust manifold, which collects exhaust gasses from multiple cylinders into a single pipe.
Now, there are also catalytic converter types based on emission standards. They include:
- CARB-compliant: The California Air Resources Board or CARB-compliant CAT adheres to stricter emission standards than those in most US states. It also meets the emission standards followed in New York, Colorado, and Maine. These converters are expensive since they have a higher concentration of precious metals, advanced washcoat technology, and comprehensive warranties.
- Federal or EPA-compliant: This type of CAT meets emission standards in most US states and complies with federal government specifications. You can further choose from:
- Heavy metal catalytic converters: These are suitable for vehicles in all US states (except California) and are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) but not CARB.
- OEM-grade catalytic converters: These OEM-grade converters meet both EPA and CARB standards. However, if your vehicle is registered in California, you may only use CARB-approved converters.
- Heavy metal catalytic converters: These are suitable for vehicles in all US states (except California) and are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) but not CARB.
3. How Long Do Catalytic Converters Last?
A new catalytic converter usually lasts around 70,000 to 100,000 miles. The OEM ones can last around ten years, while the aftermarket parts may start malfunctioning after a few years.
Additionally, a catalytic converter’s lifespan depends on your driving habits. So, to keep any catalytic converter problem at bay, make sure you:
- Avoid excess idling and short trips
- Drive at optimal speeds (for better fuel economy) on long trips
- Drive carefully over speed bumps to avoid physical damage
- Use good quality fuel
- Conduct regular engine tune-ups
- Address misfires promptly
- Inspect for exhaust leaks and fix them ASAP
- Pay attention to the check engine light
Remember, regular maintenance will help you address any catalytic converter issue before it needs expensive repairs.
4. Can You Recycle Catalytic Converters?
Yes, catalytic converters are one of the most frequently recycled vehicle components because they contain precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals can be recovered and reused in various industries, including automotive, electronics, and jewelry.
Get Easy Catalytic Converter Replacement with AutoNation Mobile Service
Spotting any catalytic converter issue early on can help you minimize the cost of repair as it allows you to address the problem before it worsens. If caught early, minor issues like clogs or inefficiencies might be fixed through cleaning or less expensive repairs.
If you suspect a catalytic converter problem, consider contacting the experts at AutoNation Mobile Service.
We offer upfront pricing, convenient online booking, and a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs.
Book an appointment today to get catalytic converter repair or replacement done right from your driveway!