Catalytic converter replacement cost
Most shops charge $120–$400 in labor, plus $300–$1,500 for the catalytic converter.
Updated November 2026
Where good SwaxFix bids tend to land: the low end, because shops compete for the job.
See what shops near you will actually charge.
Free to post. Shops bid blind: they see your car, never you. Buy the part yourself, shops bid on labor only. Already have a quote? Check if it’s fair.What the job involves
The shop confirms the converter has failed (not just a bad oxygen sensor), unbolts or cuts out the old unit, and bolts or welds in a converter that is legal for your state.
Signs you need it
- P0420 or P0430 check-engine codes
- Rattling under the car
- Rotten-egg smell
- Loud exhaust after a theft
What changes the price
- California and some other states require CARB-approved converters, which cost more
- Bolt-on units are quicker than weld-in
- Fix the misfire or oil burning that killed it first
Shop or do it yourself?
Possible for bolt-on units, but the legal part number matters.
Questions drivers ask
How much does catalytic converter replacement cost?
At a typical shop, labor runs $120 to $400 (about 1 hr to 2.5 hr of work), and the catalytic converter costs about $300 to $1,500. That puts most jobs between $420 and $1,900 total. With SwaxFix you can buy the part yourself and have local shops bid on the labor only.
Is P0420 always a bad catalytic converter?
No. Exhaust leaks, a bad downstream oxygen sensor or a misfire can trigger it. Diagnose first.
Does insurance cover catalytic converter theft?
Comprehensive coverage usually does, minus your deductible.
What is a CARB-compliant converter?
A converter approved for sale in California and states that follow its rules. Non-compliant units can fail inspection there.
Find a shop
Want to compare shops first? Browse auto repair near me, or post your job and let them come to you.