How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter in your vehicle is so valuable thieves are willing to risk jail time to steal one. The week we published this story, a person authorities say was trying to steal a catalytic converter was tragically killed in the alleged act. The reason that thieves want your catalytic converter so badly is that they contain some very valuable metals. The cost to replace a catalytic converter can range from the high hundreds of dollars to as much as $4,000, depending on the model of vehicle and where you have it replaced.
Top recommendations for best catalytic converter
The following are recommendations based on interviews with ASE-certified mechanics
- Brand 1: OEM - The go-to choice if you plan to keep the car long-term
- Brand 2: Walker »
- Brand 3: Magnaflow »
Read more on the Best Catalytic Converter Replacements here.
What is a catalytic converter?
Catalytic converters are a vital part of any modern gasoline-powered vehicle’s emissions control system. In the normal combustion process, certain chemical compounds are created (gasses) that are harmful to air quality. The catalytic converter dramatically reduces the amount of those harmful gasses that your car emits.
The term “catalytic” refers to a chemical, in this case precious metals, used in a chemical process to cause a reaction. When hot exhaust gasses pass over the metals in your catalytic converter, the gasses undergo a chemical reaction, changing the gasses to less harmful compounds before they pass further down your exhaust system and exit the vehicle.
How do I know if my catalytic converter has been stolen?
If you turn the key on your Toyota Prius, and it suddenly roars like a NASCAR racer, your catalytic converter may have been stolen. You can look up under the car near the rear part of the engine. If there is a lonely space filled with nothing where part of your exhaust system used to be, it has probably been stolen.
Why do thieves steal catalytic converters?
Inside of catalytic converters are precious metals. The metals can be extracted and then recycled. They are of such high value some unscrupulous recyclers will accept stolen catalytic converters to remove and then sell the precious metals. In the fall of 2022, the U.S. Justice Department busted a theft ring. The value of the catalytic converters stolen was estimated to be over a half-billion U.S. dollars. The Economist says that catalytic converter theft is soaring.
Can I protect my catalytic converter from theft?
Your catalytic converter is vulnerable to thieves with tools if parked in public. Aftermarket companies have sprung up that now offer covers made of metal or wire baskets that are installed over the converter to slow down a thief. They are priced as high as $500 and require shop time to install. These are not something we would recommend.
Allstate Insurance recommends these steps to help protect your catalytic converter:
- Know if your car is a likely target: hybrids, SUVs, and trucks have valuable or easily removable catalytic converters. Etch your license plate number or VIN onto your catalytic converter — this may help alert a scrap dealer that it was stolen and make it easier to identify the owner.
- Park in well-lit areas close to public entrances, regularly move your car’s spot, or use a closed garage.
- Install an anti-theft device.
- Install motion-sensitive lights and cameras in your parking area.
- Paint your catalytic converter to deter buyers – some local police departments even offer free programs for painting.
How do catalytic converters fail?
Catalytic converters almost never fail on their own. They are a mature technology and they perform passively without any moving parts. However, upstream of the converter in the combustion process, things can happen that can “poison” the converter. Unburned fuel can cause them to overheat. Oil contamination can clog them. And if you take your vehicle off-road and you end up scraping the underside of your vehicle on a rock or rough ground, they can be physically damaged.
If my catalytic converter is stolen, will my insurance pay for a replacement?
If you are a victim of catalytic converter theft, file a police report and contact your insurance provider. If your insurance includes what is called a “comprehensive” policy section, you may be covered after you've met your deductible.
What are the signs of catalytic converter failure?
The most likely sign of a problem related to your catalytic converter will be a check engine light. The vehicle may also run poorly, stall, or not start.
How can I maintain my catalytic converter?
Catalytic converters are designed to last the full life of your vehicle. The exhaust piping around them may fail, but the converters themselves are robustly constructed. They are not normally replaced, and they require no maintenance. To ensure a long life for your emissions control system, keep your vehicle’s engine properly maintained and change your spark plugs according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most important of all, never drive with the check engine light illuminated other than to get yourself to a safe location.
How long is the warranty on a catalytic converter?
One little-known fact about vehicle warranties is that the components that make up your federally-mandated emissions control system have their own, very long warranty. The warranty is separate from your new car or powertrain warranty. Federal law requires automakers to warranty certain parts of vehicle emission-control systems for eight years or 80,000 miles. Your catalytic converter is on the list of components covered. Some states also have additional warranties.
Can my catalytic converter be repaired?
Once a catalytic converter fails, a repair is impractical and not an option. However, there are other parts of your emission control system, such as the oxygen sensor and exhaust gas recirculation valve that are repairable. They work closely with the converter to get the needed job done.
Will my extended warranty pay to replace my catalytic converter?
In our research on extended warranties, we have seen sample contracts that specifically exclude catalytic converter failure. However, a catalytic converter rarely fails on its own. Upstream combustion components are usually the cause of the failure. Only your contract can give you the answer as to whether the policy you own will cover needed repairs if your catalytic converter gives up the ghost.
Who can replace my catalytic converter?
Catalytic converter replacement can be performed by any qualified mechanic. Most independent shops can do the work, and exhaust specialty shops can certainly do it. Your brand’s dealership network can also resolve any catalytic converter-related issues you may have, though likely at a higher cost than an independent shop.
Here’s a tip; If you ever have a catalytic converter replaced for any reason, get a state emissions control inspection immediately after to ensure the work performed meets the state’s requirements. Not all states have such inspections, but in those that do, a properly working catalytic converter is required to operate the vehicle legally.
Can I replace my catalytic converter myself?
On a scale of one to five, with one being putting air in your tires and five being an engine replacement, a catalytic converter replacement is about a 2.5. To do the job practically, it helps to have the vehicle on a lift. Since torches, welders, and impact wrenches are often used in the repair of exhaust systems, we don't recommend a home DIY replacement of your catalytic converter.
Can I drive without my catalytic converter?
You can't legally drive without a catalytic converter. In any state that has an annual emission control inspection, you will not get a sticker. Purposely removing a catalytic converter is a violation of the Clean Air Act. Your vehicle will become incredibly polluting if you drive without a catalytic converter.
That said, yes, the car may well run without a catalytic converter if it is removed. If it is clogged or damaged, the car will likely run poorly or not at all.
Read more on the topic of Owning a Car here.
