Catalytic Converter Cost by Car Make and Model (2026)
Updated 2026-06-29
Catalytic converter replacement costs range from $400 to $1,100 for a Honda Civic or Accord to $1,200 to $3,000 for a Mercedes-Benz in 2026. The biggest driver is the vehicle itself, since parts cost and labor time vary widely by make, engine size, and how many converters the car carries.
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Cost Details
Here is what the repair runs across common makes and models.
| Vehicle | Aftermarket Part | OEM Part | Total with Labor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Accord / Civic | $100 to $300 | $300 to $700 | $400 to $1,100 |
| Toyota Camry / Corolla | $120 to $350 | $350 to $750 | $450 to $1,200 |
| Toyota Prius | $200 to $500 | $600 to $1,400 | $700 to $1,900 |
| Ford F-150 | $150 to $400 | $400 to $900 | $500 to $1,350 |
| Chevy Silverado / Tahoe | $150 to $450 | $400 to $950 | $550 to $1,400 |
| Nissan Altima | $130 to $380 | $320 to $700 | $450 to $1,100 |
| Mazda 3 | $120 to $320 | $300 to $650 | $420 to $1,050 |
| Honda Civic (separate row) | $100 to $280 | $280 to $650 | $400 to $1,000 |
| BMW 3 Series / 5 Series | $350 to $800 | $900 to $2,000 | $1,100 to $2,600 |
| Mercedes-Benz C/E Class | $400 to $900 | $1,000 to $2,500 | $1,200 to $3,000 |
| Subaru Outback / Forester | $150 to $400 | $400 to $900 | $550 to $1,350 |
Why Do Some Cars Cost So Much More?
- Precious metal loading: High-performance and luxury vehicles carry converters loaded with more platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which raises the part price directly.
- Number of converters: V6 and V8 engines in trucks and SUVs often have two converters. Replacing both at once is common and doubles the parts cost.
- Labor access: Compact crossovers and sports cars with tight engine bays take longer to work on, adding labor hours.
- OEM requirements: California and 15 other CARB-adopting states require CARB-compliant converters, which limits aftermarket options and raises cost.
Honda and Toyota: Most Affordable
High-volume Japanese vehicles have a deep aftermarket parts supply. A reliable CARB-compliant converter for a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry often costs $150 to $300, which keeps the total repair well below what European alternatives command. The Mazda 3 and Nissan Altima follow the same pattern, with enough aftermarket competition to hold prices down.
Toyota Prius: A Special Case
The Prius is one of the most targeted vehicles for converter theft, because its converter carries higher concentrations of precious metals than most passenger cars. Replacement costs are above average for this model, and a theft-deterrent shield is worth considering if you own one. Owners in this position often pay a premium up front to avoid a much larger bill later.
Trucks and SUVs: Watch for Dual Converters
Many full-size trucks and SUVs, including the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tundra, carry two catalytic converters when equipped with a V6 or V8 engine. If both need replacing at the same time, the parts cost doubles. Ask your mechanic whether one or both converters are being replaced, and why. Truck owners in snowy states should also budget for corrosion-related labor overages, since severely rusted exhaust hardware adds significant time to the job.
How to Get the Best Price Near You
When calling shops, give them your year, make, model, engine size, and diagnostic code. Ask each shop three questions: how many converters are being replaced, whether the part is OEM or aftermarket, and whether the quote includes new exhaust hardware (gaskets and bolts). Shops in the same city often quote $200 to $400 apart for identical work. A few calls is the fastest way to find the going rate in your market. The cost calculator gives you a baseline to spot quotes that are out of range in either direction.
What Else Might Come Up During the Job
When the converter comes off, related problems often surface. Oxygen sensors (upstream and downstream) sit close to the converter and can be damaged by heat from a failing unit. Most shops recommend inspecting and often replacing the downstream sensor at the same visit, which costs $50 to $150. Rusted exhaust flex pipe sections or flanges can add $80 to $200 if replacement is needed. Ask upfront whether the shop will call you before adding any of these items, so you can approve them individually.
FAQs
Is the dealer always more expensive for a catalytic converter?
Usually yes. Dealer parts are OEM and priced accordingly. An independent shop using a quality aftermarket converter can save you $200 to $800 on parts alone.
How do I know which converter fits my car?
Your mechanic will match by year, make, model, engine size, and VIN. If you are buying a part yourself, always use your VIN to confirm fitment.
Does engine size affect the catalytic converter cost?
Yes. Larger displacement engines and V8s often require dual converters or larger units with more precious metals, raising both the part and labor cost.
What to Know Before You Approve the Repair
Japanese economy cars sit at the low end of the range. European luxury brands and the Prius sit at the top. Get quotes from at least two shops, confirm how many converters your vehicle has, and verify whether aftermarket or OEM is required by your state's emissions rules.
See what your specific model runs
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More on Pricing by Vehicle
A few guides that dig into specific parts of this comparison.
- See the full 2026 cost breakdown for parts and labor.
- Check regional labor rates that shift these totals.
- Weigh aftermarket against OEM for your specific brand.
- Learn why some models cost so much more than others.