Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost (2026)
Replacing a catalytic converter costs about $220–$705 at an independent shop in 2026 with a federal (EPA) aftermarket converter, and $320–$1,270 with a California (CARB)-approved one, using 0.9–2.3 hours of labor at $100–$150/hr (Ford’s published F-150 times). Genuine converters list for $1,450–$2,262 (Honda Accord, Toyota Prius) before labor. Under federal law the converter is covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles, so a failed converter on a newer car may be a free warranty repair.
Sources: chain price pages, retailer and manufacturer list prices, official documents (below) · Prices checked 2026-11-09 · By CarWhere Research · Methodology
Catalytic Converter Replacement cost by service type
| Service | Parts / fluid | Labor | Typical shop total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal (EPA) aftermarket converter, one | $129–$359Accord to F-150 | 0.9–2.3 hr | $220–$705[1],[2],[3],[4],[5]Direct-fit converter + 0.9–2.3 hr (Ford F-150 5.0L, one side) × $100–$150/hr |
| California (CARB) aftermarket converter, one | $232–$924Accord to F-150 | 0.9–2.3 hr | $320–$1,270[1],[2],[3],[4],[5]CARB-approved converter + the same 0.9–2.3 hr × $100–$150/hr |
| Genuine (OEM) converter | $1,450–$2,262Honda Accord to Toyota Prius, MSRP | —Varies by car | Labor not published — get a quote[6],[7]Dealer parts-store list prices; add labor |
Published labor is from Ford’s emission recall for 2022–23 F-150s: 0.9 hour for the left converter, 2.3 for the right and 2.5 for both on the 5.0L, and up to 3.1 hours for the right side on the hybrid. Many cars have more than one converter. Before tax, shop-supply and disposal fees. Where we derive a total, labor is hours × $$100–$150 per hour[4],[5]. See the methodology.
DIY vs. shop vs. dealer
| Where | Cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| DIY | $130–$925Part only | Direct-fit converters bolt in on many cars, but rusted exhaust hardware is common. Federal rules limit when an aftermarket converter may be installed (below), and in California only a CARB-approved unit is legal.[1],[2],[8],[9] |
| Chain / independent shop | $220–$1,270EPA to CARB part | Converter plus labor at $100–$150/hr. We found no chain that posts a converter replacement price.[4],[5] |
| Dealer | OEM part $1,450–$2,262 + labor | Honda lists the 2008–12 Accord primary converter at $1,449.70 and Toyota lists the 2010–15 Prius front exhaust pipe with converter at $2,262.38. A defect within 8 years or 80,000 miles should be covered free under the emissions warranty.[6],[7],[10] |
Keep the paperwork: EPA says a legitimate need for an aftermarket converter must be established and documented, and the installer should record it.[8]
Warranty and the rules on aftermarket converters
- Federal emissions warranty: the Clean Air Act names the catalytic converter a “specified major emission control component,” covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first, on 1995 and newer vehicles.[10],[11]
- EPA allows an aftermarket converter only when the original is missing, a state inspection program requires replacement, or the vehicle is past the warranty period and a legitimate need is documented; not when the original works or the replacement is under recall or warranty.[8]
- New aftermarket converters must carry a 5-year/50,000-mile warranty on the shell and end pipes, and be warranted to meet EPA’s emission standards for 25,000 miles.[8]
- EPA also allows California (CARB)-approved aftermarket converters to be sold and installed in federal areas. In California, CARB requires a CARB-approved converter once a legitimate need is documented, such as a malfunctioning, damaged, leaking or melted converter.[9],[12]
What drives the cost
- Federal vs. California part: for the same brand and position, CARB-approved converters cost up to about 2.9 times as much (AP/Eastern F-150 left: $311.79 EPA vs. $915.79 CARB).[2]
- Which converter: Ford’s time for the right-side converter on a 5.0L F-150 is 2.3 hours vs. 0.9 for the left.[3]
- Hybrids: aftermarket converters for a 2010 Prius run $430.79–$582.79, above the Accord’s.[1],[13]
- Genuine vs. aftermarket: Honda’s Accord converter lists at $1,449.70 vs. $129–$390 aftermarket.[1],[6]
When you actually need it
A P0420 or P0430 code (catalyst efficiency below threshold) doesn’t always mean a new converter. In Ford’s bulletin for the F-150 PowerBoost, the first step is reprogramming the engine computer and running a drive cycle; the converter is replaced only if the code returns.[14]
Fix the cause first: misfires and oil or coolant burning can damage a new converter. CARB lists malfunctioning, damaged, leaking, melted or cracked converters as legitimate reasons to replace one.[9]
If your check engine light shows a catalyst code, see the P0420 code guide.
More repair costs
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?
About $220–$705 at an independent shop with a federal (EPA) aftermarket converter, or $320–$1,270 with a CARB-approved one. Genuine converters list for $1,450–$2,262 before labor.
Is a catalytic converter covered by warranty?
Yes, for 8 years or 80,000 miles on 1995 and newer vehicles under the federal emissions warranty, if it fails from a defect.
Why are California catalytic converters more expensive?
California requires CARB-approved converters, which must meet stricter requirements. On the same truck, the CARB version can cost two to three times the federal one.
Does a P0420 code mean I need a new catalytic converter?
Not always. Check for software updates, exhaust leaks, oxygen-sensor faults or misfires first. Ford’s fix for one F-150 P0420 problem starts with reprogramming, not a new converter.
Can I install a cheaper aftermarket converter?
Only in certain cases: EPA allows it when the original is missing, required by a state inspection, or the car is out of warranty with a documented need. In California it must be CARB-approved.
Sources
- RockAuto, 2012 Honda Accord 2.4L catalytic converters, EPA and CARB (catalog), accessed 2026-11-09.
- RockAuto, 2014 Ford F-150 5.0L catalytic converters, EPA and CARB (catalog), accessed 2026-11-09.
- Ford Motor Company (Emission Recall 24E08, via NHTSA), 2022–23 F-150: catalytic converter replacement labor times by side (2024-12-17), accessed 2026-11-09.
- Ratchet+Wrench, 2026 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey (posted labor rate distribution, p. 13) (2026-06-29), accessed 2026-11-09.
- Ratchet+Wrench, Industry Insights: U.S. Auto Repair Shops and Labor Rate Trends (PartsTech 2025 shop survey) (2026-08-19), accessed 2026-11-09.
- Honda Parts Now (Honda dealer parts), Genuine Honda primary converter 18190-R40-A00, 2008–12 Accord (MSRP), accessed 2026-11-09.
- Toyota Parts Deal (Toyota dealer parts), Genuine Toyota front exhaust pipe assembly (catalytic converter) 17410-37160, 2010–15 Prius (MSRP), accessed 2026-11-09.
- U.S. EPA (archive), What you should know about using, installing, or buying aftermarket catalytic converters, accessed 2026-11-09.
- California Air Resources Board, New aftermarket catalytic converters: installation requirements (Q&A), accessed 2026-11-09.
- U.S. Code (Cornell LII), 42 U.S.C. § 7541 (Clean Air Act § 207): warranty for specified major emission control components, accessed 2026-11-09.
- U.S. EPA (archived snapshot), EPA-420-F-09-048: Emission warranty coverage — what you should know (2012-09), accessed 2026-11-09.
- U.S. EPA, Enforcement discretion for California-approved aftermarket catalytic converters (2026-07-10), accessed 2026-11-09.
- RockAuto, 2010 Toyota Prius 1.8L catalytic converters (catalog), accessed 2026-11-09.
- Ford Motor Company (TSB 25-2233, via NHTSA), 2022–23 F-150 PowerBoost: MIL with DTC P0420/P0430 — reprogram first, then replace converter (2025-05-29), accessed 2026-11-09.