Do I have 2 catalytic converters?
Not automatically—whether you have two depends on your car. Many modern vehicles include two catalytic converters, but some have only one, and a few have three or more.
To understand the question in detail, you need to know how exhaust systems are designed for different engines and emissions standards. The number of catalytic converters is dictated by engine layout, exhaust routing, and the model year, with common patterns but notable exceptions. Below is a guide to what you might encounter and how to check your own vehicle.
How many catalytic converters are typical and why?
The following patterns cover common configurations you might encounter in passenger vehicles.
- Single catalytic converter: Some smaller cars, older designs, or specialized applications use a single converter in the exhaust path, typically located downstream of the exhaust manifold.
- Two catalytic converters: A very common setup for many cars with dual exhaust or with a V-shaped engine. One converter is often close-coupled near the engine (pre-cat) and a second main cat sits further back along the exhaust. This arrangement helps reduce emissions across different temperatures and improves exhaust flow.
- Three or more catalytic converters: In some hybrids, performance vehicles, or diesels with complex emissions systems, there can be three or more converters (for example, a cat on each bank plus an additional downstream converter). This is less common in typical daily drivers.
Before listing typical configurations, note that the number can vary by model, market, and engine type. Use this as a guide to what’s commonly seen.
In summary, most everyday passenger cars fall into one of two broad categories—one or two catalytic converters—and a smaller subset uses three or more depending on the design goals and market requirements.
How to verify for your vehicle
To know for certain how many catalytic converters your specific car has, you can use these checks.
- Inspect the underside of the car along the exhaust path from the engine toward the rear. Look for metallic canisters with heat shields along the exhaust pipe; each canister that matches the catalytic converter’s shape is a converter.
- Differentiate catalytic converters from other exhaust components like resonators or the muffler. Catalytic converters are usually smaller than the muffler and have a distinct boxy or oval canister shape with sensors nearby.
- Count all catalytic converter units you can locate along the exhaust flow. If you see more than one, your car has multiple converters; if you see only one, it has a single converter.
- Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual, service documentation, or VIN-specific OEM specifications. A dealer or qualified mechanic can confirm the exact number for your model and year.
Before starting the step-by-step checks, be aware that actual configurations can vary by model and trim. Use the steps below as a practical guide to identify the number on your vehicle.
Knowing the exact count helps with maintenance planning, replacement costs, and understanding potential emissions-related codes you might see on your dashboard.
What about hybrids, diesels, or performance cars?
Hybrid systems and some diesel engines often use additional catalytic converters or combinations with diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. Performance cars may also employ multiple converters to optimize emissions control without compromising power. If your vehicle is a hybrid, diesel, or a high-performance model, expect greater variability in the number and placement of converters.
Tips for maintenance and safety
Tampering with or removing catalytic converters is illegal in many places and can result in heavy fines and increased pollution. If you’re replacing a converter or diagnosing a problem, rely on a licensed mechanic and use OEM-recommended parts to ensure proper emissions performance and warranty compliance.
Summary
The number of catalytic converters on a vehicle is not fixed; it varies by design, engine layout, and emissions strategy. Most modern passenger cars have either one or two converters, with three or more occurring in some hybrids, diesels, or high-performance setups. To know your exact count, check the underside of the exhaust, consult the owner’s manual or VIN documentation, or ask a qualified technician. Being sure of the number helps with maintenance decisions and compliance with emissions regulations.
Where are the two catalytic converters located?
If there's a catalytic converter located near (or integrated into) the exhaust manifold, it's often referred to as the “pre-cat”, and the converter located closest to the muffler is referred to as the “main cat”.
How much are two catalytic converters worth?
Catalytic Converters
| Metal/Material | Current Price |
|---|---|
| XL Foreign Cat Come off of Volvo's, Honda's, Toyota's, and multiple other vendors. → GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS | $90-$298/each |
| Regular Domestic Cat Comes from domestic cars. → GET QUOTE VIEW METAL DETAILS | $18-$128/each |
Does a car still run without one of the two catalytic converters?
If your catalytic converter has been stolen or you bypass it because it's been having problems, your vehicle will still work. However, without a converter, your car lets out harmful emissions, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
Can I delete one of my catalytic converters?
Legal & Performance Implications
We do not recommend removing the Catalytic Converter from any street-driven vehicle. Running a cat-free exhaust is only recommended for closed-course competition vehicles.
