How do I know if my car has a catalytic convertor?

Most modern gasoline-powered cars include at least one catalytic converter, and many hybrids with internal combustion still rely on them. You can confirm their presence by inspecting the exhaust path under the vehicle, checking your owner’s manual or the EPA emissions label, or looking up the vehicle identification number (VIN) for its emissions equipment. This guide explains where to look and how to verify for your specific car.

Where a catalytic converter is typically located

To understand where to look, know that most catalytic converters sit on the exhaust pipe between the engine and the rear of the car. They are a sturdy metal canister, often shielded by heat protection, and you may see more than one converter on a single vehicle depending on the engine layout and model year.

Here are the common physical indicators and typical locations to help you spot a catalytic converter on most cars.

• Between the exhaust manifold and the rest of the exhaust system, typically along the underside of the vehicle just after the engine bay.


• A bulky oval or cylindrical metal can with inlet and outlet pipes, usually protected by a heat shield and sometimes welded into the exhaust pipe.


• Some vehicles have more than one catalytic converter (for example, a pre-catalytic converter near the manifold and a main catalytic converter further back) or a single unit that serves multiple cylinders.

In short, the presence and position of a catalytic converter depend on the vehicle’s design, but the general pattern is a large, shielded canister installed in the exhaust path between the engine and the tailpipe.

How to confirm for your specific car

To verify for your exact make and model, use these checks. They help you confirm whether a converter is installed, even if it’s tucked away or integrated into the engine design.

Below are practical steps you can take to confirm whether a converter is on your car and what to watch for during inspection.

• Check the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s window sticker for explicit references to a catalytic converter or emissions control system.


• Safely inspect from underneath the car (engine off, parking brake engaged) to locate the converter as described above; look for a heavy metal canister with two pipes connected to the exhaust.


• Look up your vehicle’s VIN on the manufacturer’s site, a dealership portal, or a trusted vehicle database to confirm the installed emissions equipment for that exact car.


• Use an OBD-II scanner to check readiness and codes; codes like P0420 or P0430 indicate catalytic converter efficiency issues, not necessarily presence, but they can prompt a closer inspection.


• If you’re unsure, ask a certified mechanic or dealership. They can confirm the original equipment using the VIN, service history, and a professional inspection.

Regardless of visibility, most gasoline-powered cars built in the last several decades include at least one catalytic converter. If you’re considering repairs or emissions-related work, rely on professional verification to ensure compliance with local regulations and proper maintenance.

Summary

Catalytic converters are a standard component of modern gasoline-powered vehicles, typically mounted along the exhaust path between the engine and the tailpipe. You can identify them by locating a heavy metal canister with inlet and outlet pipes, consulting the owner’s manual or VIN-based specifications, or having a mechanic verify their presence. For safety and regulatory reasons, never attempt unauthorized tampering, and seek professional assistance if you suspect issues with the emissions system. This knowledge helps you diagnose exhaust problems, protect emissions performance, and understand your vehicle’s design.

How to tell if a car has no catalytic converter?

The main signs of a missing catalytic converter are a sudden and loud roaring noise from the exhaust, especially when you accelerate, a decrease in engine performance (sluggish acceleration, difficulty driving at low speeds), and an unpleasant smell of exhaust fumes inside or around the vehicle. You may also see a lit "check engine" light on your dashboard and possibly notice damage to the underside of your car.
 
This video demonstrates the sound of a car with a missing catalytic converter: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Aug 24, 2024
Auditory signs

• Loud roaring noise: A missing catalytic converter will make your exhaust significantly louder, like a roar, even at idle, and this sound intensifies when you accelerate. 
• Rattling noise: If the converter is not stolen but has failed internally, it might make a rattling noise under the car. 

Performance signs

• Reduced acceleration: Your car may feel sluggish or have difficulty accelerating. 
• Struggles at low speeds: The vehicle may have difficulty operating smoothly at slower speeds. 
• Poor engine performance: Overall, the engine will feel less powerful and may sputter when changing speed. 

Visual and olfactory signs

• Exhaust smell: You may notice an unpleasant or sulfur-like smell of exhaust fumes inside or near the car. 
• Check engine light: The "check engine" light on your dashboard is likely to illuminate. 
• Damage to the undercarriage: Look for signs of tampering or damage under your vehicle, where the catalytic converter is located. This can include cut pipes, missing bolts, or unusual dents. 

This video shows what a car with a missing catalytic converter looks like and the damage often left by theft: 1mUrban AutomotiveYouTube · Aug 17, 2021
Other signs

• Failed emissions test: A missing converter will cause your vehicle to fail an emissions test. 
• Difficulty starting: In some cases, the vehicle may be sluggish to start. 

How much should it cost to replace a catalytic convertor?

The average cost for a catalytic converter replacement is between $500 and $2,500, though prices can range from under $500 to over $3,500 depending on the vehicle. This total cost is a combination of parts and labor, with the price of the converter itself often being the most significant expense. The final price is influenced by factors such as your vehicle's make and model, the type of converter needed, and the labor rate in your area.
 
Factors influencing the cost

• Vehicle Type:
  • Economy cars: Replacements typically range from $500 to $1,200. 
  • Mid-size cars: Costs often fall between $800 and $1,800. 
  • Luxury and heavy-duty vehicles: Expect prices from $2,000 to $4,000 or more, especially for models with more complex exhaust systems or premium parts. 
• Parts:
  • Direct-fit converters: These are made to be a direct replacement for your vehicle and can cost anywhere from $300 to over $2,500. 
  • Universal converters: These are cheaper ($100-$400) but require welding to install, which adds to the labor cost. 
• Labor:
  • Labor costs typically range from $70 to $130 per hour. 
  • The time required for replacement depends on the complexity of your car's exhaust system and can range from a few hours for a simple replacement to a full day for a more complex job. 
• Other potential costs:
  • Additional parts like exhaust pipes or O2 sensors may be needed if they are damaged. 
  • Theft: of a catalytic converter is an additional cost, which can add up quickly. The part itself can be stolen and replaced with new parts, which could still be expensive. 

How to save money

• Check your warranty: Emission components are often covered by special warranties. Check if your catalytic converter is covered under your vehicle's warranty, as it could be replaced for free. 
• Compare quotes: Get quotes from multiple mechanics, including independent shops and dealerships.
• Consider a universal converter: If your vehicle is older and doesn't require a specific direct-fit part, a universal converter and welding by an exhaust specialty shop may be a more affordable option. 
• DIY if you're experienced: If you have mechanical experience, you may be able to save on labor costs by doing the replacement yourself. 
• Discuss anti-theft options: To prevent future theft, consider installing a security shield or etch your VIN onto the converter. These options can add to the initial cost but help prevent future theft. 

How to check if a car has a catalytic converter?

Yes, if your car is a gasoline or diesel model made after 1974, it has a catalytic converter. Electric vehicles do not have them. To confirm, you can look for a metallic, often cylindrical, component in the exhaust system, typically located underneath the vehicle between the engine and the muffler. 
How to tell if your car has one

• Check the exhaust system: Look for a large, heat-shielded metal component in the exhaust pipe, usually located between the engine and the muffler. 
• Look for oxygen sensors: A strong clue is the presence of oxygen sensors, which have wires leading to them. These are often found both before and after the catalytic converter. 
• Consult your owner's manual: Your car's manual will have specific information about its exhaust system and components. 
• Check the VIN: Two digits in your car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the driver's side door frame or registration document can indicate if it was equipped with a catalytic converter from the factory. 

Why your car has a catalytic converter

• Emissions control: They are required by law in most modern cars to convert toxic exhaust gases into less harmful substances.
• Vehicle function: While a car can operate without one, it will not pass an emissions test and will release more pollutants into the environment. 

Which cars do not have catalytic converters?

Cars that don't have catalytic converters are all-electric vehicles (EVs) and gasoline-powered cars made before 1975. EVs don't have them because they have no tailpipe emissions, while older cars were made before the technology was federally mandated. Some diesel vehicles also may not have them, depending on their age and specific emissions equipment, as they contain different precious metals that are less valuable to thieves. 
Electric vehicles (EVs)

• How they work: EVs use an electric motor for propulsion and do not have an internal combustion engine that produces exhaust gases. 
• Examples: Tesla, Nissan Leaf, and Chevy Bolt are examples of EVs that do not require catalytic converters. 

Cars made before 1975

• Mandate history: Catalytic converters became mandatory for all new cars in the United States with the 1975 model year due to the Clean Air Act. 
• Exemption: Therefore, any vehicle manufactured in 1974 or earlier is not required to have one. 

Diesel vehicles

• Thief deterrent: Some diesel vehicles, particularly older ones, may not have catalytic converters because they don't contain the same precious metals (like platinum, palladium, and rhodium) that thieves seek in gasoline car converters. 
• Varying emissions equipment: While many diesel cars do have converters for emissions control, this is an exception based on specific requirements for certain types of vehicles.