How much does it cost to change a catalytic converter on a Honda Pilot?

In general, replacing a catalytic converter on a Honda Pilot typically costs about $1,000 to $2,000 per converter, with two converters installed often ranging from roughly $2,000 to $4,000 depending on parts and labor.

Understanding the price tag

The price you pay for a catalytic converter replacement is driven by several factors, including the parts you choose (OEM vs aftermarket), how many converters need to be replaced, the labor rate at the shop, and the vehicle year and exhaust layout. The Honda Pilot commonly uses two catalytic converters, which affects total cost and installation time. The following list covers the main cost drivers you’ll encounter.

• Parts costs: catalytic converters come in aftermarket and OEM variants. Typical part prices are about $150–$700 per converter for aftermarket, or $800–$1,400+ per converter for OEM replacements. The exact price depends on the catalytic converter type and the vehicle’s year/engine.


• Labor costs: labor rates vary by region and shop. Independent shops often charge roughly $70–$120 per hour, while dealerships can be higher, around $120–$180 per hour. Replacement time is typically 1.5–3 hours per converter, depending on accessibility and corrosion.


• Vehicle specifics: the Honda Pilot’s engine layout and year determine whether there are one or two converters and how difficult they are to access. Some years have a dual-cat setup, which doubles both parts and labor relative to a single-cat system.


• Shop type and location: prices are higher at dealerships and in certain regions (urban areas or where labor costs are high). Regional warranty policies and whether the shop includes clamps and gaskets in the quote can also sway totals.

Concluding: These factors mean every quote will be slightly different. The presence of more than one catalytic converter and the choice of OEM versus aftermarket parts are the biggest variables.

Typical price ranges for Honda Pilot scenarios

Prices below are rough benchmarks to help you gauge where a quote might land. They assume standard labor conditions and average corrosion; exact numbers will vary by year, trim, and local market.

• One catalytic converter
  
  
  
  • Aftermarket part: part $150–$700; labor 1.5–3 hours at $70–$120/hr; typical total: $300–$1,100
  
  
  • OEM part: part $800–$1,400; labor 1.5–3 hours at $70–$120/hr; typical total: $1,000–$1,900
  
  
  
  


• Two catalytic converters (common on many Pilot models)
  
  
  
  • Aftermarket parts (two converters): parts $300–$1,400; labor 3–6 hours total at $70–$120/hr; typical total: $600–$2,500
  
  
  • OEM parts (two converters): parts $1,600–$2,800; labor 3–6 hours total at $70–$120/hr; typical total: $1,900–$3,940
  
  
  
  

Concluding: For most Pilots, you’ll see a broad range depending on whether you choose aftermarket or OEM parts and whether you’re replacing one or two converters. The independent shop route generally costs less than dealership pricing, and multi-converter replacements are naturally more expensive than a single-cat job.

Honda Pilot specifics

The Honda Pilot’s exhaust system often includes two catalytic converters, which increases both part costs and labor time compared with a single-cat setup. Depending on the model year, there may be a pre-cat and a main cat arrangement, and some trims or aftermarket configurations can affect the exact layout. Corroded exhaust clamps or faulty oxygen sensors can raise the total if they need replacement during the job.

How to get an accurate quote

To lock in a precise price for your exact vehicle, gather information and request quotes from multiple sources. A few steps help ensure you’re comparing apples to apples.

1. Collect vehicle details: year, trim, engine, and VIN; confirm how many catalytic converters your Pilot has and whether sensors might need replacement.


2. Ask for written quotes from at least three independent shops and, if possible, a Honda dealership. Request a breakdown of parts vs labor and specify OEM vs aftermarket parts.


3. Clarify warranties: check for a converter warranty and whether labor is covered; confirm if the quote includes related components (gaskets, clamps, O2 sensors) if needed.


4. Compare total costs, not just the lowest price. A very low quote may indicate subpar parts or unqualified labor.


5. Confirm the scope of work before approving: one converter vs two, and whether any ancillary issues (like exhaust leaks) will be addressed in the same job.

Concluding: Getting multiple, itemized quotes and confirming the exact scope will help you budget accurately and avoid surprise charges.

Summary

Replacing a catalytic converter on a Honda Pilot is a significant repair with cost drivers including the number of converters, parts choice (OEM vs aftermarket), labor rates, and the shop’s location. Typical ranges in 2025 are roughly $300–$1,100 for a single converter at an independent shop with aftermarket parts, or $1,000–$1,900 for OEM parts; two-converter replacements commonly run $600–$2,500 with aftermarket parts or $1,900–$3,940 with OEM parts. Always obtain multiple, itemized quotes and verify exactly what is included in each quote to avoid surprises.

How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter on a Honda Pilot?

Replacing a catalytic converter on a Honda Pilot typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000, but the exact price varies based on the model year, whether a direct-fit or universal converter is used, and parts and labor costs. For some older models, the total cost might fall between $1,200 and $1,800, while some newer models can have prices reaching up to $3,000, with one user reporting a quote of over $4,300 for a 2012 model. 
Factors that influence the cost

• Part type: A universal converter, which can be welded in, is often cheaper ($200-$300 for parts), whereas a direct-fit converter is usually more expensive ($300-$2,500+). Many modern vehicles require a direct-fit converter. 
• Labor: The cost of labor depends on the shop's hourly rate and the complexity of the installation, which can range from around $70 to $130 per hour. The labor time can also vary significantly. 
• Model year: The price can differ significantly depending on the specific model year of the Pilot, with newer models often costing more for replacement parts. 
• Additional parts: The repair may require replacing other parts, such as oxygen sensors or exhaust pipes, which will add to the total cost. 
• Emissions requirements: If you live in a state with strict emissions standards, like California, a specific, more expensive CARB-compliant converter may be necessary. 

Tips to get a better price

• Get multiple quotes: Shop around at different repair shops and dealerships to compare prices. 
• Ask about the repair breakdown: Understand if the quote includes replacing other parts like gaskets or oxygen sensors and what the labor charges are. 

How much is a catalytic converter for a 2016 Honda Pilot?

The range of prices of Catalytic Converters for the 2016 Honda Pilot goes from $194.99 up to $1,114.99 for the most premium parts.

How much does Honda charge to replace a catalytic converter?

Replacing a catalytic converter on a Honda can cost anywhere from approximately $300 to over $2,700, depending on the vehicle model, part type, and labor costs. An economy model like a Civic might range from $300 to $1,200, while a more complex or larger vehicle like an Accord or CR-V could be between $1,000 and $2,700 or more. 
Cost breakdown and factors

• Parts: The price of the part can range from about $200 for an aftermarket, bolt-on option for an economy car, to over $2,100 for a direct-fit, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part for a late-model SUV. The cost fluctuates with the market price of the precious metals inside the converter. 
• Labor: Labor costs can add $100 to $200 or more, based on an hourly rate of about $70 to $130. 
• Vehicle type:
  • Economy Cars (e.g., Civic): $300–$1,200 
  • Mid-Size Cars (e.g., Accord): $1,000–$2,700+ 
  • Trucks and SUVs (e.g., CR-V): $1,000–$2,500+ (diesel models may cost more) 

Important considerations

• OEM vs. Aftermarket: For a vehicle to pass emissions tests, especially for a modern Honda, an OEM converter is often required. Aftermarket converters may be cheaper but might not work as well or last as long. 
• Weld-in vs. Bolt-on: A weld-in converter can be cheaper to install, but it can make future repairs more difficult. A bolt-on converter is often more expensive upfront but simpler for future removal. 
• Part quality: The quality of the converter can significantly impact the final price. Some converters are built for a specific vehicle while others are more universal. 
• Labor costs: Some shops may provide a flat rate for the repair, while others will charge by the hour. Some tasks may be more complex and require additional labor, so it is best to get an estimate from a qualified mechanic. 

Is it worth replacing a catalytic converter?

Yes, replacing a catalytic converter is often worth it to avoid legal penalties, significant engine damage, and poor performance. While the initial cost is high, driving without one is not recommended due to the risk of failing emissions tests, a loud engine, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential damage to other engine components. 
Reasons to replace your catalytic converter 
This video explains the reasons why replacing a catalytic converter is worth it: 49sStudent LessonYouTube · Sep 18, 2023

• Avoid legal and inspection issues: Many states require a working catalytic converter to pass emissions and smog tests for vehicle registration. Driving without one is illegal in most places. 
• Prevent engine damage: A malfunctioning or clogged converter can cause the engine to work harder, leading to sluggishness, misfires, and other issues. Continued driving can lead to more extensive and costly engine damage or failure. 
• Improve vehicle performance: A new converter will restore engine performance, improve acceleration, and can prevent other problems like stalling. 
• Increase fuel efficiency: A clogged converter can decrease your gas mileage, so replacement can improve your fuel economy. 
• Reduce harmful emissions: The primary function of a catalytic converter is to reduce harmful pollutants from your vehicle's exhaust, which is beneficial for the environment. 

When to consider replacement

• Signs of a problem: Look for symptoms like reduced engine power, a sulfur or rotten egg smell from the exhaust, poor acceleration, or a loud rattling noise from the exhaust system. The "check engine" light is often a sign of a failing catalytic converter, but it could also be triggered by other engine issues, so a proper diagnosis is important. 
• Cost vs. long-term cost: Even though replacement is expensive, the cost of ignoring the problem can lead to even more expensive engine repairs down the line. 
• Repair vs. replacement: If the catalytic converter is damaged, get an estimate for both repair and replacement. Often, replacement is the better option if the repair cost is similar to a new part.