Catalytic converters play a critical role in your vehicle’s emissions system, but they’re also one of the most expensive components to replace. Because they rely on precious metals like hydrocarbons to reduce harmful emissions and carbon monoxide, replacement costs can easily reach into the thousands, especially for heavy-duty trucks and high-performance vehicles.

Knowing which vehicles have the most expensive catalytic converters, why replacement costs vary so widely, and how to protect your converter from failure or theft can help you plan ahead, keep emissions standards, and avoid unexpected repair bills.

Vehicles With the Most Expensive Converters

​While a catalytic converter replacement cost will almost always be an expensive repair, some vehicles are much more costly than others. Larger engines, more advanced emissions systems, and heavy-duty designs require more complex converters, which can bring the cost of replacement up. Understanding which vehicles have the most expensive converters is a good way to be as prepared as possible when the time comes to replace them.

Ram 2500

​The Ram 2500 is one of the most heavy-duty pickup trucks available on the consumer market. Because of its serious towing and hauling capabilities, the Ram 2500 also produces hefty emissions, which need to be cleaned by a complicated catalytic converter. Replacing this converter will cost between $1,800 and $2,200, depending on your make and model. Diesel variants will also be more expensive due to the additional emissions components that are necessary. When the time comes for a replacement for one of these trucks, it is a good idea to be prepared for a high repair bill at the end of the process.

Ford F-250

​Much like the Ram 2500, the Ford F-250 is known for its high power and torque output. The emissions system on this truck must also be complex enough to stay in compliance with the law. Many F-250 models are also equipped with multiple catalytic converters, and if one of them has gone bad, the odds are good that another is on its way out. According to RepairPal, a Ford F-250 catalytic converter replacement will cost between $2,900 and $3,100. If you use your truck for long-distance driving or heavy-duty towing and hauling, you are much more likely to require a replacement sooner rather than later.

Ford Mustang

​The Ford Mustang is not a heavy-duty truck, but it tends to be engineered for high power output. If your Mustang has a V8 engine, it is more likely to wear out the catalytic converter than a more efficient, lower-powered vehicle. Because the converters in these high-performance exhaust systems are designed to offer as much flow as possible, they require more precious metals and more complex components. The average cost for a replacement is somewhere between $1,800 and $1,900, making this one of the most expensive options for passenger cars on the market.

Factors That Drive Up Replacement Costs

​Catalytic converters have always been known as an expensive component to replace, but there are certain factors that can drive up costs even more. The presence of precious metals in the converter is perhaps the most important component of the price. Platinum, palladium, and rhodium are the most common metals found in converters, and depending on the market for them, you could be looking at an incredibly costly repair bill. The more powerful your engine is, the more precious metal content needs to be present in the converter, and this can translate to major expenses when the time comes to replace it.

Labor can also be a factor in the cost of your catalytic converter replacement. On some vehicles, converters are in difficult places to access and may require a complete disassembly of the exhaust system. This is especially true when your car model has multiple converters, as a replacement could require multiple disassemblies. If a replacement takes many hours, your bill at the end of it could be astronomical.

Theft Risks and Prevention Measures

​Catalytic converter theft is a major problem in the United States. Because of the precious metals in them, they have a fairly high value as scrap on the black market. Thieves often target vehicles that have converters that are easy to access or have a high concentration of precious metals. This means that the vehicles that have the most expensive replacements, such as the Ram 2500 or Ford F-250, will also be the ones that are targeted the most often.

To reduce the risk of theft for your catalytic converter, it is important to be smart about parking. Parking in a garage or a well-lit area will ensure that thieves have a harder time getting to your vehicle. It can also be a good idea to park next to a wall or barrier on the exhaust side of the vehicle to make it harder to access. Anti-theft devices like metal guards around your converters can also be a theft deterrent as they increase the time and effort needed to steal them. Anything you can do to make it more difficult for catalytic converter thieves will decrease the likelihood that you will be faced with a large bill for a replacement.

Extended Warranty Coverage Options

​Safeguards and precautions are a great way to protect your catalytic converter, but they are not a guarantee. Because of that, many vehicle owners choose to get extended warranty protection on top of a standard car insurance plan. Extended warranties can cover all kinds of components, including catalytic converters, so you can rest easy knowing that you will be covered if this expensive part needs to be replaced.

When choosing an extended warranty, it is important that you know exactly what your plan covers and what it does not cover. Not all extended warranty plans include catalytic converters, and many of them will only cover them when the replacement is due to a defect. Regular wear-and-tear and theft are usually not covered, so be sure to read the fine print on any aftermarket warranty or vehicle service contract you sign so you can be prepared when the time comes for a replacement.

Protect Your Car’s Most Expensive Components With Endurance

​It can be difficult to know when an expensive car repair is likely to come up, especially when it is a big-ticket item that can cost thousands of dollars to replace. If you want to be as ready as possible, a vehicle service contract from Endurance can help.

Endurance offers automotive protection plans for all kinds of vehicles and components, with coverage for everything from the exhaust to infotainment systems. Whether you have an older high-mileage vehicle or a top-of-the-line luxury or exotic car, there is a plan for you. Endurance will even cover vehicles that other providers won’t, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles with a rebuilt or salvage title, and cars used for rideshare, delivery, or other commercial purposes.

When you get coverage for your vehicle with Endurance, you also get a large collection of standard benefits. These include things like 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and trip interruption protection. Plus, you can also get access to Elite Benefits, which comes with tire repair or replacement, key fob replacement, and windshield coverage.*

When you need top-tier coverage for your vehicle’s most important components, get in touch with our award-winning customer service team at (800) 253-8203 to get your FREE quote. You can also shop online for an instant price preview so you can make the right choice.

For more auto expert resources, be sure to check out the Endurance Warranty blog. There, you will find provider comparisons, coverage in California, DIY tips for Chevrolets, BMWs, and much more!