How Much Does Exhaust System Repair Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Exhaust System Repair Include?
Exhaust system repairs fix issues with your car's muffler, exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, resonator, hangers, and gaskets. Common symptoms include loud exhaust noise, rattling, reduced fuel economy, and failed emissions tests.
The national average cost for exhaust system repair is $350 per repair. Most homeowners pay between $100 and $800, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Component
Exhaust clamp/hanger: $20-$75. Muffler replacement: $100-$300. Exhaust pipe section: $100-$400. Resonator: $150-$300. Catalytic converter: $500-$2,500+
Parts
Aftermarket muffler: $30-$100. OEM muffler: $100-$400. Universal fit: $25-$60
Repair Type
Welding patch: $50-$150. Clamp repair: $30-$100. Full component replacement: $150-$800+
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Component needing repair
- ✓Vehicle make and model
- ✓Rust/corrosion extent
- ✓OEM vs aftermarket parts
- ✓Labor accessibility
- ✓Welding vs clamp repairs
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Muffler shops (Meineke, Midas) often charge 20-40% less than general mechanics for exhaust work
- 2.Aftermarket exhausts (Walker, AP Exhaust) cost 40-60% less than OEM and perform identically
- 3.A simple muffler or pipe clamp repair ($50-$150) may be all you need vs full component replacement
- 4.Get quotes from muffler specialty shops — they have the tools and expertise for faster, cheaper repairs
📈 Exhaust System Repair Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.4% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $298 | — |
| 2021 | $310 | +4.0% |
| 2022 | $330 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $339 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $350 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Exhaust System Repair Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $82 | $287 | $656 |
| Alaska | $128 | $448 | $1,024 |
| Arizona | $95 | $333 | $760 |
| Arkansas | $80 | $280 | $640 |
| California | $135 | $473 | $1,080 |
| Colorado | $108 | $378 | $864 |
| Connecticut | $122 | $427 | $976 |
| Delaware | $105 | $368 | $840 |
| Florida | $98 | $343 | $784 |
| Georgia | $90 | $315 | $720 |
| Hawaii | $142 | $497 | $1,136 |
| Idaho | $92 | $322 | $736 |
| Illinois | $105 | $368 | $840 |
| Indiana | $88 | $308 | $704 |
| Iowa | $86 | $301 | $688 |
| Kansas | $85 | $298 | $680 |
| Kentucky | $84 | $294 | $672 |
| Louisiana | $87 | $305 | $696 |
| Maine | $102 | $357 | $816 |
| Maryland | $115 | $402 | $920 |
| Massachusetts | $130 | $455 | $1,040 |
| Michigan | $92 | $322 | $736 |
| Minnesota | $102 | $357 | $816 |
| Mississippi | $78 | $273 | $624 |
| Missouri | $87 | $305 | $696 |
| Montana | $95 | $333 | $760 |
| Nebraska | $88 | $308 | $704 |
| Nevada | $102 | $357 | $816 |
| New Hampshire | $112 | $392 | $896 |
| New Jersey | $125 | $438 | $1,000 |
| New Mexico | $90 | $315 | $720 |
| New York | $132 | $462 | $1,056 |
| North Carolina | $90 | $315 | $720 |
| North Dakota | $90 | $315 | $720 |
| Ohio | $90 | $315 | $720 |
| Oklahoma | $83 | $291 | $664 |
| Oregon | $110 | $385 | $880 |
| Pennsylvania | $102 | $357 | $816 |
| Rhode Island | $115 | $402 | $920 |
| South Carolina | $87 | $305 | $696 |
| South Dakota | $85 | $298 | $680 |
| Tennessee | $86 | $301 | $688 |
| Texas | $93 | $326 | $744 |
| Utah | $95 | $333 | $760 |
| Vermont | $108 | $378 | $864 |
| Virginia | $105 | $368 | $840 |
| Washington | $115 | $402 | $920 |
| West Virginia | $80 | $280 | $640 |
| Wisconsin | $94 | $329 | $752 |
| Wyoming | $92 | $322 | $736 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an exhaust leak?
Small leaks aren't immediately dangerous but should be fixed soon — exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide. Loud exhaust leaks near the engine are more concerning as fumes can enter the cabin. Don't ignore exhaust leaks, especially if you smell fumes inside the car.
How long does an exhaust system last?
In dry climates: 8-15 years. In salt/rust belt states: 5-8 years before components start failing. Stainless steel exhausts last much longer. Catalytic converters typically last 10-15 years or 100,000+ miles.
🏙️ Exhaust System Repair Cost by City
Compare exhaust system repair costs in the most popular US cities:
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