How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Exhaust?
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 4 days ago
5 min read
- Cost
- Exhaust
FixMyCar reveals how much it costs on average to replace an exhaust.
Car exhausts often suffer from rust, which can lead to leaking fumes and loud noises from the rear of the car. If you've noticed your exhaust sounds different or louder than usual, or your cabin smells like exhaust fumes, it's time to visit a mechanic.
In this guide, you can learn about the symptoms of exhaust failure and how much you can expect to pay for a new one.
Contents
Signs you need to replace your exhaust
How much does it cost to replace an exhaust?
In a nutshell: The average price of an exhaust replacement on FixMyCar is £142.62. Read on to find out how prices vary between different car makes.
Signs you need to replace your exhaust
A car's exhaust system directs fumes away from the cabin, controls noise and boosts engine performance to improve fuel efficiency. Learn more about how it works here.
When the system develops a problem, you might notice the following symptoms:
A rumbling or hissing noise
Visible rust, cracks or holes
Smell of exhaust fumes in the cabin
A low-hanging or dragging exhaust pipe
Reduced fuel efficiency
How much does it cost to replace an exhaust?
Replacing an exhaust will usually cost between £100 and £500, sometimes more. The average price on FixMyCar is £142.62.
The cost largely depends on the part that needs replacing and the system’s overall condition. Exhaust manifolds can cost upwards of £900 while replacing the tailpipe is much cheaper.
Modern vehicles usually use flanges with bolts to connect different exhaust sections, and these can be hard to remove if they start to rust. If this happens, additional parts may need replacing.
It isn’t just the part itself that affects the amount you pay. The cost is also influenced by your car and location. Labour rates tend to be higher in cities, so travelling to a rural area with less demand could help you save money.
Exhaust replacement price by manufacturer
The table below shows how prices can vary depending on your car's manufacturer.
| Car Make | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Audi | £136.94 |
| BMW | £131.89 |
| Citroen | £143.90 |
| Ford | £137.86 |
| Mercedes | £155.22 |
| MINI | £145.91 |
| Nissan | £142.26 |
| Peugeot | £149.54 |
| Renault | £139.82 |
| Toyota | £152.87 |
| Vauxhall | £147.45 |
| Volkswagen | £145.64 |
| Volvo | £136.02 |
Exhaust replacement cost by location
| Location | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| London | £200-£650 |
| Other cities and urban areas | £150-£500 |
| Rural areas | £100-£450 |
What parts make up an exhaust system?
In this section, we’ll look at the different components in a car exhaust, what they do and roughly how much they cost to replace.
| Part | Function | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Exhaust manifold | Connects multiple routes for gases or liquids into one pipe | £150-£900 |
| Catalytic converter | Converts harmful pollutants from the exhaust into safe gases | £300-£900 |
| Mid section | The middle section of the exhaust, often containing the silencer, resonator and secondary oxygen sensor | £150-£500 |
| Diesel particulate filter | Collects soot produced by diesel engines | £300-£500 for a replacement or £100-£250 for a DPF clean |
| Back box | Connects to the mid section and reduces the sound level | £150-£600 |
| Lambda (oxygen) sensor | Measures the oxygen content of exhaust gas | £100-£250 |
| Flexi pipe | Gives the exhaust line more flexibility | £100-£500 |
Check out this guide if you’d like to learn more about how exhausts work.
Average price data
Below are the average prices for replacing different parts based on FixMyCar’s data.
| Exhaust part | Average price |
|---|---|
| Back box | £159.03 |
| Mid section | £204.09 |
| Flexi pipe | £209.02 |
| Manifold | £251.28 |
| Catalytic converter | £431.73 |
| Diesel particulate filter | £481.48 |
How important is it to fix your exhaust?
Most of us have put off car repairs at some point or another. After all, a trip to the garage can be expensive. But when it comes to your exhaust, it's best not to delay getting it checked.
A damaged exhaust system won't just reduce your car's performance and fuel efficiency and make it fail its next MOT. More importantly, it could impact your health.
Breathing in exhaust fumes can cause sickness, tiredness and headaches, and if the leak is serious enough, it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. That's why fixing your exhaust should be a priority.
Need a new exhaust? FixMyCar can help you find the right garage at the right price. Enter your details, and we'll send quotes from trusted mechanics straight to your inbox.
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