How Much Does an Exhaust Replacement Cost?

The average exhaust replacement cost in the UK is around £450, and if you have exhaust problems, it’s essential to get it fixed promptly.

If your car sounds different, smells unusual inside, or vibrates underneath, your exhaust system may need to be replaced. A faulty exhaust can hurt performance, reduce efficiency, and even affect your health.

Wondering how much a new exhaust costs and how to tell if you need one? Here's what to know.

Key takeaways

How much does a new exhaust cost?

Exhaust replacement usually costs between £300 and £600, depending on your car, the parts, and labour. Smaller cars are cheaper, while larger or luxury models cost more.

Most of the time, only sections after the catalytic converter need replacing, as these are more prone to rust. Modern cars use bolted flanges, which can seize over time and lead to extra part replacements.

There’s no one-size-fits-all price, but you’ll find typical costs below. Car repair finance can help you split the exhaust replacement costs into interest-free repayments.

Exhaust replacement costs by manufacturer

How much is a new exhaust for each car brand? Check the table below for average costs.

Car Manufacturer	Average Costs
Audi	£200 to £550
Ford	£100 to £400
BMW	£200 to £600
Land Rover	£300 to £700
Honda	£150 to £500
Toyota	£100 to £500
Nissan	£100 to £550
Mercedes-Benz	£200 to £650
Volkswagen	£100 to £450
Vauxhall	£100 to £450

Exhaust replacement costs by location

Alongside your car make and age, a new exhaust cost depends on where in the UK you’re based. Urban areas tend to have higher costs than rural garages.

Here’s a quick overview of how prices can change.

Location	Average Costs
Rural Areas	£100 to £450
London	£200 to £650
Other UK Cities and Suburbs	£150 to £500

How much is a full exhaust replacement system cost?

A full exhaust system replacement in the UK typically costs between £600 and £1,200. This is more expensive than just replacing sections like the back box or mid-pipe, which usually cost less.

A complete system replacement covers every part, from the manifold to the tailpipe, ensuring that all worn components are replaced simultaneously.

Is it worth it to replace an exhaust?

Yes, replacing a faulty exhaust improves your car’s performance, fuel efficiency, and reduces harmful emissions. It also prevents costly damage and health risks.

In the UK, timely exhaust replacement can save money in the long run and help your car pass its MOT.

Exhaust system repairs vs replacements

Exhaust repairs are cheaper but may be short-term, while replacements provide a long-lasting solution.

Repairs usually fix specific issues like leaks or damaged parts and cost between £100 and £400. Replacements involve swapping larger sections or the entire system, costing £300 to over £1,000.

Car parts finance can help you manage the cost of replacing specific parts of the system.

What parts make up an exhaust system?

You rarely need to replace the whole exhaust at once. It's made of separate parts to simplify manufacturing, fitting, and repairs.

Replacement costs vary by car, part, and how much rust is underneath. Here are the main exhaust parts, listed from engine to rear bumper.

1. Exhaust manifold

The exhaust manifold bolts to the engine and channels gases from each cylinder into one pipe, usually called the downpipe, which runs down the side of the engine.

In turbocharged cars, the turbo is often mounted here, making removal trickier. This section may also include a Lambda sensor that monitors oxygen levels for the engine's computer.

How much does it cost to repair an exhaust manifold leak?

New manifold costs range from £300 to £1,000, gasket replacement from £300 to £400, and seals cost £40 to £150.

The manifold is bolted to the engine, so repairs often need removing other parts and can be costly. Replacing the gasket is cheaper but takes longer.

2. Catalytic Converter

Many cars have the catalytic converter built into the downpipe or front exhaust section under the engine. Some also have a second converter in the midsection.

Catalytic converters use materials like Platinum and Palladium to reduce harmful gases. Because of their value, they are often targeted by thieves and can be worth hundreds in scrap.

How much does it cost to repair a catalytic converter?

The cost of a replacement OEM catalytic converter is between £600 and £1,000, while the cost of a type-approved catalytic converter replacement will be between £300 and £500.

3. Mid Section

The midsection of the exhaust often includes a silencer, resonator, and a secondary Lambda sensor.

The silencer reduces exhaust noise, while the resonator removes high-pitched sounds. The secondary Lambda sensor checks if the catalytic converter is working properly.

How much does it cost to repair an exhaust mid-section?

Midsection replacement ranges from £300 to £500, rising to £700 for luxury models. High-performance and luxury cars usually cost more due to extra silencers in the mid-pipe.

Rust and seized bolts can add to the cost if nearby parts also need replacing.

4. Diesel Particulate Filter

Diesel vehicles from 2009 use diesel particulate filters (DPFs) that trap soot from the exhaust. The car’s ECU burns off the soot every 200-500 miles, but the filter can clog if the car isn’t driven regularly.

How much does it cost to repair a clogged DPF?

Cleaning and repairing a DPF costs between £100 and £250, while replacement runs from £300 to £500.

Cleaning services may restore the filter, but sometimes replacement is necessary depending on the damage.

5. Back Box

The back box under the rear bumper connects to the midsection and reduces engine noise using baffling materials. Some performance cars have a wider back box with two exhaust tips for better flow.

How much is a new exhaust back box?

Replacing the back box costs between £250 and £600, depending on the car.

This is another part that will vary depending on the type of car. It has fewer rusty connections but is exposed to water, salt, and mud near the rear wheels.

6. Exhaust Hangers, Sensors and Flexible sections

Exhaust hangers use rubber and steel to suspend the system and reduce vibration, while flexible sections prevent strain from engine movement.

Lambda sensors, which relay exhaust gas data to the ECU, cost between £100 and £250 to replace, and flexi pipes that add flexibility cost between £120 and £1000.

Genuine parts are recommended since aftermarket sensors often cause errors and fail sooner.

How do you know if your exhaust needs replacing?

Many parts make up your exhaust, and several signs can indicate a fault. Common signals you need a replacement include:

Reduced fuel efficiency from exhaust leaks
Lower engine performance, especially acceleration
Noises like hissing, roaring, or rattling
Vibrations caused by rusty pipes
Burning smell from hot gas leaks
Gas smell from exhaust leaks
Check Engine Light turning on
Rusty or sagging parts under the car

Is it illegal to drive with a broken exhaust?

Yes, driving with a broken exhaust is illegal in the UK. Get it fixed as soon as possible.

Will a broken exhaust fail an MOT?

Yes, major leaks or unsafe emissions will cause your car to fail its MOT. Minor corrosion usually results in an advisory only.

The bottom line

Realising you need an exhaust replacement isn’t fun, but driving with faulty parts can be a serious health risk. Hopefully, this blog has helped you troubleshoot your issue and understand the approximate exhaust replacement cost.

Split the cost with Bumper

Exhaust replacement costs can tighten your budget.

But with Bumper's car repair finance, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost.

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.