How much does an exhaust replacement cost in the UK?
Exhaust replacement costs £80 to £900+ depending on which section needs replacing and your car type. A back box (rear silencer) starts from around £80 fitted; a catalytic converter from £200; a full system from £300. Labour typically accounts for £50 to £150 of the total.
Exhaust replacement costs by section
The exhaust system runs from the engine manifold to the tailpipe. Different sections fail at different rates and carry different price tags.
| Exhaust section | Typical cost (parts and labour) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Back box (rear silencer) | £80 to £200 | Most common repair. Often a direct bolt-on replacement. |
| Middle section (centre pipe or mid silencer) | £100 to £250 | Includes pipe and silencer. Labour is slightly higher than back box. |
| Front pipe (down pipe / front section) | £120 to £300 | Connects to the manifold. Corrodes from engine heat over time. |
| Catalytic converter replacement | £200 to £600 | High cost due to precious metals inside the cat. OEM parts cost significantly more than pattern alternatives. |
| DPF (diesel particulate filter) replacement | £300 to £1,200 | Diesel vehicles only. Cleaning the DPF can avoid replacement in some cases (£80 to £200 for a professional clean). |
| Full system replacement | £300 to £900+ | From the manifold back. Premium or performance cars with stainless systems cost more. |
Prices are typical UK market rates as of 2026. Pattern (aftermarket) parts used unless stated. OEM parts or stainless steel upgrades increase costs.
Exhaust replacement costs by car type
Larger engines and longer wheelbases mean longer, more expensive exhaust systems. Premium cars often require OEM or manufacturer-approved parts.
| Car type | Back box replacement | Full system replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Small city car (e.g. Ford Ka, VW Up, Vauxhall Corsa) | £80 to £140 | £250 to £400 |
| Family hatchback (e.g. Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, VW Golf) | £100 to £180 | £300 to £550 |
| SUV or crossover (e.g. Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson) | £120 to £220 | £400 to £700 |
| Estate or MPV (e.g. Ford Mondeo Estate, Vauxhall Zafira) | £110 to £200 | £350 to £600 |
| Premium or executive car (e.g. BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6) | £160 to £350 | £550 to £900+ |
Exhaust replacement costs by UK city
Labour rates vary across the UK. London and the South East typically command the highest garage rates.
| City | Back box replacement | Full system replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | £90 to £170 | £300 to £550 |
| London | £120 to £220 | £400 to £700 |
| Birmingham | £85 to £160 | £280 to £520 |
| Leeds | £85 to £160 | £280 to £520 |
| Sheffield | £80 to £150 | £260 to £500 |
| Bristol | £90 to £170 | £300 to £550 |
| Glasgow | £80 to £150 | £260 to £500 |
| Liverpool | £85 to £160 | £280 to £520 |
| Newcastle | £80 to £150 | £260 to £500 |
| Cardiff | £85 to £160 | £280 to £520 |
What affects the cost of an exhaust replacement?
- Which section needs replacing: A back box is far cheaper than a catalytic converter or DPF. Replacing only the failed section costs less than a full system swap, though a good mechanic will inspect the rest of the system to avoid returning in six months for an adjacent failure.
- OEM versus aftermarket parts: Pattern parts from suppliers such as Klarius, Bosal or Walker cost significantly less than OEM equivalents. On a 10-year-old family car, an aftermarket part is usually the right call. On a newer or premium vehicle, OEM parts may be recommended to protect your warranty.
- Material: Standard mild steel exhausts are cheapest but corrode faster, especially in areas where roads are salted in winter. Stainless steel systems cost more upfront (often 50 to 100% more) but last significantly longer.
- Seized fixings: On older vehicles, corroded clamps, bolts and studs can add 30 to 60 minutes of labour as mechanics need to cut or drill them out. This is common on UK cars over seven to ten years old.
- Vehicle type: Performance cars, large SUVs and diesel vehicles with DPFs have more complex or expensive exhaust components. Some dual-exit or sport exhaust systems require specialist parts with longer lead times.
- Location: Garage labour rates vary by region. London and the South East typically charge more per hour than garages in the North or Midlands.
Exhaust repair vs replacement: which is right?
Small holes, cracks, or a loose joint can often be welded for £30 to £80. If the failure is minor and the surrounding metal is solid, a weld repair is a perfectly reasonable fix. However, if the section is badly corroded, a patch may only hold for a few months before the surrounding metal gives way. In those cases, a replacement section is cheaper in the long run.
A good independent garage will inspect the whole system and advise honestly. Ask them to show you the failed section (or a photo) before agreeing to any work.
Exhaust replacement FAQs
- How much does it cost to replace a back box?
- A back box (rear silencer) replacement typically costs £80 to £200 in the UK, including parts and labour. It is the cheapest section of the exhaust to replace because it is the easiest to access and the parts are relatively inexpensive. Budget pattern parts bring costs down, but a stainless steel replacement offers better longevity, especially in areas with salted roads in winter.
- How much does a catalytic converter replacement cost?
- A catalytic converter replacement costs £200 to £600 in most cases, though premium or large-engine cars can push beyond that. The high cost comes from the precious metals inside the converter (platinum, palladium and rhodium), which are priced separately from the housing. An OEM (original equipment manufacturer) cat will cost more than an aftermarket pattern part but will better match your car's emissions performance. Garages should also check the oxygen sensors and lambda sensors at the same time, as a failing sensor can cause premature converter damage.
- What are the signs that my exhaust needs replacing?
- Common signs include: a louder exhaust note (especially during acceleration), a rattling sound from underneath the car, a visible hole or rust in the exhaust pipe or back box, a drop in fuel economy, the smell of exhaust fumes inside the cabin, or the exhaust hanging lower than normal. A failed MOT is also a firm indicator since examiners check for noise, leaks, and structural integrity. Any of these symptoms warrant a prompt inspection, as a leaking exhaust can allow carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle interior.
- Can I drive with a broken exhaust?
- You should avoid driving with a broken or leaking exhaust. A cracked or holed exhaust can allow carbon monoxide (an odourless, colourless, deadly gas) to enter the cabin. A loud exhaust is also a legal issue: excessively noisy vehicles can be stopped by police and issued a fixed penalty. Driving with a dangling or dragging exhaust section risks further damage to the vehicle and is a road hazard. Get it inspected and repaired promptly. Most exhaust repairs can be completed on the same day.
- Should I use OEM or aftermarket exhaust parts?
- For most everyday cars, a quality aftermarket or pattern part from a reputable supplier (such as Bosal, Klarius or Walker) is a cost-effective choice and typically carries a one to three year warranty. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts match the factory specification exactly but cost noticeably more. For newer cars still under warranty, check whether using non-OEM parts affects your manufacturer warranty before deciding. For older, high-mileage vehicles or cars you plan to sell soon, a pattern part usually makes better financial sense.
- Is exhaust repair cheaper than replacement?
- For small holes, cracks or loose joints, exhaust repair (welding or patching) can cost as little as £30 to £80 and is a perfectly acceptable fix. However, if the metal is badly corroded or the failure is structural, repair is often a false economy. A good mechanic will advise you honestly on whether a weld will hold or whether replacement is the more reliable option. For sections that are extensively rusted, a patch weld may only last a few months before failing again.
- Does exhaust replacement affect my car's MOT?
- Yes. The MOT checks for exhaust emissions, noise, leaks, and structural integrity. A leaking, broken or excessively noisy exhaust will result in a failure. If your car failed its MOT due to exhaust issues, a replacement or repair (depending on the severity) is required before it can pass. Most exhaust repairs for MOT purposes can be completed the same day as the test at a garage that has both inspection and repair facilities.
- How long does an exhaust replacement take?
- A back box or single section swap typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. A full system replacement (from manifold to tailpipe) can take 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the car and whether corroded bolts need drilling out. Older vehicles with badly rusted fixings take longer as seized clamps and studs add time. Most garages can fit a standard replacement on the same day, often while you wait.
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