A muffler is a baffle-filled cylinder designed to reduce engine emissions and noise; car mufflers are typically located underneath and at the rear of the vehicle. All states have laws requiring functioning mufflers on all vehicles driven on public roads. Symptoms that a muffler may need to be repaired or replaced include a rattling noise when starting, accelerating or braking; loud booms or hisses; rust or soot covering the tailpipe; or drowsiness while driving.

Typical costs:

Minor muffler repairs (such as welding a loose but still functioning muffler back in place or fixing broken clamps) can cost $30-$500 or more, depending on the specific work done and local labor rates. CostHelper Readers report paying $40-$300 for muffler repairs, at an average cost of $138. Most report finding the best repair prices at small, local muffler shops.
Having a muffler professionally replaced can cost $75-$750 or more, depending on the type of vehicle (whether it's a car, SUV, pickup or van), and whether the replacement parts are made by the vehicle's manufacturer (typically more expensive) or are aftermarket parts produced by other companies. Costs also depend on who does the work; small local muffler shops are usually the least expensive and car dealership service departments generally charge the highest prices. CostHelper readers report paying $80-$647 for replacing a muffler, with an average charge of $280.
In some circumstances -- particularly if other parts like the exhaust pipes or catalytic converter also need replacing -- the total can be considerably higher, or as much as $1,000-$2,500 or more. CostHelper readers report receiving quotes of $1,400-$2,200 before finding less-expensive alternatives.

Related articles: Replacing a Timing Belt, Tune-up, Radiator Flush, Oil Change, Brakes, Tires

What should be included:

Quoted prices for muffler replacement should typically include the part, labor and any needed hoses or pipes. A muffler can come with either a limited or a lifetime warranty, but typically this only covers the muffler itself and not the attached pipes -- which usually wear out before the muffler.
In some cases, the muffler may be a "dealer item" only, meaning the repair shop will need to order the part from a dealership. While this may not necessarily impact the price, it could cause a delay of several days.

Additional costs:

A muffler can need replacing more than once in a vehicle's lifetime. Car experts Tom and Ray Magliozzi of the Car Talk[1] radio show say it's not unusual for an aftermarket replacement muffler to last about two years, especially in areas where it's exposed to rain, snow and salt.

Discounts:

Mufflers are typically covered under new vehicle warranties, and may be covered up to 50,000-60,000 miles or more, so if the car is relatively new, check before getting any work done.
Most do-it-yourselfers can do a few basic muffler repairs[2] , but muffler replacement requires stronger mechanical skills. A how-to video[3] demonstrates what is involved. An after-market muffler can cost $30-$200 or more, depending on the make and model of vehicle. A CostHelper reader in California reports paying $46 for a do-it-yourself muffler installation.

Shopping for a muffler:

Both the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence[4] and the International Automotive Technicians Network[5] provide a searchable directory of repair shops.
Muffler replacement is not offered at all auto repair shops. Look for shops that offer "exhaust system" work.
Consumer Reports lists tips for finding a good mechanic[6] .

Post

Comments (57)

CostHelper News

7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013

7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013



	‣ All CostHelper Blog Posts

What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Page 2 of 2 - << Previous 1 2

Muffler Welded

Amount: $99.00

Posted by: [email protected] in Bronx, NY.	Posted: June 4th, 2020 01:06PM
Car Make: Subaru	Car Model: Legacy
Auto Shop: Máximo's Rite Muffler

Was this post helpful to you? yes no