Search over 600 topics on CostHelper.com
BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> babies & children cars & car maintenance education health & personal care home & garden personal finance pets & pet care small business weddings

CostHelper.com > Cars  > Muffler

Muffler Cost

How Much Does a Muffler Cost?

low cost After-market Parts: $110-$220
low cost OEM Parts: $255-$380
low cost SUV OEM: $350-$550

Related Topics:

Replacing a Timing Belt

Tune-up

Radiator Flush

>> All Articles for Cars

   cost separator
 
It's pretty easy to tell when your muffler needs to be replaced. In most cases, you'll either hear loud, abnormal noise such as a boom, rattle or hiss, indicating a crack or hole, or you may see rust or soot covering the tailpipe. Damaged mufflers may lead to increased air pollution, and bad exhaust could trigger a car's safety warning light.
 
Typical costs:
  • Having a professional replace the muffler on a passenger car runs $110-$218 for after-market parts and $255-$380 for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. Replacing the muffler on a truck, SUV or minivan costs $120-$330 for after-market parts and $346-$550 for OEM parts.
What should be included:
  • Auto repair shops that offer exhaust system services will typically quote prices that include the part, labor, any needed hoses or pipes, and a minimum warranty.
Additional costs:
  • Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts generally cost more than after-market or off-brand parts, but the New York Attorney General's office recommends getting OEM parts. When getting quotes for replacing a muffler, ask the repair shop which kind of part would be used.
  • 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 it may not necessarily impact the price you pay, it could cause a delay of several days.
Discounts:
  • Specialty shops such as Midas usually have promotions or coupons typically for 5-10% off.
  • Mufflers are typically covered under new vehicle warranties, so check your coverage before getting any work done.
Shopping for a muffler:
  • Many repair shops will give you a free estimate by phone. In some states, they are required by law to provide a written estimate before any work is started. In California, the state Bureau of Automotive Repair explains that written estimates must include a detailed breakdown for parts and labor.
  • Muffler replacement is not offered at all auto repair shops. Check for shops that offer "exhaust system" work.
  • Check the shop's record for consumer complaints through the Better Business Bureau or look for consumer reviews on websites like Citysearch or Yelp.
Article updated May 2007
Was this article helpful?  yes  no digg this Digg this delicious del.icio.us post E-mail post Post

Recent Posts
Amount: $0.00 Muffler Replacement
Posted by: Sonny in Durham, NC.Purchased: October, 2007
Car Make: PlymouthCar Model: Accliam
how much would it cost me?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $195.00 Muffler replacement
Posted by: GMoney in Ramsey, NJ.Purchased: November, 2007
Car Make: NissanCar Model: Maxima
Auto Shop: Meineke
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $208.00 Muffler Replacement
Posted by: Paul in Guelph, Other.Purchased: August, 2001
Car Make: HondaCar Model: 1995 Civic
Auto Shop: Hanlon's Garage
Awesome Service.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $193.00 193 + labor , total 294
Posted by: bala in silver spring, MD.Purchased: August, 2008
Car Make: hondaCar Model: civic 2000
Auto Shop: Tire plus
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $0.00 i need a muffler
Posted by: Renae in Glendale, AZ.Purchased: 2008
Car Make: FordCar Model: F-150 2004
Auto Shop: ?
i need a muffler couple days ago the muffler was taken off ... and we need a coplete set do you know where i can get one?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $340.00 unexpected repairs
Posted by: A reader from Indiana in Columbus, IN.Purchased: 2008
i went in expecting a $100 muffler replacement, but then the downpipe needed replacing, and after they got that off the catalytic converter was melted and would have destroyed the new muffler, so don't be surprised if the price goes up 200%
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $124.45 Muffler replaced
Posted by: Jordan in Tulsa, OK.Purchased: October, 2007
Car Make: HondaCar Model: 1997 Civic
Auto Shop: Midas
I had to replace my muffler. They did a visual inspection as well and found a few other things that needed attention. Overall, they were friendly, quick, and gave written estimates before doing the work.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $80.00 After-Market Muffler Installed
Posted by: RedDragon in Glendale, CA.Purchased: November, 2008
Car Make: LexusCar Model: Is300
Auto Shop: Down the Street
The shop did a bad job. I got an Exhaust leak. Who ever you use be sure you trust them
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $200.00 Muffler
Posted by: Cleveland Brown in Prospect Heights, IL.Purchased: September, 2009
Car Make: JeepCar Model: Cherokee
Auto Shop: Merlins
Merlins wanted almost $500 for a new muffler and a tail pipe. We went to an auto care center and paid $200. Stay away from Merlins. They should be on the rip off report.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Amount: $223.00 Muffler
Posted by: frank563 in La Crosse, WI.Purchased: September, 2009
Car Make: JeepCar Model: cherokee
Auto Shop: Freds
New muffler, pipes, labor, hangers
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam


Post About Your Experience With a Muffler
 
Subject:  * Amount Spent:  *
Car Make: Car Model: 
Auto Shop:   
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.