Muffler Replacement Cost: Parts, Labor & Average Price

The muffler is the canister near the rear of the exhaust system that quiets engine noise. It rusts from the inside out, so most replacements happen because of leaks, rattles, or a louder exhaust. The price depends on the vehicle, the muffler you choose, and whether other exhaust parts need work at the same time.

Figures below carry a check date of Oct 13, 2026. Each row names its source, since guides measure different jobs under the same name.

For an economy car, a standard replacement is listed at $150 – $350. A truck or SUV runs $250 – $550 because the exhaust is longer and the parts are larger. Performance and luxury vehicles are listed at $500 – $1,200, and OEM parts on some luxury models can push the total higher.

Another source places a universal or basic muffler replacement at $300 – $800 and an OEM-style muffler assembly at $600 – $1,200. The difference comes from the part: a universal muffler is cut and welded to fit, while an OEM-style assembly matches the factory piece.

Not every leak needs a new muffler. For a small pinhole leak on an otherwise solid muffler, a shop may weld a patch for $80 – $200. A patch only works when the surrounding metal is sound. If rust has spread, the shop will usually recommend replacement.

A muffler is not the only part that wears. If the resonator or a mid-pipe section needs replacement too, the job is listed at $400 – $900. A corroded clamp or pipe that breaks during removal can raise a quote, so ask the shop to explain the price if it changes after the work begins.

The muffler itself can be a modest part of the bill or the biggest part, depending on the grade.

An aftermarket muffler for a common vehicle can cost as little as $50 – $150, while an OEM unit for a luxury car is listed at $400 – $800 before labor. Another source places replacement muffler parts at $50 – $250 depending on the vehicle and muffler. Stainless steel options resist corrosion better but cost more up front. Ask whether the shop is quoting aluminized or stainless steel and what warranty comes with the part.

Labor is usually modest because the muffler sits near the rear of the exhaust and is relatively easy to reach. One source lists exhaust shop labor as one to two hours.

Rusted fasteners can slow a job down. Dealerships bill at higher hourly rates than independent exhaust shops, and a dealer will often use OEM parts. If your vehicle is older, an independent exhaust shop can often fabricate or fit a universal muffler for less.

• Vehicle type and exhaust layout. Trucks and SUVs have longer systems.
• Muffler grade. Aftermarket, OEM, and stainless steel are priced differently.
• Rust. Corroded clamps, hangers, or pipes add parts and labor.
• Related parts. Resonators, pipes, and gaskets are sometimes replaced together.
• Shop type. Dealers, chains, and independent exhaust shops set their own rates.
• Location. Labor rates differ by region.
• Emissions. Work near the catalytic converter is a separate and often larger repair.

Guides describe different jobs. Some price an aftermarket muffler on a common sedan. Others price OEM parts, a full section of the exhaust, or a dealer visit.

Two sources agree on a range for most vehicles. The RepairPal figure reported by ThePricer is far higher, and the article explains why: it attributes only a small portion to labor and most of the total to parts. RepairPal's number is an average across many vehicles and parts, including those with expensive OEM mufflers. The article notes that individual universal mufflers can cost far less, and it reports RepairPal's vehicle-specific figures for a Camry, a Civic, and an F-150 that are well below the national average. Use the higher figure as a warning that your exact vehicle can cost more, not as the typical price.

A weld patch can buy time if the leak is small and the metal around it is sound. Replacement makes more sense if the muffler is rusted through in several places, if the shell is rattling loose inside, or if a patch has already failed. Ask the shop to show you the damage before you decide, and get both prices.

A leaking exhaust can let fumes reach the cabin, depending on where the leak is, so ask the shop to inspect the whole system when you bring the car in.

• Is this a muffler only, or does it include the resonator and pipes?
• Is the part aftermarket, OEM, or stainless steel?
• Does the price include labor, clamps, hangers, and gaskets?
• What warranty covers the part and the work?
• Is rust likely to change the quote once the old muffler comes off?