To address the extremely loud sound of a running engine, vehicles are equipped with mufflers. Also called as a silencer, this auto part works to reduce the amount of noise coming from the exhaust system. Without it, you will not be allowed to drive in the US.
Similar to other car parts, the muffler may suffer some damage. That said, auto shops provide services for repairing and replacing this component. For your reference, here’s a guide on the muffler replacement cost and muffler repair cost.
Average Muffler Replacement Cost
The average cost of replacing your muffler can range anywhere from $100 to $1,000. But according to AutoServiceCosts.com, performing the replacement for a majority of cars in the US prices at $46 to $314. Of course, the site only speaks for “most” vehicles. If we factor in several factors, you might have to pay more.
Cost Factors
It’s a given that the price of replacing your muffler will depend on the year, make, and model of your car. All repairs and replacements do.
What’s specific in muffler replacement, though, is that the price depends on the material of the muffler itself. According to this blog, aluminized products and those that are made from stainless steel cost more than those manufactured from plain steel sheets and tubes.
That said, choosing the more expensive option has an advantage. That is, your muffler will surely last longer.
Another factor that affects the cost is the number of damaged muffler parts. Even small problems can lead to a total replacement. Actually, a lot of technicians will recommend you to replace the said car part instead of repairing them. That’s because if the repair turns out to be a “band-aid” solution, the damage will only worsen in the future.
Sample Figures
To further give you an idea on the varying costs of replacing mufflers, here are prices based on car types that are widely used by Americans.
- Ford F-Series: $46 to $289
- Chevrolet Silverado: $46 to $289
- Ford Focus: $46 to $289
- Toyota Camry: $70 to $314
- Toyota Corolla: $70 to $314
- Nissan Altima: $46 to $289
- Honda CR-V: $70 to $314
- Honda Civic: $70 to $314
- Honda Accord: $70 to $314
- Ford Fusion: $46 to $289
Note that the above prices are only estimates and will vary depending on your location.
You can also refer to estimates provided by repair shops. Expect that some service centers have higher prices due to the more expensive labor cost (and equally pricey car parts).
- Repair Pal
- 2006 Mercedes-Benz S600: $2,836
- 2016 BMW 650i XDrive Gran Coupe: $1,109
- 2002 Isuzu Axiom: $373
- 2016 Volkswagen Passat: $589
- 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML500: $1,131
- 2002 Land Rover Freelander: $513
- Chrysler 300M: $423 to $1,094
- Mercury Mountaineer: $316 to $418
- Jaguar XFR: $1,553 to $1,567
- GMC G1500: $215 to $227
- Audi A6: $2,059 to $2,152
- BMW 328i: $1,109 to $2,789
- Your Mechanic
- 2007 Chevrolet Express 3500: $242
- 2008 Volkswagen Jetta: $581
- 2008 Ford Explorer: $238
- 2009 GMC Yukon: $228
- 2011 Chevrolet Express 2500: $281
- 2006 Lincoln Navigator: $588
- 2002 Lexus RX300: $671
- 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV: $424
- 2004 Ford Mustang: $193
Note that Your Mechanic does not charge overhead fees to its clients. Thus, their prices are lower than how much other dealers charge.
Muffler Repair Cost
There are instances when your muffler does not need replacing. Minor problems such as a broken clamp, loose parts, or a small hole can be repaired by experts.
On average, the cost of repairing mufflers is $100, with the price ranging from $30 to $400 and up. Labor rates in your location will affect the exact amount.
To know if you need to repair or replace your muffler, you should bring your car to a shop for an inspection. The technicians will determine the extent of the damage and will recommend what’s best for your vehicle.
That said, you should bring your car for inspection if you observe any signs of malfunction. You can find a guide in determining your muffler’s problems here.
Muffler Prices
We already talked about repairing and replacing the said car part but not the component itself. That said, how much does a muffler cost?
According to online sources, a muffler can cost as low as $60 to as high as $1,000. The exact price will depend on the make and model of your car.
Knowing how much does a muffler cost will help you calculate the overall price of a repair or replacement. Also, it can be your reference if you’re planning to pull off a DIY project.
Money Saving Tips
There are several ways to save money if you need a muffler repair or replacement. Perhaps one of the most popular methods is availing discounts offered by your preferred service shop. For instance, Meineke and Pep Boys has several coupons available on their web site.
However, using coupons for chain-operated shops will only let you save as much. That is because aside from the muffler replacement (for which you got the discount), you still need to pay overhead costs. These additional expenses make visiting a workstation more expensive.
Fortunately, you can always turn to independently-owned muffler shops. In fact, it is advisable that you go to them first. After all, they are the ones specializing on the said car part.
As for buying mufflers, it will be cheaper to purchase the aftermarket parts. You’ll surely score a great deal if you know how to find the right products. That is, you’ll get more affordable car components with the same (or better) quality as with factory mufflers.
Some mechanics will recommend that they should repair your entire exhaust system. Though trust-worthy shops will tell you the truth, a few will say the same even if it’s only the muffler that needs repair. To avoid being ripped off, you should equip yourself with some know-how.