Exhaust manifolds are essential parts of any car’s exhaust system, meant to send exhaust out of the exhaust pipe, rather than into the car where you are.

It’s an important protective part of the car, and if it gets cracked, you may end up both unsafe and in need of a repair. The average cost of an exhaust manifold repair is around $735, while costs can range between around $500-$1000 or more.

Labor for repairs typically costs around $475, while parts cost less – around $235. In some cases, you may need to replace the entire exhaust manifold.

Replacement costs, on average, ring in at $1040, where the cost of labor is about $250 and the cost of parts is about $790. Read on to learn about the costs that go into cracked exhaust manifold repairs (and replacements), as well as how these costs differ among various car types.

Further, we’ll look at how costs differ based on location and other factors. 

Cost Breakdown for a Cracked Exhaust Manifold Repair

The exhaust manifold is a crucial part to any vehicle. This part essentially ensures your safety as a driver and passenger in a car since it keeps toxic exhaust and fumes from entering the vehicle while the car is running.

It works together with the exhaust manifold gasket(s). When completing this repair, you may have to replace or repair both the exhaust manifold and the exhaust manifold gasket. 

Average Cost to Repair – Parts Plus Labor ($735)

The average cost to repair a cracked exhaust manifold is $735, while the cost of labor tends to run higher than the cost of parts. The average cost of labor is around $475, while the average cost of parts is around $235.

Note that these numbers can rise and fall above the average, depending on several factors, such as the manufacturer of the parts, location of repairs, and more. 

Average Cost to Repair – Parts Alone ($235)

On the other hand, you may find that you can get this repair done for a much cheaper price if you’re able to swing a DIY project.

While not everyone has the know-how to complete a complicated auto repair related to the exhaust system, if you happen to be a mechanic and can do it at home, you can get by paying for parts alone.

If you choose to go this route, you could be looking at a total price closer to $235. 

In the Case of a Replacement Job – Average Cost 

If you need to replace the parts associated with a cracked exhaust manifold, you may be replacing the exhaust manifold itself and/or the exhaust manifold gasket. 

Exhaust Manifold Replacement Cost ($1040)

In some cases, your exhaust manifold may be cracked or damaged beyond the point of repair. If this is the case, you may need to resort to replacing this part and paying for installation.

Note that, on average, it costs about $1040 to replace this part on most cars. This estimate includes the cost of parts and labor combined, where parts average about $790 and labor averages around $250. 

Exhaust Manifold Gasket Replacement Cost ($285)

The average cost to replace the exhaust manifold gasket is around $285, where the average cost of labor is around $253 and the average cost of parts is around $33. 

Differences in Replacement Cost Among Makes and Models

Replacement costs can vary greatly when it comes to different makes and models of vehicles. Depending on the year the model was released, you might find that prices increase or decrease. 

For example, an older model of a vehicle may require a more expensive repair if it turns out to be difficult to acquire the parts that match the vehicle.

Or, if you have an expensive make and model – such as a luxury car – the cost of replacements and parts might be more expensive overall. These estimates are based on replacement costs in Georgia – a state where the cost of auto labor is close to the United States average.

Factors Affecting the Cost of an Exhaust Manifold Repair

When paying for vehicle repairs and parts replacements, you will find that costs vary a lot from place to place. Certain regions in the US derive higher auto labor rates.

Further, there are discrepancies in cost depending on what type of car you have and how old your vehicle is. You will also find discrepancies in costs when it comes to exhaust manifold repairs specifically.

This is because some cars have exhaust manifolds of differing material makeup. 

Exhaust Manifold – Cast Iron vs. Tubular Steel

One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of an exhaust manifold repair or replacement is the specific metal the part is made of. You may not be aware, but some cars have exhaust manifolds made of cast iron, while others have exhaust manifolds made of tubular steel. 

Both types are fairly common, but you’ll find that high-performance and luxury cars typically have the stainless steel manifolds, while cars designed to last a long time have the cast iron manifolds. 

If you need to get a repair to a cast iron manifold, you may find that your repair costs are much lower because the cast iron part is a very durable one. Repairs tend to be less extensive on these. 

On the other hand, you may spend more money for a steel manifold repair since these aren’t really designed to have longevity. The fact that they are cheaper and less durable means you may have to replace cracked ones altogether, which is more expensive.

Further, you may have to replace them more often, increasing the lifetime costs associated with your car’s repairs. 

Geographical Location of Repairs

Another factor that typically affects how much people pay compared to average prices is the location where you live. Auto labor costs differ across the United States, and they typically are charged as hourly rates.

On average, hourly auto labor rates cost just above $100, but they can sometimes be as low as $75 and as high as $130. When it comes to differences among states, prices vary overall, with some of the highest auto repair costs coming from states like California, and some of the lowest coming from states like Vermont.

More average representative costs come from states such as Georgia and Ohio, though. 

Type of Car

As you can see from the table representing different average costs of this part among car types, what one person pays may be way less or more than what another person pays. When we look at the trends in pricing, you can see that older models of certain vehicles don’t always necessarily mean lower prices.

For example, in the case of different years of Ford F-150 vehicles, you’ll see that the prices are relatively similar. Certain vehicles demand expensive or high-quality parts, regardless of the year of their release. 

Additionally, certain vehicle makes require comparatively more expensive repairs and replacements. Luxury cars, for example, can cost thousands of dollars more when it comes to exhaust manifold repairs and replacements.

For example, some BMW models have an average price of over $5000 to replace an exhaust manifold, while an older Toyota Corolla costs a fraction of that (only about $500). 

Lifetime Costs to Consider

One thing you may also consider when looking at the costs of exhaust manifold repairs is the cost of this job over time. As previously mentioned, steel manifolds are less durable, so if you intend to use this type, you may have to repair or replace this part more than once in the span of owning a car. 

Additionally, if you tend to do poor regular maintenance of your car – neglecting yearly inspections and obvious issues like burning oil smells – you’re going to likely spend more money.

Taking care of your car typically ensures that you spend less money on expensive repairs, and overall, you may have to get those repairs done less often. 

Conclusion

A cracked exhaust manifold will require a proper repair or even replacement, depending on how damaged the manifold is. In some cases, you may even need to repair or replace the exhaust manifold gasket for proper functioning.

This repair can ensure your safety as both a driver and passenger in your vehicle. 

On average, the cost of repairing this part is $735, where parts cost $235 and labor costs $475. On the other hand, if you get this part replaced, it costs an average of $1040 (parts plus labor), while the average cost of an exhaust manifold gasket replacement is around $285 (parts plus labor).