Emissions code
P0137: Rear oxygen sensor reads low (bank 1, after converter)
How much to fix P0137? Typically $100–$350.
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $40 | $180 |
| Labor: 0.6 to 1 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $66 | $150 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $15 |
| Total, rounded | $100 | $350 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, oxygen sensor replacement (one sensor). Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The oxygen sensor after the catalytic converter reports a voltage that is lower than it should be. This sensor normally sits in the middle of a steady range, so a low reading can mean it is worn, shorted to ground, or reading air that is leaking into the exhaust near it.
- Safe to drive?
- Usually yes, for now
- Most common cause
- Aging rear oxygen sensor
Safe to drive.
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What you may notice
- Check-engine light on
- No change in how the car drives
- May pair with a converter efficiency code
Common causes, most likely first
- Aging rear oxygen sensor
- Exhaust leak near the sensor
- Wiring short
- Plug corrosion
- Engine running lean
Check this first
Check for exhaust leaks around the converter flange and the joints in front of the rear sensor, then ask the shop to compare the front and rear sensor readings before replacing anything.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0137
| Repair | Typical range, US |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic scan (check engine light) | $55 to $250 |
| Vacuum leak repair | $90 to $460 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Many states require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0137 questions
Does this mean my converter failed?
Not necessarily. The sensor behind the converter is far more often the cause than the converter. A shop can compare it to the front sensor to see if the converter is really failing.
Is the front sensor involved?
Yes, comparing the front and rear sensors is the core test. If the front moves up and down quickly while the rear stays steady, the converter is fine. Both moving together would point to the converter.
Can I clear the code?
You can, but it will probably return if the cause is still present. Clearing only erases the memory and does not fix anything, and you also reset readiness monitors needed to pass inspection.
How much does it cost to fix P0137?
The most common fix, oxygen sensor replacement (one sensor), has a typical range of $100 to $350 across the US. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $110 to $370 |
| New York City area | $110 to $360 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $110 to $370 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $100 to $350 |
| Houston area, Texas | $100 to $340 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $100 to $340 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $100 to $350 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $100 to $350 |
| Miami area, Florida | $100 to $350 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $110 to $370 |
Related codes
- P0138: Rear oxygen sensor reads high (bank 1, after converter)
- P0141: Oxygen sensor heater fault (bank 1, after converter)
- P0420: Catalytic converter not working well (bank 1)
- P0036: Oxygen sensor heater circuit fault (bank 1, after converter)
More emissions codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.