Which symptom indicates a possible failure of the catalytic converter?

Loss of power is a key symptom indicating a possible failure of the catalytic converter. When a catalytic converter is functioning correctly, it allows exhaust gases to flow freely while converting harmful emissions into less harmful ones. If the catalytic converter becomes clogged or damaged, it can create a restriction in the exhaust system. This restriction leads to increased back pressure, which negatively affects engine performance by limiting the engine's ability to expel exhaust gases. As a result, the engine struggles to operate efficiently, leading to a noticeable loss of power during acceleration and overall driving.

In contrast, additional symptoms such as increased fuel consumption could indicate various issues, including fuel system problems or combustion inefficiencies, rather than directly pointing to a catalytic converter failure. Steady engine performance suggests that the engine is functioning as expected and is not a symptom of catalytic converter issues. Increased engine noise may arise from other sources, such as issues with the exhaust system or engine components, rather than signaling a catalytic converter problem specifically. Hence, loss of power is distinctly tied to the performance of the catalytic converter and is a reliable indicator of potential failure.