2006 Honda CR-V Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Tips
If you own a 2006 Honda CR-V, you should know how to protect your vehicle from catalytic converter theft.
Written by Mariza Morin
Reviewed by Brenna Swanston
Looking to protect your catalytic converter on a 2006 Honda CR-V? There are many effective ways to go about it, such as installing a catalytic converter anti-theft shield.
In recent years, catalytic converter theft has been on the rise. This is true even for midsize SUVs like the 2006 Honda CR-V.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to everything you need to know about catalytic converter theft. We explore how easy this part is to steal and what you can do to protect it. We also cover the type of
car insurance
you need to safeguard your 2006 CR-V catalytic converter. Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a 2006 Honda CR-V?
Yes—stealing the catalytic converter on a 2006 Honda CR-V is nearly effortless for many thieves. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, thieves can easily roll underneath the midsize SUV to dismantle the three-way catalytic converter.
Even though full-size
Chevrolet
, Ford
, and GMC
pickup trucks are more popular targets for car thieves, it’s still certainly possible in a 2006 CR-V. Midsize vehicles like the Toyota Tacoma
pickup and midsize Toyota 4Runner
SUV are also at risk of catalytic converter theft. Why are 2006 Honda CR-V catalytic converters stolen?
So what’s the deal with catalytic converter theft? Catalytic converters convert toxic pollutants from your SUV’s exhaust system using precious metals such as palladium, platinum, and rhodium.
The price of these materials—sometimes worth thousands of dollars per ounce—has soared as of late, and car thieves have caught on to the fact that they can make a quick buck on the black market with stolen catalytic converters.
Not only are catalytic converters valuable, but they’re also easy for thieves to get their hands on. Due to its location underneath your 2006 CR-V, catalytic converter thieves can simply roll under your midsize SUV and cut the cat out in a snap.
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2006 Honda catalytic converter replacement cost
And here’s the main reason why you need to protect your catalytic converter at all costs. The average cost to replace a catalytic converter in a 2006 Honda CR-V ranges between $2,097 and $2,379. You may save on replacement costs by using an aftermarket part, but it’s a pricey replacement no matter how you cut it.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a 2006 Honda CR-V
Now that you know how expensive a catalytic converter replacement can cost, let’s look at some worthwhile theft prevention strategies for a 1997-2020 Honda CR-V.
Park in a secure area
Parking your CR-V in a locked garage is the best way to go to keep potential thieves from crawling underneath your SUV. But if you don’t have a garage, park your vehicle in a luminous area with security surveillance and motion-sensor lights.
Install an anti-theft catalytic converter shield
While parking your CR-V in a well-lit area is great and all, you’ll want to step up your security game with an anti-theft catalytic converter shield made of aluminum or stainless steel. For a 2006 CR-V, you’ll want to look at popular brands like
CatSecurity
and Aerogenics
, but you can just as easily find some fantastic products on Amazon. Etch your VIN on the catalytic converter
Putting your truck’s
vehicle identification number (VIN)
on the catalytic converter(s) makes the parts unsellable. If a thief gets under your truck and sees a VIN etched on the cats, they’re more likely to pass up your vehicle and move on to the next target. Invest in comprehensive insurance
No,
comprehensive insurance
won’t necessarily stop a catalytic converter theft. But in the unfortunate event that this valuable part is stolen, you can file a claim for catalytic converter theft to cover the costs of a replacement with comprehensive coverage. Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversWhat to do if your 2006 Honda CR-V’s catalytic converter is stolen
If you’ve discovered that your 2006 Honda CR-V’s catalytic converter has been stolen, call the police immediately. While law enforcement may not be able to retrieve your stolen cat, they can file a police report that you’ll need when you contact your insurance company about the catalytic converter theft.
If you have comprehensive coverage, you’ll still have to pay a
deductible
, but once you submit a claim
, you might cover most of the cost for a catalytic converter replacement. If you only have the minimum liability coverage, sad to say you won’t be able to get any insurance payout. Can you drive a 2006 Honda CR-V without a catalytic converter?
Technically, you can drive a 2006 Honda CR-V without one—but we’d highly advise against it.
While a vehicle that lacks a catalytic converter can still drive, it’s an important emissions device that helps to maintain clean air in the atmosphere. Without a cat, you’ll also start to notice:
If your CR-V doesn’t have a catalytic converter, then you can also count on failing your emission test. As you can see, it’s best for your vehicle (not to mention the environment!) to replace your catalytic converter before you run into performance or registration issues.
MORE: How to pass emissions testing
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FAQs
Does a 2006 Honda CR-V have a catalytic converter?
Yes. The 2006 Honda CR-V has a three-way catalytic converter that can easily be stolen underneath the midsize SUV.
What should I do if someone is trying to steal my Honda CR-V catalytic converter?
If you catch a potential thief attempting to steal your CR-V’s catalytic converter, then call the police right away. But you can protect yourself beforehand with an anti-theft device like a cat shield or cage.
What are some signs to look for when a catalytic converter is stolen?
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to tell that your catalytic converter has been stolen! But if you notice warning signs like rough acceleration, loud noises, or potent exhaust odors, you might want to take a look underneath your vehicle to make sure your cat is still properly installed.
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