The 2021 Honda CR-V catalytic converter can be found securely located in the engine bay—a change made since the 2017 models to combat the rising catalytic converter thefts.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), there has been a shocking increase in catalytic converter thefts since 2021. If you want to combat this risk, you’ll need to know where the catalytic converter is in your 2021

Honda

CR-V—and what you can do to keep it safe.

From 1997–2020, the Honda CR-V has been one of the

vehicles most frequently targeted by catalytic converter thieves

. Fortunately, some changes for the 2021 model year make the catalytic converter harder to steal—but it’s still a good idea to know how to prevent this common theft. We’ll also go over the benefits of having a catalytic converter and when to replace it, so let’s get started!

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Where is the catalytic converter on a 2021 Honda CR-V?

If you own a 2021 CR-V, we’ve got some good news for you. Honda has relocated the catalytic converter in all CR-V models from 2017 onwards. It is now secured inside the engine bay and can be found near the turbocharger.

This relocation makes it harder to access the catalytic converter and, in turn, deters thieves from making an attempt to take it. In fact, there’s a higher chance for them to steal the whole CR-V rather than just the catalytic converter! The same change has also been made to other new Honda models, including the 10th-generation

Honda Civic

What are the benefits of a catalytic converter on a 2021 Honda CR-V?

You might be wondering—what’s so great about the catalytic converter anyway? In short, the catalytic converter is a vital part of the exhaust system as it acts as the emissions control device. Its job is to neutralize toxic exhaust gasses so that they become less harmful pollutants. If the catalytic converter is absent, not only will your CR-V fail to meet EPA emissions standards, but you’ll also have poor engine performance.

The catalyst used in the converter is commonly a mix of precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Since these are such high-value metals, it’s no wonder that replacing a catalytic converter in a Honda CR-V can cost up to $2,500.

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How to protect the catalytic converter on your 2021 Honda CR-V

Before Honda relocated the catalytic converter, older Honda CR-V owners faced a much higher risk of theft—the most popular vehicles for catalytic converter thieves include the 2000-2006 Honda CR-V! That said, even though the 2021 Honda CR-V catalytic converter is now relocated to a less accessible area, you still need to stay vigilant to minimize the risk of theft.

Here are some tips to help prevent your catalytic converter, or your whole vehicle, from being stolen:

Install an anti-theft device. Visible devices like alarms, shields, or cages will help discourage thieves from approaching your vehicle. The

CatStrap™

and the

CatClamp®

are popular anti-theft tools you can try.

Park your CR-V in a garage or a well-lit area. One of the safest places to prevent catalytic converter theft is a secure garage. If you need to park on the driveway, installing motion-sensor flood lamps will deter thieves. When parking on a street, pick a spot under the streetlamp so that your vehicle is a less attractive target.

Put your VIN number on the catalytic converter. This makes it harder for thieves to sell your stolen catalytic converter to an aftermarket as it becomes more traceable. This won’t prevent theft, but it makes your catalytic converter less desirable.

What if your catalytic converter still gets stolen despite all the precautions you’ve taken? Update your auto insurance policy to include

comprehensive coverage

if you don’t have it already. This will allow you to file a claim to cover the expensive replacement cost of your stolen catalytic converter!

What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen

Sometimes the worst can still happen and a determined thief can still take the catalytic converter from your 2021 Honda CR-V. If this happens, here’s what you need to do:

Document everything! Take pictures of any damages and your missing converter, as well as write down details including your location, date, and time you discovered the theft.

File a police report as soon as possible

Submit your insurance claim if your policy includes comprehensive coverage

Consider an aftermarket catalytic converter to help reduce costs and chances of another theft

Consider installing anti-theft devices to help protect your converter from thieves

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How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

When to replace the catalytic converter on a 2021 Honda CR-V

As with other car components, the catalytic converter doesn’t last forever and should be replaced around every 10 years. However, this can vary depending on how often you drive and how much you drive. Here’s how you can determine if it’s time to get a new converter:

Poor acceleration and reduced fuel economy

Dark or

foul-smelling exhaust smoke

—you’ll know when there’s a rotten egg smell

Underside of the vehicle tends to overheat

Failed emissions test

Rattling sound from the vehicle while idling or driving

Check engine light constantly illuminated

Once any of the above signs surface, you can use an onboard diagnostics (OBD) scanner to check for any exhaust system problems. A licensed mechanic can also help you diagnose if there is indeed an issue with your converter.

If you’re lucky, only part of the catalytic converter will need replacing, such as the heat shield. However, it’s also possible that you’ll need to fully replace the converter as well as other components like the oxygen sensors. On average, it will cost between $2,000 to $2,500 for a Honda CR-V catalytic converter replacement.

New Honda CR-Vs have a three-year/36,000-mile emissions warranty. This means that the cost of replacing your catalytic converter could be covered by the manufacturer if it is found to be faulty within that time frame. However, you will not be covered if the damage is caused by general wear and tear, or if you pass the warranty period—unless you can file an insurance claim for theft.

How to replace a catalytic converter

Replacing your catalytic converter can get complicated and isn’t a particularly great DIY project to take on without the right tools. You will need to have the proper equipment, such as a pipe cutter or torch to cut out the cat, pipe expanders, gasket cleaners, and more. Alos, be aware that you can cause irreversible damage if the replacement is done incorrectly.

If you are still inclined to do the catalytic converter replacement, be sure to double and triple-check the part number your model requires and stick to OEM-grade replacements. An aftermarket replacement can help reduce your costs and the chance of theft, but be sure to find one that closely matches the requirements of your particular CR-V.

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