The Acura RDX isn’t one of the top targeted vehicles for catalytic converter (aka cat) theft, but you can protect your SUV by installing an anti-theft plate, parking it in a secure and well-lit location, etching your VIN onto it, and installing a camera or flood lights near your parking space.
Catalytic converter theft rates continue to climb in the U.S. The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates that since 2021, catalytic converter theft increased by 353% compared to the year prior. While all vehicles with catalytic converters are a target, some are higher on the hit list than others.
Are you worried about having your cat stolen from your Acura RDX? Or worse, have you had it stolen? Don’t panic—we have you covered. We’ll walk you through everything you’ll need to protect your RDX’s catalytic converter and the best tips to prevent it from being stolen—including the type of car insurance
you need to cover theft. 
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from an Acura RDX?
Whether or not it is easy to steal the catalytic converter depends on the model year and engine size of your Acura RDX.
Because the location of catalytic converters isn’t consistent from car to car, some may be easier to steal than others. In most RDXs, the catalytic converter is between the tailpipe and intake manifolds in the exhaust system. However, sometimes the catalytic converter is in the engine bay, meaning it’s minimally accessible to thieves.
If your cat is underneath your RDX in the exhaust system, you may find it bolted or welded on, depending on the model year of your RDX. However, in either scenario, catalytic converter thieves can quickly find a way to detach the cat.
But Acuras
aren’t typically on the top 10 list for the cars most prone to catalytic converter theft, so it may not be a huge concern for your SUV. However, SUVs and pickup trucks are at a slightly higher risk for theft solely due to their ground clearance—higher ground clearance makes it easier for thieves to slide under and remove it. So, while Acura cars may not be a hot target for thieves, its parent company Honda
is. The Honda CR-V
is one of the most desirable targets for catalytic converter theft, with models built between 2003 and 2009 being hit the hardest. The Honda Accord
is another model on the hit list. Top Acura RDX years that catalytic converter thieves target
Most Acura vehicles aren’t a prime target for catalytic converter theft, meaning there’s no specific year that thieves will target. This is especially true for models with the catalytic converter located in the engine bay.
However, if you have an RDX with the catalytic converter on the undercarriage, it’s more accessible to thieves, and the risk of theft is higher.
Why are Acura RDX catalytic converters stolen?
Catalytic converters are a small but essential part of all gas, diesel, and hybrid vehicle emissions systems. They also happen to be a hot target for thieves because they’re valuable.
Catalytic converters are designed to reduce harmful emissions from a vehicle’s exhaust system via oxidation and reduction reactions using specific (and very expensive) precious metals—namely, platinum, rhodium, and palladium. Because these metals have such a high value, catalytic converters are a common target for people looking to make some cash.
As of December 2022, here’s what each of the metals in your Civic’s catalytic converter is worth:
Platinum: $1,001 per ounce
Palladium: $1,619 per ounce
Rhodium: $12,250 per ounce
While your RDX’s catalytic converter doesn’t contain an ounce of each metal, even small amounts can still fetch a good buck for thieves. And when they’re easy to access, the risk of having your catalytic converter stolen goes through the roof.
Acura catalytic converter replacement cost
Although Acura’s aren’t high on the list of the most targeted vehicles, that doesn’t make them exempt. And replacing the catalytic converter in an Acura RDX doesn’t come cheap.
You can expect it to cost anywhere from $3,300 to $3,500. That breaks down to about $2,960 for the catalytic converter and the remainder for labor costs.
If you choose Acura genuine parts, your catalytic converter may cost more than if you go with an aftermarket replacement cat. Regardless of where you buy them from, cats are expensive, and replacing them often involves more than a simple swap.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from an Acura RDX
The Acura RDX may not be one of the top picks for catalytic converter thieves, but it doesn’t mean they’re getting off scot-free. If a cat is easily accessible and quick to steal, there’s a risk it could be stolen.
Whether you drive an older RDX with the catalytic converter near the muffler or a newer model with it in the engine bay, take the necessary precautions to protect yours from theft. It’s cheaper than replacing it!
Here are some anti-theft strategies to help protect your RDX’s cat.
Park in a secure and well-lit area
Parking your RDX in a well-lit and secure space is one of the best ways to prevent access for thieves. If you have access to a garage or underground parking facility, use it! If you don’t have access to a secure parking location, consider purchasing an outdoor surveillance system and motion sensor floodlights to help deter thieves.
Invest in an anti-theft device
Replacing the catalytic converter on an Acura RDX is expensive, so investing in an anti-theft device or shield is a much more cost-effective route. For an RDX with the catalytic converter on the undercarriage, an anti-theft device can help prevent it from being removed from your vehicle.
Because Acura’s aren’t common targets, finding one can be difficult. But you may be able to find a universal locking device online that will fit your cat.
Generally, they cost around $150 to upward of $400, but it varies depending on the product. Alternatively, contact a local muffler shop and ask about a custom-welded device to fit your RDX.
Put your VIN on the catalytic converter
Another cheap option to protect your catalytic converter is to etch it with your VIN. Although this doesn’t inherently stop thieves from taking it, catalytic converters with the vehicle’s VIN can’t be sold on the black market, reducing the draw to take them.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) holds regular catalytic converter etching events. If you can find one in your area, it’s an easy way to protect your cat. You can also stop by your local muffler shop for the same service.
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Invest in comprehensive insurance coverage
As with etching your VIN, investing in comprehensive coverage
won’t prevent thieves from stealing your catalytic converter, but it can help cover the cost of replacement and/or repairs if it is stolen. Without comprehensive coverage, you won’t be able to submit a claim for catalytic converter theft, which means any replacement and repair costs will come out of your pocket.
What to do if your Acura’s catalytic converter is stolen
If you’ve started your RDX only to hear a loud roaring noise coming from your vehicle, chances are you’ve had your catalytic converter stolen. But before you run out and buy a new one, there are a few things you’ll want to do.
First, don’t drive your car! Although it’s not inherently dangerous to drive without a catalytic converter, you never know how secure the rest of your vehicle’s exhaust system is, and driving could risk causing more damage. Instead of hitting the road, hang tight and call roadside assistance
if you have it. Report the theft to authorities: If your car was parked in an area with video surveillance, the police might be able to get a copy and identify the culprit.
Document the theft: Take photos of the missing catalytic converter and any associated damage.
Submit an insurance claim: If you have comprehensive coverage, you should be able to file a claim for theft. Although claims can be a hassle, replacing a catalytic converter is expensive, so it’s likely worth it.
If your vehicle was damaged during the removal of the catalytic converter, your insurance provider should also schedule an appointment to have repairs made. However, you will have to pay your deductible before your insurance provider pays out the remainder of the costs.
So, while the Acura RDX might not be a hot car for catalytic converter theft, if you have another vehicle that is, consider reducing your deductible.
If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you’ll want to look into catalytic converter replacement costs, which fall on you. If you’re trying to save money, consider a mechanic who uses aftermarket parts.
Can you drive an Acura RDX without a catalytic converter?
If you’re in the unfortunate position that the catalytic converter on your Acura RDX was stolen, driving without it is not a good option.
Driving without a catalytic converter won’t damage the engine or any other part of your RDX, but it is against the law. Most states implement emissions laws, and removing a catalytic converter (or driving without one) is illegal in every state—even those that don’t enforce emissions standards.
In addition, removing your catalytic converter or driving without one (long-term) means you can’t pass emissions testing. If you live in a state where emissions testing is required to maintain your vehicle registration
, you’ll need to replace your catalytic converter before you can head to the DMV to renew. The bottom line
Driving your RDX without a catalytic converter isn’t dangerous and won’t harm your engine, but it’s not recommended.
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