Honda Accord Catalytic Converter Location
Some Honda Accords have a catalytic converter that’s placed on the underside of the car, making it an easy target for thieves.
Written by Mary Alice Morris
Reviewed by Jessa Claeys
If you’re looking for the catalytic converter on your Honda Accord, its location will depend on the model year and engine type you have. Some Accords even have as many as three catalytic converters!
With catalytic converter thefts on the rise, Honda vehicles are particularly vulnerable as targets for a few reasons. On some models, like mid-2000s Accords, they’re pretty easy to access. And on Honda hybrid models, the catalytic converters are made with more precious metals like rhodium, which fetch a good price for thieves looking to score a quick buck.
Read on to learn where to find your car’s catalytic converter and how to protect it.
Where is the catalytic converter on a Honda Accord?
With so many generations and configurations, the location of the Honda Accord’s catalytic converter will vary. Some, like older models equipped with a V6 engine, have three catalytic converters, with two located near the engine and one on the underside of the vehicle.
Prior to the Accord’s 10th generation, the catalytic converters on most Accords were usually pretty easy to locate. Like on many other vehicles, they were on the exhaust pipe underneath the vehicle’s chassis.
However, in response to the Honda Accord’s unfortunate status as a popular target for catalytic converter thieves, the carmaker moved the converter to the vehicle’s engine compartment. This makes it much harder to steal, but it doesn’t help anyone who drives a ninth-generation or older Accord.
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What are the benefits of a catalytic converter on a Honda Accord?
Besides being made with precious metals, the catalytic converter on your Honda Accord is valuable in other ways, too. It helps to regulate your car’s emissions by converting many of the toxic gasses it releases into less harmful fumes.
The catalytic converter’s main job is to help reduce and control emissions from your car. But it also helps your vehicle run more efficiently. Your car could drive without its catalytic converter, but it would make a lot more noise, it would release harmful exhaust, it wouldn’t pass an emissions test, and it would eat up a lot more fuel.
Long term, driving without a catalytic converter could also damage your engine and cause it to overheat.
Because of their expensive materials and importance, they’re also extremely costly to replace. If you need to replace the catalytic converter in your Honda Accord, it could cost as much as $2,500!
How to protect the catalytic converter on your Honda Accord
Unfortunately for the Honda Accord, it’s among the
cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves
. The 1989-2020 Accord ranked second behind the Ford F-150
. But you can take proactive steps to prevent your car from being a target. Here are a few tips:
- Get anti-theft protection. There are several custom-fit shields that will make your catalytic converter nearly theft-proof, including theCat Shield™and theCatClamp®. There are also special alarm systems, cages, and cables that can help.
- Park in a garage or lit area. If possible, park yourHondain a locked garage. If that’s not an option, try to make sure there’s proper lighting wherever you park. You could install a motion-sensor light in your driveway, for instance, or park under a street light.
- Paint your catalytic converter. If you can get ahold of some high-visibility, high-temperature, automotive exhaust spray paint, you can paint yourHonda VINon the catalytic converter. This discourages theft because it makes the catalytic converter harder to sell.
You should also make sure your car is covered sufficiently with
comprehensive insurance
. Sure, this won’t stop your catalytic converter from being stolen. But in case it is stolen, comprehensive coverage will help you with the expense of replacement. MORE:
Types of insurance
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What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen
If you find that your catalytic converter has been stolen, here’s what to do next:
- Document the theft with photos showing your exhaust system and the missing converter. Also, make notes of the timeframe during which the theft occurred and where your car was parked.
- File a police report with the information you documented.
- If you have a comprehensive coverage policy, submit a claim to your insurance provider.
- Shop for an aftermarket catalytic converter and consider buying off-brand to save money.
- Consider purchasing an anti-theft device for your catalytic converter.
When to replace the catalytic converter on a Honda Accord
Eventually, like any other component of your car, the catalytic converter can wear out and may need replacing. Here are some hints that your catalytic converter has bit the dust:
- Sluggish performance and acceleration
- Difficulty starting your engine
- Dark or smelly exhaust fumes
- Failed emissions test
- Excessive heat on the underside of the vehicle
- Check engine light is on
These may be signs that you need a new catalytic converter. Or, it could be an indication that your catalytic converter is simply clogged and needs a little maintenance. Either way, it’s a good idea to take your car to your mechanic if you think something is wrong.
How to replace a catalytic converter
Unless you’re experienced with car repairs and have the tools on hand—including a pipe cutter or torch—catalytic converter replacement is probably best left to professionals. It’s not an ideal DIY job for a layperson.
However, you may wish to buy your own catalytic converter instead of purchasing it through your mechanic. If so, make sure you get the right part number for your car and model year.
Catalytic converters are really expensive—even if you go for an aftermarket brand—so you want to make sure you get the right one.
How to prevent costly catalytic converter replacement
If you’re worried about catalytic converter theft in your neighborhood, you should look into buying comprehensive coverage for your Honda Accord. Although that might mean adding to your insurance costs, it could save you a huge amount of hassle and money in the long run.
“My speeding ticket raised my insurance to $310/month.Jerrygot me full comprehensive coverage on two vehicles for $144/month through Progressive. I definitely recommend giving them a try.” —Brandon D.
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