The 10th Gen Honda Civic is less vulnerable to catalytic converter theft than previous Civics, but you should still take steps to ward off thieves. Etching your VIN into the converter and installing motion sensor lights are helpful, and installing a cat shield is even more discouraging to would-be crooks.
A thief can earn an average of $200 for selling a catalytic converter to a scrap metal dealer who will extract the platinum, rhodium, or palladium. Unfortunately for you, the cost to replace a catalytic converter could be more than $1,000.
It’s relatively easy to steal a cat, unfortunately, although the Civic’s low ground clearance is helpful in preventing theft. Even though this car is not on the list of most-targeted vehicles, it’s still worth learning about how to prevent Honda Civic 10th gen catalytic converter theft.
From how to prevent catalytic converter theft to what to do if your vehicle ends up a target, here’s what you need to know about Honda Civic 10th gen catalytic converter 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 a Honda Civic?
It’s a little harder to steal a catalytic converter from a 10th gen Honda Civic (model years 2016-2021) than previous generations of Civics.
In prior years, the catalytic converter was located between the axles inline on the exhaust. Stealing it was much easier in this configuration. Older hybrid models of the Civic had two catalytic converters that were even more tempting to thieves.
Thankfully, Honda got smart and improved the 10th gen Civic.
10th generation Honda Civics have the cat front-mounted higher up in the engine bay. It’s integrated into the downpipe and is directly connected to the turbocharger, protected by a shield and multiple bolts and screws.
A thief could still steal your cat, but they’d have to raise the car and spend a good chunk of time under the hood to access the part. It’s a rare thief that has jacks and the bravado to attempt such a time-consuming crime—and is able to do so without getting noticed first.
Top Honda Civic years that catalytic converter thieves target
Honda Civics are one of the most-stolen car models
in the U.S. But when it comes to catalytic converter theft, Civics manufactured before 2016 are more likely to be targeted—especially seventh gen Civics (2000-2005). Why are Honda Civic catalytic converters stolen?
Catalytic converters play a key role in filtering out emissions—a tricky task achieved with the use of precious metals over a ceramic honeycomb. A catalytic converter can be sold for scrap metal to make a tidy profit. Unfortunately, thieves are motivated by the rising prices of precious metals.
The metals in your Civic’s catalytic converter are platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Here’s what these precious materials are worth, as of December 2022:
Platinum: $1,031 per ounce
Palladium: $1,854 per ounce
Rhodium: $12,700 per ounce
You can’t make up a full ounce with the amount of metal contained in a single catalytic converter. But the cats in older Civics are targeted not only for their precious metals but also because they are easier to steal. A well-equipped thief simply needs to scooch under the car, saw off the pipes, and sneak away with the cat.
The 2023 Honda Civic Hybrid may become a prime target for cat thieves, since hybrid cats contain higher concentrations of precious metals—and the market price for these materials will only continue to grow.
Honda catalytic converter replacement cost
Technically, a car can drive without a catalytic converter. But it’s unsafe, bad for the environment, and against the law. Unfortunately, Honda catalytic converter replacement costs range between $300 and $2,500, depending on your specific vehicle.
The cat is already an expensive part. 10th gen Civics may require extra labor costs, since replacing the catalytic converter is a more complex job.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Honda Civic
Although the 10th gen Honda Civic is less susceptible to catalytic converter theft than previous models, it’s still worth taking steps to discourage thieves. Here are some anti-theft tips to help protect your Civic’s precious cargo.
Park in a secure area
Thieves thrive in unmonitored areas where they can tamper with vehicles unnoticed. To ward off bad actors, use motion sensor lights and video surveillance wherever you park your car. If possible, park your Civic in a secure garage.
Buy a catalytic converter shield
Add another barrier between the thief and their target. A catalytic converter anti-theft shield is a cage or plate that covers your catalytic converter, discouraging thieves by creating extra work to access the part. Determined thieves with the right tools can cut through low-quality shields, so be sure to invest in a sturdy product.
You could try a Cat Shield™ from MILLERCAT
or check Amazon for a compatible product. Your mechanic may also have a lead on a suitable shield for your Civic. Just make sure you check the product for compatibility with your 10th gen Civic. Conveniently, some packages include everything you need for a DIY installation. Make sure you tell your insurance company if you install a cat shield, as some will give you a nice discount on your comprehensive insurance for reducing theft risk!
Put your VIN on the catalytic converter
Label your cat! Otherwise, anyone could steal the part, say “finders, keepers,” and then sell it on the black market. Etch your name, phone number, and VIN on your catalytic converter to make it easier to trace back to your vehicle.
Most muffler shops offer this tagging service or the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) holds regular catalytic converter etching events.
Invest in comprehensive insurance
Comprehensive insurance
can provide coverage for cat theft. While this policy won’t prevent theft, it will give you peace of mind that you won’t have to pay out of pocket if your catalytic converter gets stolen. It’s also probably cheaper than you think to get full coverage
on your Civic. What to do if your Honda Civic’s catalytic converter is stolen
Step 1: Reach out to local authorities. Inform the police once you discover that your Honda Civic’s catalytic converter was stolen. Law enforcement may be able to pull footage from the area and identify the thief. You may not be the only victim. Even if the thief cannot be found, a police report will help support your insurance claim.
Step 2: File a claim with your insurance company. If you have comprehensive coverage, then you can file a claim for theft. Once you pay your deductible, you’ll get coverage for the catalytic converter replacement.
Step 3: Repair your vehicle. Whether you have insurance or not, you’ll need a new catalytic converter sooner than later. You could consider asking your mechanic to look for an aftermarket part to save money, as long as it’s compatible with your vehicle and won’t affect coverage for your claim.
Can you drive a Honda Civic without a catalytic converter?
Yes, you can theoretically drive a Honda Civic without a catalytic converter—but only temporarily.
A Civic without a cat won’t pass emissions testing. In some places, emissions testing is a prerequisite for renewing your registration. This means you won’t be able to register your vehicle until you have your missing catalytic converter replaced.
In addition, a Civic without a catalytic converter will be noisy and less efficient. Plus, it will release more noxious gasses into the environment.
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