The catalytic converter in a 2022 Honda Civic is securely located in the engine compartment in front of the engine, but if you have a Civic pre-10th and 11th generation, thieves may have easier access.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter theft rates increased by 326% in 2020 and another 353% in 2021. While a catalytic converter (also called a “cat”) may be a simple part used to reduce harmful vehicle emissions, the metals in a catalytic converter are valuable, making them a goldmine for thieves.

If you’re not keen on spending your paycheck on replacing your Honda Civic’s catalytic converter, knowing where it is—and how to protect it from thieves—is important. We’ll also cover the benefits of a catalytic converter and how to replace it, whether it’s from thieves or wear and tear.

MORE:

Honda Civic insurance costs

Where is the catalytic converter on a Honda Civic?

For anyone behind the wheel of a 10th or 11th-generation Honda Civic, there’s good news for you: the catalytic converter is located inside the engine compartment in front of the engine and is enclosed by various parts, such as the lower aero shield. For catalytic converter thieves, accessing your cat would be a big hassle and time-consuming, significantly decreasing the risk of theft. Other Honda vehicles, including the

Honda CR-V

, also have enclosed catalytic converters in the engine bay.

In older Honda Civic models, the catalytic converter is easier to access, as it’s located underneath the vehicle between the engine and the muffler.

What are the benefits of a catalytic converter on a Honda Civic?

You may think a catalytic converter is just another piece of your Civic, but it’s essential to your car’s performance. It’s a part of your vehicle’s exhaust system that converts toxic engine-exhaust pollutants into less harmful compounds.

Pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides (NOx), go through the catalytic converter and are transformed into less toxic substances like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor before being released into the air. Without a catalytic converter, your Honda Civic wouldn’t meet emission standards—and you’d likely hear your Civic coming from a mile away.

While your Civic needs a catalytic converter for optimal performance, they’re one piece of a vehicle that’s highly prone to theft. The catalyst used during the pollutant conversion process is a mix of high-value precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Even though they’re present in small quantities, they’re incredibly valuable—and this is also why a replacement catalytic converter for a Honda Civic can cost up to $2,500.

Don't get ripped off!

Estimate repairs near you with GarageGuard™ for free so you KNOW the fair price.

Get GarageGuard™

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees

4.717k Ratings

5M+Drivers Joined

7M+Cars Garaged

How to protect the catalytic converter on your Honda Civic

Catalytic converter theft is a big problem for Honda owners, but some specific models are more prone to theft than others because their catalytic converters fetch more money. Luckily, the Honda Civic isn’t one of the

—but the 2002 to 2006 CR-V and the 2.4-liter 2003-2007

Honda Accord

are. The catalytic converter on these models is easily accessible, making it an easy target for thieves looking to make a quick (and easy) buck.

Whether you own an older Civic with an accessible catalytic converter or a new model where it’s secure, there are simple steps you can take to deter thieves and prevent catalytic converter theft:

Install an anti-theft device. Devices like the

CatStrap™

and the

CatClamp®

are some of the most popular anti-theft tools for catalytic converters. Increasing the sensitivity of your car alarm may also be helpful.

Invest in a dash cam. A dash-cam is not only good for accidents, but it can also catch thieves in action and help deter them from stealing your cat.

Park in a secure and well-lit area. If you have access to a parking garage, it’s the safest place to avoid having your catalytic converter stolen. Investing in a motion-sensor flood light might be worth considering if you don’t have a garage and park in a driveway or on the street.

Put your VIN on the catalytic converter. Having your VIN on your catalytic converter isn’t likely to stop a thief from stealing it, but it can make it easier to trace and harder to sell to a scrap metal yard or auto shop.

Another easy way to protect your Civic from catalytic converter theft? Upgrade your car insurance policy to include

comprehensive coverage

. If you don’t have full coverage, you won’t be able to file a claim if your catalytic converter is stolen—and the repair costs will come out of your pocket.

What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen

If the worst happens and your catalytic converter is stolen on your Honda Civic, don’t hit the panic button yet—here’s what you can do instead:

First, don’t drive your car!

Document the theft with photos of your exhaust pipe and the missing converter

File a police report

Submit a claim to your insurance company if you have comprehensive insurance

Consider installing an aftermarket catalytic converter to reduce car expenses and the odds of future thefts

Research anti-theft devices to help prevent a recurrence

MORE:

How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

When to replace the catalytic converter on a Honda Civic

The catalytic converter should last the vehicle's life on most newer vehicles, but it averages about 100,000 miles or 10 years. As with other vehicle parts, cats are subject to wear. If your catalytic converter needs replacing, keep an eye out for these signs:

Check Engine Light

is on

Decrease in vehicle performance and poor acceleration

Rotten egg smell coming from the exhaust

Reduced fuel economy

Backfiring and rough running

Failed smog check

If you notice any signs of a faulty catalytic converter, use an onboard diagnostics (OBD) scanner to check for any faults in the exhaust system. If you’re not familiar with the process, schedule an appointment with a mechanic to have a professional diagnosis.

If you need to replace the catalytic converter on your Honda Civic, the average cost for parts is between $2,441 and $2,443, while labor costs are estimated between $88 and $111.

Luckily, all new Honda Civics come with a comprehensive three-year or 36,000-mile Emissions Control System Warranty that covers your catalytic converter if it’s found to be defective within the warranty period. But if it’s wear and tear leading to the replacement or your warranty period has expired, the costs will fall on you—unless you’re filing an insurance claim.

How to replace a catalytic converter

Replacing a catalytic converter can be tricky for anyone that isn’t mechanically inclined, and it’s probably not the best thing to leave up to a YouTube tutorial. In most cases, a cat replacement involves a pipe cutter or torch to cut out a welded-on cat, pipe expanders, gasket cleaners, and more, making it a slightly complex process.

If you’re car-savvy and can replace it on your own, ideally, you want to replace your catalytic converter with an OEM-grade replacement for quality. But while aftermarket converters can deter thieves, you want quality where it matters—and a catalytic converter is an important piece of your vehicle.

If you’re unsure how to replace your catalytic converter, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a mechanic or your local Honda dealership.

MORE:

How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it