The catalytic converter for the 2022 Honda CR-V is located securely in the engine bay, but pre-2017 models have one on the bottom of the vehicle that gives easy access to thieves.

In post-2017 Hondas, the catalytic converter location makes it much harder to steal
Thieves steal catalytic converters to sell the precious metals contained inside
Expect to pay upwards of $2,000 to replace a Honda CR-V catalytic converter
Protect your cat with anti-theft devices and defensive decisions (like parking in well-lit areas)

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How to lower your Honda car insurance costs

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

Good news for fifth-generation Honda CR-V owners: In all CR-V models from 2017 onward, the catalytic converter is located inside the engine bay near the turbocharger.

As a result, it’s a huge hassle for would-be thieves to get to—in fact, you’re more likely to have the entire vehicle stolen than the catalytic converter alone! Honda has made the same change to other new models, such as the 10th-generation

Honda Civic

If you own an older CR-V: Your vehicle, unfortunately, is likely a very attractive target, since the catalytic converter is located underneath the vehicle between the engine and the muffler.

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

Your Honda’s catalytic converter is an essential part of the exhaust system.

It’s essentially an emissions control device that converts toxic exhaust gases like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into less harmful pollutants. Without a catalytic converter, your CR-V won’t be able to meet EPA emissions standards—and engine performance will suffer as well.

The catalyst in the conversion process is typically a high-value mix of precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. That’s why they’re worth so much—and why a catalytic converter replacement could cost up to $2,500 for a Honda CR-V.

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

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported an explosion in catalytic converter thefts in 2021, and it doesn’t look like those numbers are slowing down.

Catalytic converter theft is a huge problem for owners of older Honda CR-V models.

In fact, the 2002-2006 Honda CR-V is among the most

, along with the 2.4-liter 2003-2007

Honda Accord

. Because the catalytic converter on these popular vehicles is easily accessible right behind the exhaust manifold, they’re low-hanging fruit for unscrupulous thieves.

Especially if you own an older CR-V, here are a few things you can do to guard against catalytic converter theft:

Install an anti-theft device: Simple devices like the

CatStrap™

and the

CatClamp®

are among the most popular anti-theft tools, but you can also install an alarm, shield, or cage to deter thieves.

Park your CR-V in a garage or a well-lit area: A secure garage is the best place to park to avoid catalytic converter theft, but if you have to park in the driveway or on the street, a motion-sensor flood lamp or even a well-placed street lamp can make your vehicle a less attractive mark.

Put your VIN number on the catalytic converter: While this might not stop a thief, it’ll make the catalytic converter easier to trace and harder to sell to an aftermarket auto parts dealer.

One more way to protect your catalytic converter: Make sure your auto insurance policy includes
comprehensive coverage
. Without it, you won’t be able to file a claim for the steep cost of a catalytic converter replacement if yours is stolen.

What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen

If the worst happens and thieves do steal the catalytic converter off your Honda CR-V, don’t panic.

Instead:

Document the theft by taking pictures of your exhaust pipe and the missing converter

File a police report

Submit an insurance claim if you’ve got comprehensive insurance

Consider installing an aftermarket catalytic converter to lower costs and reduce the odds of future thefts

Look into anti-theft devices to help deter thieves

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How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

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

In general, you can expect your catalytic converter to last about 10 years—but like other vehicle components, it’ll wear out eventually. Look for the following signs of a bad catalytic converter:

Reduced acceleration and sluggish performance

Dark or foul-smelling exhaust smoke (the smell of rotten eggs is a warning sign)

Underside of vehicle overheating

Failed smog check

Illuminated check engine light

If you notice any of these signs, use an onboard diagnostics (OBD) scanner to check for any faults in the exhaust system. You can also bring the vehicle to a mechanic for a professional diagnosis.

It’s possible that you might only need to replace part of the catalytic converter, such as the heat shield. But in some cases, you’ll need a full replacement—and you may also need to replace other components, such as the oxygen sensors.

As a result, the average cost to replace a Honda CR-V catalytic converter is between $2,000 and $2,400.

Keep in mind: All new Honda CR-Vs come with an emissions warranty good for three years or 36,000 miles. If your catalytic converter is found to be defective within that window, the cost might be covered by the manufacturer. But if it’s just wear and tear that’s led to the replacement—or if you’ve passed the warranty period—you’ll be on your own unless you’re able to file an insurance claim for theft.

How to replace a catalytic converter

A catalytic converter replacement isn’t a great DIY project unless you’re mechanically inclined and know you have all the tools to make it work. In many cases, that includes a pipe cutter or torch to cut out a welded-on cat, pipe expanders, gasket cleaners, and more.

If you do decide to replace your own catalytic converter, be sure to look up the part number for your model and try to find an OEM-grade replacement. While an aftermarket replacement can actually help to reduce the risk of theft, this is still an important component, so quality matters. You’ll also want to find a part with the right fitment for your model.

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