How to Prevent Honda Element Catalytic Converter Theft
Here’s everything you need to know about Honda Element catalytic converter theft, plus how to prevent it from happening.
Written by Jaya Anandjit
Reviewed by Georgina Grant
The Honda Element is a huge target for catalytic converter theft since this hybrid vehicle's converter includes precious metals worth thousands of dollars. You can prevent cat-converter theft by parking your Element in your garage, inscribing your VIN onto the converter, or installing an anti-theft plate.
Catalytic converter theft is a growing problem for many Honda Element owners, and if you’re worried your Element may be a victim of converter theft—or if you came about this article because your Element’s catalytic converter was stolen—don’t worry. We have you covered with a guide to preventing catalytic converter theft, next steps to take if yours was stolen, and how your
car insurance
can cover a replacement.Is it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a Honda Element?
Yes. Unfortunately,
the Honda Element provides enough ground clearance
for thieves to easily access its single cat converter. Many thieves employ portable car jacks to lift the vehicle and remove the converter in as little as two minutes, and since the Element is a hybrid vehicle, the precious materials in the catalytic converter are more likely to attract thieves. The catalytic converter in a Honda Element can be found anywhere between the tailpipe and the intake manifold. Typically, the converter in an Element is located closer to the front of the vehicle before the muffler, and you may notice it has a heat shield around it and an oxygen sensor near the front.
Catalytic converters can be welded or bolted to an Element, but it doesn’t really matter how it stays in place—unscrewing bolts and cutting through welding are both fairly easy tasks for illegal converter collectors.
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Top Honda Element years that catalytic converter thieves target
The Honda Element is now considered “retired”, but this hybrid crossover SUV is a staple in Honda’s lineup with models from 2003 to 2011.
According to CarFax, each Honda Element model experiences its fair share of targeting from catalytic converter thieves, and that's majorly due to the presence of precious metals that filter toxic gasses from the hybrid engine.
Why are Honda Element catalytic converters stolen?
The hybrid powertrain in a Honda Element uses a catalytic converter with metals such as rhodium, palladium, and platinum to reduce the emission levels of bi-produced gasses from the combustion process. These metals are highly valuable, making converters prime parts for a high return on recycling.
Rhodium, palladium, and platinum have all experienced an exponential value increase over the past few years, and as of December 2022, here’s the approximate value of each:
- Platinum: $1,012 per ounce
- Palladium: $1,876 per ounce
- Rhodium: $12,700 per ounce
Thankfully, the catalytic converters in most vehicles use less than an ounce of each metal, but they still feature enough of these precious materials to entice thieves. After all, stealing a catalytic converter can be as easy as jacking up an Element and cutting the part off with a metal-slicing tool.
Honda catalytic converter replacement cost
Since it includes such high-value materials, replacing a converter can cost a pretty penny. RepairPal estimates that a Honda Element catalytic converter replacement can cost between $2,000 and $4,000, although repair costs vary depending on your location.
Aftermarket parts can save you from paying such steep prices, but regardless of the source, catalytic converters are fairly expensive parts that require laborious installations. With that said, you can expect to pay no less than a thousand dollars to get yours replaced.
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How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a Honda Element
Your Honda Element may be a target for cat converter thieves, but just like any other prized possession, you can use anti-theft strategies to protect your Element’s catalytic converter:
Secure parking
Opt for a garage or video-monitored area when parking your Honda Element. Consider installing driveway sensor lights and cameras, and throw in a good old “video surveillance in progress” sign to scare away potential thieves.
If you park your vehicle in a safe and secure location, converter thieves are more likely to fear getting caught and stay away from your vehicle since removing a catalytic converter is considered a criminal offense in most states.
Put your VIN on the catalytic converter
Your catalytic converter cannot be sold on the black market if you inscribe your
Honda Element’s vehicle identification number (VIN)
on the part. You can have your VIN etched into your converter at a local muffler shop. Alternatively, some police departments host catalytic converter etching events for members of the community.
Install a catalytic converter shield
Anti-theft catalytic converter shields are great devices for protecting your converter. These shields are usually aluminum-based and come as a cage or plate that covers your Element’s cat.
Amazon,
Cat Security
, and Cat Shield
all offer great catalytic converter protection devices, and a shield typically costs around $200, making it a much cheaper alternative to replacing a stolen converter. Unlike installing a new catalytic converter, adding a cat shield to your Element is fairly easy and can be done at home. If you’re able to get under your Element without the help of a repair shop hoist, you can easily put the shield over your converter. Some kits even come with security bolts and tools, which make for an easy installation.
The shield will serve as an effective theft deterrent, and it may even result in a comprehensive coverage discount on your car insurance rate.
Consider comprehensive insurance
Having
comprehensive coverage
on your car insurance policy will not serve as a direct theft deterrent, but it can save you money if your Element’s catalytic converter gets stolen. Comprehensive insurance allows drivers to submit a claim if their converter was stolen, which can result in a partial or full reimbursement for the replacement cost. Having a
full coverage policy
with comprehensive coverage can prevent you from having to pay out of pocket for theft-related incidents, and when it comes to expensive parts like your catalytic converter, it's better to be safe than sorry. What to do if your Honda Element’s catalytic converter is stolen
First things first: contact the authorities. If your Honda Element’s catalytic converter was stolen, there may be surveillance camera footage to help catch the thief. Since cat-converter theft is a serious crime, you should not hesitate to involve the police. Even if the thief is untraceable, the police will file a report that can be useful when you
file a claim with your insurance company
. As long as your insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage, insurance providers can work with you to schedule mechanical repairs at a local shop and cover the cost of replacing your catalytic converter. You’ll have to meet your deductible first, but most
comprehensive deductibles
are far lower than the actual replacement cost, so you’re sure to save when you work with your insurance company. If you don’t have comprehensive coverage on your policy, you’ll still need to replace the catalytic converter, but you’ll have to pay for it yourself. You may be able to save on replacement costs if you find a mechanic willing to use aftermarket parts.
Can you drive a Honda Element without a catalytic converter?
Yes, you can technically continue driving your Element even if the catalytic converter was stolen, but you shouldn’t.
A missing cat converter will not damage your engine or any other component of your vehicle, but engine power, performance, and efficiency may go down without this part. Also, your vehicle will not pass emissions tests without a catalytic converter, so if your state requires testing to register vehicles, you’ll need to replace it before your re-registration date.
Signs of a missing catalytic converter
include loud engine noises while driving, unsteady acceleration, and reduced fuel economy."As a young person who owns a sports car and a high-end sedan, I couldn’t find quotes below a certain threshold. By usingJerry, I managed to find full comprehensive coverage on both vehicles and saved $150 a month!” —Channing Y.
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