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The Honda Odyssey’s catalytic converter sits secure in the engine bay, but it’s on the bottom of models older than 2017—making it an easier target for thieves.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), rates of catalytic converter thefts have skyrocketed in recent years and they’re only going up. That’s why it’s crucial for you to know where this part is in your vehicle so you can protect it.

Lucky for you, we’ve assembled this handy guide to catalytic converters for Honda Odyssey drivers, including why it’s important, how to protect it (hint: great

car insurance

helps!), and when to replace it. Let’s get started.

MORE:

How to save on Honda Odyssey insurance costs

Where is the catalytic converter on a Honda Odyssey?

If you’re driving a Honda Odyssey newer than 2017, we’ve got great news: Honda moved the catalytic converter for most new vehicles into the engine bay, meaning it’s nearly impossible for thieves to reach. The Odyssey isn’t the only Honda with this update—newer

Honda CR-Vs

and 10th-generation

Honda Civics

are also part of this change.

If your Odyssey is a bit older, however, its catalytic converter is located beneath the vehicle between the engine and the muffler which may make it a tempting target for thieves.

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

We hear a lot about catalytic converters, but what do they even do? The catalytic converter in your Odyssey is a vital component of the exhaust system. When your engine burns fuel, it creates toxic gasses like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, so the catalytic converter converts these gasses into less-harmful emissions, so your minivan can pass an emissions test.

For the process to work, however, the system needs a catalyst—which is usually a high-dollar blend of precious metals, including platinum, rhodium, and palladium. That’s why they’re such a huge target for thieves and why it could cost nearly $1,800 to replace one in your Honda Odyssey.

MORE: How to pass emissions testing

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How to protect the catalytic converter on your Honda Odyssey

Catalytic converter theft is a very real threat to Honda owners. As a matter of fact, the

Honda Accord

and Honda CR-V are vehicles that are

most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen

. Thanks to its tight 4.5-inch ground clearance, however, the Honda Odyssey is targeted less frequently—but that doesn’t mean it’s not at risk.

If you’re driving an Odyssey model older than 2018, here are some measures you can take to prevent catalytic converter theft:

Install an anti-theft device. The

CatStrap™

and the

CatClamp®

are a couple of popular

vehicle anti-theft devices

, but you could also add an alarm, a shield, or a cage to protect your catalytic converter.

Park your van in a garage or well-lit area. A safe garage is the most effective way to keep your Odyssey safe, but if you have to park on the street or in a driveway, try to park near a street lamp. If that’s not an option, consider investing in a motion-sensor flood lamp to deter thieves.

Etch your VIN onto the catalytic converter. This isn’t likely to stop a theft from happening, but it will make it easier to trace a stolen catalytic converter and more difficult to sell to an auto parts dealer.

Another effective way to protect your pocket from catalytic converter theft is to ensure your car insurance policy includes

comprehensive insurance

, which typically pays for a catalytic converter replacement if yours gets stolen.

MORE:

What is OEM coverage?

What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen

If you make the horrifying realization that your Honda Odyssey’s catalytic converter has been stolen, here’s what you’ll need to do:

Document the theft by snapping a few photos of your exhaust pipe and the area of the missing converter.

Report the theft to the police as soon as possible.

File a car insurance claim

if you have comprehensive coverage.

Once you’ve gotten the administrative stuff out of the way, it’s time to replace your catalytic converter. You could get a new Honda converter, but you lower your costs and risk for future thefts by opting for an aftermarket catalytic converter. While you’re at it, be sure to check out anti-theft devices to prevent repeat thefts.

MORE:

How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

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When to replace the catalytic converter on a Honda Odyssey

Just like every other car part, catalytic converters wear out and need replacing eventually. You can expect your catalytic converter to last around 10 years, but your Odyssey will give you a few signs when it’s time for a new one:

Diminished performance or sluggish acceleration

Exhaust odor

that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur

Check engine light is on

Dark exhaust smoke

Failed emissions test

Overheating undercarriage

If you spot any of these symptoms in your Honda, you can either use an onboard diagnostics (OBD) scanner to check for issues or you can take your van to a professional for a diagnosis.

There’s a chance you may only have to replace part of your catalytic converter, like the heat shield—but you may also need a total replacement. In that case, you might also have to replace other exhaust system components like the

oxygen sensors

. This puts the average cost to replace a Honda Odyssey catalytic converter between $1,700 and $1,800.

Every brand-new Honda Odyssey is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile emissions warranty, so the manufacturer may replace your catalytic converter if it fails in that period. If the warranty expires or you need a replacement due to regular wear and tear, however, you’ll have to pay for your own replacement.

MORE:

How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

How to replace a catalytic converter

Unlike a routine

Honda oil change

, replacing your own catalytic converter isn’t something you want to tackle unless you’re well-versed in mechanics and have all the tools to do it. This job typically requires a pipe cutter or torch to cut out a welded-on cat, gasket cleaners, pipe expanders, and more. It may be expensive to have a professional do it, but the potential damage you’ll cause trying it yourself will cost more.

If you are pretty confident about your mechanic skills and want to replace your own catalytic converter, make sure you confirm the fit and part number for your specific Odyssey model and look for an OEM-grade replacement. Aftermarket replacements generally reduce your chances of theft, but since this part is such a critical component of your car, it’s best to opt for quality.

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