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Unsurprisingly, the Accord, the most popular Honda car on the market, is also the brand’s No. 1 top target for catalytic converter theft. What’s more, the ubiquitous sedan model is the most common car model to get hit by cat thieves, just behind the Ford F-Series pickup in the list of the top vehicular victims overall.
The Honda Accord is the most targeted car on the list of catalytic converter theft
It’s not surprising that one of the best-selling sedans in America would also be the most frequently targeted car on the list of vehicles for cat thieves. In fact, the Honda car model was No. 2 just behind the Ford F-Series family. Understandably, the F-Series is also the best-selling vehicle in the United States.
Pickup trucks and SUVs are some of the most commonly targeted vehicle types, as their ground clearance makes for easier access for a cat thief. Still, quick opportunists with cutting tools chose the Honda Accord above popular trucks and SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer, and the Chevrolet Silverado.
Why do people steal catalytic converters?
Thieves target catalytic converters for two reasons: value and access. The valuable materials in a cat include high-dollar metals like rhodium, palladium, and platinum. However, the location of a cat on a vehicle, typically between the muffler and mid-pipe area of the exhaust system, makes the component easy to access.
What’s more, a stolen catalytic converter from a Honda or another car could be worth over $1,500. As a result, thieves get a significant return for a short, risky maneuver. And short, it is; a skilled thief can make off with a severed cat in a couple of minutes. Unfortunately, the practice is so common that law enforcement agencies find stashes of stolen catalytic converters in shipping containers worldwide. Tragically, a container of ill-gotten cats could be worth millions of dollars.
How much is a catalytic converter on a Honda Accord?
Unfortunately for owners of the popular Honda car, a replacement catalytic converter for an Accord can cost around $2,700, per RepairPal. As a result, a stolen cat can be just as irritating for owners as it is lucrative for sticky-fingered criminals.
Still, many comprehensive insurance policies will cover you in case of a significant component theft like a missing cat.
Can I drive my Honda Accord or another car without a catalytic converter?
While driving your Honda Accord without a catalytic converter is possible, we don’t recommend it. You’ll likely notice a stolen cat on startup when your vehicle is louder and more odiferous than before.
Still, owners should replace a stolen cat whenever possible, as harmful emissions will increase without the part. Keep up with MotorBiscuit for the latest car content and consumer advice!
