2004 Honda Accord Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Tips
Catalytic converter theft is on the rise. Here’s how to protect your 2004 Honda Accord.
Written by John Davis
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Some of the best ways to protect your 2004 Honda Accord from catalytic converter theft include parking in a secure location, installing an anti-theft device, and tagging your cat with your car's VIN.
As the number of catalytic converter thefts continues to climb, there's never been a better time to start taking steps to prevent yourself from falling victim to this crime. And since your 2004 Honda Accord is one of
the vehicles most targeted by catalytic converter thieves
, you have all the more reason to take preventative measures against the crime. Luckily, we put together this complete guide for 2004 Honda Accord owners. We'll explain how common catalytic converter theft is for your car, how to prevent it, and what type of car insurance you need to shield yourself.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversIs it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a 2004 Honda Accord?
It is fairly easy to steal the catalytic converter from a 2004 Honda Accord, and four-cylinder models are especially attractive targets. That's because the 2004 Accord has a catalytic converter located beneath the vehicle in relatively plain view. Six-cylinder models have a converter in the same location but also have two additional converters in the engine bay attached to the exhaust manifolds.
The good news is that your Accord is still a somewhat less attractive target than vehicles with greater ground clearance, like trucks and SUVs. Large pickup trucks, like the
Toyota Tundra
, Toyota Tacoma
, and Chevrolet Silverado
, are all easy and attractive targets for thieves. SUVs, like the Toyota Sequoia
and the Toyota 4Runner
, are also frequent targets. But don't let your Accord's low ride height give you a false sense of security. A skilled crew of cat thieves can jack up your car and make off with the cat in just a few minutes.
MORE: How long do Hondas last?
Why are 2004 Honda Accord catalytic converters stolen?
Catalytic converters reduce the number of harmful emissions that your vehicle expels into the atmosphere. They accomplish this feat using a catalyst made of highly-expensive precious metals like rhodium, platinum, and palladium. The price of these materials per ounce has risen exponentially in the past few years, triggering a wave of crime.
But it's not just the price of the metals contributing to the rise in crime—catalytic converters are also usually very easy to access. Because most catalytic converters are built into the exhaust pipe on the bottom of the car, thieves simply need to get under the vehicle and cut off the cat with a battery-powered saw.
2004 Honda Accord catalytic converter replacement cost
If you need a catalytic converter replacement for your 2004 Honda Accord, you should expect to spend between $350 and upwards of $2,000.
Catalytic converters are expensive, and there's no way around that fact. You can drastically reduce the replacement cost if you find a mechanic willing to install an aftermarket part, but you'll still need to ensure that you choose a quality cat that meets the EPA's standards.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a 2004 Honda Accord
Since catalytic converter theft almost always results in a costly repair job, it's critical that you take steps to protect yourself from this crime. Here is a list of the most effective methods for preventing your Honda Accord from falling victim to catalytic converter theft.
Park in a secure area
If you can deny thieves access to your vehicle, you can practically guarantee its safety. The best way to do this is to park in a secure area. While a locked garage is ideal, a well-lit parking lot or driveway with motion-triggered cameras and floodlights is also an effective way to prevent catalytic converter theft.
Install an anti-theft device
Another basic and effective way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to purchase and install an
anti-theft device
on your Honda Accord. These devices usually consist of a thick metal shield or even a cage that surrounds and protects your cat. Etch your VIN on the catalytic converter
Although it might not deter thieves, scratching
your car's VIN
onto the cat will make it more difficult to sell the part to a scrapyard. And if a thief crawls under your car and sees the VIN on your cat, they may think twice before ripping it off and trying to sell it. Invest in comprehensive insurance
One final way to protect yourself from catalytic converter theft is to invest in a quality
car insurance
plan that includes comprehensive insurance
. While purchasing this coverage won't actually stop a thief from stealing your cat, it will allow you to file a claim for the theft, which can make a huge difference when it comes time to pay for the repairs. What to do if your 2004 Honda Accord's catalytic converter is stolen
If your 2004 Honda Accord's catalytic converter is stolen, the first thing you should do is contact the police. Even if the police are unable to locate your stolen part, you'll be able to file a police report, which is useful for the next step—filing a claim with your insurance company.
If you don't have comprehensive insurance, you won't be able to file a claim for the stolen cat. But as long as you prepared yourself by including this coverage in your plan, you should be able to submit a claim to help reduce your repair costs.
Can you drive a 2004 Honda Accord without a catalytic converter?
Yes, you can drive your Honda without a catalytic converter. However, you will be unable to pass emissions tests, which may prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration.
Furthermore, it is illegal to drive a car without a catalytic converter in all 50 U.S. states, even in areas that do not have emissions rules.
If your catalytic converter is stolen, the best move—for yourself and the planet—is to replace it immediately.
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Does a 2004 Honda Accord have a catalytic converter?
Yes, a 2004 Honda Accord has either one or three catalytic converters, depending on its engine type. Models with the V6 engine have three converters—two in the engine bay attached to the exhaust manifolds and one below the car—while four-cylinder models only have one cat located beneath the vehicle.
What should I do if someone is trying to steal my Honda Accord catalytic converter?
If you catch someone in the act trying to steal your catalytic converter, the smartest thing to do is call the police. Security cameras and motion-activated lights can help prevent theft.
What are some signs to look for when a catalytic converter is stolen?
If your catalytic converter is stolen, you'll most likely notice it immediately, thanks to the incredibly loud noise that will be coming from your exhaust. In addition to the noise, you'll likely also notice a rougher-than-normal ride and strong exhaust smells.
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