NHTSA Complaint #11488131 — 2007 HONDA CR-V

My catalytic converter was stolen when my car was parked. Honda owners has been targeted for its catalytic converters, and there are numerous reports of Honda’s cats being stolen. Honda has a major defect where it makes it easier for thieves to steal the cat in minutes. There are 3 major flaws with the product. 1) Hondas don’t automatically come with a cat converter steel shield, cage, or other protector to make them harder to steal. 2) Hondas don’t install their cat in the engine compartment like other car manufacturers to deter theft. 3) Honda’s cat contains valuable materials, which is why they are targeted. Other car brands tend to have less valuable catalysts so thieves are not incentivized to steal them. Because there are many cats being stolen, there is a shortage to replace them, and car owners have to wait weeks to months to get their cat replaced. It’s been almost 2 weeks, and my car is still at the mechanic’s waiting for a replacement catalytic converter. My safety, and the safety of my family, including two kids, were compromised because I had to drive my family home (and we live in a hilly area) without a cat as it was stolen Sunday evening, and I had to wait until the next day to get it to the mechanic’s. The warning light appeared when I started the car, but by the telltale sound my car made, I already knew the cat was stolen. A police report was filed and the claim with my insurance was completed. Cats are very expensive to replace and an inconvenience for a 1-car family. Now we don’t have a car to do basic necessities like take the kids to school, go grocery shopping for the family, go to work, and go to doctor appointments.