Miller CAT Radar Shield

Why Honda catalytic converters are prime targets

A catalytic converter contains platinum, palladium, and rhodium — all rare earth metals with significant commodity value. Honda vehicles, particularly the CR-V and Accord, are well-documented targets for converter theft for a combination of reasons:

• High precious metal concentration: Honda converters are prized by scrap dealers for their precious metal content, fetching $200–500+ per unit.
• Easy undercarriage access: CR-Vs have natural ground clearance that makes accessing the exhaust system easier. No jack required in many cases.
• No VIN numbers: Unlike the car body or major mechanical components, catalytic converters carry no Vehicle Identification Number. Once removed, they're completely untraceable.
• Interchangeable parts: Honda converters work across multiple models and years, creating deep, consistent demand in the parts market.
• Speed: An experienced crew with a battery-powered reciprocating saw can remove a converter in 5–10 minutes. No need to move the car. It happens right where it's parked.

The repair cost makes this especially painful. A converter replacement on a newer Honda typically runs $1,500–4,000 depending on the model and where you live. That's often more than your comprehensive deductible. You end up paying out of pocket even with insurance.

What the Miller CAT Radar Shield does

The Miller CAT Radar Shield is a steel security cage that mounts around your catalytic converter, dramatically increasing the difficulty and time required for removal. The shield:

• Encases the converter in a hardened steel cage that resists cutting tools
• Is designed specifically for Honda applications, not a generic fit
• Requires significantly more time and specialized tools to defeat than the unprotected converter
• Sends crews looking for easier targets

The Miller CAT design has earned a strong reputation among Honda owners. It's built for Honda exhaust geometry, not a universal plate that may or may not fit your vehicle.

My experience — placeholder for your story

Honest limitations

• Not defeat-proof: A crew with enough time and the right grinder will get through it. The goal is to make it not worth the effort relative to an unprotected vehicle nearby.
• Professional installation recommended: Unlike the OBD lock or steering lock, the CAT shield installation is an underneath-the-car job. Most owners have a shop handle it.
• Model-year specific: Verify your exact year and trim before ordering. Miller CAT has specific variants — the fitment page on their listing should be your guide.

The math

At current prices, the Miller CAT Radar Shield costs a fraction of one converter replacement. If it protects your converter even once over the car's lifetime, it has paid for itself many times over. Given the current theft environment for Hondas in urban areas, this isn't a paranoid calculation.