Buy Acura MDX Catalytic Converters

The catalytic converter, sometimes called a cat converter, exhaust purifier, or emissions cleaner, sits in the Acura MDX exhaust to turn harmful gases into safer air. It uses precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium in a honeycomb core to strip pollution before the tailpipe releases it. When this part fails-or when thieves cut it out-owners can face warning lights, loud exhaust, or costly repairs. Laws from the U.S. EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) set strict rules on what replacement converters are legal, so choosing the right unit matters. (US EPA, EPA)

Inside every converter are tiny coated passages. Hot exhaust flows through, and the precious?metal coating sparks a reaction that breaks down carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides into carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen. (US EPA, The Department of Energy's Energy.gov)
Because SUVs like the MDX have bigger engines, engineers often install three converters-two small "manifold cats" close to the engine for fast warm-up and one larger "under-floor cat" downstream for extra cleansing. (MDXers)

• 2001-2006 (first gen): one converter on each bank plus a third farther back.
• 2007-2013 (second gen) and later: same triple-cat layout, with software controlling fuel trims to protect the rear warm-up cat. (NHTSA, YouTube)
  You can spot the under-floor converter by crawling behind the front wheels-thieves do, too. (Reddit)

• Check-engine light with trouble code P0420 or P0430 indicating "catalyst efficiency below threshold." (MDXers, MDXers)
• Rotten-egg smell or strong exhaust odor.
• Poor gas mileage and sluggish power.
• Rattling from a broken honeycomb inside.

Misfires, oil burning, or long-term rich fuel mixtures overheat the core, melt the precious metal washcoat, and ruin the converter. (NHTSA)
Using leaded or high-sulfur fuel, though rare today, can also poison the catalyst. (US EPA)

A mechanic uses an OBD-II scanner for codes, measures upstream/downstream oxygen-sensor readings, and may use an infrared thermometer to see if the cat is heating evenly. No temperature rise means no reaction. (MDXers)

Federal-level converters meet EPA rules in 49 states. CARB-approved converters carry an Executive Order (EO) number etched on the shell and are mandatory in California, Colorado, and New York for most vehicles. The CARB Aftermarket Catalytic Converter Database lists approved parts for each MDX model year. (California Air Resources Board, California Air Resources Board)
Swapping in a "test pipe" or gutted converter is illegal under the Clean Air Act and can bring heavy fines. (EPA)

Labor runs 1-3 hours because the front manifold cats sit tight against the firewall. Professional shops quote $1,200-$2,500 USD per converter for recent MDX models, depending on CARB or federal spec, while the under-floor unit usually costs less. (Insurance Journal)

Converter theft shot up nationwide between 2020 and 2022, with insurance claims leaping from 16,660 to 64,701. (National Insurance Crime Bureau) Older SUVs like first-gen MDXs are frequent targets because high ground clearance leaves the under-floor cat exposed. (Insurance Journal)
Hot-spot regions such as Los Angeles and Orange County led national claim counts for eight straight quarters. (Insurance Journal) New state laws and police crackdowns cut thefts sharply-State Farm data show a 74 % drop in 2024 claims, and Connecticut saw cases "practically cease" in 2024. (Insurance Journal, CT Insider)

• Weld an anti-theft shield or steel cage over the cat.
• Etch your VIN on the shell for traceability.
• Park in well-lit, camera-monitored areas. (National Insurance Crime Bureau, National Insurance Crime Bureau)

Keep spark plugs, coils, and O2 sensors in good shape so raw fuel does not overheat the catalyst. Change engine oil on time to limit oil consumption. Use fuel from reputable stations. (NHTSA)

Converters contain just a few grams of precious metals, yet a global supply-chain report lists them among critical materials. Reputable recyclers recover these metals and pay by the gram. Never throw a failed converter in household trash. (The Department of Energy's Energy.gov)

Certain 2007 MDX SUVs needed a software update because rich mixtures could damage the rear warm-up converter; dealers flashed the PCM free of charge. (NHTSA)
Under federal law, the original catalyst is covered for 8 years/80,000 miles from the in-service date. Replacement converters carry a minimum 25,000-mile emissions warranty when properly installed. (EPA NEPIS)

Q: What does a catalytic converter do?
A: It cleans exhaust by turning toxic gases into safer ones as you drive.

Q: How many converters does an Acura MDX have?
A: Most MDX models have three-two small ones at the engine and one larger unit under the floor. (MDXers)

Q: What are common trouble codes for a bad cat?
A: P0420 for Bank 1 and P0430 for Bank 2 catalyst efficiency. (MDXers)

Q: Can I drive with a failed converter?
A: Short trips may be possible, but power loss and rising emissions can damage the engine and break the law.

Q: Is a CARB-approved converter required nationwide?
A: Only certain states demand CARB parts, but they are legal everywhere and often higher quality. (California Air Resources Board)

Q: Why are converters stolen?
A: Thieves want the precious metals inside, which can fetch over $100 per unit at scrap yards. (National Insurance Crime Bureau)

Q: How long does replacement take?
A: A shop usually finishes in 1-3 hours, longer if bolts are rusty. (YouTube)

Q: Will high-mileage oil help my converter last?
A: Yes-reducing oil burn keeps the honeycomb from clogging.

Q: Can I install a used converter?
A: Federal rules forbid selling or installing used cats unless they meet strict testing, so new units are safer legally. (EPA)

Q: Do shields really stop theft?
A: Shields add cutting time and noise, making crooks move on to easier targets. (National Insurance Crime Bureau)

Q: Does the MDX have any catalytic converter recalls?
A: Only the 2007 model year had a software campaign to protect the rear cat. (NHTSA)

Q: How can I recycle a ruined converter responsibly?
A: Bring it to a certified recycler so the metals can be recovered and reused. (The Department of Energy's Energy.gov)

By understanding how this vital emissions filter works, spotting problems early, and protecting it from theft, you can keep your Acura MDX running clean and legal for years to come.