My cats were replaced in Aug/2001 and Oct/2001....Right & Left (leave it up the dealer to not replace both at the same time....but that's another story) Anyway, today I hear a ticking sound from underneath the car...I assume it's the cats again. :mad:

Is this possible and have this ever happened to anyone else?

The key is how many miles. The average lifespan seems to be anywhere from 50k - 80k miles or so.

I replaced driver's side at 120k and passenger side at 140k. At the time of replacement, each was rattling......so I should have probably done it sooner. I did notice a decline in mileage, and when the passenger side went it threw a check engine light code. I still have original o2 sensors in however. Dealer said as long as or until they throw a code, why replace them? I did OEM cats on both sides, at about 750 dollars each. They fit. Fully warranty for a year, and no codes. Mileage is way up (even without new o2 sensors...), and performance seems much better. Good luck. A necessary evil I guess.