An after-treatment component detection system may include an exhaust system configured to include an after-treatment component configured to remove one or more constituents of the exhaust gases. The detection system may include an upstream temperature sensor configured to measure temperature upstream from the after-treatment component, a downstream temperature sensor configured to measure temperature downstream from the after-treatment component, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive signals indicative of upstream temperature measurements from the upstream sensor and signals indicative of downstream temperature measurements from the downstream sensor and determine an upstream rate of temperature change and a downstream rate of temperature change. The controller may also be configured to compare the upstream rate of temperature change to the downstream rate of temperature change and generate a fault if the upstream rate of temperature change and the downstream rate of temperature change differ by less than a predetermined amount.