Toyota Prius owners might want to leave their cars in the garage tonight since, according to a new list from Carfax, these hybrid cars are the #1 target for catalytic converter theft in the West.
This week, the vehicle history company published a list of the top cars in the nation that are prime candidates for their catalytic converters. Ford F-Series pickup trucks from 1985 to 2021 and Honda Accords from 1989 to 2020 are at the top of the list nationwide, but the Toyota Prius, which was ranked No. 10 nationally as a target, is No. 1 in the West.
In order to create its lists, Carfax examined service records for new catalytic converter installations from more than 60,000 repair facilities nationwide between 2019 and the first three months of 2022.
The top vehicles in the West that catalytic converter thieves target are:
- 2001–present Toyota Prius
- Ford F-Series from 1985 to 2021
- Honda Accord 1989–2020
- Ford Econoline 1990–2022
- 1999-2021 a Chevy Silverado
- Subaru Outback, 2007–20
- Jeep Patriot, 2007–2017
- Element Honda 2003–2011
- Forester Subaru, 1998-2020
- Toyota Tacoma, 1995–2021
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that during the pandemic, catalytic converter thefts increased dramatically across the nation, rising by more than 325% in just one year. Due to the rising value of the precious metals used in catalytic converters, these thefts increased, with thieves earning up to $300 for a typical catalytic converter. Due to the higher amount of precious metals used in hybrid vehicles, a catalytic converter stolen from one can fetch up to $1,400.
While waiting for their vehicles to be repaired, owners may have to spend between $1,000 and $3,000 out of pocket.
Vehicle owners should aim to park in well-lit places and be mindful of their surroundings if parking in a garage is not an option. Owners of vehicles might also think about installing an anti-theft device or having their converters laser-etched with the VIN.
In This Article...
Which automobiles are most susceptible to having their catalytic converters stolen?
These are the vehicles that need catalytic converters the most.
- Ford F-Series pickup trucks from 1985 to 2021 (F-150, F-250, etc.)
- Honda Accord: 1989–2020.
- Jeep Patriot, 2007–2017.
- Ford Econoline vans from 1990 to 222.
- Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks from 1999 to 2021.
- Chevy Equinox, model years 2005–21.
- Honda CR-V, which is available from 1997 until 2020.
- Toyota Camry, 1987–2019.
What are the prices of Toyota catalytic converters?
When sold as scrap, Toyota catalytic converters can fetch between $75 and $700. Depending on the brand and model of the car, a catalytic converter’s price can change. The Toyota Prius has some of the most expensive catalytic converters.
What models of Toyota catalytic converters are stolen?
A study on the growing nationwide catalytic converter theft trend was just published by NICB. According to the data, catalytic converter thieves favor some automobiles over others in California.
In California over the last three years, the Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Honda Accord, Ford Econoline, Honda CRV, Ford F-250, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, Ford Excursion, and Toyota Tacoma have been the most often targeted vehicles for catalytic converter theft.
This article’s information is of a broad nature. Please get in touch with the qualified individual that the Region has identified if you are a member of the NICB or a member of law enforcement and are interested in more specific information. We won’t give the public any further information because of the private nature of our investigations.
Please remember that everyone who has been accused of a crime, detained, or indicted should be treated as innocent until and unless they are found guilty.
What steps is Toyota doing to combat catalytic converter theft?
Toyota (GB) declared in May 2021 that it will surreptitiously mark more than 100,000 catalytic converters to deter theft. By collaborating with law enforcement and Smartwater, catalytic converters can be marked with an undetectable yet traceable marking, enabling police to link a stolen catalytic converter to a specific crime and aid organized gangs in their attempts to commit that crime. All people handling the gadgets along the criminal supply chain, from theft to final destruction and recycling, are likewise put at greater risk.
The catalytic converter marking service is free; clients only need to make an appointment by calling their neighborhood Toyota or Lexus dealer.
Toyota has also provided 20,000 Smartwater kits to local law enforcement to aid in their anti-catalyst theft campaigns. In order for its patrols to direct consumers to locations where they may receive a free kit, the business is also collaborating with Toyota’s roadside partner, the AA.
We have also created the “Catloc” gadget, which can hinder theft and make it more difficult, and decreased the cost of it. Toyota teams are actively investigating new technical options to dissuade crooks in the UK and other nations.
We are collaborating with the police and the administration to modify the rules regarding the selling of scrap metal in order to make it more difficult for criminals to sell stolen catalysts for money.
However, since these are illegal activities, our options are constrained. Several police departments are taking action, and other departments, like Nottinghamshire, are also launching awareness campaigns. Anyone who is a victim of this crime must immediately report it to their local police force. This is crucial.
The latest generations of Toyota catalytic converters contain significantly less precious metals than earlier generations while performing their functions just as well or even better; as a result, their value for recycling is extremely low and they are not attractive to thieves. As a result, older cars continue to be targeted.
Does a Catloc give my car 100% protection from thieves?
Awfully, no. It can make theft more challenging, but since thieves are utilizing powerful cutting equipment to remove catalytic converters, it is impossible to make them “unstealable.” A Catloc slows down criminals and serves as a deterrent by making it more difficult to steal a catalytic converter. As previously said, we are making every effort to look for other technological choices for customers.
How can I prevent a theft of my catalytic converter?
Use a locked garage, regularly shift your car’s place, or park in well-lit areas close to exits for the general public. Install a theft prevention device. Install cameras and motion-activated lights in your parking area. Some local police departments even provide free painting programs to dissuade purchasers by painting your catalytic converter.
How can a catalytic converter theft be stopped?
Many owners don’t bother to report thefts of catalytic converters, according to an insurance bureau representative, since they cannot afford the $1,500 to $5,000 replacement cost and lack comprehensive insurance, which would cover the loss.
The NICB suggests that car owners install an anti-theft device, which is effectively a cage mounted around the converter, and park their cars in well-lit areas whenever feasible to prevent criminals.
Cheser is thinking of getting a cage, but the mechanic who serviced his converter said it wouldn’t deter burglars so much as just slow them down.
Cheser claims that after his experience, state or federal laws to control or outlaw the resale of catalytic converters is what he hopes to see.
Cheser observed, “It seems like it’s only getting worse.” People may experience it at the worst possible time, when they are forced to switch to public transportation, which is occasionally unreliable.
Which automobile has the most expensive catalytic converter?
The Ferrari F430 reportedly had the most costly catalytic converter, with a whopping $3,770.00 price tag, according to data from 2020. In addition, the F430 required two of these, costing $7,540 before labor for a complete replacement.
Despite the fact that the converter for the Lamborghini Aventador is officially the third most expensive, at $3,120, we’re ranking it second since, like the F430, it needs two converters. The total cost of replacement now stands at $6,240. If you can buy a Ferrari or a Lamborghini, you can probably afford a catalytic converter at any price, it practically goes without saying.
Although it is not as unique as a Lamborghini or a Ferrari, the car with the second (or third) most expensive catalytic converter has a highly well-regarded vehicle line. The Ram 2500, which costs $3,460 for a catalytic converter, has that distinction.
The Ford F-250, which is the fourth most costly car, will cost drivers $2,804, which is a big discount from the top three. The Ford Mustang rounds out the top five with a comparatively low price tag of $1,500. Depending on the type and model of the car, the average catalytic converter costs between $800 and $1,200. In general, the converter costs more the bigger the engine.
Remember that only the cost of the converter unit is included in these costs. If you have a damaged converter, additional exhaust components and labor costs may increase the overall cost of repair.
Cars lacking catalytic converters can still be driven.
The catalytic converter works as a component of an automobile’s exhaust system to lessen air pollution. Driving without a catalytic converter won’t in any way harm your engine or your vehicle.
How much are catalytic converters for Toyota RAV4s worth?
Between $1,308 and $1,359 is the typical price range for a Toyota RAV4 catalytic converter replacement. While parts are priced between $1,147 and $1,156, labor is predicted to cost between $161 and $203 per hour. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account.
What is the catalytic converter warranty for Toyota?
The Toyota warranty is divided into sections that cover particular parts. The warranty handbook that comes with your car and is also available online from Toyota goes into great detail on these. The Toyota warranty is made up of the following broad coverages, in that order:
- Restraint Systems Warranty: This takes effect if your seat belts or air bags aren’t working properly.
- Toyota increased its hybrid warranty for cars made in 2020 and beyond from 8 years/100,000 miles to 10 years/150,000 miles. This warranty covers problems with the electric drivetrain system, hybrid battery, and other hybrid-related parts.
- Guarantee on Accessories: This warranty applies to any Toyota accessories installed on the car at the time of purchase. The warranty period for aftermarket accessories begins one year after the date of installation.
- Emission Control Warranty: Each part’s warranty period is different. The guarantee period for parts like the fuel tank and exhaust manifold is three years and three thousand miles, while the warranty period for the catalytic converter and the engine control module is eight years and eight thousand miles.
- Toyota will repair sheet metal body panels that rust through within the first five years of ownership. Corrosion Perforation Warranty.
- Powertrain Warranty: The engine, transmission, drive axles, and other moving parts of your automobile are covered by this Toyota warranty.
- Toyota’s bumper-to-bumper warranty, known as Basic Coverage, essentially covers all mechanical and electrical components with the exception of a few items listed in the warranty handbook.