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...
The value of Prius catalytic converters
Although catalytic converters are a common target for thieves across the board, those found in hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles are particularly lucrative due to the fact that they contain more of the component than those found in other types of vehicles.
Why are hybrid catalytic converters stolen?
Your catalytic converters are in high demand from thieves. According to the most recent data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau as published by Carfax, claims of catalytic converter theft soared by more than 1,200% between 2019 and 2021.
Compared to 3,969 thefts in 2019, there were 52,206 reported catalytic converter thefts in 2021. Since owners might not report the theft to their insurance provider, the figure could be larger. In any case, the startling increase implies that both new and used cars are at risk, and owners may be responsible for repairs and replacements that cost between $1,000 and $3,000, according to the NICB.
The pollution-controlling device, which has been required for the majority of passenger cars since 1975, resembles a little muffler and is installed in the middle of the exhaust system between the two axles. Thieves can easily gain access to it because it is beneath the car by sliding underneath it and cutting the exhaust pipe at either end.
Other than the fact that they are good for the environment, what makes catalytic converters so special? the priceless metals need to create them.
The sharp increase in catalytic converter thefts is a result of the soaring prices of platinum, palladium, and rhodium. According to Carfax, thieves may earn anything from $300 on regular cats to $1,400 on hybrid ones.
The number of thefts of these gadgets increases along with the price of precious metals, according to a statement from the NICB. Crisis situations, a lack of resources, and disruptions in the supply chain are all clearly related to these thefts.
Compared to other vehicles, some are superior targets. Given how common the models are in driveways and on streets, it should come as no surprise that the most popular automobiles are those that are most negatively impacted. Carfax analyzed service data from more than 60,000 service facilities across the US to determine the most prevalent thefts both nationally and by area.
The Toyota Prius hybrid had more thefts in the west region, proving that location matters, even if the most popular Ford F-150 had the largest number of cat thefts worldwide and in three of the four regions.
It did not specify the precise number of models impacted, but it did rank the vehicles according to volume:
Which Prius model year has catalytic converter theft?
According to a recent study by the Highway Loss Data Institute, theft claim frequency for Toyota Prius cars from 2004 to 2009 was astonishingly 40 times greater in 2020 than in 2016 because of the valuable metals included in its catalytic converter (HLDI).
Thefts of catalytic converters have been rising across the country, going from about 100 per month in 2018 to more than 1,200 per month in 2020. This is due to the fact that recyclers are now willing to pay thieves more for the platinum, rhodium, palladium, and other metals found in the components.
Due to decreased mining output in recent years, which was a trend that was worsened by the epidemic, metal prices have skyrocketed.
Prius is currently being targeted because hybrid vehicles’ catalytic converters require more precious metals to function correctly because they don’t heat up as much as those found on traditional automobiles because their combustion engines only operate occasionally. To put it another way, Prius models provide burglars with a larger haul of precious metals.
Prius fleet owners should be aware of some specific statistics from the HLDI report.
The increase in claim frequency is notable, to begin with. In 2020, there were 58.1 theft claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years for Toyota Prius cars from 2004 to 2009, up from 1.4 claims in 2016. A more than 45-fold rise from $3 in 2016 to approximately $137 per insured vehicle per year in total stolen losses for those Prius vehicles in 2020. In comparison, the frequency of theft claims for all other 2004–2009 automobiles barely changed between 2016 and 2020, and total losses stayed around $7.
The analysis looks into pricing as well. Older Prius catalytic converters fetch a pretty price, and thieves appear to be aware of this and taking advantage of the trend.
Now compare those figures to the converter employed from 1999 to 2006 in General Motors automobiles like the Chevrolet Impala and Pontiac Grand Am. The converter used in the 2007 Ford F-150 FX4 was only $143, but they were valued at $269.
The bottom line: Compared to newer Prius models and practically any other vehicles on the market, older Prius models command top pay when it comes to selling catalytic converters to recyclers who reprocess them.
Catalytic converter theft is a persistent problem. 1,298 thefts of catalytic converters were reported in 2018, while 3,389 thefts were reported in 2019. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that reported catalytic converter thefts increased significantly to 14,433 in 2020.
How are Prius catalytic converters taken by thieves?
The location of these items in our cars may have altered as a result of the increase in thefts. Catalytic converters must operate at extremely high temperatures to ensure proper operation. These converters are thought to have a maximum efficiency of about 752F.
The original location of these units was near the engine of an automobile, however the superheat source caused mechanical problems. The converters had to relocate to our autos and other vehicles. Now that they are frequently discovered underneath the car, they are a target for thieves.
In a matter of minutes, thieves may rip the entire unit out from underneath the car. Only a power saw is necessary.
Catalytic converter thefts have increased in part because of a shortfall in the supply chain, in addition to the high price of catalytic converter scrap. By their very nature, precious metals are difficult to obtain. There is an unintentional black market for catalytic converters because it is difficult for authorized dealers to produce more of them.
A Prius can be operated without a catalytic converter.
Oh, no! That breaks my heart, dear. The worst are thieves. Although it is possible to operate a Prius without a catalytic converter, this is not a recommended long-term option. You won’t get as much out of your Prius, and it won’t pass an emissions test.
What to do if a catalytic converter is stolen is as follows:
- Make a police report and contact the police.
- You can drive the automobile there if you bring it to a repair shop!
If your catalytic converter is not replaced, you can anticipate
- driving recklessly and accelerating suddenly
- unsuccessful emissions tests
- obnoxious engine noise
Hopefully, this was useful. I’m so sorry you fell victim to theft, but I hope you can obtain some assistance with the cost of your replacement catalytic converter!
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How can I prevent the theft of my Prius’ catalytic converter?
According to Arantxa Chavarria, the public information officer for the Long Beach, California, police department, purchasing a cable locking device is significantly less expensive than replacing a catalytic converter. Such tools to safeguard the catalytic converter, which is a component of the exhaust system that runs along the bottom of your car, are readily available online. The cost of the anti-theft gadgets installed by Sandman’s shop ranges from $250 to $800.
Here are a some of the most well-liked gadgets:
a steel shield that covers the catalytic converter and must be removed with special tools and time.
Some muffler companies will weld such a component specifically to your car. However, Sandman warns that because the exhaust system is typically suspended from the car by sound-absorbing hangers, installing the catalytic converter directly to the frame of the vehicle may be noisy.
What can I do to keep my catalytic converter from being stolen?
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.
What vehicle has the highest rate of catalytic converter theft?
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.
How much is a catalytic converter for a Toyota Prius worth?
Estimated cost to replace the catalytic converter in a Toyota Prius. Replacement catalytic converters for Toyota Prius models typically cost between $2,124 and $2,151. Between $87 and $110 is the expected cost of labor, and between $2,037 and $2,041 is the projected cost of parts.
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 can I tell if my Prius’ catalytic converter was stolen?
Can I drive without a catalytic converter? is a common question that many customers ask when faced with the recovery costs of a stolen “cat?
Both yes and no are the responses. A automobile can theoretically run without a catalytic converter. This, however, is not a viable long-term solution. Here are several issues that arise when you drive without a catalytic converter.
Loud Vehicle Noises and Missing Catalytic Converter
Extremely loud engine noises are the first indication that a catalytic converter has been stolen. Driving without a catalytic converter may cause your car to sound like it is roaring, especially when you start it or give it gas.
Rough Driving and Acceleration
Your car will drive rougher as your exhaust isn’t controlled. Normally, your engine pushes exhaust through the catalytic converter. Without this part, the intense exhaust push will result in unpleasant acceleration that is uneven.
Annual Vehicle Inspection Failure
You will fail both the NC safety inspection and the NC emissions inspection if you don’t have a catalytic converter. You might be asking why a missing catalytic converter would result in you failing your safety inspection, even though the failure of the emissions check may seem evident.
An exhaust system check is part of your annual safety inspection, and it specifically looks for components that have been altered or removed. Among others, this pertains to your catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipe, PCP valve, and EGR valve.
As a result, without a catalytic converter, you will not be able to renew your vehicle’s registration. On our list of everything checked during your yearly safety inspection, you may find more details on exhaust system inspections.