However, not all catalytic converters are sought-after by thieves. Some models are more valuable because they include more precious metals. Other cars purify exhaust fumes more effectively, so the valuable metals in their converters aren’t rusted or tainted as much.
If you drive one of the following makes or models, you might want to adjust how you park or make a purchase to secure your catalytic converter:
In This Article...
Toyota Prius
For Prius hybrid vehicles manufactured between 2004 and 2009, catalytic converter theft reportedly surged 40-fold in 2020. Over the past 24 months, around 6% of insured ’04-’09 Prius owners filed insurance claims for Prius converter theft, compared to less than 0.1 percent in 2016. This is due to the regular second-generation Toyota Prius catalytic converter’s (CD3+EA6) average scrap price of nearly $1,000.
It’s riskier to purchase an older Prius because catalytic converter changes might be expensive as well. In extreme cases, a catalytic converter thief might also cause damage to other crucial parts, which might even cause the automobile to be written off. You obviously don’t want this to occur to you.
If you have an earlier Prius model, you might want to sell it and buy a more recent model that is less likely to be broken into. Even a 2017 Prius is a wiser purchase because it still gets good fuel economy and their catalytic converter can be scrapped for less than $500, making the risk of theft much reduced.
Trucks
Trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Tacoma are common candidates for converter theft because of their greater ride height. Thieves may simply slide underneath the car, remove the catalytic converter, and go on their way without having to jack it up.
Hybrid Vehicles
The most vulnerable vehicles to catalytic converter theft are hybrid SUVs and automobiles. This covers all hybrid automobiles, including the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, RAV4 Hybrid, and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. Always protect your hybrid car against cat theft by adhering to the advice below.
Which automobiles are most susceptible to having their catalytic converters stolen?
Despite the fact that thefts of catalytic converters are frequently crimes of opportunity, many criminals target particular vehicles because of the cost of the catalytic converter, the prevalence of the vehicles, and the ease with which the catalytic converter may be accessed.
CARFAX discovered that the following automobiles are the most frequently targeted for catalytic converter theft by consulting their partner repair facilities:
These are merely the models, though, whose catalytic converters are stolen most frequently. Depending on a few additional conditions, your car may also be vulnerable to catalytic converter theft. Here is an example of the car kinds that are even more vulnerable to catalytic converter theft:
Luxury vehicles
With a staggering price tag of $3,770 per unit, the Ferrari F430 wins the Most Valuable Catalytic Converter Award. Given that the F430 has two converters, they make for a sizable target for thieves.
Catalytic converters for Lamborghinis are likewise exceedingly expensive, costing on average $3,000 each.
Hybrid vehicles
The catalytic converter of a car tends to be more valued the more emission-friendly the vehicle is. The entire cost of these automobiles rises because they require more of the pricey metal palladium.
Older vehicles
Catalytic converters in larger, older automobiles are more valuable than those in newer, more efficient vehicles because to their concentration of valuable metals and general lack of environmental friendliness.
SUVs and trucks
Two factors influence the targeting of larger vehicles and SUVs. First off, a bigger engine translates into a more expensive catalytic converter. For instance, at a startling $2,000, the catalytic converters on the Dodge Ram 2500 are almost as valuable as those on Ferraris.
Second, their height from the ground makes it simpler for thieves to steal their converters.
Other models with valuable catalytic converters
Of course, there are vehicles that don’t fit into any one category but feature catalytic converters that are more useful for a variety of reasons.
Is there a catalytic converter on a 2018 RAV4?
The exhaust system on your 2018 Toyota RAV4 includes the catalytic converter. The carbon monoxide produced during combustion is converted into carbon dioxide by the catalytic converter.
What can I do to deter burglars from taking 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 I prevent the theft of my car’s catalytic converter?
Three measures to prevent the theft of catalytic converters
- 1) Write the number from your license plate onto the catalytic converter. Law enforcement can identify the part because of this.
- 2) Park in locations that are well-lit.
- 3) Set up a theft prevention system.
Which cars are least likely to have their catalytic converters stolen?
The likelihood of a catalytic converter being stolen from a car is far lower if it is installed in the engine compartment. Catalysts are often less valuable for many American and some Asian auto companies. You can also purchase a car that is older, electric, diesel, or without a catalytic converter.
Certain Brand Cars
Due to the lower value of their catalytic converters, American brands like Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler are less likely to be stolen. This group includes several Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda, and Subaru cars.
Many brands employed cat-inspired designs that constrained the amount of precious metals present. The majority of thieves conduct adequate research to know to avoid using these brands.
Cars with Converters in the Engine Compartment
Instead of being further back on the vehicle’s exhaust system, the catalytic converter is often positioned in the engine compartment of some vehicles. It is significantly more challenging for a burglar to take it because of this design.
Theft will move on to a different model since no one wants to put in the extra effort to get to these kitties. This category includes numerous automobiles, including those made by Audi, BMW, Honda, and Volkswagen.
Cars Built Before 1974
You don’t have to be concerned about catalytic converter theft if your car was made before 1974. None of these cars are equipped with catalytic converters.
Following that, the authorities started cleaning up the pollution. Therefore, having a catalytic converter was required for all automobiles.
Electric Cars
Catalytic converters reduce the emissions from gasoline or diesel fuel. As a result, vehicles that run on electricity do not have catalytic converters.
There is nothing to clean because the car isn’t generating gaseous waste. There will be no use of gas or diesel power while the battery is charged by plugging into a power source. Popular options include the Tesla Model S, Volkswagen e-gold, and Audi E-Tron.
Diesel Vehicles
Compared to gasoline-powered automobiles, diesel vehicles employ a different kind of catalytic converter. The majority of converter burglars are aware that these aren’t as valuable as gas catalytic converters.
In most cases, rhodium, palladium, or platinum are not used in the construction of diesel converters or so-called particle filters. Thieves frequently abandon the diesel vehicle because they are after these rich metals instead.
When are catalytic converters stolen from cars?
- 2001present Toyota Prius
- Ford F-Series from 1985 to 2021
- Honda Accord 19892020
- Ford Econoline 19902022
- 1999-2021 a Chevy Silverado
- Subaru Outback, 200720
- Jeep Patriot, 20072017
- Element Honda 20032011
- Forester Subaru, 1998-2020
- Toyota Tacoma, 19952021
Hondas and vehicles with a higher ground clearance are being targeted. The Sacramento State Police Department noted in a statement that these thefts have mainly occurred near Hornet Commons, Parking Lot 10, Parking Structure 5, and Folsom Hall.
A catalytic converter is standard equipment in all automobiles created after 1974. Criminals frequently use a jack and an angle grinder to quickly steal catalytic converters in order to get their hands on and sell the highly sought-after metals they contain.