Although catalytic converter theft has been a problem for years, it has significantly increased since 2019—by around 400%. A number of problems have made this increase in crime worse.
Prices for rhodium, palladium, platinum, and other precious metals have significantly risen as a result of decreased mining production of the precious metals used in catalytic converters. (For instance, rhodium sells for about $10,000 per ounce, which is equivalent to about 15-20 catalytic converters.)
Even worse, as global pollution regulations have become stricter, more of these precious metals are needed in emissions control components like catalytic converters.
Catalytic converter demand has increased while global manufacturing has decreased, creating a supply-demand imbalance that has only been made worse by persistent catalytic converter thefts. Some thieves take catalytic converters to sell, while others might take them to put in their own cars.
It’s also surprisingly simple for thieves to rip out catalytic converters. Any skilled thief with a cordless saw can slide underneath a car in about a minute and remove the converter. This makes it challenging to apprehend a robber in progress. Due to their lightweight nature, it is less dangerous for thieves to target a packed parking lot in the middle of the day.
On top of that, only a few jurisdictions have rules in place to prevent vendors and buyers, such scrapyards, from conducting business. Stolen catalytic converters have no distinguishing characteristics. Recent anti-theft initiatives by Toyota include a pilot scheme that will enable Toyota owners in the UK to physically mark their catalytic converters for identification. (There isn’t a comparable option available in America as of 2022, but there might be in the future.)
In This Article...
How much is a catalytic converter for a Toyota RAV4 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.
Is there a catalytic converter in the Toyota RAV4 Prime?
Registered. This is the RAV4’s catalytic converter (from the video above). It’s up near the front third of the car. The two pipelines appear to be simple to reach and cut.
What is the cost of a Toyota catalytic converter?
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 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 can I keep catalytic converter thieves out of my car?
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.
Which vehicle has the highest scrap value for catalytic converters?
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.
What automobiles are vulnerable to catalytic converter theft?
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.
Which catalytic converters sell for the most money as scrap?
Because they typically include the most precious metals and are sought-after even as used parts, exotic cars command the greatest price.
Toyota Land Cruiser and Prius are the best-ranked common passenger cars. While Prius is a unique breed with two converters on a small-sized engine and can fetch a good price when sold all at once, Land Cruiser has enormous cat converters.
Which vehicles’ catalytic converters are the simplest to steal?
There are many producers whose catalytic converters are typically less expensive and less likely to be stolen.
- Chrysler.
- Dodge.
- GMC.
- Hyundai.
- Jeep.
- Mazda.
- Nissan.
- Subaru.
What causes the theft of Toyota catalytic converters?
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.
When are catalytic converters stolen from cars?
The catalytic converters are taken in what way? 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. The heinous crime costs car owners a lot of money.
A catalytic converter is not required for an automobile to operate.
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 quickly can a catalytic converter be stolen?
How Are They Taken By Thieves? Unfortunately, it’s fairly simple to steal a catalytic converter. Typically, thieves use a reciprocating saw powered by a battery to slide underneath a car and cut the exhaust line directly. It takes around two to three minutes and generates the same amount of noise as any power tool.
How much are catalytic converters worth to thieves?
Since the start of the pandemic, there has been an increase in the theft of catalytic converters, and law enforcement agencies around the nation are acting as a result.
In Los Angeles After noticing an increase in catalytic converter thefts since the start of the pandemic, U.S. law enforcement authorities are taking action.
“We’ve witnessed instances when they immediately grab the jacks, jack them up, shut them off, and keep an eye out for security, similar to NASCAR. The police typically purchase these products for $300 each, earning 10 to 20 per night “explained Detective Michael Ventura with the Los Angeles Police Department.
Tens of thousands of truck and car owners have suffered financial hardship as a result of the dramatic increase in catalytic converter thefts across the country, and the police have grown increasingly frustrated by the crime, which can be easily committed in a matter of minutes and is challenging to solve even if the parts are recovered.
The Phoenix Police Department recently seized more than 1,200 converters from a single storage unit in Arizona.
Since serial numbers are not inscribed on catalytic converters at the factory, stolen converters end up on the black market where they are cut open for the pricey metals they hold.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, an organization of the insurance industry that aims to combat insurance fraud and crime, replacing one can cost a driver between $1,000 and $3,000. According to the police, thieves might make between $100 and $150 each converter.
Just 3,969 reports of stolen catalytic converters were tallied by the insurance company in 2019, more than 17,000 in 2020, and more than 52,000 in 2017.
How can you tell if your 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.