Why Are Toyota Tundra Catalytic Converters Stolen

Due to the ease of access to its catalytic converters, the Toyota Tundra, like many other SUVs, is a common target. The high ground clearance of the Tundra makes it simple for thieves to slide under the car and remove the catalytic converter. With a battery-powered saw, a skilled catalytic converter thief may remove one in as little as 30 seconds.

The fact that Toyota is well recognized for using higher amounts of precious metals, such as Platinum, Rhodium, and Palladium in their catalytic converters for low vehicle exhaust emissions objectives, is another factor contributing to the Tundra’s popularity as a target for catalytic converter thieves. By acting as catalysts, these metals change toxic gases like carbon monoxide into less dangerous gases like carbon dioxide and water.

How much are catalytic converters for the Toyota Tundra worth?

Replacement catalytic converters for Toyota Tundras typically cost between $3,863 and $3,888. Between $63 and $79 is the expected cost of labor, while between $3,800 and $3,809 is the projected cost of parts. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account.

Are catalytic converters for Tundra stolen?

“Toyota parts departments have been giving quotes for these backordered catalytic converters for up to 9 months.

The three biggest insurers in the countryAll State, USAA, and State Farmhandled more than ten times as many catalytic converter theft claims in 2021 as compared to 2020.

For the frequently targeted Toyota Tundra, a new set of stolen catalytic converters might cost as much as $3,800. However, the lack of replacement units is the major problem. For these backordered catalytic converters, Toyota parts departments have provided estimates that can last up to nine months.

Here are a few pointers from mechanics and law enforcement organizations to prevent a painful experience and an expensive repair:

1. Recognize your vulnerability to catalytic converter theft

Unfortunately, the Toyota Tundra’s catalytic converter is an extremely high target item.

2. Attach a catalytic converter anti-theft device.

How many catalytic converters are there in a Toyota Tundra?

A vehicle’s catalytic converter is a crucial emissions control component. Before they are released into the atmosphere, it aids in converting hazardous emissions from the engine into less damaging gases. Two catalytic converters, one for the engine and one for the emissions control system, are normally included in a Toyota Tundra.

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How is Toyota combating the theft of catalytic converters?

To supply a first batch of 50,000 kits, Toyota is collaborating with the police and Smartwater, a company that makes marking kits that have been certified by the police. The invisible markers enable authorities to link a stolen catalytic converter to a specific crime, assisting them in their fight against the organized gangs involved.

How many cats are there in a tundra?

Here in the US, 2021 set a new record for catalytic converter theft, and 2022 is not looking much better.

In the news, you’ll learn of “the majority of stolen catalytic converters from vehicles like the Honda Element and Toyota Prius. In fact, no car is secure. A few years ago, I even had the catalytic converter stolen from a twenty-year-old POS Honda Accord.

Four catalytic converters are standard on a 20072021 Toyota Tundra of the second generation. Two are present “two catalytic converters underneath your truck and two in the front near the engine. The Tundra is gradually becoming as the thief’s favorite vehicle since there are more converters available to steal and because it is simple to crawl beneath one without a jack.

How can I prevent the 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.

Which catalytic converters for Toyotas are the most expensive?

The Toyota Prius has some of the most expensive catalytic converters. These are among the items that are most frequently stolen since they are made of platinum and other precious metals. Palladium.

What steps are being taken by automakers to combat catalytic converter theft?

The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that only 1,298 thefts were reported in 2018. However, the figure soared to 14,433 instances by 2020. According to NICB authorities, thefts are expected to grow significantly in 2021 statistics as well. Long lines at vehicle service centers, which are already severely impacted by the lack of parts for other repairs, have been caused by the surge of catalytic converter thefts, which have cost consumers, insurance companies, and consumers money.

The recent sharp increase in price of the precious metals inside the devices further complicates the situation and makes them much more of a target. The price of platinum, which is more than $900 an ounce and is almost as expensive as gold in most people’s eyes, pales in comparison to the costs of palladium, which is over $2,000 an ounce, and rhodium, which is an absurd $16,000 an ounce. However, some cars, especially several well-known pickup trucks, can have four converters in the exhaust system. Most catalytic converters require only small amounts of each.

Due of the thefts, there is now a small cottage business producing items to make it more difficult to steal the gadgets, such as several hundred dollar metal cages or shields that are welded around them. Other anti-theft advice includes adding the vehicle identification number (VIN) of your automobile to the item and painting it a vibrant color with heat-resistant paint so that thieves will have to scrape it off before selling it.

The Preventing Auto Recycling Thefts (PART) Act, filed in January by U.S. Rep. Jim Baird, R-Ind., has drawn attention to the issue among lawmakers as well. The law would require automakers to affix vehicle identification numbers (VINs) to the catalytic converters in new cars, start maintaining better records of the devices, cap monetary awards, and toughen punishments for individuals found guilty of stealing them. The measure has not yet become a law.

A catalytic converterdoes a 2000 Toyota Tundra have one?

This direct-fit catalytic converter is interchangeable with OE item 17410-0F010 and was created exclusively for the 2000-2002 Toyota Tundra.

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: 19892020.
  • Jeep Patriot, 20072017.
  • Ford Econoline vans from 1990 to 222.
  • Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks from 1999 to 2021.
  • Chevy Equinox, model years 200521.
  • Honda CR-V, which is available from 1997 until 2020.
  • Toyota Camry, 19872019.

Catalytic converters made aftermarket are they stolen?

There is a strong possibility that it won’t be stolen if your catalytic converter was recently changed with an aftermarket catalytic converter. Thieves often avoid taking the new aftermarket catalytic converters because they contain less precious metals.

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.

Does Toyota produce a shield for catalytic converters?

Come see us at Lake Charles Toyota in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and peruse our selection of catalytic converter shields. For the following Toyota models: Tundra, Tacoma, Sequoia, 4Runner, and FJ Cruiser, these are available.

Why are catalytic converters stolen by people?

Platinum, palladium, and rhodium, the three precious metals that are frequently employed in catalytic converters, sell for high prices, making them a desirable target for theft.

These priceless metals can be found and sold in the event that a catalytic converter is stolen. A few businesses will buy converters for anywhere from $140 and $1,500.

According to Allstate, converters are also simple for many thieves to take. A skilled thief can frequently remove a converter in a matter of minutes using tools from the hardware store.

Because they include more valuable metals, newer and more sophisticated converter models, like as those seen in hybrid vehicles, are highly sought for. Taller autos that are simpler to reach underneath may also be targets for thieves.

Why are Toyota’s catalytic converters a target for 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.

They steal Toyota catalytic converters for what reason?

Catalytic converter theft is widespread in the UK, with criminal gangs preying on vehicles parked in driveways and on residential streets. In fact, behind registration plates, which are often stolen to mask the identification of a vehicle that may later be used to commit a crime, catalytic converters are now the second most often stolen auto component.

According to statistics by the insurance company Direct Line, about 40,000 catalytic converters were stolen in the UK in 2021, with London being the worst-affected region. More than 15,000 catalytic converter thefts in London were the subject of investigations by the Metropolitan Police’s motor vehicle crime squad in 2021, up from 12,000 the year before. Catalytic converter thefts have increased, according to reports from other police departments across the nation.

Additionally, the price for car owners can be exorbitant. According to Zurich Insurance, its clients’ average repair costs are close to $1200.

The gadgets are stolen because they contain precious metals whose value has skyrocketed in recent years, giving them a high scrap metal value. The devices are an integral part of automobile exhaust systems and help decrease emissions.