2023 toyota 4runner catalytic converter shield

Catalytic converter theft has been occurring for decades, but the rate at which they’re stolen has skyrocketed by about 400% since 2019. This rise in crime is compounded by several issues.

Due to reduced mining production of the precious metals inside catalytic converters, prices for rhodium, palladium, platinum and others have increased substantially. (Rhodium, as an example, fetches over $10k per ounce, which is equal to approximately 15-20 catalytic converters.)

Worse yet, as emissions standards have tightened across the globe, more of these precious metals are being required in emissions control modules like catalytic converters.

Global production of catalytic converters has also slowed, which has produced a supply-demand problem that’s only been exacerbated by ongoing catalytic converter thefts. While some robbers steal catalytic converters to sell, others may steal them to install in their own vehicles.

Catalytic converters are also surprisingly easy for thieves to cut out. Any experienced criminal with a cordless saw can slide under a vehicle and remove its converter in under a minute. That makes it difficult to catch a robber in the act. They’re very lightweight, too, so hitting a full parking lot during broad daylight isn’t as risky for thieves.

To top it off, stolen catalytic converters have no identifying markers, and only a handful of states have laws in place to stop sellers and buyers, like scrapyards, from doing business. Toyota has taken some steps to combat theft recently, including a pilot program that will allow Toyota owners in the UK to have their catalytic converters physically marked for identification. (As of 2022, there is no similar option in America, though there may be in the future.)

Models with the Most Stolen Catalytic Converters

Not every catalytic converter is a target for thieves, however. Some models have higher concentrations of precious metals that make them more valuable. Other vehicles are more efficient at cleaning exhaust gases, which means the precious metals in their converters aren’t as corroded or contaminated.

If you drive any of the following vehicles or models, you may want to change your parking habits or invest in some sort of catalytic converter security:

2004-2009 Toyota Prius

According to IIHS, catalytic converter theft for 2004-2009 Prius hybrid cars increased 40-fold in 2020. About 6% of insured ‘04-’09 Prius owners made insurance claims for Prius converter theft over the last 24 months, which compares to less than 0.1% in 2016. This is because scrap prices for the standard second-generation Toyota Prius catalytic converter (CD3+EA6) is over $1,000, on average.

Older Prius catalytic converter replacements can be pricey, too, which makes it riskier to own one. In extreme circumstances, a catalytic converter thief could do damage to other important components, which may even total the car. Needless to say, you don’t want this to happen to you.

If you own an older Prius model, you could sell it and invest in a newer vehicle that is less likely to be targeted by thieves. Even a late-model 2017 Prius is a smarter buy; their catalytic converter scraps for under $500, so the likelihood of it getting stolen is much lower, and you’ll still benefit from excellent fuel economy.

Trucks

Due to their higher ride height, trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Tacoma are popular targets for converter theft. There’s no need for thieves to jack up the vehicle – they just slide underneath, cut out the catalytic converter, and go on their merry way.

Large SUVs

Like trucks, bigger SUVs are also on this list. Lexus SUVs are commonly targeted, as some have several catalytic converters.

Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid SUVs and cars are the most at risk of catalytic converter theft. This includes any type of hybrid model, from the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight to the RAV4 Hybrid and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. Always safeguard your hybrid vehicle from cat theft by following the tips below.

Prevention: Etch. Paint. Cover.

Stealing a catalytic converter is easy for thieves, but there are several ways to deter theft and guard yourself from paying for a replacement. Police across the country recommend this three-tier security method:

1. Etch the VIN or license plate number into the catalytic converter. This will enable police to identify stolen converters and return them to their owners.
2. Paint the catalytic converter a bright color. Use high-temperature spray paint (grill paint works well) and spray the converter, end to end. Doing this may deter thieves from cutting the converter out, as removing the paint in order to sell the converter is a time-consuming task.
3. Cover the catalytic converter. You can protect your converter by bolting a skid plate or some sort of metal cover over top. There are also affordable aftermarket products, including catalytic converter cages and straps, that your muffler shop or auto service center can install. Additionally, you can install rocker alarms that sound off if it senses your catalytic converter is being messed with.

The only real way to stop your catalytic converter from being stolen is to purchase an electric car or park your vehicle in a garage. (Thieves will take advantage of vehicles parked in secure parking lots or well-lit streets.)

If your vehicle is a common target, be sure to speak with your insurance agent about your policy. A low-deductible insurance policy may be wise, as new catalytic converters can cost anywhere from $1000 to over $3000.

Toyota Catalytic Converter Replacement in Sedalia

Of course, thieves will be thieves. If you haven’t been able to park your Prius or any other vehicle in a garage – or if you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time – and find that your catalytic converter is missing, our Sedalia service center is here to help.

Request a tow or drive your vehicle (you can drive without a catalytic converter, though it’s not recommended) to our Toyota dealership at 3110 West Broadway in Sedalia, MO. To assist you even further, we also offer catalytic converter replacement financing! Speak with a member of McCarthy Toyota to learn more.