Which Cars Are Least Likely To Have Catalytic Converter Stolen

Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

Cars with catalytic converters are easy to spot, which makes them a common target for thieves. And it could be really frustrating upon figuring out that the catalytic converter is gone out of your vehicle. So which car is likely at a lower risk of theft? Well, this article will answer all your questions so you can prevent yourself from this mishap.

Why Do Thieves Target Catalytic Converters?

The most common reason thieves steal catalytic converters is the metallic components of catalytic converters. Each component has its own uses, which makes them expensive, and can be sold out for good cash. For instance, the metal filtration device reduces pollutants in the air. 

Likewise, palladium helps eliminate harmful chemicals from exhausts. It can cost up to $1000 per ounce in the black market, increasing the price of a catalytic converter in the market. Thieves use an angle grinder to pull out catalytic converter cables from the car’s exhaust system. These converters also have precious minerals which are easy to separate from their components.

What Cars are Least Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft?

Cars manufactured before 1974 don’t include catalytic converters since they were made mandatory officially after emissions rules became strict. Similarly, no catalytic converters are installed in electric vehicles, Nissan sedans, and catalyzer engines. 

Are Catalytic Converters Only Found on Older Cars?

If a car is a few decades old but still manufactured after 1974, it will have more expensive catalytic converters. These cars have larger converters with more amount of metals due to poor emissions. 

Also, older cars have aftermarket CARB-regulated converters installed. They are required to be replaced by CARB-compliant converters to operate vehicles freely and legally through California emissions certifications. This type of converter is installed in car models from the year 2000 or above or in any EPA emission-certified vehicle.

What Car Models Have their Catalytic Converters Stolen?

Following are the car models with a high number of catalytic converters stolen. Any car or truck that thief can get under easily. Below are cars that are targeted often.

• Toyota Prius 2001 – 2021 
• Toyota Camry 1987 – 2019 
• Chrysler 200 2011 – 2017 
• Honda CR-V 1997 – 2020 
• Chevrolet Silverado 1999 – 2021 
• Chevrolet Equinox 2005 – 2021
• Ford Econoline/E-Series 1990 – 2022
• Jeep Patriot 2007 – 2017

Is It Difficult to Rob Catalytic Converters Out Of Newer Cars?

The metal used in catalytic converters of new cars makes them durable and long-lasting. That is why newer cars are at more risk compared to older cars. Besides, thieves look for similar cars as they can quickly do the job. To confirm this fact, police reports also reveal that SUVs and trucks are the most targeted vehicles for converter theft.

Which Cars Are the Hardest to Steal Catalytic Converters from?

Most newer cars, such as Honda’s 2015 Jazz models, have catalytic converters inside their engine compartments. This makes the theft process quite challenging for thieves. Moreover, car manufacturing companies use less expensive converters. So, even if it gets stolen, it won’t go for a heavy price in the market. Also cars that a low to the ground make it hard for person to steal converter. The person trying to steal the converter is going to avoid anything that requires more work.

Cars with the Least Possibility of Having Catalytic Converter Stolen

Cars with catalytic converters installed inside their engines have minimal theft risk. In the same way, some American manufacturers use average-quality catalytic components, which thieves usually avoid. Contrarily, you can also buy an older vehicle without a catalytic converter. 

So let’s dig deep into this matter to understand more. 

1. Certain Car Brands are Safe

Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Chevy and Ford are a few of many American brands with low-quality catalytic converters, making them safe from getting stolen. Some Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai and Subaru models are also safe from catalytic converter theft. Additionally, some brands fitted cat designs exhaust systems, making it impossible for thieves to know how many precious metals were used inside. 

2. Cars with Bead Converters

Chevy and some GM car models use a bead converter instead of gas. These converters are infused with beads. And despite being significant in their size, these catalytic converters can’t be sold at a high price.

3. Converters Inside the Engine Compartment

There are cars with the catalytic converter installed inside the engine compartment rather than around the back of the car’s exhaust system. Such vehicles make stealing converters a tough job for thieves. And since it’s risky and time-consuming, stealers look for a different model. Several car models, including Honda, Volkswagen, Honda, Audi, and BWW, comes into this category.

4. Diesel Vehicles

Unlike gas cars, diesel vehicles come with a different catalytic converter. Diesel converters are designed using ordinary metals rather than more precious metals like platinum, rhodium, or palladium. Most catalytic converter thieves know this fact. And therefore, they are not interested in less valuable catalytic converters as they won’t sell for a hefty price.

5. Electric Cars

The primary purpose of catalytic converters is to clean diesel or gas fuel emissions which are hazardous to the environment. That frees electric power vehicles from needing any converter as they operate through battery power and don’t emit gaseous waste. Some prominent options in this category are Audi E-Tron, Tesla, and Volkswagen models.

6. Cars Made Before 1974

If you have an older car that was built before 1974, you don’t need to fear any kind of catalytic converter theft. These cars don’t have converters, as the government made it compulsory for vehicles to have catalytic converters after 1974. Therefore, cars made prior to this year deter thieves looking for valuable catalytic converters.

Cars with the Highest Possibility of Having Catalytic Converter Stolen

Catalytic converter thieves choose cars like the Toyota Prius because they are easy catch. Additionally, SUVs and trucks are at greater risk as they have large engines. Moreover, these vehicles have high ground clearance, giving quick access to intruders for stealing converters. 

1. Older Vehicles After 1974

Unlike models before 1973, all gas and diesel cars produced after 1974 have catalytic converters installed. These converters have extensive sizes and are equipped with more expensive metals than newer cars to ensure eco-friendliness.

2. Luxury Vehicles

Luxury cars have expensive catalysts and sometimes have more than one due to V-10 or V-12 engines. If you dig a little deeper, you will find these cars have some of the most pricey catalytic converters. These converters can cost up to $3500, like the one you can find in Ferrari F430. The F430 requires two converters with precious metals found inside since it has multiple engines.

What’s more? The Lamborghinis are known for the same reason. However, these cars have low ground clearance and are mostly parked in safe garages. That’s why thieves find it challenging to target them. Still, they are under the surveillance of professional thieves, as stolen converters from these cars can help them make huge bucks instantly. 

3. Hybrid Cars

To keep the environment healthy, manufacturers install cats with a high potency of palladium. So if the car provides clean emissions, the catalytic converters will likely be expensive, and that’s what hybrid cars are all about.

Cats aren’t utilized much in hybrid vehicles as they run through an electric motor without polluting the environment. And since these cat designs come at higher prices, these cars become victims of catalytic converter thefts.

4. Trucks and SUVs

As mentioned previously, trucks and SUVs have a high number of stolen catalytic converters. In fact, they are one of the most commonly targeted vehicles in the US for two main reasons. 

First, they have heavy engines, so it is obvious that the converters are of high value in terms of money to meet standards. Second, the vehicle height makes stealing easier as thieves can immediately identify and reach the core point.

This permits stealers to snitch converters successfully in less time. Unfortunately, Toyota Tacoma and Ford F-250 are the two ideal examples in this scenario. 

What Does a Catalytic Converter Do?

A catalytic converter helps convert harmful emissions into less dangerous chemicals before they are released into the air from a car’s tailpipe. In this process, a catalytic converter minimizes the quantity of hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide, and carbon dioxide from exhaust fumes. In many states, installing catalytic converters in vehicles is mandatory to savor improved air quality and achieve a sustainable environment.

Methods to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

These ways can help you protect your catalytic converter from being stolen. 

1. Install a Car Alarm

If you know how to adjust the car alarm’s sensitivity, this could be your optimal shield against theft. Most car alarms come with a setting that turns them off whenever someone comes closer to the vehicle. While this is a great trait, it often makes the owner careless as they think it’s a false alarm. It does indeed happen but not unnecessarily. So if you plan to install it, make sure to check your car every time the alarm starts ringing. 

2. Repaint the Converter

You can paint the catalytic converter with some unique colors of your choice. For example, opting for fluorescent can make your converter recognizable. If you think that will be too attractive, then make it less catchy by removing VIN. 

The whole idea is to reduce the chances of your converter from getting sold in the market. Therefore, any irregularity in its color will give a hard time selling it.

3. Choose Your Vehicle Wisely

Before purchasing any car, it is important to do thorough research to find out if the vehicle is a target for stealers. It is an ideal approach if you are confused between two models and cannot decide or have limited cash. Remember, in case the catalytic converter gets stolen, you may not have enough money to replace it. 

4. Weld rebar around the catalytic

Cats Protection Systems offer different types of security measures to protect converters against theft. For instance, some car owners use forged shields. But because of a common design, they are easy to remove. The other option is to install steel cages with cables that are simple to attach. They can cost around $200 to $500 with installation. This method will detour thieves from using power tools to remove the security barrier.

5. Find Protected Parking

Undoubtedly, the garage is the ideal place to park your car, making it quite impossible for thieves to intrude. But keep in mind that covered parking isn’t always a feasible option, especially when you are not around. If you are using public parking, try to find one that is well-lit, stays busy, and has tight security.

FAQs

Q1. What cars are most at risk from catalytic converter theft?

Prius, Lexus SUVs, Accord, and Tacoma are at a high risk of catalytic converter theft.

Q2. What are the most popular vehicles for catalytic converter theft?

1987 – 2019 Toyota Camry, 1985 – 2021 Ford F-Series, 1999 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, 2001 – 2021 Toyota Prius, 1990 – 2022 Ford Econoline, 2011 – 2017 Chrysler tend to be the most popular cars for catalytic converter theft. 

Q3. How do I make sure my catalytic converter doesn’t get stolen?

The best prevention is to park the car in a garage with a security system. If that’s not an option, park it in a well-populated, bright area. You can also engrave your plate number on the catalytic converter. This can make it identifiable to law enforcement agencies and make it hard for the stealer to sell. Another option is to use an anti-theft device or car alarm. 

Q4. Are certain cars more likely to have catalytic converters stolen?

Luxury and hybrid cars are targeted more as their converters are expensive and could be sold at an excellent price. Contrarily, vans, trucks, and mid size sedans are also at risk. 

Q5. What cars do not have a catalytic converter?

The only cars on the road that runs without converters are all-electric vehicles. An electric car operates on a battery, which is chargeable through an electric power source. 

Q6. How would I know if my catalytic converter was stolen?

Without a catalytic converter, a car makes a loud roaring noise that gets louder as you continue pushing the gas pedal. Besides, the vehicle also produces a sputtering sound when you change the speed. So if you find all these signs, it means your converter has been stolen. 

Q7. What cars are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen?

Many brands, including non hybrids, such as Dodge and Jeep, are least likely to have converters stolen because of average quality. 

Q8. Does my car have a catalytic converter?

If your car were manufactured after 1974, a catalytic converter would be installed to make it conform to the laws.