Worrying about criminals stealing your catalytic converter? It mostly comes down to the type of car you drive. According to a recent report by Car Fax and the National Crime Insurance Bureau (NCIB), catalytic converter theft is up by approximately 977% since 2018 with cars like the Toyota Prius and Ford F150 being amongst the most popular targets for thieves.
Why Catalytic Converter Thieves Are Targeting Your Car
Three things dictate whether your car will be a target of catalytic converter theft:
- Amount of precious metal in the catalytic converter
- Ease of access to your car’s catalytic converter – making pickups and vans a popular target for thieves stealing catalytic converters.
- Opportunity – even if your car isn’t listed, if you don’t have basic security measures in place you could be a target for opportunistic thieves
Low emissions vehicles like hybrids such as the Toyota Prius catalytic converter contain larger amounts of the precious metals platinum, rhodium and palladium to meet the strictest emission standards. Additionally, vehicles like the Toyota Prius have more than one catalytic converter giving thieves a greater payday for less work. While not all hybrid vehicles have converters that are loaded with precious metals, thieves may assume this to be the case and target any hybrid vehicle.
Trucks and SUVs are common targets of catalytic converter theft because they are raised higher off the ground providing easier access to the underside of the vehicle. This makes it easier for thieves to climb underneath and remove the converter.
Is Your Vehicle A Magnet For Catalytic Converter Thieves?
Ironically, luxury cars with the most expensive cat converters aren’t necessarily the most popular targets for thieves – although that does play a small role. Owners of cars on this list should be aware of where they are parking at all times.
Data indicates that a large instance of theft also occur from fleet companies where a lot of cars are parked up in one spot.
1985 – 2021 Ford F-Series pickup trucks (F-150, F250 etc)
1989 – 2020 Honda Accord
2007 – 2017 Jeep Patriot
1990 – 2022 Ford Econoline vans
1999 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks
2005 – 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
1997 – 2020 Honda CR-V
1987 – 2019 Toyota Camry
2011 – 2017 – Chrysler 200?
2001 – 2021 Toyota Prius
Does Where You Live Make A Difference?
The top 5 states in catalytic converter theft, as ranked by State Farm’s experience with claims, is led by California, which counted for more than 3 out of 10 claims being filed, followed by Texas, Minnesota, Washington and Illinois. State Farm called the situation in Texas “dire,” noting during 2020 there were 445 catalytic converter thefts reported by State Farm customers but in the first half of 2021, that number “ballooned” almost 210% to 1,380.”
Surprisingly, time of year seems to be a factor as well. Catalytic converter thefts tend to rise more sharply at the end of summer and through December, then drop back in January, according to data from the NICB and presented in a chart by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) in its presentation.
Catalytic Converter Theft Ranked By Region
Top Vehicles Targeted In The West
Police are making some progress into halting catalytic converter theft but the organized criminal element stealing catalytic converters has seen theft grow steadily with more than $2.2 million in thefts over the past 2 years. As is seen in other areas, Toyota Prius catalytic converter theft tops the list.
2001 – 2021 Toyota Prius
1985 – 2021 Ford F Series
1989 – 2020 Honda Accord
1990 – 2022 Ford Econoline
1999 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado
2007 – 2020 Subaru Outback
2007 – 2017 Jeep Patriot
2003 – 2011 Honda Element
1998 – 2020 Subaru Forester
1995 – 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Top Vehicles Targeted In The Northeast
Law enforcement in the Northeast have seen most instances of catalytic converter theft occurring over the weekend and despite making arrests have urged residents to be aware of where they are parking their vehicles.
1985 – 2021 Ford F Series
1987 – 2019 Toyota Camry
1989 – 2020 Honda Accord
2007 – 2017 Jeep Patriot
1997 – 2020 Honda CR-V
1998 – 2020 Subaru Forester
2007 – 2020 Subaru Outback
1990 – 2022 Ford Econoline
1999 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado
1993 – 2020 Nissan Altima
Top Vehicles Targeted In The South
Arizona has recently been revealed to be a hot-spot for catalytic converter thieves, seeing a ten-fold jump in thefts over the last 12 months, the second highest in the nation
1985 – 2021 Ford F-Series
1989 – 2020 Honda Accord
2007 – 2017 Jeep Patriot
1999 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado
1990 – 2022 Ford Econoline
2007 – 2021 Jeep Compass
1993 – 2020 Nissan Altima
2008 – 2014 Dodge Avenger
2011 – 2017 Chrysler 200
2011 – 2019 Chevrolet Cruze
Top Cars Targeted In The Midwest
The theft of catalytic converters has become a major problem across the Midwest. Law enforcement has been working with scrap metal merchants and local wreckers in an effort to thwart criminals stealing and reselling catalytic converters.
1985 – 2021 Ford F Series
2007 – 2017 Jeep Patriot
2011 – 2017 Chrysler 200
2005 – 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
2008 – 2014 Dodge Avenger
1990 – 2022 Ford Econoline
1997 – 2020 Honda CR-V
1999 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado
1987 – 2019 Toyota Camry
1989 – 2020 Honda Accord
If your vehicle is on the list, here’s how you can reduce the chance of your catalytic converter being stolen
Parking in an enclosed garage – ensuring your vehicle is out of sight of criminals and difficult to access will make it less likely to be vandalized or the catalytic converter stolen.
Park in a well lit area or install security lights – There are fewer things thieves hate more than being visible so for those without access to an enclosed garage this will greatly reduce your chance of being a target.
Park fleet vehicles in an area that is well-lit, locked and alarmed – Despite fleets being a major target for catalytic converter thieves, reports state that the lowest number of thefts come from locked, alarmed garages, even if the fleet consists of high-value targets like Toyota Prius catalytic converters.