Catalytic converters are among the most commonly stolen vehicle parts nationwide. Thieves target catalytic converters mainly because they contain valuable metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium. These metals usually have a higher resale value than gold and can put hundreds of dollars into a criminal’s pocket with each theft. For this reason, catalytic converter theft often coincides with price increases in precious metals. For example, catalytic converter theft rose almost 900% from 2019 to 2023 when precious metal prices surged.
Criminals also target catalytic converters because they are relatively easy to access and remove. Experienced thieves can steal a catalytic converter in less than five minutes with basic hand tools, like battery-powered saws.
Although any vehicle with a catalytic converter is at risk, some cars have design features or are used in ways that make it easier to remove this component quickly. Here are some of the top vehicles with the most stolen catalytic converters:
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a widely used pickup truck favored for its impressive towing capacity, durable design, and ample cargo space. This model is often used as a work truck for utility companies and other types of businesses requiring a powerful, versatile vehicle. According to Carfax data, thieves also love the Chevy Silverado 1500 and commonly seek their catalytic converters, particularly in the Plains region, South, Southeast, and Southwest.
In general, criminals are drawn to work vehicles like the Silverado 1500, buses, and delivery vans because they have a high ground clearance, making it easy to access their parts. For example, in 2024, a Sacramento man was charged with breaking into an AT&T service yard multiple times and stealing 73 catalytic converters valued at over $1,000 a piece, putting the company’s fleet out of commission and delaying services for numerous customers.
Fleet vehicles are also often parked next to each other in the yard, providing cover for thieves to work discreetly, and might be left unattended for hours in poorly secured areas. A criminal could easily monitor a business to see when its employees leave and then access the property when no one’s around — assuming it doesn’t have strong perimeter security.
Any business can be a target for catalytic converter theft. An auto repair center, for instance, has a wide variety of vehicles on-site, making it particularly vulnerable to catalytic converter theft if it’s not protected by robust perimeter security.
2. Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is one of the most popular pickup trucks in the country, prized for its power and reliability. It’s not just loved by consumers, though — the F-150 is commonly used as a utility work truck, and it’s a popular rental vehicle, favored for its spacious cab and hauling power.
Unfortunately, Ford F-150 trucks are also among the top vehicles for catalytic converter theft. In fact, Carfax ranks the Ford F-150 number one as the car most likely to have its catalytic converter stolen nationwide. Criminals target this model because it sits high off the ground, making it easy for them to crawl under quickly. Plus, since F-150s are also commonly used as work vehicles, they may be left unattended on the side of the road for extended periods, making them prime targets for theft.
3. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a compact sedan that typically uses both electric and gas power. It’s one of the most widely known hybrid vehicles, loved by consumers and car rental companies alike for its exceptional fuel economy. While its hybrid construction allows for cost-efficiency and a lower environmental footprint, it also attracts thieves because catalytic converters in hybrid vehicles require a larger amount of precious metals to remove pollutants from the exhaust. Additionally, hybrid car catalytic converters don’t have to work as hard as those in gas-powered vehicles, so the metals stay in better condition longer.
The newest models of Toyota Prius don’t contain as many precious metals as the older versions and are less likely to be impacted by theft. That said, Toyota Prius models from 2004 to 2009 are much more likely to be targeted by thieves due to the high concentration of precious metals in their catalytic converters. Overall, Carfax ranks the Toyota Prius as the top targeted vehicle for catalytic converter theft in the West.
4. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has been the bestselling car in the United States for decades, with over 13 million sold since it was introduced in 1976. This midsize sedan is well-loved for its comfort, durability, and affordability. You’ll find Honda Accords everywhere, from auto rental lots to family driveways.
The Honda Accord’s popularity also means thieves have gained plenty of experience removing catalytic converters from this model, and its components are always in demand. Carfax ranked the Honda Accord as the second-most-targeted car in the West, Northeast, and Southeast.
5. Toyota Tacoma
U.S. News ranked the Toyota Tacoma as one of the bestselling pickup trucks in 2024, with over 21,000 sold in the first quarter. People love its reliability, robust suspension system, and high ground clearance, which makes it perfect for off-roading.
Criminals also love its high ground clearance because it makes it much easier to access its valuable catalytic converter. Plus, since it’s such a popular model, thieves can find these targets just about anywhere — including in auto repair yards and car rental lots. While Toyota Tacomas have had their catalytic converters stolen nationwide, they are especially targeted in the Southwest.
6. Chevrolet Equinox
According to Chevrolet, its Equinox model was the most-awarded compact SUV for quality between 2015 and 2024. Spacious, comfortable, and affordable, the Chevrolet Equinox is a well-loved SUV across the country. On the downside, the Equinox offers plenty of ground clearance for thieves to slither under the vehicle unnoticed. While the newer all-electric models won’t attract criminals looking for catalytic converters, the older models remain prime targets. The Chevy Equinox is the second-most-targeted car in the Midwest and throughout the Plains region, and it ranks number six nationwide.
7. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is one of the bestselling and top-rated compact SUVs, appreciated for its good fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and numerous features. In 2024, it won 92 Car and Driver awards — more than any other brand. Like many SUVs, the Honda CR-V has higher-than-average ground clearance, and since they’re so popular, they are more likely to be spotted by criminals.
The Hybrid CR-V models are particularly vulnerable because, like other hybrid vehicles, they have a higher concentration of precious metals in their catalytic converters. Though the design of newer CR-Vs makes it more difficult to remove the catalytic converter, it still may not be enough to stop a determined thief in an unsecured area.
8. Ford E-Series Van
Businesses commonly use Ford E-Series vans to transport cargo and passengers. This practical vehicle is specially designed for commercial purposes and may include features like a modem and telematics system. Like other work vehicles, E-Series vans may be left unattended in poorly secured lots or on the side of the road, making them attractive targets for catalytic converter theft.
9. Ford Explorer
Given that it’s one of the top-selling SUVs in America, you’ve probably seen a Ford Explorer at some point. For over three decades, the Ford Explorer has been loved by many for its roomy interior and powerful engine. However, like any vehicle with a catalytic converter and high ground clearance, it has a good chance of being targeted by criminals. According to Carfax, it’s the second-most-targeted vehicle nationwide and ranks number one in the mid-Atlantic region.
10. Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is a uniquely designed subcompact crossover SUV. People enjoy its simple, budget-friendly construction, adequate cargo space, and decent gas mileage. Due to the Soul’s popularity, thieves have had many opportunities to use this Kia model as their catalytic converter source. It’s therefore not surprising that this car ranks 8th as the most targeted vehicle nationwide. Additionally, older Kia models are easy to steal as a whole because they lack an immobilizer — the part that keeps an engine from starting without the proper key.
What Cars Have Catalytic Converters?
Most modern vehicles — including hybrid and diesel-powered cars — have catalytic converters. That’s because catalytic converters became mandatory in 1975, required by the Clean Air Act. An electric vehicle is the only type of car that does not require a catalytic converter since they don’t emit any fumes.
Catalytic converters are important components in a vehicle’s exhaust system. They essentially function as air filters, using chemical reactions to convert harmful gases into less toxic emissions. Although a car can function without a catalytic converter, it won’t pass an emissions test, and it will release toxic fumes like carbon monoxide into the environment. Catalytic converters are typically located under the car on the exhaust pipe, making them easy for thieves to find.
How Can You Protect Your Vehicle Fleet from Catalytic Converter Theft?
For businesses, it’s crucial to shield the company fleet from catalytic converter theft to prevent the need for costly replacements. Depending on the vehicle’s make and model, replacing a catalytic converter can cost a business thousands of dollars in parts and labor.
For example, the average cost to replace a catalytic converter in a 2017 Honda Civic is over $4,000, according to ConsumerAffairs. Meanwhile, replacing the catalytic converter in a 2017 Ford F-150 might add up to around $900. If a savvy criminal steals 10 catalytic converters from your F-150s, you’ll have to pay around $9,000 for parts and labor. That price does not include the cost of downtime and, potentially, lost customers.
Fortunately, businesses have many ways to protect their vehicles from catalytic converter theft:
Secure Your Perimeter
Criminals can’t access your catalytic converters if they can’t reach your fleet. Effectively keep thieves away from your company’s vehicles with a strong perimeter, like an electric fencing system.
An electric fence is a powerful barrier because it serves as both a physical and psychological deterrent. When criminals see the yellow warning signs on an electric fence, they will likely turn around and look for an easier target. If they attempt a breach anyway, they’ll experience a safe but memorable pulsed electric shock, keeping them from going further. An electric fence is installed inside a regular fence, like a chain-link fence, to prevent accidental contact.
Once you create an impenetrable perimeter, encourage employees to park vehicles within the secured area before they head home.
Create Multiple Layers of Security
A multi-layered security approach is the most effective way to stop crime before it happens. Multi-layered security means various solutions work together to defend against would-be intruders. Your first layer should be a perimeter barrier, like an electric fence. Another layer could be strategic lighting. Thieves are less inclined to attempt a breach in well-lit areas where there’s a higher chance of getting caught.
A third security layer might include video surveillance cameras with remote monitoring capabilities. Position cameras over parking areas, access points, and your perimeter. Capture suspicious activity 24/7 and meet police response requirements for dual verification.
Install Anti-Theft Devices
Are you concerned about the company’s vehicles when they’re off-site? Consider securing your fleet’s catalytic converters with anti-theft devices. You have many options to choose from, ranging from straps to alarms. Some types of straps clamp onto the exhaust system and contain strips of hardened steel that resist cutting tools, keeping thieves from removing catalytic converters with saws.
While anti-theft devices can be effective for in-the-field defense, they won’t offer broad protection. If you live in an area prone to catalytic converter theft, ensure your vehicles are protected around the clock with more comprehensive security solutions.
Mark Your Catalytic Converters
It doesn’t hurt to aggressively tackle on-the-road catalytic converter theft and ensure you’ve covered all your bases by planning both proactively and reactively. As part of your reactive plan, consider making your catalytic converters easily identifiable so you have a better chance of recovering them.
You can etch your fleet’s catalytic converters with an identification number, like a vehicle’s license plate or vehicle identification number (VIN). You can also spray paint your catalytic converters to make them more traceable.
Safeguard Your Fleet With AMAROK
An important part of defending your fleet against catalytic converter theft is securing your facility’s perimeter. However, since no two businesses are the same, your security approach should be tailored to your needs and consider your current risk level.
At AMAROK, our perimeter security experts are ready to conduct a free threat assessment of your property to determine your vulnerabilities and recommend proactive solutions. Whether you manage a car rental lot, auto service center, or any other business that keeps vehicles on-site, we can help you stop external theft once and for all. Our solutions begin with a highly effective electric fence. From there, we can create multiple layers of security based on your needs.
Find an AMAROK representative today and take the first step to protecting your property, your people, and your profit.
