What cars are usually targeted for catalytic converter theft?

These are the 10 models most targeted by catalytic converter thieves in the U.S., according to the company that tracks vehicle history.

• 1985-2021 Ford F-Series pickup trucks.
• 1989-2020 Honda Accord.
• 2007-17 Jeep Patriot.
• 1990-2022 Ford Econoline vans.
• 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks.
• 2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox.

Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

Carfax data shows that the Ford F-Series trucks that sit atop the national list for converter theft (their high ground clearance makes them especially easy to purloin in this regard) are the most targeted models in all parts of the country except western U.S. states.

What are the easiest cars to steal catalytic converters from?

The car that experiences the most catalytic converter theft is the Toyota Prius, a very common low-emissions vehicle. A car owner of a Prius made in 2009 or earlier should be particularly wary, as the older models have a higher concentration of that precious metal than newer models.

What car has the best catalytic converters to steal?

Luxury vehicles

The Most Valuable Catalytic Converter Prize goes to the Ferrari F430, coming in at a whopping $3,770 each. The F430 has two converters, so they're a pretty big target for thieves. Lamborghinis also have incredibly pricey catalytic converters, averaging at about $3,000.

Which cars are least likely to have their catalytic converters stolen?

In short, the only vehicles on the road today that don't use converters at all are all-electric vehicles, which recharge their batteries by plugging in and consuming no gasoline or diesel. Non-plug-in hybrids and plug-ins alike use catalytic converters, as do all hybrid vehicles that run on gas or diesel.

What Cars are Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft(Easiest Catalytic Converters to Steal) Autovfix

What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters?

According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag. Moreover, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car owners $7,540 before labor costs.

Which SUVS are least likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

They include those with lower after-market prices and those with lesser precious metals. Examples include Ford, Dodge, Mazda, Chevy, Mazda, and Hyundai. They are least likely to be stolen because they lack the precious metal; hence they are not worth much.

How do I protect my car from catalytic converter theft?

Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft

1. 1) Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. ...
2. 2) Park in well-lit areas. ...
3. 3) Install an anti-theft device.

Why are Toyota catalytic converters stolen?

Thanks to higher prices for platinum, rhodium, palladium and other metals found in the components, catalytic converter thefts rose from about 100 a month in 2018 to more than 1,200 a month in 2020, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

How long does it take to steal a catalytic converter?

Thieves can remove a catalytic converter quickly, often in less than two minutes, so theft can even occur in broad daylight. The only tools a thief needs are a wrench (for converters that are bolted on) or a reciprocating saw (for converters that are welded in). Some thieves bring a mechanic's creeper.

How much do thieves get for a catalytic converter?

Thieves, on average, can earn $200 per catalytic converter — about 1/10th of what it costs to replace a stolen one.

What is a stolen catalytic converter worth?

Thanks to the increasing prices of the precious metals used in the production — i.e, platinum, rhodium and palladium — an ill-gotten catalytic converter can “typically” fetch between $50 and $250 when sold to an unscrupulous recycling facility, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

How do I know if my catalytic converter was stolen?

How to tell if your catalytic converter has been stolen

1. Loud roar when you start the car, louder as you accelerate.
2. Increase in exhaust fumes, or unusual exhaust smells.
3. Missing parts under vehicle leading to muffler.
4. Uneven or sputtering acceleration due to lack of exhaust regulation.

Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance?

Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance? If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal.

How much is a catalytic converter for Honda Civic?

The average cost for a Honda Civic catalytic converter replacement is between $1,649 and $1,674. Labor costs are estimated between $88 and $111 while parts are priced between $1,561 and $1,563.

How much is a Toyota catalytic converter worth?

Toyota catalytic converters' worth can range from $75 and $700 when sold as scrap. The worth of a catalytic converter can vary depending on the car's make and model. Some of the most valuable catalytic converters come from the Toyota Prius.

How much is a Prius catalytic converter worth?

Current used. The average current price for used toyota prius catalytic converter is $410 from the last 127 listings.

What year Prius catalytic converters are being stolen?

Due to the precious metals contained in its catalytic converter, theft claim frequency for 2004-09 Toyota Prius models was a staggering 40 times higher in 2020 than in 2016, according to a recent analysis by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI).

What happens to car when catalytic converter is stolen?

Loud Vehicle Noises and Missing Catalytic Converter

The first sign of a stolen catalytic converter is incredibly loud vehicle noises. You will find that when driving without your catalytic converter, it will sound like your vehicle is roaring—especially when starting or giving it gas.

What is the most stolen car in 2020?

The Most Stolen Cars

1. Ford pick-up (Full size) Thefts (in 2020): 44,014. ...
2. Chevrolet pick-up (Full size) Thefts: 40,968. ...
3. Honda Civic. Thefts: 34,144. ...
4. Honda Accord. Thefts: 30,814. ...
5. Toyota Camry. Thefts: 16,915. ...
6. Nissan Altima. Thefts: 14,668. ...
7. GMC pick-up (Full size) Thefts: 13,016. ...
8. Toyota Corolla. Thefts: 12,515.

Which cars are least likely to be stolen?

A study by the Highway Loss Data Institute found that the BMW 3 Series was the least-stolen car in the United States.

How much is a Chevy catalytic converter worth?

Current used. The average current price for used chevy silverado catalytic converter is $165 from the last 240 listings.

How much is a Honda Accord catalytic converter worth?

The average cost for a Honda Accord catalytic converter replacement is between $2,027 and $2,092. Labor costs are estimated between $96 and $121 while parts are priced between $1,931 and $1,971.

How do car thieves target cars?

Thieves target older cars because they're much easier to steal. “In the 2000s, most vehicles started to come equipped with more advanced ignition systems such as chipped keys that need to be in proximity to the dash for the car to start,” says Marc Hinch, an auto theft investigator and creator of stolen911.com.

Why do thieves want catalytic converters?

According to multiple sources, money is the main motivation for people stealing catalytic converters. According to NJ.com, they have precious metals like platinum and rhodium in them that have value on the black market. Cars.com also mention that the devices have palladium.