Which Cars Are Least Likely to Have Catalytic Converter Stolen?

When it comes to catalytic converter thefts, there are a few cars that are more at risk than others.

According to recent reports, Honda and Acura vehicles are the most commonly targeted by thieves looking to sell valuable converters on the black market.

On contrary, there are also types of cars that are much less likely to have their converters stolen. While no car is 100% safe from catalytic converter theft, these models are definitely less of a target for thieves.

In this article, I’ll go over which cars are least likely to have catalytic converter stolen, tips to prevent catalytic converter theft, and how you can tell if your catalytic converter has been stolen.

So, without wasting any more time, let’s get to the answer.

Which Cars Are Least Likely to Have Catalytic Converter Stolen?

Cars that have their catalytic converter installed in the engine compartment as opposed to underneath the car are least likely to have their catalytic converters stolen. Additionally, many American and some Asian brands that have less valuable catalysts are also less likely to be targeted.

Diesel engine cars are also less likely to be stolen since they contain no precious metals in the catalytic converter. Finally, electric cars and cars built before 1974 are less likely to be targeted since they do not have a catalytic converter.

1. Certain brand cars

There are certain brands of cars that tend to be less at risk of having their catalytic converters stolen since they often have less valuable catalysts.

These include American brands such as Ford, Jeep, Chevy, Dodge, and Chrysler. Some car models from Asian brands like Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Mazda, and Subaru also have less valuable converters and are thus less of a target.

2. Cars built before 1974

While it’s less likely that you own and drive a car built before 1974, it’s worth mentioning that these cars are much less likely to have their catalytic converters stolen since they do not have one.

This is because the catalytic converter wasn’t mandatory as there weren’t strict emission norms back then.

After that, the government started to focus on reducing vehicle pollution and all cars had to have a catalytic converter.

So, if you drive an old car, you don’t have to worry about thieves stealing your

3. Cars with converters in the engine compartment

Some popular car makers like BMW, Honda, Audi, and Volkswagen have their converters installed in the engine compartment as opposed to underneath the car.

This makes it much more difficult for thieves to steal the catalytic converter without being noticed.

If you’re in the market to get a new car and worry about your converter being stolen, then you should definitely consider one of these brands/models.

4. Diesel engine cars

Diesel engine cars are also much less likely to have their catalytic converters (aka particle filters) stolen since they don’t contain any precious metals such as rhodium, palladium, or platinum in the converter.

This is because diesel fuel burns cleaner than gasoline and thus produces less harmful emissions. Most thieves are aware of this and thus target gasoline-powered cars over diesel.

5. Electric cars

If you didn’t know already, a catalytic converter is responsible for reducing harmful emissions from a car’s engine.

Since electric cars don’t have an engine, they obviously don’t need a catalytic converter and are thus much less likely to be targeted by thieves.

So, if you’ve already made a switch to an electric car, you don’t have to worry about your converter being stolen.

6. Cars with bead converters

Another type of converter that’s hated by catalytic converter thieves is the bead converter.

This type of converter is made of ceramic beads as opposed to the traditional honeycomb structure.

While it uses precious metals such as platinum and palladium, they are coated in a ceramic honeycomb or beat material that makes it much harder to extract the metals.

As a result, this type of converter is much less likely to be stolen since it’s not as valuable to thieves.

Chevy and GM are two popular American automakers that are known to use bead converters.

So, if you drive a Chevy or GM car, you can rest assured knowing that your converter is less likely to be targeted.

7. Sedans (non-hybrid)

While hybrid cars are more likely to have their converters stolen (we’ll get to that in a bit), regular sedans are a lot less likely to be targeted since they sit too low to the ground.

This makes it much harder for thieves to access the converter without being noticed or using a jug to raise your vehicle.

Thieves often target larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks since they’re easier to get underneath.

8. Minivans

Similar to sedans, minivans are also less likely to have their catalytic converters stolen since they sit so low to the ground.

Additionally, most minivans don’t have a lot of horsepowers so their converters aren’t as valuable to thieves.

However, if you have a minivan that’s built on a truck chassis (such as the Dodge Caravan), then it’s more likely to be targeted since it’s taller and thus easier for thieves to get underneath.

Cars Most Likely to Have Catalytic Converters Stolen

Cars that are more likely to have catalytic converters stolen are hybrid cars such as Toyota Prius since they have more expensive converters.

Additionally, thieves often target trucks and SUVs since they’re easier to get underneath and remove.

Luxury cars are also popular targets since they often have more valuable converters.

Finally, old vehicles built after 1974 are more likely to be targeted since they often use higher amounts of precious metals and are easier to steal.

How To Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

According to recent data, in 2020 alone, there were over 50,000 reported cases of catalytic converter theft in the United States.

It’s evident that this is a growing problem and something that all car owners should be aware of.

If you’re worried about your converter being stolen, there are a few things you can do to prevent it.

1. Install an anti-theft device

One of the best ways to prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen is to install an anti-theft device.

There are a number of different devices you can choose from such as a locking collar, clamp, or chain.

These devices work by making it much harder for thieves to remove the converter without being noticed.

However, these devices aren’t very cheap so you might need to shell out a minimum of $200 to have them installed.

2. Choose your vehicle carefully

If you’re in the market for a new car, be sure to choose one that’s less likely to have its converter stolen.

As we mentioned earlier, electric cars, sedans, minivans, and bead converter cars are all much less likely to be targeted by thieves.

So, if you’re worried about your converter being stolen, be sure to choose one of these types of vehicles.

3. Park in safe, well-lit locations

Another way to prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen is to park in safe, well-lit locations.

Thieves often target cars that are parked in dark, isolated areas since they’re less likely to be noticed.

Try to park in well-lit areas such as your garage or a parking lot with security cameras which will not only keep your car safe but also act as a deterrent to thieves.

4. Paint the converter

One way to make your catalytic converter less attractive to thieves is to paint it. This will make it much harder for thieves to sell since most scrapyards won’t accept painted converters.

Additionally, painting the converter will make it more visible which might deter thieves from stealing it in the first place. You can try to paint it fluorescent which will make it even more visible.

5. Paint or remove the VIN number

Thieves don’t usually know how much a catalytic converter will sell for so they often just steal them and then take them to a scrapyard to find out.

One way to make it harder for thieves to sell your converter is to either paint or remove the VIN number.

Doing this will deter them from stealing the catalytic in the first place or will make it much harder for thieves to sell since most scrapyards won’t accept converters without a VIN number.

6. Install a camera or car alarm

If you’re really worried about your catalytic converter being stolen, you can always install a camera or car alarm.

A camera will allow you to see who’s trying to steal your converter and an alarm will make it much harder for thieves to remove the converter without being noticed.

Why Do Thieves Steal Catalytic Converters?

Though it may seem like a senseless act, there is a reason why people steal catalytic converters.

Catalytic converters are used to reduce emissions from car exhausts by converting polluting gases into less harmful substances.

As such, they contain small amounts of precious metals, such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium.

Since the price of scrap metal has increased, making catalytic converters an attractive target for thieves looking to make quick money.

These metals can be sold for a high price, making catalytic converters an attractive target for thieves.

To give you an idea, the current market price of platinum is over $2,000 per ounce whereas platinum retails at $900 per ounce.

In addition, catalytic converters are typically located under a car’s chassis, making them relatively easy to remove.

How Can You Tell If Your Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen?

A catalytic converter is a vital emissions control device in your vehicle, so if it’s missing, you’ll definitely notice.

The most obvious sign of a stolen catalytic converter is an increase in noise, as the engine will no longer be muffled by the converter.

You might also see an illuminated check engine light, as well as an increase in exhaust fumes and unusual smells coming from the tailpipe.

If you take a look under your vehicle, you may also find that parts leading to the muffler have been removed.

FAQs

Conclusion

Catalytic converter theft is a growing problem but there are ways to protect your vehicle from being targeted.

While there is no guarantee that your catalytic converter is safe if you drive one of these least likely to have catalytic converter stolen cars, it helps that you won’t be the prime target.

The best way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to park in a well-lit and secure area, such as a garage or driveway. You can also install a camera or car alarm to deter thieves.

Did you ever have your catalytic converter stolen? What car were you driving? Let us know in the comments below.