Updated at: 14-07-2022 - By: Lucas

Thieves may be concerned about taking any valuable metal pieces from a new car. Catalytic converter theft can make life more difficult. Do you have any idea how much anxiety you’ll be under if your catalytic converter is taken?

As far as stolen catalytic converters go, which cars are the least likely to be targeted?

Learn why catalytic converters are stolen and which cars are least likely to have their converters stolen by reading on.

Why Thieves Steal Catalytic Converters?

Which Cars Are Least Likely To Have Catalytic Converter Stolen (1)

Thieves can remove catalytic converters with an angle grinder by cutting deep into the metal. Since the catalytic converters are coated with rare and necessary minerals, thieves can easily remove them with only a single tug.

On the illegal market, the minerals go for a lot of money. The price of palladium, which is used to remove hazardous compounds from the exhaust system, is rising. A single ounce of this pricey metal goes for $3000, and it appears that the rise in value will continue indefinitely.

The metal is expected to cost more than gold in the near future, according to price projections. Carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide are converted into harmless gases by the metal. These gases are better filtered by palladium. Thus, it is a target for criminals and has an increasing black market demand.

Car Models with the Least Catalytic Converter Thefts

Which Cars Are Least Likely To Have Catalytic Converter Stolen (1)

Thieves target hybrid automobiles because their catalytic converters are in better condition because they emit fewer pollutants. Because converters were not installed in cars constructed before 1974, they are less likely to be targeted by thieves.

As a result of government efforts to clean up the automobiles, converters have become a requirement for all new vehicles. However, just because a car has lower levels of valuable metals doesn’t guarantee its converters won’t be taken.

These cars may not end up in the hands of criminals, for example, because the scrapyard doesn’t pay much for catalytic converters with beads in them. Furthermore, the lack of valuable metals in diesel converters makes them worthless.

Catalytic converters are now located inside the engine compartment of newer cars like Honda’s 2015 Accord and Jazz models, making it more difficult for criminals to steal them.

Among the automakers with the lowest resale values are Ford, Chevrolet, Jeep, Dodge, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Hyundai, and Chrysler. It’s unlikely that thieves will target your converters because they lack precious metals.

However, you should still keep an eye on your vehicle because you never know when a burglar would try to steal additional pieces from it. Even if the price of a pickup or SUV is cheap, it is still susceptible to converter theft. Because of this, it is best to take care of these vehicles.

Catalytic converters are not used in electric vehicles because they do not produce any exhaust gases. To recharge the batteries, the car is connected to a power source rather than running on diesel or gasoline.

Catalytic converters aren’t required in electric vehicles like the Audi e Tron, BMW i3, Jaguar I Pace, Kia Soul EV, and Volkswagen e Golf, which are already commonplace.

Cars Most Likely To Have Catalytic Converters Stolen

Catalytic converter theft is a problem for Toyota Tacoma, Tundra & Prius, Ford F-250, and Honda CRV & Element hybrid vehicles. These cars have a high palladium content because they don’t have to work so hard to remove the pollutants from the air.

How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

Thieves target cars parked on crowded, dark, and elevated places for their catalytic converters. Because catalytic converter thieves will not steal from exposed parking spots, it is preferable to leave your car in a private parking lot or, if that is not an option, in a well-lit area of the parking lot.

Even if you take every precaution, catalytic converter thefts might happen, especially if your automobile is a hybrid.

The precious metals found inside these catalytic converters are what really deter criminals, not the engraved VIN.

Catalytic converters can’t take your car parts if it’s locked up in a garage. As nighttime break-ins are common, installing a CCTV camera in your garage is a good idea if you don’t already have one.

Alternatively, you can solder the converter to the vehicle’s frame with an anti-theft mechanism. Catalytic thieves may also benefit from a high-sensitivity alarm, which will sound when the automobile parts are broken off by the thieve.

What to Do After the Catalytic Converter Is Stolen

Catalytic converter thieves may target cars in a specific region, but if you notify the authorities right away, they may be able to locate your converter. When the crime is reported quickly, authorities can catch additional criminals in the neighborhood, allowing them to put an end to it.

Most catalytic converters are covered by insurance, and you should file a claim as soon as you realize that yours has been stolen. Catalytic converter thefts are likely to be covered by comprehensive insurance policies, therefore you’ll utilize the police report to file a claim with the insurance provider.

If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, the cost of replacing your catalytic converter may be higher. You can also hire an attorney if the insurance company refuses to pay a reasonable price for the stolen catalytic converter. An attorney’s retribution and ramifications will drive the insurance company to respond positively.

Final thoughts

Catalytic converters are stolen from nearly every car model, however some models are more likely to be targeted by criminals than others. As a result, which vehicles’ catalytic converters are most likely to be stolen?

More valuable cars don’t attract thieves since they have more precious metals in their exhaust systems. There is little demand for these catalytic converters on the market. Ford, Chevrolet, Jeep, Dodge, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Hyundai, and Chrysler are just a few of the many automakers represented. Thieves won’t steal diesel converters because they lack precious metals.

Even if the price of a pickup or SUV is cheap, it is still susceptible to converter theft. Because of this, it is best to take care of these vehicles. Theft is less of a concern for owners of electric vehicles without catalytic converters. Finally, if you want to keep your vehicle safe from theft, take good care of it.