Are Subarus prone to catalytic converter theft?
Yes, Subaru vehicles are considered more vulnerable to catalytic converter theft compared to other car makes and models. Catalytic converters, which are essential components in a vehicle's exhaust system, contain valuable precious metals that thieves target for resale.
Why Are Subarus Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft?
There are a few key reasons why Subaru vehicles are more prone to catalytic converter theft:
- Accessibility: Subarus have a relatively high ground clearance, making it easier for thieves to access and remove the catalytic converter underneath the vehicle.
- Valuable Metals: Subaru catalytic converters contain a higher concentration of precious metals, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which are valuable on the black market.
- Popularity: Subarus are a popular and widely-owned vehicle brand, providing a larger target pool for thieves.
These factors contribute to Subarus being a prime target for catalytic converter theft, a growing problem across the United States.
Steps Subaru Owners Can Take to Prevent Theft
To reduce the risk of catalytic converter theft, Subaru owners can take the following precautions:
- Park in well-lit, secure areas: Thieves often target vehicles parked in dark or isolated locations.
- Install a catalytic converter shield or cage: These physical barriers make it more difficult for thieves to access and remove the converter.
- Engrave the converter with the vehicle identification number (VIN): This makes the converter less valuable to thieves and easier to trace if stolen.
- Consider installing a catalytic converter alarm: These devices can detect vibrations or movement and trigger an alarm to deter thieves.
By taking these proactive measures, Subaru owners can help protect their vehicles and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of catalytic converter theft.
Does insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter?
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.
What is the most stolen Subaru?
The Subaru Forester and Impreza WRX are among the most stolen new models, but which Subaru vehicle do car thieves shy away from? The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) recently released a list of the most stolen cars in the Denver, Colorado metro area, and two Subaru models are hot targets.
Does insurance cover stolen catalytic?
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.
Are Subarus vulnerable to theft?
Subaru cars are difficult to steal in comparison to other cars out there. One of the ways that you can't steal a Subaru car is by hotwiring. The technology itself of a Subaru vehicle is completely digital and so revolutionary that something as simple as jump-starting a Subaru is not even an option.
What car is least likely to have catalytic converter stolen?
Which cars are least likely to have their catalytic converter stolen?
- A vehicle that is lower to the ground (if it's too hard to get under, it's not going to be a fast and easy theft!)
- All vehicles that are older than 1974 were not made with those valuable components.
Are newer cars safer from catalytic converter theft?
Hybrids have lower emissions than purely gasoline-powered cars. So the metals in their catalytic converters tend to last longer. For the same reason, newer cars are at greater risk than older cars. Thieves also target cars they can easily get under quickly.
What cars are most at risk of catalytic converter theft?
These vehicles are common targets for catalytic converter theft
- Chevrolet Silverado pick-up trucks.
- Ford F-series pick-up trucks and Econoline vans.
- Honda Accord sedans and Element SUVs.
- Jeep Patriot SUVs.
- Mitsubishi Outlander SUVs.
How do I protect my Subaru catalytic converter?
Park in well-lit areas close to public entrances, regularly move your car's spot or use a closed garage. Install an anti-theft device. Install motion-sensitive lights and cameras in your parking area. Paint your catalytic converter to deter buyers – some local police departments even offer free programs for painting.
Does Subaru warranty cover catalytic converter?
WARRANTY EXTENSION If you have this Service Program repair performed promptly, Subaru will extend the Federal Ex- tended Emissions Defect Warranty coverage on your vehicle's front catalytic converters to a pe- riod of 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Do Subaru catalytic converters get stolen?
In fact, according to CARFAX, the 2007–2020 model Subaru Outbacks are common marks for cat thieves in western states like Colorado and in northeastern states like Maine. Those statistics could be explained by the increased number of Subaru drivers in those areas due to harsh weather.
