Are Toyota Corollas targeted for catalytic converter theft?
Yes, Toyota Corollas are a common target for catalytic converter theft. Catalytic converters, which are part of a vehicle's exhaust system, contain valuable precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium that can be sold for hundreds of dollars on the black market. Thieves often target Corollas and other popular, high-clearance vehicles because the catalytic converters are easily accessible and can be removed quickly.
Why Are Toyota Corollas Targeted?
There are a few key reasons why Toyota Corollas are frequently targeted for catalytic converter theft:
- Popularity and Availability - The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling and most widely-owned vehicles in the United States. This makes Corollas a common and accessible target for thieves.
- High Clearance - Corollas have a higher ground clearance compared to many other passenger cars, making it easier for thieves to access and remove the catalytic converter from underneath the vehicle.
- Valuable Metals - Like most vehicles, Corollas contain catalytic converters with valuable precious metals that can be sold for a high price on the black market.
- Lack of Anti-Theft Devices - Many Corollas do not come equipped with anti-theft devices or cages specifically designed to protect the catalytic converter, making them an easier target.
These factors combined make Toyota Corollas a prime target for catalytic converter theft, which has become an increasingly common and costly crime across the United States.
Protecting Your Toyota Corolla
To help prevent your Toyota Corolla from being targeted for catalytic converter theft, there are several steps you can take:
- Install a Catalytic Converter Shield or Cage - These aftermarket devices make it much more difficult for thieves to remove the converter.
- Park in Well-Lit, Secure Areas - Thieves often target vehicles parked in dark, isolated areas, so try to park in well-lit, high-traffic locations when possible.
- Engrave Your Converter - Etching your license plate number or VIN onto the catalytic converter can help deter theft and make it easier to identify if it is stolen.
- Consider a Catalytic Converter Alarm - Some devices can detect vibrations and sound an alarm if someone attempts to remove the converter.
While no method is 100% foolproof, taking these proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of your Toyota Corolla's catalytic converter being targeted by thieves.
Will car 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 cars are not targeted for catalytic converter theft?
What Cars Do Catalytic Converter Thieves Avoid
- Gasoline-powered engines made before 1974 don't have catalytic converters.
- Diesel engine converters don't contain the precious metals that thieves want.
- Electric cars do not have catalytic converters.
Which vehicles are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?
Here are some of the top vehicles with the most stolen catalytic converters:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
- Ford F-150.
- Toyota Prius.
- Honda Accord.
- Toyota Tacoma.
- Chevrolet Equinox.
- Honda CR-V.
- Ford E-Series Van.
What Toyotas are targeted for catalytic converter theft?
The Toyota Prius has consistently been one of the most targeted vehicles for catalytic converter theft. In 2020, theft claim frequency for 2004-2009 Prius models was over 40 times higher compared to 2016 . Nationally, the Prius ranked as the third most targeted vehicle in 2022, up from seventh in 2021 .
How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter on a Toyota Corolla?
The average cost for a Toyota Corolla Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $1,799 and $1,835.
Are Toyota Corollas at risk for catalytic converter theft?
~ COMMUNITY ALERT ~ Catalytic converter theft is on the rise in our community, with Toyota Corollas (any year) being the top targeted model in 2024.
