Do people steal Highlander catalytic converters?
Yes. Catalytic converters from Toyota Highlanders have been reported stolen in multiple regions, driven by the value of the metals inside and the vehicles’ design that makes the converters accessible from underneath.
Overview: The Highlander as a target
The Highlander, like many mid-size SUVs, sits higher off the ground than a typical car, which makes the catalytic converter easier to reach from beneath. In recent years, thefts targeting these components have surged in several markets, reflecting a broader trend across many vehicle makes and models.
Why Highlanders are appealing to thieves
The combination of high ground clearance, exposed exhaust piping toward the rear, and the widespread use of Highlanders in urban and suburban areas has made them frequent targets for converter theft. Thieves often work quickly to remove the unit with basic hand tools, reducing the chance of being detected.
What makes catalytic converters valuable
Catalytic converters contain precious metals such as palladium, platinum, and rhodium. Prices for these metals have fluctuated widely in the 2010s and 2020s, incentivizing theft because criminals can sell stolen converters to scrap yards or metal recyclers for cash. The value of a single converter can vary, but it remains higher than many other auto parts, making the risk-to-reward calculation favorable for thieves in some areas.
How widespread is the problem?
Data from police advisories, insurance industry reports, and local news outlets show that converter theft is a nationwide issue in several countries. SUVs and trucks, including the Toyota Highlander, have been repeatedly cited in incident reports and theft hotlines as common targets during broad spikes in converter theft activity.
Regional patterns
Regions with high theft rates often correlate with higher scrap-metal prices, dense urban centers, and neighborhoods with limited surveillance. Suburban jurisdictions with quick access to major highways have also reported clusters of thefts around shopping centers, apartment complexes, and workplaces where vehicles are parked overnight or for several hours.
Response from communities and automakers
Law enforcement agencies have issued public advisories about converter theft, and some regions have implemented targeted patrols or awareness campaigns. Automakers and aftermarket security providers offer anti-theft solutions, including protective shields, locking devices, VIN etching, and alarms designed to deter or slow down theft.
Industry and police guidance
Experts recommend multi-layered protection: physical deterrents on the exhaust area, anti-theft fasteners, VIN registration on the converter, and enhanced parking security. Insurance providers are also adjusting coverage options and encouraging preventative measures to reduce losses.
Preventive measures and tools
To reduce the risk, consider these protective measures:
- Park in well-lit, secure areas with surveillance when possible.
- Install an aftermarket catalytic converter shield or cage that blocks access to the exhaust pipe.
- Use anti-theft screws or locking clamps on the converter; replace factory bolts with tamper-resistant fasteners.
- Etch your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the converter and register the VIN with your insurer.
- Invest in a motion-activated exterior security camera or a portable alarm that triggers if the exhaust area is tampered with.
- Consider a vehicle alarm that triggers when the undercarriage is jacked or cut.
Implementing these steps can deter thieves, but no measure guarantees prevention. Regular maintenance and awareness remain critical.
What to do if a theft occurs
If your Highlander is targeted or a replacement is needed, act quickly and document everything:
- Contact local police to file a theft report and obtain a case number for insurance.
- Notify your insurer as soon as possible to start a claim and determine coverage for replacement and repairs.
- Keep the area untouched so investigators can collect evidence and determine the thief’s methods.
- Check nearby security cameras or neighbors’ footage for clues; share any information with authorities.
- Arrange for professional replacement with a certified converter and consider additional security measures for future protection.
Taking prompt action can help recover costs and reduce the likelihood of repeat incidents.
Summary
Yes, Highlander catalytic converters have been stolen in various regions, reflecting a broader trend affecting many SUVs. The thefts are driven by the precious metals inside and by the vehicles’ accessibility. Owners should stay vigilant and consider protective measures to reduce risk, while authorities continue to investigate and combat the theft network.
What vehicle is the catalytic converter most stolen?
Cars most likely to have their catalytic converters stolen include models with high ground clearance, like trucks and SUVs, and hybrid vehicles, with the Toyota Prius and various Honda models topping many lists. Specific models frequently targeted are the Ford F-Series, Honda Accord, and Honda CR-V, because they are easy to access and contain valuable precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
Popular targets by vehicle type
- Trucks and SUVs: These are prime targets because their high ride height provides easy access underneath the vehicle.
- Ford F-Series (especially the F-150)
- Ford Explorer
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Hybrids: These vehicles are often targeted because their catalytic converters tend to be in better condition and have higher concentrations of precious metals.
- Toyota Prius
- Sedans: Certain sedans are also frequently stolen from.
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry
- Honda CR-V
Why do people steal catalytic converters from Toyota?
Thieves like to steal catalytic converters as with other types of metal, because they are readily available, as vehicles from the past 20 years all have catalytic converters, they are not identifiable without a serial number or owner-applied number, and the precious metals inside the catalytic converter make it ...
Are Toyota Highlanders targets for catalytic converter theft?
Protect your Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2020-2026) from catalytic converter theft with our Cat Shield. With its popularity and accessible undercarriage, the Highlander Hybrid can be a target for thieves.
What Toyotas are targeted for catalytic converter theft?
Toyota Prius
The newest models of Toyota Prius don't contain as many precious metals as the older versions and are less likely to be impacted by theft. That said, Toyota Prius models from 2004 to 2009 are much more likely to be targeted by thieves due to the high concentration of precious metals in their catalytic converters.
