What are the top 10 most stolen catalytic converters?
There is no single global official ranking, but a consensus from police reports, insurers, and theft-tracking services in the United States over the last few years points to a common set of vehicle models that are most often targeted for catalytic-converter theft. The models listed below have repeatedly appeared in theft reports and insurance data as frequent targets.
Context and data sources
Security researchers and law enforcement agencies track catalytic-converter thefts by analyzing police reports, insurance claims, and theft-recovery databases. These sources show trends that can vary by region, season, and metal prices. The following list reflects the vehicles most commonly cited as targets in recent years, rather than a definitive, universal ranking.
Data sources
Reported thefts are drawn from national and regional crime statistics, insurer dashboards, and industry crime intelligence groups. Since theft patterns shift with metal prices and enforcement, rankings can change from year to year.
Regional variation
The exact top targets differ by city and state. Urban areas with higher scrap-value markets or frequent theft activity may see different models on top than rural regions. The list below represents widely reported targets in the United States over the past several years.
Top 10 commonly targeted models
The following list summarizes vehicle models that have been most frequently cited as targets for catalytic-converter theft in recent years. Note that ordering is not an official national ranking and can vary by locale and year.
- Toyota Prius
- Honda CR-V
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Camry
- Ford F-150
- Toyota 4Runner
- Lexus RX
- Honda Accord
- Nissan Altima
- Chevrolet Silverado
These models are frequently targeted due to a combination of easy access to the catalytic converter, designs that place the converter in vulnerable locations, and the relatively high resale value of the metals contained within. Preferences can shift as anti-theft measures improve or as metal markets swing.
Prevention and safety measures
To reduce the risk of theft, vehicle owners and communities have adopted a range of preventive strategies. The following list highlights common steps that can deter thieves and help protect catalytic converters.
- Install a catalytic-converter shield or lock-plate that makes removal more difficult or noisy.
- Use locking bolts or clamps with anti-theft hardware designed specifically for exhaust systems.
- Etch or mark the catalytic converter with the vehicle’s VIN or a unique identifier to aid recovery and deter resale.
- Park in well-lit areas, secure garages, or monitored lots whenever possible.
- Enhance security with motion-activated exterior lighting and visible CCTV cameras.
- Consider a catalytic-converter alarm or a discreet GPS tracker to alert you to tampering.
- Maintain a visible deterrent through neighborhood watch programs or reported theft hotlines in your area.
- Work with a trusted mechanic to identify any vulnerabilities in your specific vehicle model and discuss protective options.
Prevention efforts focus on increasing the difficulty and risk for thieves and on improving rapid detection and recovery if a theft occurs.
Summary
Across regions and years, certain vehicle models have repeatedly appeared in catalytic-converter theft reports as frequent targets. While the exact top-10 can vary by locale and time, commonly cited targets include Toyota Prius, Honda CR-V, Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Ford F-150, Toyota 4Runner, Lexus RX, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Chevrolet Silverado. Prospects for theft are shaped by metal prices, demand in the scrap market, and the effectiveness of deterrents and enforcement. Owners can reduce risk through protective hardware, visible security measures, and neighborhood awareness.
