What car is most likely to have its catalytic converter stolen?
The Toyota Prius is among the most frequently targeted models for catalytic converter theft, with other common targets including Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, and Ford F-Series pickups in many regions.
Rising prices for the precious metals inside catalytic converters and the ease of access under many popular vehicles have driven a surge in these thefts. While certain models show up more often in crime data, regional patterns vary and any vehicle with a readily accessible undercarriage can be at risk depending on location and opportunity.
Which models are most at risk?
Below is a snapshot of vehicles that have been repeatedly flagged by police reports and insurers as frequent targets in recent years. The list reflects common patterns across multiple regions, though it is not exhaustive and trends can shift over time.
- Toyota Prius and other hybrid models
- Honda Civic, Honda Accord, and Honda CR-V
- Toyota Camry and Toyota RAV4
- Ford F-Series pickups (such as the F-150) and other large trucks
- Chevrolet Silverado and other popular full-size trucks
Conclusion: The highest-risk vehicles tend to be hybrids with high-value catalysts and popular, widely driven models with easy undercarriage access. Local crime trends can vary, so residents should consult local police or insurance data for their area.
Prevention and protection strategies
Proactive steps can deter theft and help protect catalytic converters from becoming targets. The following measures are commonly recommended by law enforcement and automotive safety groups.
- Park in well-lit, secure areas whenever possible and consider monitored parking options.
- Install anti-theft catalytic converter shields, cages, or reinforced locking bolts designed to resist tampering.
- Have the converter’s serial number or VIN etched onto the metal to aid identification if theft occurs.
- Use vehicle alarms or sensors that monitor undercarriage activity, and consider adding a motion-activated camera or dash camera coverage in parking zones.
- Regularly inspect the exhaust area for signs of tampering and keep maintenance records for quick claims if theft happens.
Conclusion: A combination of visibility, physical deterrents, and proactive parking strategies reduces the likelihood of catalytic converter theft and helps with fast identification and recovery if a theft occurs.
What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen
If you wake to find a missing converter, contact local law enforcement to file a report, notify your insurer, and arrange repairs as soon as possible. Keep the theft report number and any claim documentation handy, and explore temporary transport options while replacement work is completed.
Summary
Summary: In practice, Toyota Prius models have long been high targets for catalytic converter theft, with other popular vehicles such as Honda Civic/Accord/CR-V and Ford F-Series also frequently affected depending on location. The underlying drivers are the value of the metals inside converters and the ease of access under the vehicle. Drivers and fleets should stay informed about local trends and invest in practical protections to reduce risk.
What car pays the most for catalytic converters?
That honor belongs to the Ram 2500, with a catalytic converter price of $3,460. The fourth most-expensive, the Ford F-250, will run drivers $2,804, representing a significant price drop from the top three. Rounding out the top five is the Ford Mustang at $1,500, a relatively modest figure in comparison.
Which car has the most catalytic converter theft?
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
What is the #1 stolen car in America?
The #1 most stolen car in America, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), is the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for model years 2022-2024. This high-performance model is stolen at a rate 39 times higher than the average vehicle, partly due to its high horsepower and the data available through on-board ports.
- High theft rate: The Camaro ZL1 is stolen at a rate that is nearly 40 times higher than the average car, according to Reader's Digest.
- Attraction to thieves: The vehicle's high horsepower is a significant factor, as muscle cars have frequently topped theft lists.
- Other high-theft vehicles: While the ZL1 is #1, other vehicles like the standard Chevrolet Camaro (13 times higher than average), Acura TLX, and various GMC, Ram, and Dodge pickup trucks also have high theft rates, notes AL.com.
- Data source: The HLDI analyzes insurance claim data to determine relative theft frequencies, which provides a more accurate picture of which vehicles are most at risk.
Which 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.
