Which Toyota catalytic converters are being stolen?
Catalytic converter theft has become a growing problem across the United States, and Toyota vehicles have been a prime target for thieves. Certain Toyota models are more vulnerable to these thefts due to the design and placement of their catalytic converters.
Which Toyota Catalytic Converters Are Being Stolen?
According to law enforcement and auto industry reports, the Toyota Prius, Toyota Tacoma, and Toyota Tundra are among the most commonly targeted vehicles for catalytic converter theft. The Prius is particularly vulnerable due to its high-clearance design, which makes the catalytic converter easily accessible. The Tacoma and Tundra trucks are also targeted because their catalytic converters are located in an exposed position underneath the vehicle.
Why Are Catalytic Converters Being Stolen?
- Catalytic converters contain valuable precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which can be sold for hundreds of dollars on the black market.
- Thieves can remove a catalytic converter in just a few minutes using basic tools, making it a quick and lucrative crime.
- The rise in metal prices, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has further incentivized this type of theft.
The theft of catalytic converters not only causes significant damage to vehicles but also leaves owners with expensive repair bills, often costing thousands of dollars to replace the part.
What Can Toyota Owners Do to Protect Their Vehicles?
- Park in well-lit, secure areas whenever possible to deter thieves.
- Consider installing a catalytic converter protection device or shield, which can make it more difficult for thieves to remove the part.
- Engrave the vehicle's VIN number on the catalytic converter to help identify it if stolen.
- Report any suspicious activity or attempted thefts to the local police immediately.
While the problem of catalytic converter theft continues to plague Toyota owners, being proactive and taking preventive measures can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim. By working together with law enforcement and the automotive industry, Toyota owners can help combat this growing criminal trend.
Is there an app to look up the value of a catalytic converter?
The No. 1 catalytic converter pricing app. Search 233 Million cars by year/make/model or VIN. Cat DB is the largest USA cat database ever made, with 20,000+ listings including 3,000+ generics.
What vehicle has the most expensive catalytic converter to scrap?
If you are wondering which are the vehicles with the most expensive catalytic converter, we can give an example of luxury vehicles. Especially SUV type vehicles use larger catalytic converter and this causes more use of elements such as platinum rhodium. We can give models such as Audi Q7, Audi Q5, Audi Q3 as examples.
What cars are most likely to get a catalytic converter stolen?
The Most Common Vehicles to Have Their Catalytic Converters...
- Ford F Series Trucks. The Ford F-150 truck has been the best selling vehicle in the country for 41 years, according to the automaker.
- Honda Accord.
- Toyota Prius.
- Honda CR-V.
- Ford Explorer.
- Ford Econoline E-150.
- Chevrolet Equinox.
- Chevrolet Silverado.
How can I tell if catalytic converter has been stolen?
You can confirm the catalytic converter theft by looking underneath the car for an obvious hole in the undercarriage near the muffler. If you discover your catalytic converter has been stolen, take your car to a mechanic immediately. Consider calling a tow truck because driving without the converter can be hazardous.
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 is a Toyota catalytic converter worth in scrap?
The actual value you get for your Toyota catalytic converter depends on your car model and the size and weight of the catalytic converter, and the price can range from $75 to $700 when sold as scrap.
