What year cars have catalytic converters?

Fuel-powered vehicles manufactured after 1974 have catalytic converters, so there are a lot of cars on the road that might appeal to catalytic converter thieves. However, thieves often target taller vehicles, like pickup trucks or SUVs, because they can easily fit under the vehicle to access the catalytic converter.

What cars are most likely to have catalytic converters stolen?

When did cars stop using catalytic converters?

They were also used on gasoline engines in American- and Canadian-market automobiles until 1981. Because of their inability to control oxides of nitrogen, they were superseded by three-way converters.

Do newer cars have catalytic converters?

Every vehicle on the road has a catalytic converter — they've been required as of 1975 — meaning every vehicle is also a potential target for thieves. Some cars, however, may be at increased risk simply because of how they're built.

Which cars are least likely to have catalytic converters stolen?

American brands such as Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler tend to have less valuable catalytic converters and are therefore less likely to get stolen. Some Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda, and Subaru models also fall into this category. Many brands used cat designs that limited how many precious metals were inside.

Understanding the wave of catalytic converter thefts

What vehicle is the hardest to steal a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters are inside the engine compartment of newer cars like Honda's 2015 Accord and Jazz models, making it more difficult for thieves to steal them. All the big car companies have converters that aren't worth a lot of money.

How do I protect my car from catalytic converter theft?

How do I know if my car has a catalytic converter?

How do I find out if my car has one? If you are unsure whether your car has a catalytic converter, the best way to check is to google the model. Hybrid cars are particularly commonly targeted by thieves, as their catalytic converters include more precious metals.

How much is a stolen catalytic converter worth?

Thieves can make anywhere from $25 to $300 for a standard catalytic converter, and ones from hybrid vehicles can sell for up to $1,400. These parts are also relatively easy to access from under the vehicle.

What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters?

According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag. Moreover, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car owners $7,540 before labor costs.

Do all cars come with catalytic converters?

Not all vehicles have a cat converter. The catalytic converter is only needed for combustion engine vehicles, particularly those built after the 1970s, to change harmful emissions into harmless gases. You won't find them on electric cars, but hybrids will still have them.

Does insurance cover stolen catalytic converters?

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 kind of cars do Thieves target for catalytic converter?

The top cars targeted by catalytic converter thieves in the West are: 2001-21 Toyota Prius. 1985-2021 Ford F-Series. 1989-2020 Honda Accord.

How do I know if catalytic converter is stolen?

Why are Toyota catalytic converters stolen?

Currently, Prius is being targeted because catalytic converters of hybrids need more of the precious metals to work properly because they don't get as hot as those installed on conventional vehicles, since the combustion engines of hybrids only run part of the time.

Why do thieves want to steal catalytic converters?

According to multiple sources, money is the main motivation for people stealing catalytic converters. According to NJ.com, they have precious metals like platinum and rhodium in them that have value on the black market. Cars.com also mention that the devices have palladium.

What is the street value of a catalytic converter?

While the “street value” of a catalytic converter can range between a mere $100 to $700 depending on the type of vehicle it's stolen from, replacing a stolen one will cost you a lot more. With labor, a catalytic converter replacement is estimated at between $1,000 and $3,000.

What does a car sound like with no catalytic converter?

Loud Vehicle Noises and Missing Catalytic Converter

You will find that when driving without your catalytic converter, it will sound like your vehicle is roaring—especially when starting or giving it gas.

What happens if your car has no catalytic converter?

A faulty converter means increased tailpipe emissions, even if you don't see or smell anything from the exhaust. And again, if the converter has mechanically failed to the point that it restricts exhaust flow, it will cause engine performance problems. But there won't usually be any damage to other parts of your car.

Is it easy to steal a catalytic converter?

Unfortunately, stealing a catalytic converter is very easy to do. Thieves usually slide underneath a car with a battery-powered reciprocating saw and cut it right out of the exhaust line. It takes about 2 to 3 minutes and makes as much noise as any other power tool.

What is the most popular catalytic converter stolen?

Carfax data shows that the Ford F-Series trucks that sit atop the national list for converter theft (their high ground clearance makes them especially easy to purloin in this regard) are the most targeted models in all parts of the country except western U.S. states.

How much is a catalytic converter worth on the black market?

According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, a global non-profit organization with a focus in public policy, criminals typically sell stolen catalytic converters for $50-$500 to internet buyers or scrapyards.

Does a 1995 car need a catalytic converter?

CARB-compliant aftermarket replacement converters are required for California Emissions Certified vehicles – model years 1993, 1994 or 1996 and newer – operated in the state.