Why are catalytic converters stolen so often?

Why are people stealing them? Thieves target catalytic converters because of the value of the metals found inside the devices. Catalytic converters are typically made up of three precious metals: platinum, palladium and rhodium. The value of all three metals have risen sharply in price in the last decade.
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Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

These are the 10 models most targeted by catalytic converter thieves in the U.S., according to the company that tracks vehicle history.
  • 1990-2022 Ford Econoline vans.
  • 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks.
  • 2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox.
  • 1997-2020 Honda CR-V.
  • 1987-2019 Toyota Camry.
  • 2011-17 Chrysler 200.
  • 2001-21 Toyota Prius.
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How are catalytic converters stolen so quickly?

It's easy for thieves to get catalytic converters, especially under lifted cars like trucks, because they can get in and out quickly, avoiding detection. BRYAN, Texas — Catalytic converter thefts continue to rise. Thieves are looking to take any make, model - really, it doesn't matter.
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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.
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Do catalytic converters get stolen a lot?

By 2020, catalytic converter theft was up to 14,433. In just the first six months of 2021, it jumped to 25,969. Catalytic converters are an expensive, easily removed part in every car and suddenly you need to know how to protect yours.
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Understanding the wave of catalytic converter thefts



How can I prevent my catalytic converter from stealing?

Park in well-lit areas close to public entrances, regularly move your car's spot or use a closed garage. Install an anti-theft device. Install motion-sensitive lights and cameras in your parking area. Paint your catalytic converter to deter buyers – some local police departments even offer free programs for painting.
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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.
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Why do thieves want 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.
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How much do criminals get for a catalytic converter?

Thanks to the increasing prices of the precious metals used in the production — i.e, platinum, rhodium and palladium — an ill-gotten catalytic converter can “typically” fetch between $50 and $250 when sold to an unscrupulous recycling facility, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
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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.
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How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converter replacement isn't cheap. For most vehicles, the average cost of a catalytic converter repair is between $945 and $2475 including parts and labor. The catalytic converter cost itself can be up to $2250 of that. That might be close to your car's value or more!
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What does your car sound like without a 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.
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What year cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft?

In the western part of the country, the following cars are the top targets: 2001-2021 Toyota Prius. 1985-2021 Ford F-Series. 1989-2020 Honda Accord.
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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.
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Which cars are least likely to have their 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.
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Where are all the stolen catalytic converters going?

Thieves target vehicles like Toyotas, Fords and Hyundais getting under the car to cut the catalytic converters, sometimes in less than a minute. The converters are then sold to junkyards and scrap yards for a couple of hundred dollars. For you to replace it though can cost over $2,000.
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What cars do they steal catalytic converters from?

Those vehicles most often targeted for catalytic converter theft during the past three years in California are the Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Honda Accord, Ford Econoline, Honda CRV, Ford F-250, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, Ford Excursion and the Toyota Tacoma.
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How much gold is in a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters contain Platinum, Rhodium and Palladium. However, there is no gold in catalytic converters.
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What do they do with stolen catalytic converters?

Stealing a catalytic converter is easy: Thieves slide under the car and slice through the exhaust system using a battery-powered saw in 30 seconds to a minute, Glawe says. They then sell the part to a scrap metal yard for between $150 to $300.
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Why is a catalytic converter so valuable?

Why are catalytic converters becoming an endangered species? Because they contain three valuable metals - platinum, palladium, and rhodium - making them worth hundreds, even thousands of dollars, stolen or not. It's the rhodium thieves are after. It's very rare, very expensive and has some strange properties.
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How would you know if your catalytic converter was stolen?

The most surefire way to know if your catalytic converter has been stolen is to simply get on the ground and look. Visually inspecting your exhaust system will show that the catalytic converter has been cut out if it has been stolen.
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Can you replace catalytic converter with a straight pipe?

The short answer is yes you can.

This is because a catalytic converter's primary job is to convert dangerous emissions (like carbon monoxide) from gasoline-fueled engines into more environmental-friendly gases, like carbon dioxide or water vapor.
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What is the life expectancy of a catalytic converter?

The catalytic converter, which converts harmful emissions into harmless gas, often lasts 10 years or longer and should be replaced only when needed. It can become clogged, physically damaged, or contaminated by oil or engine coolant.
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Is it worth fixing a catalytic converter?

Is it worth replacing your catalytic converter? Due to the cost involved, replacing your catalytic converter should be considered a last resort. This is especially true if your car is very old, has a lot of miles on it, is not particularly reliable, and you live in a state with tough smog laws.
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