Catalytic Converter Theft: What You Need to Know

Photo: Justin Sullivan | Getty Images News via Getty Images North America

Why do people steal catalytic converters?

Catalytic converters are stolen for two reasons: money and ease of stealing. These thefts are so common because the catalytic converter is mounted beneath the vehicle, making it easily accessible to thieves. With the proper tools, thieves can remove a catalytic converter in less than two minutes and profit handsomely by reselling it. 

Catalytic converters are made with the precious metals platinum, palladium and rhodium, which skyrocketed in value due to supply chain issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. The average catalytic converter contains about 1-2 grams of rhodium, about 3-7 grams of platinum, and between 2 and 7 grams of palladium. While the market value of these metals has decreased, they still can fetch a pretty penny. Rhodium is averaging between about $177 and $191 a gram and palladium is selling for about $32 a gram. Given that 28.3 grams are in an ounce, you can see how the profits could quickly add up.

For the vehicle's owner, replacing a stolen catalytic converter is a big hassle and potentially costs thousands of dollars. 

Jump to:
How are catalytic converters stolen? And how often?
How much are catalytic converters worth?
What states have the highest rates of catalytic converter theft?
Which vehicle types are easier targets?
Which vehicles are catalytic converters stolen from the most?
What to do when your catalytic converter is stolen
How do I protect my catalytic converter from theft?

How are catalytic converters stolen? And how often?

Catalytic converters are usually cut out of the exhaust system using a reciprocating saw or other cutting tool. The catalytic converter is located underneath the car between the engine and muffler. It catalyzes the toxic byproducts of fuel combustion into less poisonous gases that exit through your car's tailpipe in the form of exhaust. Catalytic converters use precious metals to convert the hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides produced within an internal combustion engine into less harmful carbon dioxide and water. Because they require high temperatures to operate correctly, catalytic converters are often located close to the engine. That's why if thieves have removed your car's catalytic converter, you'll hear a loud noise that sounds like it is coming from underneath the front seats. It also means the engine's exhaust is no longer flowing through the muffler or tailpipe.

The good news is that these thefts appear to be trending downward. The insurance company, State Farm, says that 3,800 catalytic converter theft claims were filed in the first half of 2024. That's down 74% from the 14,800 claims received during the same period in 2023. Although this data is just from one insurance company, it's a good indicator of how catalytic converter theft is decreasing nationwide. 

How much are catalytic converters worth?

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) says auto parts recyclers will typically pay between $50 and $250 for a standard catalytic converter and up to $800 for one from a hybrid vehicle. However, some are more valuable than others. For example, Carfax reports that the most valuable converters are selling for up to $1,400. 

Stolen catalytic converters are not usually offered for sale as-is, but they can be sold on the black market or to scrap yards that will buy them and sell them to companies specializing in scrap metals. Catalytic converter scrap prices can vary by region and reseller, but according to Rockaway Recycling, the national average price for catalytic converter scraps is about $72. 

Couple that with how little effort it takes to remove a catalytic converter from a vehicle — in some cases as fast as 30 seconds — and you can understand why they are a hot item.

What states have the highest rates of catalytic converter theft?

According to State Farm, California had the most catalytic converter theft claims, totaling over 2,000 in the first half of 2024. Illinois, New York, Texas and Florida had a combined total of 995 claims in the same period. 

California is currently the top state for catalytic converter thefts, with close to 7,000 stolen in the first half of 2023. Texas, Illinois, New Jersey and New York have had a combined 7,060 thefts to round out the top five. However, no metropolitan area is immune to these thefts. The concentration of vehicles, lax or limited security, and ease of reselling stolen converters contribute to the problem.

States are trying to curb the issue, though. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, 39 states have introduced 96 bills of new legislation or ones that strengthen existing laws in the first half of 2023. The National Automobile Dealers Association says over 100 state bills were introduced in 2024 to help prevent catalytic converter theft. 

In California, bills SB 1087 and AB 1740 require recycling companies to keep records of all catalytic converters and only allow their purchase from registered and approved dealers. On January 1, 2024, three new laws that combat catalytic converter theft went into effect. SB 55 requires dealers to engrave the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the catalytic converter before selling it, and AB 1519 prohibits the removal or alteration of VIN markings from a catalytic converter. AB 641 deals with penalties for automobile dismantlers who have nine or more catalytic converters. Additionally, states are trying to increase documentation requirements for buyers and sellers of catalytic converters and stiffen civil or criminal penalties for buyers and sellers of stolen catalytic converters.

Which vehicle types are easier targets?

If you're wondering what cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft, the answer is simple: any vehicle parked outside. With that said, smart catalytic converter thieves prefer some vehicles over others. For example, an SUV or pickup truck that sits high off the ground is an easy target because the thief can easily slide underneath with a saw and cut the catalytic converter out of the vehicle. Considering the popularity of lifted suspensions and oversized tires on everything from Chevy Silverados to Subaru Crosstreks, vehicle owners are making it easier than ever for catalytic converter thieves.

Hybrids are also popular targets. Because a hybrid vehicle's powertrain tends to run cooler, the catalytic converter requires more precious metals to operate properly. That makes catalytic converters from hybrid models more valuable to auto parts recyclers.

You may have heard that thieves are particularly interested in the Toyota Prius hybrid. That is true due to the nameplate's popularity during its 20-plus years on the market. More than 2 million Priuses have been sold in the United States since 2000, making this Toyota the most popular hybrid in America. In turn, that also makes the Prius popular with catalytic converter thieves.

Which vehicles are catalytic converters stolen from the most?

According to Carfax, the list of the top vehicles with the most catalytic converter thefts can vary by region. But nationwide, these seem to be the most common:

1. Ford F-150
2. Ford Explorer
3. Honda Accord
4. Toyota Prius
5. Honda CR-V
6. Chevrolet Equinox
7. Toyota Tacoma
8. Kia Soul
9. Chevrolet Traverse
10. Chevrolet Cruze
    Source: Carfax

What to do when your catalytic converter is stolen

If you find yourself the victim of catalytic converter theft, call the police to file a report. Call your insurance company, too, even if you don't have comprehensive coverage on your policy. Both entities must track the trends around this type of theft and understand what is happening in the local community.

Next, you'll need to schedule a repair with your dealership or an independent mechanic as soon as possible. Because thieves are unconcerned about how they remove the component from your vehicle, you'll likely need to replace or repair more than just the converter itself.

Finally, consider protecting your catalytic converter with one of the following tips below.

How do I protect my catalytic converter from theft?

Park in a safer location: Measures to prevent catalytic converter theft include parking your car in a garage or secure area. If you must park in an open lot or on a public street, try to find a well-lit space at night or one where security cameras and surveillance are in use. If you have no alternative but to leave your vehicle parked in a dark area with little traffic, keep in mind that thieves may find your car more appealing.

Install an anti-theft device: Another way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to purchase an aftermarket device that makes it harder for a thief to remove the exhaust system component from your vehicle. A catalytic converter anti-theft device attaches to the bottom of the vehicle and covers or surrounds the catalytic converter. For example, if you own a high-riding truck or SUV, you might choose a protective anti-theft plate that doubles as a skid plate.

Other alternatives include installing motion-sensing lighting where you park your vehicle and a motion-sensing alarm system that will discourage a thief. Etching your car's vehicle identification number (VIN) into the converter might not prevent theft of the device, but it could prevent the thief from cashing it in with an honest auto parts recycler.