- Catalytic converter theft is climbing across the country again.
- Hybrid converters can sell for far more than standard ones.
- Pickups and SUVs sit higher, making them easier targets.
Catalytic converter theft swept the United States during the Covid-19 pandemic, driven mostly by spiking prices for the precious metals packed inside them. Years on, the problem hasn’t gone anywhere, even with some of those metal prices retreating from their highs.
Law enforcement agencies in some areas report a recent resurgence in thefts, and CARFAX estimates that thousands more converters were stolen in the opening months of this year.
A recent analysis from Carfax shows that more than 137,000 catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles across the country last year. Pickups and SUVs take the brunt of it, and the reason is mechanical rather than mysterious. They ride higher, so a thief can slide underneath without jacking anything up.
Read: CarFax Faces Questions After Claiming A $9,672 Catalytic Converter Theft Isn’t Damage
The single most frequently targeted model in the US is the Ford F-150, which is hardly a surprise given how many millions of them parked on streets. The Hyundai Tucson lands second, then the Ford Explorer, Ram 2500, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Traverse, Ram 3500, Ford EcoSport, Ford Expedition, and Chevrolet Trax round out the rest.
Top Vehicles Most Frequently Targeted Nationwide
Source: Carfax
Among the key materials found in catalytic converters are platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Rhodium prices have more than doubled over the past year, reaching $11,000 per ounce in March. Although this is well down from the historical peak of roughly $30,000 in 2021, prices are still high enough to convince thieves that snatching catalytic converters is a wise move.
“There are a wide range of vehicles impacted, and most of these are pickup trucks and SUVs, which tend to sit higher off the ground, making it easier for thieves to get in and out,” Carfax’s Patrick Olsen said. “Experts also tell us that while thieves can make anywhere from $25-$300 for a standard catalytic converter, converters from hybrid vehicles can sell for up to $1,400 because they have even more of those precious metals inside.”
According to law enforcement, replacement costs can reach $3,000, a number that lands hardest on drivers carrying no comprehensive coverage.
Sykesville Police Department Corporal Annelise Barrett recently said thieves removed catalytic converters from vehicles in minutes, leaving owners with repair bills worth thousands of dollars. She also noted an increase in incidents both locally and in nearby cities.
What Can Car Owners Do?
While it’s impossible to completely stop thieves from targeting your vehicle unless it never leaves your garage, there are some things motorists can do to help discourage them. This can include parking in well-lit, high-foot-traffic areas, using a locked garage whenever possible, or installing motion-sensor lights near where you park.
Some companies also sell metal cages and anti-theft devices for catalytic converters, and law enforcement recommends increasing a vehicle alarm’s sensitivity to make theft attempts more noticeable. It’s also a good idea to engrave your car’s VIN onto the cat, as this could help authorities track it down if it’s ever stolen.
