People start stealing catalytic converters when they are in need of money. You may not think there is a significant market for stolen catalytic converters, but you are mistaken. So why do people steal catalytic converters and what is their worth?
In this article, we take a closer look at the catalytic converter to determine what it does. We articulate why someone would steal such an important part of your vehicle and we tell you its approximate value.
At the end of the article we talk about how thieves steal the converter, how you can tell if your vehicle is affected, and a list of the most commonly stolen cars.
Why Do People Steal Catalytic Converters?
Catalytic converters are stolen for their precious metals; rhodium, palladium, and platinum are worth a lot of money to metal recyclers who pay a lot for some kinds of catalytic converters and less for other kinds.
Additonally, a catalytic converter is easy to steal in most cases. For anyone experienced in this practice, it doesn’t take more than a few minutes to detach a catalytic converter from any car.
What is a Catalytic Converter?
The catalytic converter in a vehicle is found between the muffler and the engine and is used to reduce engine exhaust contamination from emissions into the atmosphere.
The catalytic converter uses precious metals to create a chemical reaction that converts nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water vapor.
While some vehicles have multiple catalytic converters, since 1975 every gasoline vehicle has at least one.
How Much is a Catalytic Converter Worth?
A catalytic converter is worth an average of $75 to $1,000. The value of a catalytic converter really depends on what vehicle you’re driving and how old it is. A typical catalytic converter has about two to seven grams of palladium, one to two grams of rhodium, and three to seven grams of platinum in it.
Last year, platinum was selling at $1,100 per ounce, palladium was $2,400 an ounce, and rhodium has an average value of $18,000 an ounce. So, it does not take a lot of precious metal to make those converters worth a lot.
In the worst-case scenario, you will have to replace the stolen catalytic converter. This will cost you much more than what the thieves got for it. Depending on what type of car you drive, you may spend $2,000 or more for the new catalytic converter, not including labor for the replacement.
Moreover, if you have to replace more than one catalytic converter, the costs easily add up. Therefore, it makes sense to have an insurance policy that covers theft—especially if a catalytic converter gets stolen.
How are Catalytic Converters Stolen?
The catalytic converter is under the vehicle so you would think it’s not easily stolen but that is not the case.
Thieves are skilled at getting under the vehicle to the catalytic converter in seconds. Once under the chassis the thief saws off the exhaust system to get the cat out.
With just a hand saw the thief can remove the cat in minutes and you won’t even know it until you get in the vehicle to start to drive.
How Do I Know If My Catalytic Converter Is Stolen?
#1. Noisy Operation.
The simplest way to know if your catalytic converter has been removed is by listening to the vehicle. Since the catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system, it helps muffle sounds.
Once the cat is removed, nothing is stopping the exhaust from sounding loud and raw. When you start the car, a loud roar should startle you. The sound should only get louder as your car accelerates.
#2. Check Engine Light.
Once you get past the loud sound, you should be able to look down at the dashboard and see that something has changed. With no catalytic converter, the Check Engine Light is going to come on.
This Check Engine Light indicates that a trouble code has been discovered. Upon plugging in your code scanner to read the fault, the code will be related to the catalytic converter.
#3. Engine Sputtering.
Along with engine noise, there could be some performance issues as well. Not only is the noise loud when you accelerate, but so too are the performance issues.
The most common complaint is the engine sputtering. Along with the engine sputtering, the car may not be driving smoothly, making the ride embarrassing and uncomfortable.
#4. Increased Emissions.
Catalytic converters are designed to reduce emissions, but with a cat-less exhaust system, the exhaust smoke will have a lot of bad gases.
As a result, you may notice an increase in exhaust odors as well. The vehicle also will not pass an emissions test without a catalytic converter.
#5. Loose Pieces.
When a catalytic converter is stolen, it is done very quickly, so the thieves do not take much care in doing it.
For this reason, you may see some pieces of the exhaust system dangling down when you inspect it closely. You might even perceive which exhaust system pieces or sections are loose without starting the vehicle.
Most Targeted Vehicles for Catalytic Converter Theft
USA Today recently identified the vehicles that are most commonly used in catalytic converter thefts. To identify these vehicles, service records from over 60,000 repair shops between 2019 to the present time (2022) were pulled. Carfax also helped in compiling the results.
If you drive one of the vehicles below, it is likely that you are more at risk for catalytic converter theft.
- 1985-2021 Ford F-Series
- 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot
- 1989-2020 Honda Accord
- 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2007-2021 Jeep Compass
- 1990-2022 Ford Econoline
- 1993-2020 Nissan Altima
- 2011-2017 Chrysler 200
- 2008-2014 Dodge Avenger
- 2011-2019 Chevrolet Cruze
Some vehicles are typically more susceptible to catalytic converter theft. One of those is hybrids, which also tend to be crime magnets. While the Toyota Prius is likely the most prominent, all hybrids are equally as susceptible to the crime.
You may ask, “why hybrids?” It is due largely to the hybrid technology. These cars will often have higher levels of precious materials used in their converters, which increases demand and value.
Trucks and SUVs are also a target for the same reason. However, it is not because of value. These vehicles typically have a higher ride height allowing the thief to get under the vehicle with little effort.
A thief can simply lie underneath the vehicle escaping detection, and once they are underneath the car, it takes little time for the thief to take the precious converter and drive off.
Last, so-called luxury cars or supercars come into play. These converters are simply worth more money, and the vehicles usually use more than one per vehicle, which doubles the thief’s profit without really doubling the effort. Unfortunately, these cars are also expensive to replace.
FAQs.
How much do thieves make off a stolen catalytic converter?
Thieves will usually take in between $75 and $1000 for a catalytic converter, with a lot of them around $200. The amount a thief gets for their catalytic converter depends on the type of catalytic converter and how much precious metals it contains.
What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen?
If your catalytic converter is stolen you will notice your car engine is significantly louder than normal. It is also possible that you could have a warning light on your dashboard.
If your catalytic converter is stolen then you would want to contact your insurance company and have it towed to a mechanic to ensure proper repairs are made.
What is the best catalytic converter anti-theft device?
There are a lot of different anti-theft devices on the market for catalytic converters. The best kind is probably some kind of metal shield around the catalytic converter so the thief would not be able to easily cut it off.
Do mechanics steal catalytic converters?
No, in most cases mechanics do not steal catalytic converters. There are always the bad apples in every profession, but most mechanics are honest and good people.