List of most stolen catalytic converters

  • Bigger cars are more targeted because its catalytic converters are easier to access, making them easier to steal
  • Most auto insurance with theft protection coverage will cover the cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter
  • The out-of-pocket cost of replacing a catalytic converter ranges between $1,500 to $5,000

Law enforcement officials are warning drivers of popular car models, including Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado, to take extra precautions as a study of the exponentially rising number of catalytic converter thefts have been found to target those vehicles.

Using service records of catalytic converter replacements from over 60,000 service shops across the country from 2019 through the beginning of 2022 CarFax found that the following 10 vehicles are most likely to be targeted nationwide:

If you own a vehicle built after 1975, it likely has a catalytic converter. The environmental pollution concerns of the '70s forced the American government to introduce a rule that all cars were required to have catalytic converters installed in the exhaust systems to turn toxic exhaust fumes into water, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.

While catalytic converters have drastically reduced pollution, they've created a new problem for car owners since they are targeted by thieves. Catalytic converters can cost up to $1,000, and since they're fairly easy to steal, they've become prime targets for thieves looking to make a quick buck. With that in mind, let's explore some car models catalytic converter thieves target the most.

10/10 1985-2021 Ford F-Series

Forget Raptor, Here’s A Quake: 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty Tremorvia DetroitFreePress

The F-Series is arguably Ford's greatest vehicle, as it has been the company's cash cow since its introduction. The F-Series offers a mix of practicality, affordability, reliability, and off-roading capabilities, which is why it has been one of the best-selling vehicles in the US for decades.

2017-Ford-F-Series_Super_Duty-Fourth-Generation-Side-ViewVia: Ford

With tens of millions of F-Series trucks on the road, it's only logical that there's no shortage of them in repair shops waiting for catalytic converters. The F-Series also gives easy access to thieves due to its height, which is why it's important to take extra steps to protect its catalytic converter.

9/10 2011–2017 Chrysler 200

Black 2015 Chrysler 200 front view Via: Chrysler

Introduced in 2011, the 200 is a mid-size sedan that Chrysler built to replace the much-maligned Sebring. The 200 was a big upgrade over the Sebring, as it looked better, was more comfortable, and had better performance figures.

Black 2015 Chrysler 200 rear view Via: Chrysler

The 200 was quite popular and was produced for two generations before being discontinued in 2017. Although it's been five years since the end of the 200's production, it's still popular among catalytic converter thieves. Z

8/10 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado

Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Joshua Tree 10via Michael Van Runkle / HotCars

In the late '90s, Chevrolet needed a new pickup truck to replace the popular C/K and set it up for a successful 21st century. After a few years of development, Chevy introduced the Silverado in 1999.

Red 2014 Chevrolet Silverado side Via: Chevrolet

Like the C/K, the Silverado has grown tremendously in popularity and is currently among the most popular pickup trucks in the US. Unfortunately, like the F-Series, the Silverado makes a great target for catalytic converter thieves.

7/10 2001–2021 Toyota Prius

Front 3/4 view of a silver first
gen PriusToyota

Hybrids are currently taking over the industry. Most models now have hybrid options, and some of the fastest supercars today are hybrids too. However, in 2001, the only hybrid you could buy was the Toyota Prius.

Toyota Opening Up Electric Vehicle Patents In Bid To Widen The Market For EVsvia Toyota

The Prius was a controversial car when it debuted, largely thanks to its unusual design and hybrid drivetrain. Although many gearheads hated the Prius at first, it has grown on people, and it's now among the most popular Toyota models.

6/10 1987–2019 Toyota Camry

2012 Toyota Camry HybridVia: Toyota

If you drive on any road in the US, you're likely to come across a few Toyota Camry models. Well, that's because this car has been selling like hotcakes for decades.

Toyota Camryvia chicagotribune.com

The Camry doesn't offer much driving excitement, but its practicality, affordability, and reliability have kept it on top of sales charts. With the Camry's popularity still strong, it's easy to see why crooks may target it.

5/10 1997–2020 Honda CR-V

01 - 2020 Honda CR-V Touring-sourceVia : Honda

The Honda CR-V was among the pioneers of the compact crossover SUV segment when it debuted in the late '90s. It has been among the best-selling Japanese cars in the US, and with the sixth-generation model set to debut next year, its popularity isn't fading any time soon.

2001-Honda-CR-VHonda 

Thanks to its popularity, the CR-V is often targeted by catalytic converter thieves. There are various products you can buy to shield your CR-V's catalytic converter from thieves, but your best bet would be to always park it in a secure location.

4/10 1990-2022 Ford Econoline

Sportsmobile Ford E-Series 4x4via sportsmobile.com

If you look through automotive history, you'll find plenty of awesome vehicles that have been in production for decades without too many people noticing. The Ford E-Series—or Econoline—is one such car.

Ford Econoline Via Wikipedia 

The Econoline is a range of full-size vans that have been in production in some form or another since the '60s. The Econoline may not turn heads on the road, but it has been a practical workhorse for thousands of fleets across the country for decades. The Econoline is a great target for thieves since it's popular and doesn't usually go home with the owner.

3/10 1989-2020 Honda Accord

a parked red Honda AccordVia jdpower.com

Like the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord is another Japanese sedan you'll never miss on American roads. Americans love its practicality, agility, fuel efficiency, and affordability.

2005 Honda Accord HybridVia fuel-infection.com

With millions of Honda Accords on American roads today, it's no surprise that it's a prime target for catalytic converter thieves. Thieves also love the Accord's catalytic converter, since it only needs a few minutes and a small reciprocating saw to steal.

2/10 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot

2014 Jeep Patriot SUVJeep

In 2006, Jeep introduced two compact crossover SUVs to the world—the Compass and the Patriot. Both vehicles were based on the GS platform, but could be differentiated by their styling cues and the fact that the Patriot only offered a four-wheel-drive system.

Jeep PatriotJeep

Although the Patriot was discontinued in 2017, it was a huge success for Jeep, as it sold almost 2 million units in just 10 years. Most of them are still on the road today, which is why thieves are still after their catalytic converters.

1/10 2005-2021 Chevrolet Equinox

2018 Chevrolet Equinox on a snowy roadVia Chevrolet

When the compact crossover SUV market started heating up in the early 2000s, Chevrolet knew it couldn't be left behind. So in 2004, Chevy introduced the Equinox to capitalize on the demand.

Chevrolet EquinoxVia Chevrolet

The Equinox is still going strong today and is currently in its third generation after selling more than 3 million units. Unless you plan to get the upcoming electric version of the Equinox, make sure you take good care of its catalytic converter.

Which cars have the hardest catalytic converters to steal?

Hybrid vehicles like Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, Prius, and Ford F-250 are at risk of catalytic converter theft as previously stated. These automobiles have a higher palladium content because they do not have to work as hard to remove toxins.

What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters?

Which Cars Have the Most Expensive Catalytic Converters?.
2017 - 2022 Ram 2500. The Ram 2500 is a full-size pickup with a lot of power and capabilities beyond those of a regular truck. ... .
2003 - 2022 Ford F-250. ... .
1974 - 2022 Ford Mustang. ... .
2019 - 2022 Lamborghini Aventador. ... .
2004 - 2009 Ferrari F430..

What state has the most stolen catalytic converters?

A report by BeenVerified shows that catalytic converters theft is still going up in the nation, with Washington having one of the highest rates.