Catalytic converter theft has been a problem in the U.S. for decades, but reported cases have skyrocketed across the nation over the past year. All vehicles made after the year 1974 have catalytic converters, and while some are more prone to theft than others, almost every vehicle owner is at risk. 

Getting your converter stolen is not only annoying, it is expensive as well. The typical cost of replacement ranges from $900 to $2,500 depending on your vehicle. In severe cases, your bill could be as high $10,000 if a pipe or oxygen sensor gets cut.

This does not include the loss in revenue from downing a vehicle in your fleet. Having to absorb these costs on one vehicle is bad enough, but if a significant portion of your fleet is targeted, the financial damage can be catastrophic. 

So, what can you do to stop this? We will break down what catalytic converters are, why they are so valuable, and what you can do to prevent yours from getting stolen.

What is a Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that is found underneath your vehicle, between the muffler and the manifold. A catalytic converter’s job is to change harmful fuel emissions, such as carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, and hydrocarbons, into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Why are Catalytic Converters Valuable?

Catalytic converters contain precious metals, including rhodium, platinum, and palladium, making them valuable to scrap metal dealers. In the past five years the price of these metals has skyrocketed. 

Palladium went from less than $500 an ounce in 2016 to a record $2,875 in 2020. Rhodium prices saw an even larger increase, going from $640 an ounce to a record $21,900 an ounce in 2021. For perspective, the current price of gold is $1,745 an ounce, making Rhodium over 12 times more valuable.

With the prices of these metals soaring — and a worldwide pandemic leaving many out of work — it comes as no surprise that catalytic converter theft has increased in the past year. Just how much it has increased though, may surprise you. 

Cities across the country have reported triple, even quadruple the number of converter thefts in 2020 compared to 2019. Many areas were even higher than that. St. Louis and Denver, two of the hardest hit cities, reported a 740% and 1,600% increase respectively. To make matters worse, law enforcement officials have stated the nation is on track for an even bigger increase in converter thefts in 2021.

What Can You Do to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft?

A thief can remove a converter from underneath a vehicle in mere minutes and turn around and sell it to a scrapyard for several hundred dollars. Fortunately, there are a variety of things you can do to prevent this from happening:

1. The best way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to park your vehicle in a garage. This is not always possible, so if you must park outside it is best to park in well-lit areas. If you are using public parking, park as close to the front of a building entrance or nearby access road as you can. These areas are more visible and have higher pedestrian traffic, which can often deter would-be thieves.
2. There are several security devices for converter theft prevention. Cat Clamps and Cat Straps are two of the more popular and effective ones. These devices work well and are a lot cheaper than having to replace a whole converter.
3. Change the settings on your car alarm to go off when vibrations are sensed. If you want to get even more extreme, there is a device that comes as an attachment to a Cat Strap, called a Cat Eye Sonic Lock. This device activates a 130-decibel siren by sensing an intruder under your vehicle. It is much louder than a traditional alarm and causes extreme pain to the perpetrator. It automatically de-activates when the person leaves.
4. If you can afford them, security cameras can be a helpful tool. Video evidence can not only help you catch a thief, but more importantly they work as a deterrent if you make it known that the area has surveillance.
5. Engrave your VIN and phone number into the converter. This can alert a scrap dealer it is stolen and make it easier to identify you as the owner.
6. If you have a lot with a large fleet of vehicles, it might be worth it for you to hire an overnight security team. Although this isn’t cheap, if your lot is getting hit often, the costs of converter replacement can be even higher.

How to Know if Your Converter Has Been Stolen

It’s usually not hard to tell if your converter has been stolen. When you start your vehicle, it will make a loud roaring noise, like a race car or a Harley Davidson. It will get even louder as you push the gas pedal.

If you hear this noise, go to the middle of your vehicle and look underneath. If the converter has been stolen you will see a gaping space in the center of your exhaust, with signs of the piping being sawed away.

What to Do About It

If this does happen to you there are a few things you will need to do:

1. Report it to the police so they can document the case. If you have your VIN number engraved on the converter, report that as well.
2. Call local scrap yards to report the theft. An engraved VIN and phone number would also go a long way here.
3. Call your insurance company to find out if you are covered for catalytic converter theft and what your deductible is if you are.
4. Find a factory dealership or muffler repair shop to get your converter replaced. Don’t be afraid to shop around to get the best price but be prepared for a bill of $900-$2,500 or more.

About the Author: Jake Koester is a representative for City Rent A Truck, a family-owned truck and van rental operation that specializes in helping businesses right size their fleets.